Upgrades on the way for colleges

With Fanshawe's new Oxford Street entrance as a backdrop, Ontario's Attorney General, and London-West MPP, Chris Bentley announced a new $60 million initiative for the province's 24 college last month.

Over $600,000 of the funding will be given directly to Fanshawe College just this year alone for Mac and PC computers and software upgrades, as well as automation equipment and state of the art technology so students can keep up with industry demands, according to Bernice Hall, Fanshawe's Vice President Planning and Administrative Services.

“Fanshawe really is an engine of the future,” said Bentley, to the approximate 50 staff and students who gathered to hear the announcement. “You really have an institution that is recognized.”

The funding will come over the next three years, and according to London-Fanshawe MPP Khalil Ramal, who was also in attendance, is part of the 2008 Budget, which has allotted $1.5 billon in new post-secondary investments.

“Fanshawe College has some of the best technology programs around,” Ramal said. “This funding will help Fanshawe keep up with the changes in the industry and make sure students in London remain some of the most highly sought-after workers.”