Gail and Don Rodzik sign a concreate wall panelGail and Don Rodzik sign a wall panel that will be installed in the new six-storey student residence bearing their name.

Naming of new student residence to honour local philanthropists

Marking a significant milestone, the University of Windsor announced Tuesday the naming of its latest student residence as Rodzik Hall, recognizing the Don Rodzik Foundation’s significant contributions to the University and the Windsor-Essex community.

“Rodzik Hall symbolizes our commitment to supporting the educational journey and well-being of students here at the University of Windsor,” said Don Rodzik. “We are honoured to contribute to a project that will have a lasting impact on the University and the broader community.”

Rodzik Hall, located on Sunset Avenue south of Wyandotte Street West, marks a major development in campus housing. This six-story residence will become the University’s fourth residence hall, offering 238 units with a total of 452 beds, including private, barrier-free, and double occupancy options.

Rodzik Hall will act as a multifunctional hub designed to meet various student needs. Key construction elements, such as a two-story wrap-around glass dining hall and an insulated building design, will ensure both aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency.

In addition to its modern living spaces, Rodzik Hall boasts extensive communal areas, including a shared laundry facility, six community lounges, and a house lounge, fostering a vibrant student community. The residence also features a spacious 13,770-square-foot dining hall offering a variety of restaurant options, including a Global Fresh Market, an Indigenous Kitchen, and a coffee shop.

“Rodzik Hall will be a welcoming, vibrant, and inclusive space that will benefit our students, staff, faculty, parents, and entire community,” said president Rob Gordon. “Having it named in honour of the Rodzik family is exceptionally fitting, given their unwavering commitment to the University and dedication to students, both now and for generations to come.”

This project, a collaboration with Tilbury Capital Corporation, represents a significant investment in the University's infrastructure while addressing the critical housing shortage in Windsor-Essex, offering much-needed accommodations for students.

The Rodzik family, champions of the University, have long been instrumental in its growth and success, exemplified by their generous support for the Faculty of Law’s Ron W. Ianni building in 2018.

Rodzik Hall is scheduled to open its doors in September 2025, just in time to welcome students for the fall semester.

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