County of Simcoe presents Georgian with $500,000 to support research and economic development

County of Simcoe councillors and Economic Development staff members joined Georgian students and staff in celebration, as Warden George Cornell presented Georgian President and CEO Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes with the third dedicated pledge payment in the County’s $5-million commitment to the Peter B. Moore Advanced Technology Centre through the Power of Education campaign.

“The County is committed to supporting and investing in our economy and our residents,” said Warden Cornell. “Georgian College fuels our future workforce, leads regional research and development and offers access to world-class education in our communities. Through our funding, we’re proud to have played a significant role in the development of the Peter B. Moore Advanced Technology Centre and to continue our legacy in helping build opportunities for our students to thrive.”

Guests attended a fireside chat, moderated by Dr. Bill Angelakos, Dean, Technology and Visual Arts, along with the college’s Executive Director, Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Jamie Doran, the Director Research and Innovation, Dr. Mira Ray, and third-year Mechanical Engineering Technology student Jared Bergsma. During the discussion, councillors heard first-hand about the impact that the County’s investment is having on smart manufacturing across the region, through Georgian programs.

“For Georgian College, connecting students with industry prior to graduation is the primary focus,” says Mira, “but that’s not all. Our goal is to help students and companies take advantage of emerging technology, automation, and machine learning together. Without the County of Simcoe’s support and investment in education and our students’ futures, these opportunities would not be possible.”

MaryLynn reflected on the growth of research across the college sector while speaking about the importance of the college’s longstanding partnership with the County of Simcoe, and highlighting the impact that the new Peter B. Moore Advanced Technology will have in helping to grow local and regional economies.

“At the heart of this facility and our valued partnership is a commitment to strengthen and diversify our economy, develop a highly skilled workforce, and increase postsecondary access and participation rates,” says MaryLynn. “We know we have an important role to play in fostering continued development of the county, and we remain committed to graduating students with the skills and mindset to be innovative thinkers, changemakers and leaders.”

Since 2008, the County of Simcoe has invested more than $9 million into Georgian, which includes a previous $2-million commitment to the John Di Poce South Georgian Bay Campus, and $2-million to the Sadlon Centre for Health, Wellness and Sciences.