Conestoga President John Tibbits is providing a leadership gift to support the technology and resource needs of the college's Library Resource Centre. The gift was announced at the grand opening of the newly renovated library at the college's Doon campus on Thursday, December 10.
Conestoga Students Inc. president Jeff Scherer, Conestoga president John Tibbits, Library Resource Centre director Trish Weigel-Green, MMMC lead architect Greg Poste, and Student Affairs vice president Michael Dinning came together to celebrate the grand opening of the newly renovated Library Resource Centre on December 10, 2015.
His personal donation will be endowed to provide ongoing support for the procurement of new technology resources that will help ensure Conestoga students develop the skills and experience essential for success in our changing workplace.
"I'm very pleased to provide this gift to Conestoga, which has transformed the lives of so many individuals across our community and beyond," Tibbits said. "Rapid technological change and global competition are the predominant factors shaping our economy and our development. By providing students with access to leading-edge technology and resources, we can help ensure that they are prepared to address the challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century."
The donation will be used to support the library's technology needs, including the new Collaborative Lounge and Learning Lab, which will be known as the Dr. John Tibbits Collaboration Suite.
"This extraordinary leadership gift will make a tremendous difference to students both now and into the future," said Mike Dinning, Conestoga's vice president of Student Affairs. "I am honoured to accept this donation from President Tibbits. His vision has shaped the transformation of Conestoga into one of the country's top institutes for polytechnic education, and his generosity has created a legacy for continued excellence."
Dr. John Tibbits has been president and chief executive officer of Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning since 1987. A respected civic and community leader, he is active on multiple boards committed to education, industry and community development, and has been honoured for his leadership by area Chambers of Commerce and the Rotary Foundation. He was the recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. Prior to joining Conestoga, John Tibbits held senior administrative positions with Dawson College in Montreal, and with Touche Ross & Partners and Canada Post Corporation in Ottawa.
The new Doon Library includes 27,000 square feet of research and learning space, including quiet study areas, meeting rooms for students working on collaborative projects, and expanded seating areas with integrated technology access.
Designed by MMMC Architects to meet the needs and expectations of 21st Century learners, the new Doon Library draws in the college community by providing a wide range of services and amenities in an attractive, welcoming, interactive environment.
"The new library provides a great environment for both independent and group study, with easy access to the tools, resources and support that students need for success," said Jeff Scherer, president of Conestoga Students Incorporated, the college's student government. "On behalf of the students, I am pleased to extend our thanks to the college, and especially to President Tibbits for his generosity in making this new facility come to life."
For more information about Conestoga's new Doon Library, view the Grand Opening video presentation.