Gary Polonsky

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Gary Polonsky (born 1942) was the president of University of Ontario Institute of Technology and Durham College.

[edit] Overview

Gary Polonsky is the Founding President and Vice-Chancellor of Ontario's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

A native of Thunder Bay, Ontario educated at the Fort William Collegiate Institute and Lakehead University, Dr. Polonsky came from Red River College in Winnipeg to Durham Region in 1988 as President of Durham College. Working closely with a broad group of community volunteers, he was instrumental in the creation of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

Bringing a university to the community was not the only goal Polonsky set out to accomplish. A firm believer in lifelong learning, Polonsky attained his Doctorate in Education from the University of Toronto in June 2003. He also holds a BSc from Lakehead University and an MA from Gonzaga University.

His leadership has been recognized well beyond educational borders. The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce awarded him a rare honour in 1981 for leading the creation of both the Dorion Trades Building of Confederation College, as well as the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce honoured him in 2001 as Business Person of the Year, and the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance presented him with the GTA International Business Ambassador Leadership Award in 2002.

Polonsky is very active in national and community-based organizations. He serves as Honorary Patron of both the Oshawa-Durham Symphony and the Durham Youth Orchestra, and Honorary Chair of Junior Achievement, the Multiple Sclerosis Walk, and the Parkwood Estate fundraising campaign.

He and his wife, Lois, have three children and five grandchildren.