Media Advisory - Centennial College launches first major fundraising campaign in its 48-year history

TORONTO, Feb. 19, 2014 /CNW/ - Centennial College is proud to announce David Garner, former president and CEO of Green Shield Canada, will chair the college's first major fundraising campaign since Centennial was established as Ontario's first public college in 1966.

Centennial's $40-million Impact Campaign will support new capital projects and grow its scholarship program to help more students attain a college education. Garner will lead a diverse group of campaign volunteers recruited from Centennial's executive team, staff, faculty and alumni, as well as leaders from industry and community organizations.

The campaign – which will help Centennial respond to an aging workforce and the anticipated skills shortage in Ontario – received an early boost when Centennial College President and CEO Ann Buller committed to making a personal donation totaling $150,000 to the college, an unprecedented gift.

The campaign has attracted influential leaders from various business sectors. In addition to Campaign Chair David Garner, other leaders who will act as chairs for each of the college's school campaigns include: Ken Shaw Jr., co-owner of Ken Shaw Lexus Toyota Scion, as Chair of Ashtonbee Campus; Walter Alonso, Regional Director at Investors Group, Co-Chair of the School of Business; Donald Schmitt, Principal of Diamond Schmitt Architects, Chair of the School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science; and Michael Cooksey, Vice-President and Director of Regional Sales, BMO Harris Private Banking, Chair of the School of Community and Health Studies.

Centennial College will be kicking off its campaign and introducing its chairs on Wednesday, February 19 at a special VIP reception held the same evening as the college's annual Student Awards Night, which recognizes scholarship recipients and their donors at a gala dinner.

                                    Photo Opportunity

When:	Wednesday, February 19, 5:00 pm
Where:	Main Events Halls, Student Centre
	Progress Campus, Centennial College
	941 Progress Avenue, Toronto

SOURCE: Centennial College

Media contact: Mark Toljagic, Communications Officer, Centennial College, 416-289-5000, ext. 7142; cell 416-605-6012/[email protected]