Fleming College

The Fleming College Board of Governors have honoured former president Dr. Brian Desbiens by officially renaming the Technology Wing the Brian L. Desbiens Galleria and Technology Wing."On the basis of Dr. Desbiens’ impact on Fleming College after 16 years as president, the Board of Governors felt it appropriate to name one of the key projects initiated and led by him. The naming of this space reflects Brian’s connection to our college and the Peterborough community," says Murray Rodd, Chair of the Fleming College Board of Governors.Dr. Desbiens served as President of Fleming College from May 1988 until his retirement in August 2004. During his tenure he oversaw the expansion of the college’s facilities with the construction of a new Haliburton Campus, a new Environmental Wing at the Frost Campus and the Technology Wing at the Sutherland Campus. Dr. Desbiens was also instrumental in forming the partnership behind St. Joseph’s at Fleming.In 2006 Dr. Desbiens received the Minister’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Ontario’s college system. He has served at various times as president of the national College President’s Network, chair of the Ontario Committee of Presidents and as a member of the Prime Minister’s National Advisory Board on Science and Technology.Opened five years ago on March 5, 2003, the Technology Wing’s central feature is a light-filled Galleria. The wing also hosts an Engineering Commons, Telecommunications Lab, Smart House Lab, classrooms, Computer Commons, the Paul D. Scholfield Boardroom, and a lecture theatre.The naming ceremony took place on March 5 in the Galleria as part of the Feast of Dreams Gala, a fundraiser for Fleming College scholarships and bursaries.