Nell Redley,  Senior Development Officer at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) was introduced by Rotarian Paige Summers.  Ms. Redley advised that the UOIT opened in September 2003 and has a current enrolment of over 10,000 students and 13,000 alumni.  The institute is key in major development in Ontario and Canada and has filled a gap through innovation and entrepreneurship. Preparing graduates for a career in tomorrow’s workplace, it is noted that 85% secure a job in their field. a percentage that is 10% higher that other universities.
 
Professors and students undertake research in a wide range of areas that include automotive design and engineering, business and information technology, computational science, alternative and sustainable energy, nuclear engineering, law enforcement, manufacturing, community/public health, to name just a few. UOIT's unique and technology-rich teaching and learning environment challenges students to push the boundaries of innovation and discovery and prepares graduates to excel in the global, knowledge-driven economy of the 21st century. At UOIT, the possibilities are endless.
 
What makes this university unique is the basis of a technological rich environment where boundaries are pushed and all programs are designed to prepare graduates to be job ready.  Secondly from inception UOIT was created as entrepreneurial, a STEM University (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics Acronym) and thirdly the unique partnership that is in place with Durham College.  Their pathways programs allows college students to move seamlessly into university for their fourth year.  Both institutions are located in the same geographical space with 20 diploma programs offered.  The ACE facility (Automotive Centre of Excellence) is a must see.  It is the first testing and Research Centre of its kind in Canada.  This is where the next generation of electric and alternative fuel vehicles, green energy technology and products they haven’t even thought of yet will be discovered, tested and validated.  When the university was created, it was done so as a research facility.  In the last 14 years they have accomplished a lot to be proud of, including being ranked as one of the top 50 in universities.  They have 11 research chairs, and close to 100 million dollars in research funding.
 
Dr. Carolyn McGregor -- through her research data and data mining, new ways are being pioneered in the area of neonatal health, where experts are able to monitor and care for their patients, babies born prematurely or with defects.  Computing tools are able to help improve care for these new babies.  The UOIT are educating future leaders and they are very excited to discuss research. 
Serious gaming is a small component and provides young people with an opportunity to create games.  They are able to create simulations of surgery, showing an interactive hospital experience.  This research is taking learning to the next level with nursing simulations. Working patients with real ailments, can draw blood, provide real health issues for the students to diagnose.
 
What is on the horizon for UOIT?  The campus master plan has 400 acres so there will be lots of expansion.  A software and informatics research center will be opening September 2017. This center will be shared with many different faculties.  Following that, a center for advanced research, innovation and entrepreneurship will be next offering more student space. Manufacturing industries will be coming in to help with research.   A student integrated learning center, a student space, fully accessible for the students to congregate that will include a mental health center, registration, activities and student support.  And lastly an expansion of the library.
 
The Rotary Club of Belleville can support UOIT by raising awareness and supporting the university financially.  Nell Redley is a member of the Ajax Rotary Club and as part of District 7070, Nell has presented the future plans with many clubs who have donated, Oshawa, Port Perry, Ajax, Pickering, UOIT Rotaract either by supporting students directly as well as individuals Rotarians donating in support of UOIT.  With Rotary's support, over 100 students have received scholarships and bursaries.