AC’s Top 10 of the 2010’s!

Posted on Tuesday, December 24th, 2019

It’s hard to believe the decade is actually coming to an end. With so much change happening over the past ten years, we look back at some of our favourite moments of the decade, and mark the top 10 ways Algonquin College has changed over the years!

The Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence

ACCE BuildingOpened in September, 2011, the ACCE building brought the next generation of carpenters, plumbers, civil engineering technologists, interior designers, and many other trades and professions under a single, green roof. The building even had a special guest visit by contractor and HGTV Television star Mike Holmes!

Algonquin College’s 50th Anniversary

AC 50th Anniversary Colour Run

In 2017, Algonquin College marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 50th Anniversary! The year was marked with alumni highlights, gala’s, special events, and even the College’s first Colour Run! You can learn all about the ways the College celebrated the milestone, as well as look back on all of our alumni profiles, here. Speaking of the 50th…

Algonquin College’s Coat of Arms Revealed

AC Coat of ArmsThe 50th anniversary also saw the College revealing its new Coat of Arms, unveiled proudly during the Spring Convocation ceremonies. The design is steeped in symbolism, reflecting Indigenous and Canadian cultures. The creation process for the emblems, led by the Canadian Heraldic Authority’s Saguenay Herald, was done in consultation with the College’s Aboriginal Education Council and its Mamidosewin Centre, as well as the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nations. You can learn more about the design here.

The Student Commons Grand Opening

Student CommonsThe grand opening of The Robert C. Gillett Student Commons happened in 2012. It was jointly named by the Algonquin Students’ Association and the Algonquin College Board of Governors in honour of former Algonquin College President Robert C. Gillett. The Commons hosts a variety of different student resources, including the AC Hub, the Students’ Association Office and, just as importantly, Starbucks!

Appointment of the first Vice President – Truth, Reconciliation & Indigenization

Ron (Deganadus) McLesterIn 2019, Algonquin College announced that Ron (Deganadus) McLester would be the College’s first Vice President of Truth, Reconciliation & Indigenization. Ron first joined the College in 2016 as Executive Director and Special Advisor to the President on
Indigenous Initiatives. In his position as VP, Ron is responsible for the inclusion and celebration of Indigenous Knowledge, culture and presence of
Indigenous identity at Algonquin College.

The Expansion of the Perth and Pembroke Campuses

AC Perth and PembrokeThis decade saw growth on all three Algonquin College Campuses, with the Perth and Pembroke Campuses undergoing major overhauls over the years. The new “Renaissance Square” Waterfront campus in Pembroke opened its doors to the community in 2012. In 2018, it was awarded the key to the city, celebrating its many contributions to the city.

Perth Campus also saw major growth during this time. In 2011, it proudly welcomed students into a new campus: a 42,000 square-foot facility designed to achieve LEED Gold certification. Designed with students in mind, the new building features a specialized Personal Support Worker lab, a Carpentry and Joinery Shop, a Masonry Shop and more!

Algonquin College Creates the World’s Largest Pepper Grinder

The world's largest Pepper GrinderAlright we know, this is less of a big deal than a new building or a Campus expansion. But the creation of the World’s Largest Pepper Grinder (as declared by Guinness World Records) by our Cabinetmaking and Furniture Technician students is still a large point of pride for many in the Constructions Trades at Algonquin College. And that is nothing to sneeze at!

Algonquin College’s Four Presidents of the 2010’s

AC PresidentsAlgonquin College was lucky enough to have four Presidents with the College throughout the decade:

  • 1996 – 2012 – Dr. Robert Gillett
  • 2012-2014 – Dr. Kent MacDonald
  • 2014-2019 – Cheryl Jensen
  • 2019 – Present – Claude Brulé

    Algonquin College Celebrates its first Alumni of Distinction Awards Gala

    AC Alumni of Distinction Awards GalaIn 2017, Algonquin College celebrated its graduates with the first annual Alumni of Distinction Awards Gala! These galas invite distinguished alumni for an evening of speeches, awards, and meals provided in part by Algonquin College’s Culinary students. You can learn all about the awards, as well as check out past recipients, here.

    The Algonquin College DARE District

    DARELast, but certainly not least, the Algonquin College Discovery, Applied Research and Entrepreneurship (DARE) District opened its doors in 2018. Since then, it has transformed the Ottawa Campus and ushered in a renewed focus on imbuing the entrepreneurial mindset in all learners. With indigenous architecture throughout the building, the Algonquin College Students’ Association also invested 1 million dollars towards the creation of the Ishkodewan Courtyard, which has become a staple of the College’s landscape.

We have a lot to look forward to in the coming years, including the completion of the Algonquin SA Athletics and Recreation Centre! Do you have a favourite moment of AC from the past decade? Share it with us on Twitter or Instagram!


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