Belleville, Ontario, October 18, 2012 – Loyalist College is pleased to announce that BMO Financial Group has confirmed support for Loyalist’s Sustainable Skills, Technology and Life Sciences Centre with a pledge of $50,000. The donation will go toward the $6 million Campaign fundraising goal, including $5 million to equip the Skills Centre with updated equipment and $1 million in endowment and awards in support of student financial assistance. Lloyd Fleming, Vice President, BMO Bank of Montreal, Central and Northern Ontario District, visited the College to make the presentation to the Campaign Leadership team.
“We are proud to be part of this important community initiative,” said Mr. Fleming. “The highly-skilled workforce that is being trained within the Skills Centre is essential to the growth and economic development of the Belleville and Quinte region, which BMO is committed to serving.”
Construction of the $16.6 million 121,800 square-foot new and renewed ‘green’ Skills Centre was equally funded by the Federal and Provincial governments. To complete it with the most advanced equipment available, Loyalist launched the Campaign for Loyalist College on June 5, 2012, with close to $4 million toward the $6 million goal. As a result of financial support from partners like BMO, the Skills Centre will receive the innovative technologies necessary for students to gain the knowledge required to join a highly-trained workforce when they graduate.
“This support from BMO is greatly appreciated,” said College President Maureen Piercy. “It will help Loyalist to respond to the shortfall of workers in industries such as automotive, biosciences, building sciences, electrical, welding, and manufacturing. We are excited that our students will practise with the latest equipment and then go on to find a job that contributes to the health and prosperity of our society.”
Loyalist College prepares students for a rewarding career by combining rigorous academic standards with hands-on training from industry experts. Programs range from apprenticeships and certificates to diplomas and post-graduate studies. Loyalist offers more than 60 full-time programs and 77 university transfer agreements around the world. The best testament to the College’s value is from students, 97 percent of whom say they would recommend Loyalist to a friend. Loyalist is committed to helping students find great jobs, as well as supporting and enhancing the economic and social development of all individuals in its communities.
About BMO Financial Group
For more than 194 years, BMO Financial Group has believed in community reinvestment and corporate and social responsibility in the communities it serves. In 2011, BMO contributed more than $66.4 million in donations, sponsorships and events in Canada and the United States to groups, organizations and programs that help build and sustain resilient, vital and healthy communities.
Loyalist graduate Lloyd Fleming, Vice-President, BMO Bank of Montreal, Central and Northern Ontario District (right) and Bob LaFrance, Commercial Banking, Area Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal, Central and Northern Ontario District (left), presented Loyalist College with a cheque for $50,000 from BMO Financial Group. The donation will go toward the College’s $6 million Campaign fundraising goal, including $5 million to complete and equip the Sustainable Skills, Technology and Life Sciences Centre, and $1 million in endowment and awards in support of student financial assistance. The presentation was made to fellow Loyalist graduate College President Maureen Piercy, College Board Chair Stuart Wright (centre) and Campaign Co-Chair Bernie Ouellet.
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For more information contact:
Kerry Lorimer
Manager, Corporate Communications & Media Relations
Loyalist College
613-969-1913 ext. 2536