GUELPH, ON, Sept. 16 /CNW/ – The University of Guelph and The Co-operators today launched a new centre dedicated to preparing a new generation of business leaders committed to community engagement and sustainability. The Co-operators Centre for Business and Social Entrepreneurship will be supported over the next five years by a $400,000 gift from the Guelph-based insurance and financial services organization.
Based in the College of Management and Economics (CME), this special-focus centre will be among the first of its kind on a Canadian university campus. It will serve as a gateway between the University and the community. Business students and faculty will work with social purpose organizations on a broad range of collaborative initiatives that have tangible benefits for everyone involved. Along the way, students will gain management and economic experience, create and launch new ventures and develop a sense of social responsibility and leadership. There will also be opportunities for faculty and graduate student research.
The donation, provided through The Co-operators Foundation, builds upon more than two decades of collaboration and partnership between the two organizations.
“Our values align very well with the mission of this new centre, which is to foster a commitment to community engagement and sustainability among future business leaders,” said Co-operators president and CEO Kathy Bardswick, who is vice chair of U of G’s Board of Governors. “Through the centre, students will have opportunities to get hands-on experience with non-profits and other local organizations, which will not only further their learning, but will also benefit our community.”
