A Helping Hand for Students

Irene Rahme grew up in Oshawa long before plans for Ontario Tech University were on the drawing board, graduating from two schools that have since closed their doors: Ritson Road Public School and Oshawa Central Collegiate Institute. Although Irene dreamed of becoming a teacher, life took her in a different direction. She spent her career at General Motors (GM) where she met her late husband, Gord, also a GM employee.

“Students today have exposure to so many more possibilities,” Irene says. “It’s fascinating to listen to their ideas and dreams.” After Gord’s passing in 2020 at age 92, she began considering what to do with her estate and started exploring the tax implications of distributing her funds. “Because I don’t have children, I began thinking about places I could donate my money to, and I wanted to do something different,” she says. “I came to a donor thank-you event for Lynda Hatfield at Ontario Tech— we went to grammar school together—and I was inspired.”

“I’m happy to give my money to someone who is going to do something productive with it.” Not only did Irene make a donation of securities to the university in 2022; she has also remembered Ontario Tech in her will, joining the university’s E.P. Taylor Legacy Society.

A portion of her recent gift was designated for capital needs and the remainder will be used to support Ontario Graduate Scholarships, as well as the Engineering student design teams. Irene enjoys her connection to the Ontario Tech community and is eager to see the design teams in action. “Meeting the students intrigues me,” Irene says.

“They’re all trying to better themselves.” Irene has an extra soft spot and great respect for international students who have travelled so far from home to pursue their dreams.

“It’s fascinating when you hear their stories,” Irene says. “I hadn’t realized what some young people do to get an education. The way they cope on their own without any family amazes me and so does their motivation. They have their goals all figured out.