BELLEVILLE, Ont. (10/09/19)—Brandi Akey and Joshua Lucas pose with Lanny Lancer (Justin Leadbeater) just outside of the Loyalist College Photojournalism department in Kente's Northumberland wing. Both school mascots Lanny and Sharkie were on campus making the rounds with Public Relations students during a Loyalist College Open House last October.
If you or someone you know may be considering an educational journey with Loyalist College this coming January, the college will be offering some upgrades, thanks to a major renewal funding injection courtesy of the Ontario government intended to continue modernizing a variety of on-campus facilities at the post-secondary institution.
In a statement to Belleville’s The Intelligencer by Todd Smith, MPP for the Bay of Quinte, it was announced the province will be spending an annual $2.1 million increase in funding to address Loyalist’s ongoing repair and maintenance, renovation, and modernization needs. “Well-maintained facilities and the latest in learning tools and equipment are critical parts of post-secondary education.” Said Smith. “Our government is supporting economic recovery with this investment, creating jobs and ensuring students obtain the skills they need for the in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow.”
An important part of this new funding is what is called CERF, which stands for the College Equipment and Renewal Fund. It means the government will be providing an additional $410,000 in capital funding to help the college with updated equipment and learning resources.
The funding has naturally been welcomed by Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, CEO and President of Loyalist College, who lauded the investment as especially important during Covid-19, since the funding can also be used to purchase equipment that is supportive and proportional to students’ virtual learning experience. “Through this generous government support, Loyalist is addressing deferred building maintenance requirements and adding instructional learning resources to improve students’ experiences both online and in-person,” she said.
When the announcement of Covid19 hit the world, it meant substantial changes and the cancellation of many Loyalist College events and services throughout the following 2020 school year. But it seems, it has not dampened the spirit and resolve of either the college or the province to ensure a high standard of both community education and infrastructure.
Any support that can help to revitalize the student space so the College can continue to offer new and innovative academic programming, can only be a good thing. What are your thoughts about the coming 2021 academic year for Belleville? Do you know someone who is planning to enrol at Loyalist College?
Sound off on Twitter @LoyalistHotHits, and hope to see you in the New Year!
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