Sarlobooks – Turco

Mario Turco, the Chancellor of Algoma University, authored an important book – Algoma University: Our Story with the subtitle Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Welcoming the Future.

 Mario is a proud husband, father of three and grandfather of six. He has combined a distinguished career and a lifetime commitment to community service. A visionary in public education, he is a retired Director of Education with the Algoma District School Board. Mario has served on numerous Boards including the Sault Area Hospital, Algoma University and currently, the Chancellor of Algoma University. As Chancellor, he is the ceremonial head of the university and one of its key representatives to the external community. His forty-two years as an educator and his service at Algoma University make Mario uniquely suited to tell the story of Algoma University.

 The history of Algoma University is a narrative woven from threads of resilience, dedication and unwavering community support. It chronicles a journey marked by opportunity, formidable challenge and the steadfast pursuit of establishing and sustaining a thriving university from its beginnings in Sault Ste. Marie.

 Throughout this story, the idea of never giving up and trying one more time has been pivotal. The collective efforts of countless individuals, spanning the local community, dedicated faculty, staff and impassioned students, have shaped Algoma’s remarkable success story. Even in the face of daunting setbacks, these individuals have remained resolutely committed to the vision of a sustainable and impactful university in their community.

Algoma stands tall, offering premier programs to both domestic and international students. It has evolved into a hub of cutting-edge innovation and research, and recognized for its leadership in Indigenous relationships and education. The institution’s expansion encompasses undergraduate and master’s level programming across three locations in Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins and Brampton. Each site is enriched with its own vibrant cultural, academic and social activities, creating a transformative experience for all who attend the University.

Divided into five chapters, this book explores Algoma’s extraordinary evolution. The first chapter examines the institution’s genesis in the early 1960s as an affiliated campus and traces its journey into an independent, robust and successful University with a unique two-part Special Mission.

Subsequent chapters delve into the University’s creation and fulfillment of its Special Mission, an overview of its expansion to diverse campuses, and a collection of other important supporting stories. The final chapter provides insights into the University’s trajectory, guided by the foresight of its senior leadership team.

Each chapter weaves textual material with vivid images and engaging asides, providing a deeper understanding of Algoma’s success story.

Concluding this immersive journey, the book collects acknowledgements, key dates, sources, references, and a listing of past and present leaders and honourees of the institution. These sections pay homage to the collaborative efforts and notable contributors that have propelled Algoma toward its present distinction.

Mario says that the title is meant to explain that it is not just a corporate history but also highlights past and present staff, faculty, students and community members who have or are contributing to the history and success of the university.

Mario volunteered to research, write, and publish the book to mark the 60^th anniversary of this educational institute. He understood that it’s a milestone that should be recognized and celebrated.

 When asked about the cover, Mario responded:

“I felt that the cover should be attractive, clean, elegant and professionally representative of a higher learning institution. I wanted it to be meaningful and recognizable by all university stakeholders and community members. And of course, having the Thunderbird crest, gifted early on by the Indigenous community, as main feature on the title page brings in the Indigenous connection that weaves throughout the book.”

Mario ended the interview with the following:

“I am very pleased with the book. I am grateful to all those who have assisted me with the book and they are recognized in appendix A. I am also pleased that those who have had a pre-view of the book proof have been very positive about the book and have been encouraging to get the book out to the general public,”

Algoma University: Our Story with the subtitle Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Welcoming the Future is a must read for all those interested in the remarkable story of Algoma University and its importance today and in the future to staff, students and the community.

 The book is being launched at Algomau on June 4^th at 3pm – Wishart Library.