Conestoga news

Conestoga is driving ahead of the pack thanks to the generous donation of a RAV4 by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada to the School of Media and Design.

Students have gained a valuable mobile learning tool as they use the RAV4 as a spot news vehicle and are able to quickly respond to breaking news occurring in the community.

Larry Cornies, coordinator of the print and broadcast journalism programs, expressed his gratitude to Toyota for its contribution to Conestoga's journalism-related programs. The RAV4 will increase the School of Media and Design's visibility in the community and strengthen its reputation as an active news lab at work across Waterloo Region.

"The increased mobility will also help students in Conestoga's media programs cover a wider range of events and enhance their skills as multi-platform storytellers," said Cornies.

Such a resource is rare among Ontario colleges, making Conestoga's media and design programs unique, said Mark Derro, Chair of the School of Media and Design.

Outfitted with Conestoga's media logos, including 519 Online News, Spoke and CJIQ, the news vehicle heightens Conestoga's profile in the community and the public's perception of our students' work, said Derro.

"Students who are media practitioners are seen on the same level as someone coming from a local newspaper, radio or TV station."

The RAV4 will allow students to cover breaking news and master on-the-go reporting - providing them with the confidence to transition from the academic to the working world.

"It really is a value-add to the students. It's exactly what they'll be doing in the workplace," said Derro.

The donation was given in November 2011 as part of Toyota's 25th anniversary celebration of vehicle manufacturing in Canada.