Georgian College recently accepted a generous contribution to its Power of Education campaign from a leading automotive manufacturer. Honda of Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario announced a donation of $50,000 to the campaign, to be directed to fund advancements in the College’s Centre for Automotive Parts Expertise (CAPE).
“Skilled workers, particularly engineering technologists and technicians, are extremely important to the future of our business at Honda,” said Joe Sperduti, VP and GM, Administration for Honda of Canada Mfg. “By supporting the Power of Education campaign, and the automotive related engineering technology programs, we are in fact contributing to the education of the next generation of our workforce, and that is an investment we’re proud to make.”
Bob Emptage, Dean of Engineering Technology, said Honda’s contribution, a leading gift, will make a positive impact on students’ educational experiences and on the quality of the programs. Georgian is seeking to raise $1.5 million in total for the benefit of its Engineering Technology programs. While many engineering technology programs in Ontario have experienced a decline in enrolment, Georgian has focused on new marketing initiatives and program enhancements to ensure it can provide the highly skilled workforce demanded by Ontario’s manufacturing industry.
“We’re very grateful for this support. Through the help of business leaders like Honda, Georgian will be able to attract and train our growing number of students on current equipment that mirrors what is found in the industry,” he said. “In the engineering technology programs, and in our workforce retraining, it is crucial we are teaching the most up-to-date technologies to ensure our graduates can make a seamless transition into the workforce. This is not only beneficial for our graduates and transitioning workers, but it is also important to employers such as Honda at a time when process improvements and manufacturing efficiency is paramount.”
The Power of Education Quick Facts
- The Georgian College Power of Education campaign is an initiative to initially raise $17 million for the purpose of expanding and improving engineering technology, health and science, hospitality and tourism, skilled trades, and awards and scholarships programs. To date, $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 experiencing a critical skills shortage.
- The campaign is being led by a dedicated 18-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’ Chair, and a successful business leader, is chairing the cabinet team. The Hon. William G. Davis is the honorary chair of the cabinet.
To arrange media interviews, please contact:
Kelly Pottage
Communications Coordinator
The Power of Education Campaign
Georgian College
(705) 728-1968, ext. 1878
kpottage@georgianc.on.ca
Colin Fisher
Administrative Coordinator
Communications and Community Relations
Honda of Canada Mfg.
(705) 435-5561
colin_fisher@hcm.honda.com
