Engineering bursary announced

March is National Engineering Month, and the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) kicked it off at Fanshawe College on March 7 by announcing a huge bursary that will benefit students studying in an OACETT recognized engineering or applied science program.

OACETT officially launched its 25 for 25 Building Forward campaign, which will expand the organization's Carole and George Fletcher Foundation bursary program, at Fanshawe by announcing the creation of a $40,000 endowment fund, which will create a $1,000 bursary in perpetuity awarded annually to an engineering or applied science student.

OACETT is the professional association that promotes the interests of engineering and applied science technicians and technologists in industry, educational institutions, with government and with the public. OACETT is also Ontario's independent certifying body for engineering and applied science technicians and technologists. The Carole and George Fletcher Foundation bursary program helps young people across the province pursue careers in engineering and applied science technology.

Since awarding its first bursary in 1987, the Foundation has recognized 326 worthy students across Ontario. Two recent recipients from 2011 include Adam Mihm, a recipient from Fanshawe's Civil Engineering Technology program and Andrea Aube from Fanshawe College, Environmental Technology Program.

"This is a great opportunity to build on the long relationships OACETT has with Fanshawe," said Rod MacLeod, President of OACETT. "It allows us to strengthen our connection both to the college and directly to the students studying engineering and applied science technology."

This endowment marks the beginning of the 25 for 25 campaign, which ultimately has a goal to reach $1 million invested in education. "We believe this is an important investment in student education and will cultivate homegrown expertise to meet local and global demands for engineering technology professionals now and in the future," added MacLeod.

"Fanshawe's bursary program has been growing significantly in the last number of years and that's quite exciting," said Dr. Howard Rundle, President of Fanshawe College. "We're making contact with more and more donors every year who recognize the value of supporting post-secondary education."

"Today's announcement is twofold," continued Rundle. "First, it represents an opportunity for our donors to get a real sense of what their generosity can accomplish. Second, it demonstrates the power of community service for our students, which is one of the most vital lessons we can teach students while they're here. Thank you, OACETT for teaching that lesson."

For more information about OACETT and the campaign, visit oacett.org.