Universitas has Paid out Over $500 million in Educational Assistance Payments Since 1964
QUEBEC CITY, Jan. 28, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Universitas is a leader in the registered education savings plan (RESP) industry across Quebec and New Brunswick. For 50 years, the organization has been committed to the promotion of education by enabling parents, regardless of income, to accumulate funds for the post-secondary education of their children. During the past 50 years, Universitas has paid out over $500 million in educational assistance payments (EAPs) and in returned savings to tens of thousands of beneficiaries and subscribers, thus cultivating collective wealth, employability and higher earning potential. These are all benefits relating to post-secondary education ― and that is precisely what Universitas is focusing on as part of its 50th anniversary festivities!
"In 1964, the idea of offering education savings to Canadian parents was regarded as quite forward-thinking," explains Mr. Jean Marchand, founder of the Universitas Foundation and President of the Board of Directors of Universitas Management Inc. "Our mission remained the same over all those years ― placing our expertise and sense of commitment at the service of youth to provide students with the highest possible EAPs on the market, giving them the means to achieve their dreams," stresses Mr. Jean Marchand
"Savings That Count" ― A motto that captures our approach for the last 50 years!
In addition to being a forerunner in the area of education savings, Universitas played a key role in the introduction (in 2007) of the Quebec Education Savings Incentive (QESI), a provincial tax measure which increases the subscriber's initial investment by 10% for the education of a child. Ample evidence has been given that children whose parents save for their education tend to enroll in post-secondary programs at higher rates than others. Therefore, the legacy of Universitas goes far beyond education and financial aspects; a widely educated society is more prone to enjoying, among other things, a better quality of life in terms of health balance and confidence.
"Our not-for-profit structure allows us to focus all efforts on education because all surpluses that are not required for operating purposes go straight toward EAPs. In a context where the organization has seen significant growth in recent years, such a commitment is making a lasting impact on the community, and this is something we are quite proud of," explains Mr. Gaston Roy, President and CEO of Universitas Management Inc. since April 2013.
50 Years is something to celebrate!
The festivities to mark the 50th anniversary of Universitas are officially kicking off today; several activities intended for customers have been organized to highlight the loyalty they have shown all these years. Within this context, a new brand image was developed, and a website (www.universitas50.ca) was specifically designed to better inform the public about the ongoing activities and contests to take place throughout the year.
About Universitas
Since its inception in 1964, Universitas has become a leader in the registered education savings plan (RESP) industry across Quebec and New Brunswick. It is the only foundation specialized in the field to hold its place of business in Quebec. With the mission to promote accessibility to post-secondary education through savings and EAPs, Universitas has over $950 million in assets under management and has paid out over $500 million in EAPs and in returned savings. For more information, please go to universitas.ca.
Image with caption: "Universitas Celebrates 50 Years of Contribution in the Community (CNW Group/Gestion Universitas inc.) (CNW Group/Les Fonds Universitas)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140128_C5331_PHOTO_EN_35900.jpg
SOURCE: Les Fonds Universitas
To schedule an interview with Mr. Jean Marchand and Mr. Gaston Roy or for further queries, please call one of the following:
Lydia Juliano | Julie Deschambault
Matom Communication
[email protected] | [email protected]
514 949-1446 | 514 891-8645
Isabelle Lessard
Senior Manager, Communications and Public Relations
Universitas Management Inc.
418 651-8977 Ext. 2320
[email protected]
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