On October 6, the University of Windsor held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate Rodzik Hall, underscoring its commitment to expanding student housing and building strong community partnerships.
Rodzik Hall is named in recognition of a generous gift from Don & Gail Rodzik, who also named the adjoining dining hall.
Husam Morra, president of the University of Windsor Students' Alliance, Gillian Heisz, vice-president finance and operations, Michael Kaye, partner at Tilbury Properties, Jack Federer, partner at Tilbury Properties, J.J. McMurtry, president and vice-chancellor, Don Rodzik Sr., Gail Rodzik, Dwight Duncan, chancellor, and Promys Robinson, student and residence community assistant, cut the ribbon to officially open Rodzik Hall, the University of Windsor's newest student residence. (KYLE ARCHIBALD/University of Windsor)
"My family has always believed in giving back to the community that's given us so much," said Don Rodzik Sr. "We're honoured to support a project that helps young people build their future right here in Windsor."
That vision is already coming to life for students like Promys Robinson, a residence community assistant who addressed attendees at the ceremony.
"Residence is where students find their people," Robinson said. "It's more than just a place to live it's where strangers become friends, where late-night study sessions and shared meals turn into lifelong memories. Rodzik Hall means more opportunities for students to feel at home, connect and thrive."
Located along Sunset Avenue south of Wyandotte Street West, Rodzik Hall adds nearly 452 new residence beds, easing housing pressures both on campus and in the surrounding community.
The project was made possible through a public-private partnership with Tilbury Properties and the support of the Rodzik family, whose long-standing commitment to the region helped bring the project to life.
"Student housing is critical infrastructure both in terms of the how it supports the well-being of students and their academic success and the role that student housing plays in supporting the broader community," said Michael Kaye, partner at Tilbury Properties.
"Through our partnership with the University of Windsor, we have demonstrated the results that can be achieved when the private and public sectors work together to deliver housing that meets the needs of students while also contributing to the vitality of the region. It has been exciting to watch students bring Rodzik Hall to life over the past month and we are proud to be part of this milestone."
The celebration included remarks from student leaders, a traditional Indigenous welcome and guided tours of the new residence.
Rodzik Hall officially welcomed its first residents in September.
