Bright lights, glamorous night at Sault College

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT COLLEGE

************************* Sault College launches the $6 million Inspiring Growth Capital Campaign SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - (October 14, 2011) At an exciting celebration last night in the foyer of Sault College’s new Academic building, College and campaign representatives announced the official launch of the $6 million Inspiring Growth Capital Campaign. Hundreds of community leaders, businesses and friends of the College gathered to show their support for the fund-raising initiative. During the Gala, volunteer Chair Jim Boniferro announced that the campaign has already raised $2.1 million towards their $6 million target. "We’re a third of the way there," said Boniferro. "For any organization, $6 million represents an ambitious goal, and we are very pleased with the response towards our fundraising efforts thus far. Because of the generous contributions already received we have reached the 35% mark. This is very encouraging and provides a lot of momentum towards achieving and exceeding our target. We're off to a fantastic start." Tonight’s event included announcements outlining the plans of Sault College to revitalize their existing campus facilities and increase scholarship and bursary support, thereby underscoring the College’s mission of being recognized as a premier student-centred post-secondary institution. “Now is the time to get excited!” states Dr. Ron Common of the capital campaign. “We are grateful to our sponsors for their support. The funds raised from this campaign will go a long way in the overall transformation of our campus community. Every dollar will help ensure that our students receive the first-class learning environment that they deserve. As we celebrate the past and present achievements over the history of our College, we are equally excited to announce a fundraising campaign that looks to our College’s future.” At the Gala, guests enjoyed internationally-inspired cuisine prepared and served by Sault College Culinary and Hospitality students and faculty and were also given a tour of the new state-of-the art Academic building. “Now that we have officially ‘kicked-off’ the campaign, we will be recognizing specific donors who have already contributed, as well as future donors as gifts are received,” states Bill Durnford, Associate Director, Advancement and Alumni Relations at the College. “We would like to thank those who have pledged to support Sault College thus far and look forward to continued community support towards our campaign goal.” About the Inspiring Growth Capital Campaign

The Inspiring Growth Campaign marks the most significant fundraising initiative in the College’s 45 year history.

The campaign centers around four cornerstones aimed at inspiring growth of students, programs, campus and community. Since opening its doors, Sault College has been an integral part of the community, contributing significantly to the educational, social and economic well-being of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma Region residents and businesses through the educating of its workforce.

Sault College is committed to helping students excel in post-secondary education but also in transforming their lives with a progressive, innovative learning experience. Businesses and individuals are being asked to support this vision and consider a gift to the campaign.

About Sault College

Sault College reaches students through post-secondary, continuing education, apprenticeship training and third party contract training.

Educating 4,500 students annually, Sault College offers a full range of programs: Certificates, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Post Graduate Certificates, Degrees, and Apprenticeship programs.

Sault College has an economic impact on the community in excess of $100 million.

MacLean’s magazine has recognized the College’s ranking at the top of the province in graduate satisfaction, with 85 percent of graduates saying that they were highly satisfied with their education at the post-secondary institution.

Sault College, located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario is one of 24 community colleges in Ontario. Visit our website at www.saultcollege.ca for more information.

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