(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – July 9, 2026) Algoma University is pleased to announce that the Stone family has been named the 2026 Honouree for the annual John R. Rhodes Scholarship Dinner, presented by Applyboard. The annual event will be taking place on October 22, 2026.
For nearly a century, the Stone family has helped shape the social, cultural, philanthropic, and business landscape of Sault Ste. Marie. Across four generations, their unwavering commitment to entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and community leadership reflects the very values the John R. Rhodes Scholarship was established to celebrate: service, leadership, and investing in future generations.
The John R. Rhodes Scholarship is one of Algoma University’s most prestigious awards, covering one-year of full tuition to exceptional students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement. By removing financial barriers, the scholarship empowers recipients to pursue their academic ambitions, embrace the university experience, and become future leaders in their communities.
“It is a great honour for our family to be recognized by Algoma University as the 2026 John R. Rhodes Scholarship Dinner Honouree,” said Marnie Stone. “For generations, our family has been proud to live, work, and give back in Sault Ste. Marie. We have always believed that strong communities are built through service, collaboration, and supporting one another. To receive this recognition is both humbling and deeply meaningful, and we are grateful to everyone who has been part of our family’s journey. We are honoured to share this recognition with the community that has supported us for so many years.”
The Stone family’s legacy began with Harold Stone, whose entrepreneurial vision and dedication to community service established the values that have guided each successive generation. His commitment to integrity, hard work, and giving back laid the foundation for a family legacy that continues nearly 100 years later.
His son, Peter Stone, carried those values forward through decades of leadership at Stone’s Office Supply. At 89 years of age, Peter remains a familiar presence at the family business, embodying the humility, integrity, generosity, and community spirit that have become hallmarks of the Stone family.
Today, Marnie Stone leads Stone’s Office Supply as the business approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027. Beyond her leadership in business, she has made significant contributions to Sault Ste. Marie’s arts and nonprofit sectors. Together with her husband, Adrian Vilaca, she co-founded The Borderline and The Art Hub at Spring, creating new opportunities for local artists and fostering creativity throughout the community. She also founded Sault Women in Business, continues the family’s four-generation tradition of Rotary service, serves on the executive of 100 Women Who Care SSM, and has been recognized with numerous community and business awards.
Representing the fourth generation, Sophia Stone is helping lead the continued growth of the family business while building on its tradition of community involvement. She serves as Chair of the City’s Downtown Development Committee, is a board member of 100 Women Who Care SSM, and continues the family’s longstanding commitment to Rotary. In 2025, she was recognized with the Strive Visionary Award for Consumer and Retail.
“At Algoma University, we are proud to recognize individuals and families whose leadership and generosity create lasting opportunities for our students and strengthen our communities,” said Colin Wilson, Director of Strategic Advancement. “The annual John R. Rhodes Scholarship Dinner celebrates the enduring legacy of the Rhodes family while supporting student success through scholarships. This year, we are honoured to recognize the Stone family, whose generations of entrepreneurship, community service, and philanthropy have left a lasting impact on Sault Ste. Marie. Their unwavering commitment to giving back reflects the very values this award represents, and we are proud to celebrate their remarkable legacy.”
The 2026 John R. Rhodes Scholarship Dinner will be held at The Machine Shop on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The two student recipients of the John R. Rhodes Scholarship will also be recognized during the evening. The scholarship has grown to offer the brightest, community-minded entrance students a full year’s tuition and will continue to do so in perpetuity.
“We are also incredibly grateful to ApplyBoard; their generous support as our Platinum Title Sponsor reflects a shared commitment to student success and makes this celebration of community leadership possible,” added Wilson.
For more information on the Sponsorship Package, please reach out to Logan Costa, CFRE – Senior Development Officer, at [email protected].
To learn more about the John R. Rhodes Scholarship Dinner, please visit the Algoma University website.
To learn more about the John R. Rhodes Scholarship, please visit Algoma University’s Scholarships website.
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