Students, faculty and many more gathered in the A-building on March 6, for the long awaited grand opening of the new Algonquin Spa and Salon.
Guests gathered around to listen to the faculty of the programs and students talk about their excitement and hopes for the future of the new facilities.
“I think that both the faculty and students would agree that these facilities are a beautiful place to learn,” said Tara Ettinger, co-ordinator of the hairstyling program. “And not just to learn but to prepare our students for the competitive workplace.”
With the new spa and salon, each of the programs are gaining a tremendous amount of new facilities.
The hair stylist program has welcomed 52 new styling workstations and 10 new shampoo chairs. The new massage therapy facilities include two new treatment rooms, a reception area, a showcase for products and a relaxation and consultation room. The esthetician students now have 10 new leather procedure chairs, as well as 10 of each new skin care and manicure stations.
Students in the hairstyling, massage therapy and esthetics programs are excited to start learning and enhancing their skills with the new state-of-the-art facilities.
“I want to thank Algonquin College and everyone involved for creating such a wonderful work environment,” said Beth McBride, a graduate of the hairstylist program and current student in the esthetician program. “There is warmth about this great facility that gives myself and others comfort despite the cold weather outside.”
These programs previously operated out of Confederation High School and are now all housed in the A-building.
Construction began two years ago, although the real concept building and planning process began three years ago.
The spa has been in the A-building since last September and after a few bumps and kinks along the way, the spa and salon is now officially ready for business.
“All of this has been long in the making,” said Marvin Mohring, coordinator of the massage therapy program. “There are always a few kinks you have to work through in the beginning, but you just have to continue to roll and now we’re here.”