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$2.5 million gift will create 100 new student bursaries

FREDERICTON – A well-known Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist has invested $2.5 million in the creation of 100 new bursaries at New Brunswick Community College (¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ).

Surrounded by students and staff at the ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ Saint John Campus today, ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ President and CEO Marilyn Luscombe announced the College has received the single largest gift in its history from The Joyce Foundation.

The Joyce Foundation is a private, family foundation created by Canadian entrepreneur Mr. Joyce. The Foundation’s primary focus is to provide access to education for children and youth with significant financial need or facing other socio-economic barriers to success. “The Joyce Foundation knows that access to post-secondary education puts youth on a new path, working towards a different future. The bursary program at New Brunswick Community College will allow more promising young students to release their potential and pursue their educational goals despite their financial barriers,” said Mr. Joyce, Advisor Trustee.

Nearly half of ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ’s 4,000 students indicate finances are the biggest obstacle to overcome in pursuing their education.

“For our learners, their studies—not their finances, should be their first priority,” said Luscombe. “This substantial gift will certainly transform the lives of the 100 students each year who will receive bursaries. On behalf of our learners, I want to thank The Joyce Foundation for their incredible generosity and support.”

¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ would also like to acknowledge the support of The Joyce Foundation Board of Trustees, including Ron Joyce, Grant Joyce, Steven Joyce, the Hon. Ed Lumley, Rob MacIsaac, Aileen O’Rafferty, Michele Thornley and David Wagstaff. The endowment will be held and managed by the ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ Foundation Inc. Students will be able to apply for The Joyce Foundation Bursary in the 2016/2017 academic year.

One hundred students, representing the 100 new bursaries that will be created by the gift. From left to right: Jim Jordan, Chair of the ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ Foundation Inc.; Lois Scott, Chair of the ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ Board of Governors; Marilyn Luscombe, President & CEO of ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ.

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With over 90 programs and six campuses across New Brunswick, New Brunswick Community College (¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ) is a provincially-recognized, public post-secondary institution reputed for producing skilled, knowledgeable graduates who are contributing to the Province’s socio-economic prosperity. ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ offers students one- and two-year certificate and diploma programs. Find out more by visiting: www.nbcc.ca.

Media contact:
Michelle Willcott
Communications Officer, ¾Ã¾ÃÊÓƵ
Phone: 506.453.8194 | 506.440.9105
Email: michelle.willcott@nbcc.ca