Dr. Dennis Mock, Nipissing University President & Vice-Chancellor supervises from the cab of excavator. Below excavator, from left: John Curran, Campaign Cabinet, Learning in Muskoka Jim Evans, Architect, Critchley, Delean, Trussler, Evans & Bertrand, Gord Adams, District of Muskoka Chair, Gerry Foster, Nipissing University Board of Governors Chair, Genevieve de Bruyn, Nipissing University Student Union President, Jan Lucy, Muskoka Campus Administrator, Don Coates, Mayor of Bracebridge, Alicia Brown, Muskoka Campus Nipissing Student Union Representative, Lucie Moncion, Nipissing University Board of Governors Vice-Chair, Vicky Paine-Mantha, Nipissing University Vice-President of Finance and Administration, Massimo Perricone, Contract Administrator for Percon Construction Bruce Kruger, Town Crier.
Nipissing Uninversity News Release
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Muskoka — Friday, October 12 was a day of celebration for residents of Muskoka as well as Nipissing University students and representatives, as the official groundbreaking for the university’s new Muskoka Campus was held in Jubilee Park in Bracebridge.
“Nipissing University is ready to build on the strong relationship we’ve enjoyed with the Muskoka community for the past ten years,” said Dr. Dennis Mock, president and vice-chancellor of Nipissing University. “We believe there is tremendous potential for growth in this area, and that there are a lot of benefits that we can provide to Muskoka residents.”
The two-storey, 26,000 square foot academic building will be equipped with state-of-the-art wireless technology and include a 100-seat lecture theatre, learning commons, a fine arts classroom, a science room and seven general-purpose classrooms. The $6.2 million project, awarded to Percon Construction from Mississauga, will be completed in time for the start of next year’s school year, by September 2008. Percon has a considerable repertoire of large-scale projects including schools, community centres and long-term care facilities, including the recent construction of the Muskoka Falls Public School.
Bracebridge Mayor Don Coates sees far-reaching impacts once the newly established campus is constructed.
“Nipissing’s Muskoka Campus will bring tremendous benefits to our community,” said Coates. “Not only can Muskoka students obtain a first-class education at home, but also Nipissing’s presence brings great opportunities for partnerships with the town, the district, the business community and Muskoka’s arts community. Furthermore, the economic spin-offs will impact the entire district and assist with further establishing Muskoka’s year-round economy.”
Nipissing University Student Union (NUSU) president Genevieve de Bruyn said that the new campus will contribute greatly to students’ ability to focus and immerse themselves in university life and their studies. NUSU has contributed $2 million toward the project.
