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Where Campus Meets Community
Algoma University’s impact is shaped by people and carried forward through action. From students finding their voice, or learners excelling on the national stage, to alumni representing Canada at the Olympic Games, these stories reflect how Algoma University’s influence extends beyond campus, strengthening community through learning, leadership, and lived experience.
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From Gold to the Games:
Algoma Alum Returns to the Olympic Stage
The Algoma University community recently gathered to celebrate alumnus Brad Jacobs, who is currently representing Canada at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games in Italy. Jacobs, who graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography, is an Olympic gold medalist returning to the Games for a second time.
"Algoma University played a defining role in shaping me, both as an athlete and as a person," shared Brad Jacobs, a 2007 Bachelor of Arts in Geography alumnus. "My time at Algoma U helped instill the discipline, teamwork, and mindset that continue to guide me today and as I approach my second winter Olympics. Seeing the next generation of scholar-athletes thrive means a great deal to me, especially under the steady leadership of Algoma University coach Tom Coulterman. I’m deeply grateful for the University’s support and excited as we look ahead to the 2026 Winter Olympics."
Varsity Curling Head Coach Tom Coulterman reflected on the gathering as both a celebration and an inspiration for current students, noting the pride shared by Algoma University and Sault Ste. Marie communities as local success reaches the global stage. “It has been an honour to coach Brad and watch his growth over the years,” said Coulterman. “Our varsity Academic All-Canadians were proud to be part of this, and to wish him well. The entire Thunderbirds program is behind him. I am excited to see what comes next in his journey, and we will be cheering him on all the way.”
As Brad Jacobs continues to represent Canada in Italy, Algoma University is cheering him and his teammates on, celebrating a proud alumnus while recognizing the scholar-athletes who are carrying that legacy forward on campus today.
| | Algoma Thunderbirds Varsity Academic All-Canadians from the men’s and women’s curling teams, along with student athletes and campus leaders, gathered to recognize Jacobs’ journey from Algoma University classrooms and curling rinks to the world stage and to wish him success. | | |
Algoma U Members Recognized for Leadership
and Community Impact
Members of the Algoma University community were celebrated at the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce Strive Algoma Visionary Awards (AVA) Gala, underscoring the University’s continued impact across leadership, innovation, and community engagement. Two outstanding Algoma University alumni were among this year’s distinguished award recipients.
A 2025 Psychology graduate, Minion Paul received the Newcomer Achievement Award of Distinction in recognition of her exceptional commitment to equity, student leadership, and community service.
Nina Toulouse, Anishinaabe kwe from Whitefish River First Nation, received the Indigenous Visionary Award of Distinction for her outstanding leadership and care on behalf of Indigenous students and community members. "This is a real honour for me, on behalf of myself and Anishinaabe people, I feel very blessed," said Toulouse. "As a mother, I try to walk a good path and leave good moccasin tracks for my children. This is for all MMIWG, and for my mother. I am not just self-made, I am community-made. What are we doing, and where are we going, without shared vision?"
In addition to celebrating these achievements, Algoma University was proud to sponsor and present the Strive Young Professional of the Year Award to Emily Arbour, a Bachelor of Social Work graduate who is currently a Registered Social Worker and Addictions Specialist at Sault Area Hospital.
| | 2025 AVA Winners, Board Members and MP Terry Sheehan | | |
Educating for Impact: Algoma University Students
Excel on the National Healthcare Stage
Algoma University students recently earned national recognition at the 21st annual Canadian Undergraduate Conference on Healthcare, hosted at Queen’s University. The conference is the largest student-run undergraduate healthcare event in Canada.
This marked Algoma University’s first time attending CUCOH. 21 students from the Sault Ste. Marie and Brampton campuses participated, bringing northern perspectives to national conversations about healthcare systems, equity, and patient well-being. In addition to competing in the case challenges, Algoma University students were selected to present their research posters in CUCOH’s national research competition, which featured more than 40 undergraduate researchers from institutions across Canada. Algoma U student Jacob Kajnar was awarded first place in this segment.
"Bringing a group of Algoma University students to the Canadian Undergraduate Conference on Healthcare was an incredible experience," said Emilie Vezina, President of the Algoma University Health Science Club and a fourth-year Biology student specializing in Health Science. "As Algoma U’s first time attending the conference, we were proud to bring a northern perspective to the conversation. Conferences like these are important for fostering collaboration across regions, which is essential to addressing today’s most pressing healthcare challenges and bridging the gap in health outcomes between northern and southern regions."
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(L-R) Jerritt Infanti, Harmeet Singh Sehra, Cameron Coccimiglio, Vara Vicirca, Shrishti Gupta, Monisha Das,
Serena Collins, Emilie Vezina, Kumar Pokharel, BiddyMae Broughton, Jade Roberts, Prastab Koirala,
Vaidehi Patel, Diyaben Prajabati, Carly Coccimiglio, Jacob Kajnar.
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One University. One Community. Lasting Impact.
These stories reflect the many ways Algoma University contributes to our communities. Students arrive ready to learn, grow, and lead. During their studies, they engage deeply with community and national issues. After graduation, alumni continue to represent the values of leadership, excellence, and connection instilled during their time at Algoma University.
Together, they are difference makers, shaping a stronger future for generations to come.
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The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of 600 plus business and agencies in Sault Ste. Marie and has been serving the needs of this community since 1889. The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce will lead the way as the voice of business, advancing economic prosperity for its membership and the business community.
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