Cambrian College is most fortunate to have the loyalty and support of one of its earliest graduates - Risto Laamanen. A past member of the Cambrian College Board of Governors, Risto went on to be founding Chair and longtime member of the Cambrian Foundation Board of Directors.

Risto's success stems from a rare blend of modesty and matter of fact confidence - traits that are hallmarks of Risto's volunteer and professional activities within both the College and the Sudbury communities.

Three short years after graduating in 1970 from Cambrian's Civil Engineering Technology program, Risto founded Laamanen Construction. From humble beginnings that focused primarily on industrial and commercial construction, Risto has expanded his interests and holdings to become an integral player in Canadian mineral exploration.

And while his Wallbridge Mining Company Ltd. trades on the TSX and has interests in the State of Minnesota, the majority of its exploration activity is in the Sudbury region.

Since answering the call to serve on the College's Board of Governors in 1976, Risto's phone has not stopped ringing and he hasn't stopped giving. Following a six-year term on the College's Board of Governors, he helped launch the Cambrian Foundation, becoming its founding Chair.

Under his leadership, the Foundation acquired its 55,000-square-foot building on Frood Road, conducted two major capital campaigns, increased its scholarship and awards program to over 325 awards valued at over $300,000, and introduced $50,000 in merit-based entrance scholarships. Recently, Risto helped spearhead the College's EarlyYears Reunion, which brought former students, faculty and staff from the late '60s and early '70s back to campus this past September.

But the College is not the only organization to benefit from Risto's generosity. Science North, the Rusty Blakey Heritage Foundation, and the 1988 World Juniors have all benefited from Risto's philanthropic and volunteer spirit. Risto Laamanen is the quintessential friend of both the College and the Foundation and remains a model for volunteerism in our community.