Helping Indigenous learners achieve post-secondary ambitions at Selkirk College is the aim of a $5,000 donation by Castlegar’s Grant Thornton office.
Presented at the beginning of the fall semester, the local office of the national professional services firm continued its ongoing support of the Selkirk College Foundation with fresh funds targeting support for Indigenous students to achieve their educational goals and help the college incorporate community, cultural and social values.
“It’s important to support all areas of the college and this is an area where our team felt that we can make a valuable difference for Indigenous students working toward their educational goals,” says Ron Anderson, a partner in the Independent Business Group based in Castlegar.
A Selkirk College alumnus and former chair of the institution’s Board of Governors, Anderson understands the vital contribution that higher education provides to both individuals and the region as a whole. Starting his own post-secondary journey in the college’s School of Business, Anderson joined the Board of Governors in 2002 where he served for six years. Honoured with Lifetime Board Member recognition, his contribution to the growth and success of Selkirk College is considerable.
A generous supporter of a multitude of community organizations and projects, the Grant Thornton office in Castlegar is an excellent illustration of the impact Selkirk College has on providing the building blocks for a successful regional economy. Over the years, Anderson estimates that almost 50 current and former team members at his firm have held Selkirk College credentials.
“The college has always been a valuable part of my life,” says Anderson, who grew up in the West Kootenay. “There is no question that having a thriving post-secondary institution in our region makes a difference to both graduates and employers in our region.”
The donation received from Grant Thornton will be directed toward the Giving Day Fund that is specifically designed to support Indigenous students with the cost of living and tuition while attending school.
“Attending post-secondary requires a considerable commitment on behalf of the student,” says Andrew Jupp, the college’s Manager of Advancement & Alumni Relations. “Many Indigenous students who attend Selkirk College come from outside the region and that results in higher costs for budget items like housing. To be able to offer financial assistance to those who need it means that more focus can be placed on earning the education, skills and training needed to achieve ultimate goals. Without the generosity of Grant Thornton and our entire donor community, these outcomes would be impossible for some students.”
Learn more about the Selkirk College Foundation.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all