(Sault Ste. Marie, ON March 28, 2023) – This past weekend, Sault College President Dr. Ron Common was presented with the Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Economic Impact Award (Individual). Selected by the CEO of the Chamber, the award recognizes and honours an individual that has positively impacted our local community and has made a significant contribution to the economic vitality of Sault Ste. Marie in terms of capital investment, job creation and facility expansion.
The Economic Impact Awards were created this year to recognize those who go above and beyond to promote economic growth and prosperity in the region and the local business community. Dr. Common has been at the helm of Sault College for over 15 years and has been a true example of leadership, transformation, and innovation. At its most recent assessment, Sault College injected $355.1 million in total economic impact to our local economy.
Under his leadership, the College has achieved numerous milestones, including but not limited to: building critical infrastructure of over $120 million in capital construction, growing student enrolment to record levels last year, sustaining a steadfast commitment to Indigenous education and Truth and Reconciliation efforts, creating various new programs, including the Bachelor of Engineering – Mechatronics degree program offered in partnership with Humber College, and the College's stand-alone Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), and Practical Registered Nurse to BScN programs.
“The Sault College Board of Governors would like to congratulate Dr. Ron Common on this achievement and extend our sincere appreciation for his continued leadership and unwavering dedication to education and the community. His forward-thinking, efforts, and passion have contributed to the College’s growth and positively impacted Sault Ste. Marie,” said Shauna Hynna, Chair, Sault College Board of Governors.
Dr. Common's leadership and vision have resulted in numerous accolades for the College, such as being nationally recognized as the Gold Recipient of Colleges and Institutes Canada's (CiCan) Indigenous Education Excellence Award (2016-17) and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award (2021-22). Additionally, Dr. Common and Sault College have been honoured with 50 awards from the Chamber of Commerce.
Congratulations to Dr. Common on this amazing accomplishment and recognition.
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