After five years as UOIT’s president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Ronald Bordessa is retiring and leaving a legacy that will continue to impact both the university and the city.
Friends, family, co-workers and students gathered downtown Oshawa May 12 to celebrate his contributions to the university and community.
During his tenure, downtown Oshawa became home to the faculties of Education and Social Science and Humanities and the main campus expanded to include the General Motors of Canada Automotive Centre of Excellence and the Energy Resource Centre. To commemorate Bordessa’s leadership and achievements, the university named its location at 55 Bond Street Bordessa Hall.
“It makes me very humbled and proud and thankful to all of the people who thought to make it happen,” said Bordessa. A plaque for the building reads, “Dr. Bordessa had the vision and courage to champion UOIT’s downtown expansion, sparking the social and economic revitalization of the community.”
In addition, mayor John Henry declared May 12 as Dr. Ronald Bordessa Day in Oshawa on behalf of the city. Bordessa is leaving this city mid-summer and moving back to Victoria, British Columbia with his wife Dr. Mari Peepre. He plans on spending time gardening, reading and observing the world.
“I’m only leaving the university physically,” he says. “In my mind I’m not really leaving and I’ll be watching very carefully the progress the university will make, which I’m absolutely sure will continue to be excellent.”
Story and image by Kyla Morgan
The doctor is out
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