Belleville, ON, Sept. 21, 2023 – Yesterday, Loyalist College celebrated a major step forward in a series of multi-year investments to upgrade campus facilities and meet the needs of its growing community. Students, employees and community partners gathered to break ground on the Loyalist Entrance and Athletic Facilities (LEAF) initiative, which will revitalize student spaces at the heart of the Belleville campus.
Designed by Kasian Architecture and supported by Peak Construction Group Ltd., the LEAF projects will result in a state-of-the-art gym, new athletic facilities, gender-inclusive washrooms, and new lounge spaces for students to study and connect. This work will transform the college’s front entrance into a more inviting entry point for students, employees, industry partners and community members to access the college.
“As Loyalist welcomes more students and deepens our connection with the community, it is important that the look and feel of the college reflect our Destination College vision,” says Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick. “The LEAF initiative is an opportunity to reimagine the entrance and ensure that when you arrive at the college, you are welcomed into an inclusive and accessible space designed with intention and aligned with our values. By expanding and upgrading our student spaces, we’re investing in our learners’ overall well-being and success, creating an environment where they can thrive and excel.”
Along with the new entrance, the upgraded gym and fitness complex will enhance student experience, attract competitive athletic talent and strengthen regional sports and recreation opportunities.
“Athletics and recreation programming encourages students’ holistic development by fostering discipline, teamwork and problem-solving,” says Cristy Latham, Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation. “By investing in athletics programming and facilities, Loyalist is also investing in new opportunities for students to challenge themselves, build community and pursue excellence.”
“Being a basketball player and a student at Loyalist College has taught me so much and given me so many opportunities,” adds Jessyka Maliksi, Loyalist Lancer and student in Loyalist’s Journalism – Communications program. “I’ve learned how to balance school, work and being a member of the Lancer community. It’s introduced me to new people and opened many doors for me. The new gym will improve student athletes’ experiences at the college by providing a bigger stage for our athletes to shine.”
About Loyalist College
Loyalist College is built upon the lands governed by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement. We affirm and thank the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg and Huron-Wendat nations for their continued caretaking of the land. At Loyalist, we empower our students with wraparound support services and hands-on training to succeed on any path they choose. Our academic programs are responsive and innovative, designed to solve pressing social and economic challenges and meet the evolving needs of our regional industry and community partners. Our graduates enter the workforce equipped with the knowledge they need to be better global citizens, and with future-focused skills to lead change in their fields. With a presence in Belleville, Bancroft, Port Hope, Tyendinaga and Toronto, we believe our institutional responsibility extends beyond the classroom to seeing the big picture for the communities we serve. Our expertise in applied research and deep connections to local industry support economic development, to the benefit of businesses, entrepreneurs, changemakers and innovators. Our commitment to decolonization, and the pursuit of a more inclusive, equitable world, means we hold ourselves accountable to the diverse perspectives, cultures and experiences that shape our communities.
Contact:
Hannah Brown
Acting Director of Marketing and Communications
613-921-0784
hbrown@loyalistcollege.com