Meridian presented a $100,000 donation to Niagara College’s Achieving Dreams Campaign today to support student success and promote a spirit of entrepreneurship in Niagara College’s School of Business and Management Studies.

The donation will support the creation of the Meridian Scholarship, which will provide more than 100 scholarships over the next four academic years, ranging from $1,000 to $1,200. The scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership and volunteerism.

“Meridian has contributed to student success at Niagara College in many ways over the years and we’re very grateful for their ongoing support,” said Niagara College president Dan Patterson. “Student success is a key element of the Achieving Dreams Campaign. The Meridian Scholarship not only provides important financial assistance for students, but it also benefits the broader community by helping to create the business leaders of tomorrow.”

The Achieving Dreams Campaign is raising $7 million in community support for Niagara College’s Capital Vision 2016 project. The campaign will provide $4 million towards campus redevelopment; $2 million for student scholarships, bursaries and learning and leadership opportunities; and $1 million for instructional equipment and learning resources.

“Through Meridian’s Commitment to Communities, Meridian is dedicated to fostering financial literacy—especially among local entrepreneurs,” said Bill Maurin, Meridian’s president and CEO.  “As someone who lives and works in the Niagara region, I know first-hand the direct impact small business and entrepreneurs have on fostering a prosperous and vibrant economy. This donation will help foster the development of future entrepreneurs which will, in turn, benefit the Niagara community for years to come.”

The scholarships will be renewable, which means Meridian Scholars will have the opportunity to receive this support through to graduation. The associate dean of Business and Management Studies will also nominate Meridian Scholars to participate in Niagara College’s Leadership Exploration and Development (LEAD) program. Offered through the College’s Centre for Student Engagement and Leadership, the LEAD program equips students with the experience and knowledge required to develop as leaders.

“Entrepreneurial and leadership skills and perspectives are crucial in today’s economy,” said Vivian Kinnaird, dean of Business, Hospitality and Environmental Studies. “Our business programs foster these important characteristics and help transfer student ideas and skills to the marketplace.”

The first Meridian Scholarships will be awarded in September 2015.

With over 70 years of banking history, Meridian is Ontario’s largest credit union, helping to grow the lives of its more than a quarter of a million members, including over 21,000 business members. Meridian has $11 billion in assets under management and delivers a full range of financial services online, by phone, by mobile and through a network of 67 branches and seven business centres. Meridian members also have access to THE EXCHANGE® Network, with more than 2,500 no-fee ABMs across Canada and 360,000 ABMs in the United States. For more information, please visit: meridiancu.ca.

Niagara College offers more than 100 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs at campuses in Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Niagara Falls; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Continuing Education courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit NiagaraCollege.ca.

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Note to editors: Photo attached. Caption: From left, Wade Stayzer, Meridian vice president, Sales and Service; Niagara College president Dan Patterson; Vivian Kinnaird, dean, Business, Hospitality and Environmental Studies; Bill Whyte, Meridian senior vice president and Chief of Member Services at the Niagara College Wine Visitor +  Education Centre, Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus.

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Michael Wales

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Julie Greco

Communications Specialist

Office: 905.735.2211 ext. 7368

Cell: 905.328.2532

[email protected]