mini´«Ã½

Multi-year funding will create legacy bursary fund for future generations of mini´«Ã½ learners

mini´«Ã½’s Student Union will contribute a quarter million dollars to the College’s fundraising campaign to transform New Brunswick’s workforce. The multi-year gift, totalling $250,000 over five years, will establish a Student Legacy Fund to provide bursary support to future mini´«Ã½ students and make funding available for priority projects, equipment, and technology that directly impact the student experience at mini´«Ã½.

The Student Union gift follows the successful launch of the $16 million Going Beyond campaign, which seeks to accelerate skills development, innovate educational delivery, and reach unprecedented numbers of New Brunswickers. At the launch event, held June 2 at the Trades Education Centre of mini´«Ã½ Saint John Campus, Campaign Chair Jim Irving issued a call for all mini´«Ã½ partners to support the fundraising drive. The Student Union is one of the first to respond to his call.

“As a Student Union, we wanted to create a meaningful legacy that would allow more people to enjoy the mini´«Ã½ experience and provide more access to skills training,” said Emi Kameishi, President of the mini´«Ã½ Student Union. “We’re proud to establish a gift that will enhance the learning experience for future generations.”

mini´«Ã½ President and CEO Mary Butler was touched by the gift and the forward-facing vision behind it.

“All of us at mini´«Ã½ are humbled by the generosity of this Student Union,” said Butler. “Their gift will have an impact on mini´«Ã½ learners long after the Going Beyond campaign is wrapped up. With these funds, tomorrow’s students will have access to financial assistance, the latest tools and technology, and equipment that enhances their mini´«Ã½ experience.”

In announcing the Student Union gift, Kameishi challenged mini´«Ã½ alumni and staff to step up and join the Going Beyond campaign. mini´«Ã½ alumni were quick to respond, launching an Alumni Appeal that will establish the mini´«Ã½ Alumni Legacy Fund, providing direct financial support to students through bursaries.

“Many of us remember the financial challenges we faced as students, and the incredible impact that a bursary had on our college experience,” said Melissa Graham, a 2014 graduate and one of four Alumni Chairs of the Going Beyond campaign. “Your gift can help mini´«Ã½ ‘go beyond’ with more bursaries for more deserving students than ever before.”

Details of a staff giving campaign are expected to be announced in the fall.

About mini´«Ã½:

As one of New Brunswick’s largest postsecondary education institutions, mini´«Ã½ drives social and economic wellbeing across the province. mini´«Ã½ welcomes 11,000 learners each year through quality-assured, relevant training opportunities. Supported by the campaign, mini´«Ã½ is committed to accelerating skills development, innovating educational delivery, and reaching unprecedented numbers of New Brunswickers. Find out more at: .

 MEDIA CONTACT:

Tanya Greer, Lead, Strategic Communications, mini´«Ã½

506.440.9105, tanya.greer@nbcc.ca

Photo caption: mini´«Ã½ President and CEO Mary Butler accepts a gift of $250,000 from Student Union treasurer Krista MacDonald for the Going Beyond campaign to transform New Brunswick's workforce.