Ontario Tech University welcomed nearly 500 alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members to campus on October 3 for Community Day, a new signature event designed to help people connect, explore the university and come together to make an impact. Powered by Mintz LLP, Community Day featured the Chancellor’s Challenge, Homecoming, research and innovation experiences, a variety of family-friendly activities, student showcases and Ridgebacks athletics.

The Chancellor’s Challenge brought participants together for a five-kilometre run, walk and roll through Ontario Tech’s north Oshawa campus and raised more than $176,000 for scholarships, bursaries, and innovation in education. Launched by Chancellor Mitch Frazer in 2021, the university’s flagship fundraiser has now raised close to $900,000.

“Community Day showcases exactly what makes Ontario Tech so special,” says Mitch Frazer, Chancellor, Ontario Tech University. “It brings people together to support students while also giving them a chance to see the remarkable work happening across this university. I’m grateful to everyone who participated, donated, sponsored and helped make the day such an extraordinary success.”

Elsewhere on campus, visitors explored spaces including the Aquatic Toxicology Lab and Nursing Simulation Lab, experienced entrepreneurship with hands-on activities at the Brilliant Catalyst, and played iconic games on classic consoles in the Retro Room. At the Criminological Research Advancing Racial Equity Lab, participants considered the human impact of algorithmic surveillance in the criminal justice system, while Creators4Change Studio invited them to share their perspectives on artificial intelligence, social media and changing technology through podcast-style conversations. Student teams and campus groups offered additional ways to learn about work happening across the university.

The day offered a first-hand look at the university’s tech with a conscience vision.

Tech with a conscience is Ontario Tech’s commitment to responsible, human-centred innovation and to ensuring technology serves people and the planet. It also provides the foundation for the university’s fundraising campaign, which is expanding support for students, advancing research with real-world impact and preparing graduates to innovate responsibly.

The Chancellor’s Challenge continues to accept donations until Saturday, October 31 in support of Ontario Tech students and the Tech with a Conscience campaign. Make a gift today.

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