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Professionals Look to Loyalist Business Students for Solutions

February 09, 2011

Entrepreneurs, small and large businesses, not-for-profit and service organizations have turned to Loyalist College Business students to solve challenges they are experiencing. The students are part of the Alliance Excellence Achievement Program (AEAP), a component of the Loyalist Business program. On January 28 and February 4 company representatives presented project objectives with the goal of working with a group of the students to address the organization’s needs. Several were returning after successful partnerships in previous years. Others were attending for the first time in hopes of benefiting from Loyalist’s talented pool of creative energy and skills.

Some of the companies presenting included Avaya, Fire and Emergency Services – Belleville, Choice Reefer Systems, Human Resources Professionals Association, 8 Wing Trenton – Personnel Support Programs and Quinte Health Care (QHC). Based on the information provided, the students will select one of 38 initiatives and then form community partnerships that address the presenters’ needs and the students’ goals of applying their skills in the workplace.

Intrigued by the level of community engagement, Jeff Dixon, the Assistant Director of The Monieson Centre at the Queen’s University School of Business, came to observe the employer presentations. “It is very impressive to see what Bob (Millard, program coordinator) has done with this concept and how it is integrated into the program.  Queen’s is also committed to giving back to the community and this initiative is an excellent example of how colleges and universities can use curriculum to do that. It is creative programs such as this that enable students to apply their knowledge, connecting what they have learned to real business challenges.”

Paula Scrimgeour, a second-year Business student, was thrilled to have such a wide selection of projects to choose from. “When I saw the list of representatives my reaction was one of pure excitement. These businesses are coming to us for help. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the companies in our area and to expand our network of potential employers.”

Lorel Gutthardt, Director of Diagnostics at QHC, was one of the presenters. The need for increased professional development opportunities has been identified through a QHC survey. Loyalist students were asked to assess the results and develop a plan that will address the training needs identified by the staff. “We would like the students to create a plan that streamlines the delivery process of the training and makes it more accessible. When staff satisfaction is improved, the quality of patient care also improves.”

“Last year, Josh Hill, a third-year Business student, developed a business analysis of our community recreation, fitness and sports facility. We were extremely impressed,” said Todd Peddle, Deputy Personnel Support Programs, 8 Wing Trenton. “This year we’re asking for assistance in developing a strategy that will determine which support programs should be offered by each delivery agent.  We envision a plan that will capitalize on synergies and reduce the duplication of efforts that we are now experiencing.”

Stan Morrow, President of Choice Reefer Systems, attended the AEAP presentations for the first time. “It’s important that education has relevance in business and industry. The students can definitely help me and, by offering this opportunity, in return I am helping them.”

Dan Holland, Dean, Schools of Business and Management Studies, Biosciences and the Centre for Justice Studies, expressed appreciation to the community partners who provide these valuable learning opportunities. “The students take the knowledge and skills gained through their classroom exercises and apply them in a tangible way to actual business situations. Furthermore, they are accountable for achieving measurable results. This is an amazing opportunity. We are truly thankful to the businesses and industries that support this initiative.”

For information about Loyalist College School of Business and Management Studies programs visit loyalistcollege.com.

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Media Contact:  Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College (613) 969-1913, ext. 2332 or Professor Bob Millard at (613) 969-1913, ext. 2415

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