Conestoga news

October 25, 2013 2:31 PM

Partners for research and education

Local construction company Ball Construction celebrated its 90th year of business in Waterloo Region with a gift to Conestoga College.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the company brought memory expert David Farrow to Conestoga's Engineering and Information Technology campus in Cambridge on September 25 to conduct a memory skills event. Proceeds from ticket sales were matched by Ball Construction and donated to Conestoga to support the college’s Health Sciences programs related to aging and seniors care.

Conestoga is a partner in the Research Institute for Aging, working in conjunction with Schlegel Villages and the University of Waterloo to enhance care and quality of life for seniors through the linkage of research, training and practice. BallCon.jpg

With support from the Ontario government, the group will develop a centre of excellence for research, training and innovation in senior health care and wellness at the University of Waterloo. The new centre, announced in 2011, will include a $30-million, 192-bed facility which will be used as a 'living classroom' where students can train and gerontological experts can research better care for seniors.

According to Tim Tribe, director of Development at Conestoga, community partners like Ball Construction play an essential role in the college’s ability to support research projects and provide innovative, in-depth programming for students.

"Having support from partners like Ball Construction allows Conestoga to provide relevant, applied learning opportunities for our students," said Tribe. "This type of support also allows us to continuously expand our research opportunities."

Ball Construction also supports Conestoga through participation in the college’s Program Advisory committees that contribute to ongoing program development and improvement, and by providing placements for co-op students.