Sault College president David Orazietti is being recognized by the City of Sault Ste. Marie for his years of community service.
Orazietti is one of two people to receive the Sault Ste. Marie Medal of Merit for 2023. Dr. Chelene Christine Hanes, a wildland fire research scientist at Natural Resources Canada, is also being recognized.
Orazietti said he was “deeply humbled and honoured” for the recognition, which is presented to those who have achieved “exceptional meritorious honours in athletics, cultural or academic fields or who make extraordinary contributions to the community.”
"This award is not just a personal achievement, but also a reflection of the collective efforts of countless individuals who have worked to strengthen our community,” he said in a Sault College news release.
“I share this honour with those who have supported me in doing the work I am passionate about and I am inspired to continue along this path.”
A teacher by training, Orazietti entered public service in 1997 as a city councillor before serving four consecutive terms as the MPP for Sault Ste. Marie.
During his time in provincial politics, Orazietti held cabinet positions in the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services, and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.
He returned to the education sector in 2017 as Sault College’s dean of aviation, trades and technology, business, environment and culinary programs.
Orazietti was named president of the college in April 2023.
In recognition of his contributions, Orazietti has received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012; the President's Award from the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce in 2016; and the Justice I.A. Vannini Award in 2017, presented by former Supreme Court of Canada Justice, Frank Iacobucci.
