RDC Receives Major Boost from BMO Financial Group
Red Deer, September 23, 2011 – Red Deer College business students will soon benefit from a $175,000 donation from BMO Financial Group.
Announced at this evening’s Donald School of Business Grand Opening VIP Reception, BMO’s $175,000 contribution, in full, is directed to support the Donald School of Business. Matched by the Government of Alberta’s former Access to the Future Fund, this donation will double to $350,000 once fully funded over 5 years.
“BMO’s major donation exemplifies their commitment to our College and our community, and it adds to an incredible history of support by BMO, dating back to 1984,” says Joel Ward, RDC President and CEO. “Their contribution to our Donald School of Business is meaningful and timely, as hundreds of students began classes this month at our new downtown campus and on main campus. We believe the real-world experience we provide our students while at the School will benefit businesses in the future, such as BMO, as they choose from a highly qualified pool of graduates when hiring for their future team.”
In honour of BMO’s donation, RDC will name a large space within the Donald School of Business at the College’s downtown campus the BMO Nutrition Centre. This space features microwaves and countertops that are accessible, as well as healthy vending machines and a sink area. The learning common aligned with this area seats about 75 students and is intended as an informal learning space with various technologies available for individual and group project work. For small group work, banquettes are designed with LCD screens and a laptop connection cable to display projects as they’re being developed. Views from this space include City Hall and City Hall Park.
“Through our corporate sponsorship and donations programs, BMO proudly supports a broad range of initiatives in Canada, many with a focus on education and life long learning. The donation to Red Deer College fits in very nicely with our support for nurturing and encouraging students as they pursue higher education,” says Bill Hogg, Vice-President, Alberta/NWT Commercial District, BMO Bank of Montreal.
More than 550 students are attending the Donald School of Business, and officially started classes earlier this month.
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About BMO Financial Group: Since its founding in 1817 as Bank of Montreal – Canada’s first bank – BMO Financial Group has been committed to corporate and social responsibility and the principles of sustainable development. By helping to create vital, healthy and safe communities, we best serve our customers and our business. And we help create and maintain the foundation of a prosperous and resilient society – it just makes sense.
About Building Communities Through Learning and RDC Fund Development: The continued growth of RDC hinges on significant investments from government, as well as major commitments from community partners, corporations, foundations and individual donors and philanthropists. Over the past few years, private supporters have committed more than $20 million to RDC, helping to expand our programs, our student support by $6 million alone, and our facilities with an additional 200,000 square feet of new learning space.
RDC is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Arts Centre. First opened in 1986, this state-of-the-art community performing arts centre has housed the training of over 40,000 actors, technicians, musicians, filmmakers, and dancers that contribute to the vibrant arts and cultural scene of Alberta. 25 years has culminated in approximately one million audience members who have been entertained, taught and delighted during more than 5,000 performances and events.
About the Donald School of Business: The Donald School of Business delivers practical business education meeting the needs of Red Deer College students, business professionals and the communities we serve in central Alberta. The Donald School of Business embodies the concept of life-long learning, housing the College’s many business degrees, diplomas, certificates, career advancement certificates, corporate training and professional development opportunities. RDC’s Donald School of Business – Arrive Inspired. Leave Prepared.
About RDC: Red Deer College has served the needs of students and the community for more than 45 years. With greater than 75 programs to choose from, we pride ourselves on providing a practical education, in a genuine and sustainable learning environment. Our 7,800 full-time and part-time credit students and more than 13,000 continuing education students are at the core of everything we do. RDC – when you get here you understand.
For more information on RDC, please visit our website: www.rdc.ab.ca
For additional information, contact:
Lara Andary, Development Communications Consultant
Development, Community Relations
403.342.3374