Freedom 55 Financial, a division of London Life Insurance Company, has made an investment of $50,000 in Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in support of the Business Administration - Financial Planning program.
Of the total, $45,000 will go towards purchase of advanced learning and teaching resources, such as laptop computers, smart boards and financial planning software. The remaining $5,000 will be used to establish for five years the $1,000 Freedom 55 Financial Scholarship, to be presented each year to a program student who achieves academic excellence.
"This type of donation is so rewarding," says Ingrid Town, Conestoga's Executive Director of Development and Alumni Services. "It tells us that donors are looking seriously at the valuable role Conestoga plays in the educational community. Our students, our community and the employers who hire our graduates have told us that we are number one year after year. Now, companies, individuals and foundations are telling us the same thing -- Conestoga is a worthwhile investment."
In recognition of this generous gift, a classroom in the School of Business and Hospitality has been named the Freedom 55 Financial classroom.
"As a leader in the financial services industry, providing opportunities for students to further their education and pursue careers in the sector is a natural fit," says Jan Belanger, Assistant Vice-President of Community Affairs for Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life. "We're pleased that our contribution can improve all students' experiences in the classroom and also recognize those who have achieved a standard of excellence."
Business Administration - Financial Planning is a three-year, diploma-level program that provides students with skills to prepare them for successful careers with insurance companies, banks, brokerages, financial planning firms and investment fund companies. Completion of Canadian Securities Institute courses in Canadian securities, professional financial planning and wealth management, all of which are integrated into the program, allows students to acquire the professional Financial Management Advisor (FMA) designation and to challenge the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) national examination.
Conestoga is one of only a few Canadian post-secondary institutions offering this designation within the program.
Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life strongly believe in the benefits of community investment. Their national giving program for corporate citizenship, the Key to Giving, contributes towards and encourages long-term sustainable initiatives in the fields of education, health and wellness, arts and culture, and community development.
CONTACT: Ingrid Town, 519-748-5220, ext. 3490, itown@conestogac.on.ca