A Memorable Graduation Gift

When Cienna Ardellini graduated from Ontario Tech University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), her parents, Danny and Charlatta Ardellini, decided to give her a most unusual gift: an endowment that will provide student awards in Cienna’s name.

“I thought about what we could give her to recognize her hard work,” says Danny, a waste management executive. “We’re very fortunate with our lives and giving back is very important to our family. Watches or jewellery are items you forget in a year. This is something you remember for the rest of your life.”

“I was shocked; it’s pretty amazing,” says Cienna. “I like to help as many people as I can; not everyone gets that opportunity. It’s nice knowing that I am helping someone with something as important as education, giving them a head start in life.”

Thanks to the Ardellinis’ generosity, the investment income generated through the Cienna Ardellini Endowed Fund will be used to provide an annual award to business students within the Faculty of Business and Information Technology. The gift also included funds to provide bursaries for students in the faculty, including undergraduate and international student awards and a business award.

Cienna is a graduate of Ontario Tech’s college-to-university transfer program, having previously earned a diploma at Durham College.

“I loved the culture of the university and the pace,” she says. “I tell everyone about the program.”

Cienna’s enthusiasm may have sparked a new family tradition. In September 2023, Cienna’s brother Claudio Ardellini also entered Ontario Tech’s college-to-university transfer program.