Conestoga news

September 14, 2018 12:12 PM

Community support highlighted in Donor Impact Report

Conestoga’s 2017-18 Donor Impact Report is now available online. The report provides a glimpse of the many ways donations to the college are creating new opportunities for students and helping them develop the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers.

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The Donor Impact Report provides a glimpse of the many ways donations to the college are creating new opportunities for students and helping them develop the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers.

During 2017-18, more than $8.7 million was donated to Conestoga and included the single largest gift from a private donor in the college’s history. A $4 million gift from the Cowan Foundation marked the launch of the Transforming Together campaign to support the expansion and redevelopment of Conestoga’s Waterloo campus.

Other gifts included nearly $1.7 million in student awards. With more than 60 per cent of Conestoga students qualifying for government assistance, gifts directed towards an award, bursary or scholarship help students realize their career goals and make a positive impact on the regional economy.

“Donors can help make a change in a student’s life financially as well as show them their hard work is appreciated,” said Rick Medeiros, a student award recipient and 2018 graduate of the Protection, Security and Investigation diploma program. “I hope to one day be able to support a student who has shown success in academics and athletics.”

An endowed memorial award in the name of Conestoga graduate Gregory Peltz was also established this year and will help support students in the college’s Mechanical Technician - General Machinist co-op diploma program. Through a bequest Peltz left the college, two $4,500 awards will be presented annually at Conestoga’s Trades & Apprenticeship awards ceremony -- believed to be the largest awards ceremony of its kind in the country thanks to the generous contributions of donors and industry partners.

“As donors, partners and friends of Conestoga, your support has a tremendous impact, helping students to achieve their dreams and realize their potential,” Conestoga President John Tibbits said. “You are investing in their future, and the future of our community.”

Donations of time, expertise, gifts and work-integrated learning opportunities help make Conestoga a leader in polytechnic education and an exceptional place to learn and grow. Visit Giving to Conestoga to learn more about supporting the Conestoga community.