St. Clair College is re-naming its business school following a $5-million gift from the Zekelman family.
The announcement that the school will become the Zekelman School of Business & Information Technology was announced Wednesday.
It is the single largest contribution to the college.
“St. Clair College proudly honours the Zekelman family for their contributions to community as well as the leadership they have provided in industry and philanthropy,” said college president Patti France. “We look forward to a long relationship that sets a new standard for business, raising the bar in advanced education.”
Barry Zekelman, chairman and CEO of Zekelman Industries, said his family welcomed the opportunity to influence the leaders of tomorrow by supporting St. Clair College.
“There is no better way to secure the future than ensuring quality post-secondary education that prepares the next generation for leadership," said Zekelman.
Business School chair Jim Marsh said the donation will support both the main campus, and the new downtown location.
“Part of that will go toward the new business, academic and tower, part will go to a new tennis centre and it was also bare his name at 1 Riverside Drive West, which is 31,000 square feet to open to students in September,” said Marsh.
The new campus will welcome 500 students this fall, and up to 1,000 in January.
Zekelman also made a commitment to speak and interact with business students on a regular basis.
In 2007, Zekelman and his wife Stephanie established a foundation, which contributes to many organizations and community initiatives.
The Zekelmans have chaired numerous fundraisers on both sides of the border.
