Ontario Institute of PMAC Donates $15,000 to Endow Conestoga Award

TORONTO, June 2 /CNW/ - There is a newly endowed award fund at Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning thanks to a $15,000 donation from the Ontario Institute of the Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC). Matching funds provided through the Ontario Trust for Student Support will result in the annual presentation of an estimated $1,000 to a deserving third-year student from Conestoga's Business Administration - Materials and Operations Management program.

Materials and Operations Management is a well-respected Conestoga program with a solid record of achievement, in which students gain skills and knowledge for careers in the continuously expanding field of supply chain management. The program emphasizes all five of the basic management functions: planning, organization, staffing, coordination and control.

Through its ability to adapt to the changing needs of the profession over the years, the Materials and Operations Management program continually maintains a leadership position because of its close ties with professional associations. Students gain an enhanced experience during their post-secondary studies through access to the Ontario Institute of PMAC's networking and learning opportunities, along with career listings and resources.

"We are honoured to provide endowment funds to Conestoga in support of this outstanding program. It is a way to recognize the excellent performance of students in their supply chain management studies and aid them in their pursuit of successful careers in the field," said R. David Fletcher, President and CEO of the Ontario Institute of PMAC. "We feel that this initiative will do much to enhance recognition of both Conestoga and the Ontario Institute of PMAC, as well as increase awareness of the growing value of supply chain management professionals in the success of organizations around the world."

"Partnerships with business, industry and professional organizations are an essential part of Conestoga's success in contributing to the economic development of Canada and the professional preparation of our students," added Conestoga President John Tibbits. "We are very proud of the reputation of our Business Administration - Materials and Operations Management program and its strong partnerships in the profession. This is a wonderful and much appreciated vote of confidence from the Ontario Institute of PMAC."

The expectation is that the initial presentation of this award will occur in April 2011 to a final-year student who is in good academic standing, eligible to graduate at the spring Convocation and who can benefit appreciably from the financial award.

Program faculty member Leopold Koff, C.P.P. (Certified Professional Purchaser), believes that this endowed award will serve as an impetus to students to strive for excellence and develop sound career goals.

"Today's world requires excellence for practitioners in the field of supply chain management," he said. "Since both the Ontario Institute of PMAC and our program support the same goals and visions, close collaboration between the two has always been a natural fit. This endowment is a tangible symbol of our shared vision and recognition of the calibre and the career focus of Conestoga's graduates in supply chain management."

Business Administration - Materials and Operations Management is a three-year diploma program, which features an optional co-op education component. It is offered at Conestoga's Doon campus in Kitchener.

About the Ontario Institute of the PMAC

The Ontario Institute of PMAC, along with its National and Provincial partners, constitutes the leading professional association in Canada for supply chain management (SCM) professionals. OIPMAC awards a professional designation in supply chain management under the authorization of provincial legislation, and is responsible for standards-setting, accreditation and the continuing professional development of its members. The Institute supports a growing global SCM community of more than 20,000 active members and program participants, delivering supply chain management training and professional development programs to advance SCM careers and enhance the competitiveness of organizations in the global marketplace. For more information, visit the Ontario Institute of PMAC at www.oipmac.ca.

About Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

Conestoga serves the fast-growing, economically diverse midwestern Ontario region, which is known as Canada's Technology Triangle for its concentration of innovative, high-tech businesses and industries with global reputations. Conestoga offers more than 300 programs of instruction in several main academic areas: business and hospitality, engineering and information technology, media and design, health and life sciences, community services, skilled trades and apprenticeships, liberal studies and the Conestoga Language Institute. Conestoga's comprehensive array of programs includes preparatory and basic skills instruction, and programs leading to certificates, diplomas, four-year degrees and postgraduate credentials. The current full-time student population of 8,000 will expand to more than 12,000 within the decade, as major expansion takes place at Conestoga's campuses in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph. Conestoga is a founding member of Polytechnics Canada, a national association of leading polytechnic colleges and institutes.

For further information: Media contacts: Tim Tribe, Director of Development, Conestoga College, [phone], ext. 2409; David Lyons, Manager of Marketing and Member Development, Ontario Institute of the PMAC, [phone], [email protected]