When Joseph Tubbs first stepped onto Algoma University’s campus in Sault Ste. Marie, it wasn’t just for academics. He came as a recruit for the Thunderbirds varsity basketball team—but he left with so much more than memories of the game.
Originally from Toronto, Joseph was invited on a basketball recruiting trip that would change the course of his life. “I fell in love with the small classroom sizes and the small-town vibe where everyone was friendly. It created a real family environment,” he recalls. That sense of community became a defining part of his time at Algoma U.
Building Skills on and off the Court
As a student-athlete, Joseph played two seasons of varsity basketball after transferring from Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia, where he competed with the Wolfpack in the Canada West division. Beyond the court, he worked at the George Leach Centre, the Physical Plant, and even the campus café—experiences that helped him balance school, athletics, and work while gaining valuable skills.
But it wasn’t just basketball and student jobs that shaped his journey. Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (Class of 2021, Sault Ste. Marie campus), he credits his coursework for inspiring his career direction. “Algoma University taught me how to think critically, and how to formulate and organize ideas into essay or report formats. Reading and analyzing different sociologists made me aware of the study of society through different theories. Through electives in law, I learned how to think and argue points through data collection and analysis.”
From Sociology to Skilled Trades
After graduation, Joseph continued his learning path, earning a certificate of apprenticeship in construction craft work under the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021. This step added a practical foundation to his academic background, combining critical thinking with hands-on expertise.
Today, he works with LiUNA Local 183 as an organiser, where his role is to bring non-unionised companies into the union, helping workers access better pensions, benefits, and wages. “It’s about giving people a fair shot—making sure they’re looked after,” he explains.
Giving Back to the Community
Community has always been a central part of Joseph’s life. A member of Rotary International since 2015, he takes pride in having contributed to projects like the Bellevue Park Interactive Outdoor Sensory Playground, the first of its kind in Sault Ste. Marie. The project provides enhanced accessible play options that eliminate barriers, offer sensory stimulation, and promote family bonding.
Beyond Work: Passions and Hobbies
Even after his varsity days, basketball remains close to his heart. He continues to play in the Brodie Rec Basketball League, keeping his love for the sport alive. Fitness is also a major passion—he competes in the Canadian Physique Alliance, with appearances at shows such as the Arnold Classic, the Sudbury Classic, and the Lenda Murray Detroit Classic.
Looking back, Joseph sees Algoma U as the spark that set him on his path. The balance of athletics, academics, and community helped him build a foundation that continues to shape both his professional career and his personal passions.
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