Business Leader Banks on Georgian
BMO Backs Power of Education with $170,000 Donation

BARRIE, ON, April 14, 2008 – Georgian College accepted a generous contribution today to its Power of Education campaign from a Canadian business leader. BMO Financial Group donated $170,000 to the campaign which will help fund much needed growth in the College’s health science program.

“On behalf of BMO Financial Group, I am extremely proud that we are investing in Georgian, Central Ontario’s cornerstone for post-secondary education,” said Frank Berdan, Vice President Northern Ontario District, BMO Bank of Montreal. “Education is the foundation of personal fulfillment, and therefore is essential in maintaining a prosperous and enlightened society.”

Thomas R. Ambeau, Chair of the Georgian College Power of Education campaign, said BMO’s contribution will make a difference in the lives of students and the local communities where Georgian operates.

“We’re very grateful for this level of support. Together, with the help of business leaders like BMO, Georgian will be able to address unprecedented growth in enrolment, and expand the health science program, an area of study where our graduates are in extremely high demand in their industries,” he said.

The Power of Education Quick Facts

• The Georgian College Power of Education campaign is an initiative to raise $17 million for the purpose of expanding and improving health sciences, hospitality and tourism, skilled trades, engineering technology, and awards and scholarships programs. To date, over $3.5 million has been raised thanks to many Georgian supporters.
• The success of the campaign will mean Georgian can respond to the challenge of the unprecedented growth rate in enrolment, which exceeds provincial averages by several per cent. As well, with increased facility space and the revitalization of some equipment, the College will be able to graduate more qualified candidates for industries in Ontario that are soon predicted to experience a skills shortage such as health sciences.
• The campaign is being led by a dedicated 16-member campaign cabinet, made up largely of volunteers who are local, national and international business leaders.
• Tom Ambeau Sr. a former Georgian College Board of Governors’ member, and a successful business leader, is chairing the cabinet team. The Hon. William G. Davis, is the honorary chair of the cabinet.

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Media Contacts:

Kasia Lech, BMO Financial Group, kasia.lech@bmo.com, (416) 867-3996
Kelly Pottage, Georgian College, kpottage@georgianc.on.ca, (705) 728-1968, ext. 1878