Great news for the popular Marine Program at the Georgian College campus in Owen Sound.
One of Canada’s shipping industry leaders Jack Leitch has given the Great Lakes International Marine Training and Research Centre (GLIMTRC), a 1.5 million dollar gift.
Dean of the Georgian College Campus in Owen Sound Bob Emptage says the money helps finalize the purchase of their marine navigation simulator.
Emptage says it’s a great day for Georgian.
Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations Lisa Eveleigh says they will name the largest and most sophisticated marine navigation simulator after Leitch.
The marine centre features four navigational training bridges and an engine room simulator, all designed to simulate real life marine scenarios.
As Chairman of Upper Lakes Group, Leitch has had close ties to Georgian since the college introduced its marine cadet program in the 1970’s.
Emptage says since then its become an internationally recognized program.
He says last spring Georgian became the first Canadian post-secondary institute to partner with Tianjin Maritime College in China, one of the worlds largest marine schools.
Emptage says the college credits Jack Leitch’s leadership and expertise in making that possible.
Leitch and Upper Lakes Group have significantly contributed to curriculum development and co-op placements for Georgians marine students.
In 1999, Leitch was awarded the Order of Canada for helping to maintain and develop merchant shipping in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.
The facility is the only Transport Canada-approved marine training facility in Ontario.
Leitchs donation completes Georgians 2.5-million dollars fundraising campaign in support of the GLIMTRC.
