The 2025 John R. Rhodes Scholarship Dinner has officially concluded, marking an inspiring evening that celebrated leadership, community, and enduring local impact. Held at The Machine Shop in Sault Ste. Marie, the sold-out celebration brought together community leaders, alumni, and partners from across the region to honour this year's award recipients and distinguished guests.
Raising $186,500 in support of two key student awards, the John R. Rhodes Scholarship and the newly established Community Builders Scholarship, this annual event ensures continued opportunities for exceptional students to pursue their education and contribute to the growth and vitality of the region.
This year's honouree was Jeff Elgie, a trailblazing entrepreneur, community builder, and Chief Executive Officer of Village Media. The event also celebrated 2025 John R. Rhodes Scholarship recipients Emma Walker and Kirsten Dubien, two exceptional students whose leadership, academic achievement, and community involvement reflect the enduring legacy of John R. Rhodes. The John R. Rhodes Scholarship remains Algoma University's most prestigious award, providing a full year of tuition to outstanding incoming students who exemplify excellence both in and beyond the classroom.
"I am honoured to be a recipient of the John R. Rhodes Scholarship," said Emma Walker. I would like to thank the John R. Rhodes scholarship committee, Algoma University, and the John Rhodes family. I would also like to congratulate Jeff Elgie as tonight's honouree."
Through the continued generosity of donors and partners, the Community Builders Scholarship supports a wide range of bursaries and awards that empower students to achieve their goals and create meaningful change across Northern Ontario and beyond. This commitment to student success was recently recognized in the Maclean's 2026 University Rankings, where Algoma University was named the best primarily undergraduate public university in Canada for scholarship opportunities.
"The John R. Rhodes Scholarship Dinner celebrates the enduring legacy of the Rhodes Family's generosity and Algoma University's deep connection to this community," said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor. "It represents belief in the potential of our students and the enduring strength of our community. The generosity behind this award continues to shape Algoma University's story and leaves a lasting legacy that reaches well beyond our walls. When our students succeed, our communities succeed. And when our communities thrive, we all move forward together. That is the vision Algoma University carries into everything we do."
The live auction portion of the evening offered an exceptional range of premium experiences, with each bid helping to raise funds for student scholarships. To learn more about the John R. Rhodes Scholarship Dinner or to support student awards at Algoma University, please visit algomau.ca.
To view photos from the event, click here.
Additional Quotes:
"It is a tremendous privilege to be recognized by Algoma University, especially in connection with John Rhodes' legacy. When local people invest in their own communities with their ideas, their energy, and their hearts, incredible things can happen."
- Jeff Elgie, Chief Executive Officer of Village Media
"Our family is very pleased that the scholarship named in honour of our father has helped so many deserving students continue their education at Algoma University."
- Sandra Rhodes
"I would like to thank the John Rhodes family and the scholarship committee at Algoma University for this wonderful opportunity to allow me to pursue post-secondary education."
- Kirsten Dubien
Sponsorship Recognition
A very special thank you to the many local businesses and partners whose generous support makes the John R. Rhodes Scholarship Dinner possible. We are especially grateful to our Title Presenting Sponsor, Village Media, and our Lead Sponsor, ApplyBoard, along with all of our sponsors who are joining us in celebration this evening, including key supporters like:
- Algoma Power
- ASAPP Financial Technology Inc.
- Avery Construction
- BDO Canada
- BMO Nesbitt Burns
- Century 21
- CIBC Intrinsic Financial Group
- Dale Harrison
- DIG
- Inzola Group Inc.
- Jeff Greco, Brittany Paat & Family
- Lajambe Financial Group
- McDougall Energy
- Moriyama Teshima Architects
- Orlando Rosa Professional Corp.
- Provenzano Law Advocates & Advisors
- Purvis Marine
- S&T Group
- SalDan Developments
- Scotiabank
- Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students' Association (SASA)
- Soo Mill Buildall
- Traders Steel Warehouse Ltd.
To learn more about John Rhodes' legacy, this year's honouree, and sponsors, please visit the John R. Rhodes website.
