Confederation College Celebrates Community Partners and Honours Community Partner of the Year
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Confederation College's annual Community Partners' Evening, held on October 16, 2024, was a resounding success, bringing together valued partners, interest-holders, and alumni to celebrate their contributions and recognize outstanding achievements.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural Community Partner of the Year award to Lyle Knudsen, owner and president of Equipment World. Mr. Knudsen, a Confederation College alumnus, was honoured for his exceptional philanthropic work and commitment to the college and various community organizations across Thunder Bay.
Michelle Salo, President of Confederation College, expressed her gratitude, stating:
"Our Community Partners' Evening is a testament to the strong bonds we've built with our local business community. It's particularly special this year as we recognize Lyle, whose dedication to Confederation College and Thunder Bay exemplifies the spirit of partnerships we aim to foster. We felt Lyle and his family were truly deserving of this recognition."
The event, hosted in Ryan Hall, featured gourmet dining at unique food stations with food prepared by the first and second-year Culinary Management students and a Fund-A-Need Campaign led by Layne the Auctionista. This year's fundraising efforts were focused on providing financial assistance to Confederation College students. The evening's fundraising efforts were a tremendous success, raising an impressive $95,475 to assist Confederation College students financially.
Rob Zuback, Director of Advancement and External Relations, commented, "The Community Partners' Evening is more than just a celebration; it's an opportunity to strengthen our relationships and work together towards supporting our students and community. The generosity shown tonight will have a lasting impact on the lives of many students."
Equipment World, founded in 1973, has been a cornerstone of Northern Ontario's business community for over 50 years. The company specializes in material handling, storage, and packaging systems and has expanded to serve various sectors, including industrial, commercial, manufacturing, and institutional clients.
"We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition from Confederation College," said Lyle Knudsen. "As an alumnus, I understand the college's vital role in our community. This award reflects not just my efforts but the collective commitment of the entire Equipment World team to giving back and supporting education in Thunder Bay."
The evening also recognized the 2024 Premier's Award nominees for their remarkable achievements, further highlighting the college's impact on producing outstanding professionals across various fields.