Greater Access to Higher Education Addressed by Alberta Institutions

    
    Symposium featuring leaders from Bow Valley College, DeVry Calgary and
    Olds College highlights initiatives that enable more Albertans to achieve
    post-secondary education goals
    

CALGARY , Sept. 22 /CNW/ - Leaders from local higher learning institutions gathered on Tuesday morning to discuss the state of higher education in Alberta and highlight the ways in which the attending institutions are making post-secondary education more attainable for a greater population of Albertans.

The symposium, sponsored by DeVry Calgary , featured Sharon Carry , president and chief executive officer of Bow Valley College, Ranil Herath, president of DeVry Calgary and Dr. Tom Thompson , president and CEO of Olds College.

"Demographics of the Canadian university student have dramatically changed over the past decade," said Herath. "Yet, while there are a growing number of higher education options for Canadians, many aren't fully aware of all the alternatives that might help make that goal a reality. The purpose of this event is to highlight the student-centric initiatives of several local Alberta institutions that are well-poised to serve Canada's ever-changing and diverse population."

The breakfast event, entitled "Making quality higher education attainable for more Albertans," was held at the Ranchmen's Club in Calgary . The panel was moderated by Heather Douglas , president and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, whose participation confirms the important impact which increasing access to higher education has on the local economy.

"Affordable education that results in work-ready graduates is foundational to creating a vibrant and sustainable business community," explained Carry. "Research indicates that the Province of Alberta benefits from increased tax revenues and reduced costs in health care, social services, and the justice system with every post-secondary graduate."

A spectrum of post-secondary education topics were discussed, including the return on higher education investment, affordability, mature students, getting more high school grads into post-secondary education, and responsiveness of institutions to underserved populations.

"When thinking of a post-secondary education, Albertans need to understand that it is unlikely that our province will be able to meet its anticipated labour market demands without sustained levels of in-migration and increasing post-secondary participation and access," said Thompson.

More than 50 people were in attendance at the breakfast event including representatives from local school boards, municipal and provincial government, and industry leaders.

About DeVry Calgary

DeVry Institute of Technology offers bachelor's degree programs in business and technology. DeVry Institute of Technology in Alberta is part of the DeVry University system, one of the largest degree-granting higher education systems in North America . DeVry University has nearly 70,000 students enrolled in Canada and the U.S. at its 94 locations, as well as online. In the United States , DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. In Canada , the government of Alberta grants accreditation for baccalaureate degrees awarded by the DeVry Institute of Technology, Calgary . DeVry University, a division of DeVry Inc. (NYSE: DV), is based in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. For more information about DeVry Calgary , visit www.devry.ca.

About Olds College

Founded in 1913, Olds College's vision is to be the premier Canadian integrated learning and applied research community specializing in agriculture, horticulture, land and environmental management. Located 45 minutes north of Calgary , Olds College prepares students to contribute provincially, nationally and internationally through careers in agriculture, horticulture, environmental land management, agribusiness, and rural entrepreneurship.

Olds College provides certificate, diploma and applied degree programs, and participates with other institutions in offering post-diploma degrees. Olds College is further dedicated to nurturing innovation, learning, applied research and commercialization for agribusiness through the School of Innovation. For more information about Olds College, visit www.oldscollege.ca.

About Bow Valley College

Bow Valley College, with more than 11,000 full- and part-time students, is a leader in health and business career training, adult upgrading, and English as a Second Language. BVC's Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES), workplace training for immigrant professionals, and employment services provide a wide range of services for business and professionals. For more information about Bow Valley College, visit www.bowvalleycollege.ca.

For further information: Karissa Boley, NATIONAL Public Relations, [email protected], [phone]; Dan Dement, DeVry Calgary, [email protected], [phone]