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Business Leader Banks on GeorgianBMO Backs Power of Education with $170,000 Donation

Georgian College accepted a generous contribution today to its Power of Education campaign from a Canadian business leader. BMO Financial Group donated $170,000 to the campaign which will help fund much needed growth in the College's health science program.

“On behalf of BMO Financial Group, I am extremely proud that we are investing in Georgian, Central Ontario's cornerstone for post-secondary education,” said Frank Berdan, Vice President Northern Ontario District, BMO Bank of Montreal. “Education is the foundation of personal fulfillment, and therefore is essential in maintaining a prosperous and enlightened society.”

Thomas R. Ambeau, Chair of the Georgian College Power of Education campaign, said BMO's contribution will make a difference in the lives of students and the local communities where Georgian operates.

“We're very grateful for this level of support. Together, with the help of business leaders like BMO, Georgian will be able to address unprecedented growth in enrolment, and expand the health science program, an area of study where our graduates are in extremely high demand in their industries,” he said.

The Power of Education Quick Facts

The Georgian College Power of Education campaign is an initiative to raise $17 million for the purpose of expanding and improving health sciences, hospitality and tourism, skilled trades, engineering technology, and awards and scholarships programs. To date, over $3.5 million has been raised thanks to many Georgian supporters.
The success of the campaign will mean Georgian can respond to the challenge of the unprecedented growth rate in enrolment, which exceeds provincial averages by several per cent. As well, with increased facility space and the revitalization of some equipment, the College will be able to graduate more qualified candidates for industries in Ontario that are soon predicted to experience a skills shortage such as health sciences.
The campaign is being led by a dedicated 16-member campaign cabinet, made up largely of volunteers who are local, national and international business leaders.
Tom Ambeau Sr. a former Georgian College Board of Governors' member, and a successful business leader, is chairing the cabinet team. The Hon. William G. Davis, is the honorary chair of the cabinet.

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Georgian College health science students Peter Wilson, Erika Kooi and Kristen Grant take a break from their studies to celebrate a $170,000 donation to Georgian's Power of Education campaign. The dollars will be used to expand the health science program at Georgian College. They are pictured with Tom Ambeau Sr., Chair of the Power of Education campaign, Frank Berdan, Vice-President of Northern Operations for BMO, Dr. Cassandra Thompson, Dean, Georgian College Health Science program, and Brian Tamblyn, President and CEO, Georgian College.

Georgian College health science students thanked the BMO team for their generous $170,000 donation to the College's Power of Education campaign. The dollars will be instrumental in helping to expand the College's health sciences program significantly.

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