Leech Group donates $100,000 to ACC’s creative media centre

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This article was published 07/12/2023 (1007 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Leech Group and family have donated $100,000 to Assiniboine Community College’s Centre for Creative Media to mark its 100th anniversary in business, the company announced Tuesday.

The print and digital media company, in conjunction with the Leech family, allocated $75,000 of the total amount to enhance the Centre for Creative Media space and augment the learning environment for students enrolled in Digital Art and Design and Web and Interactive Development programs.

The new space, unveiled during Tuesday’s announcement, is called the Leech Group Collaboration Classroom.

“We’ve partnered with ACC for the past two decades, starting with having practicum students in our space for six to eight weeks,” the group’s sales and marketing director, Meredyth Leech, said. “The great thing about that is we would hire them on our team.”

The evolution of the programs offered at ACC is relevant to the group’s business, Leech said, noting it has grown from traditional into digital media and web design, which encompasses all the things the company does. “It’s integral to our business to have the talent that comes out of ACC, to bring them into our team. We are just thrilled to be able to invest and contribute to this growing program,” she said.

Leech said as the program evolves, and the industry changes, the partnership between the institution and the company would be stronger than ever.

ACC’s School of Business media and office tech chairperson Jana Sproule told the Sun that the donation provides a new learning space designed with collaboration as a priority, as the students in Digital Art and Design and Web and Interactive Development work closely together – mirroring industry practices – to meet client needs.

The construction of the centre, which is 10,050 sq. ft., commenced in early 2021 and concluded later that year. The building opened in early 2023.

“It opens the opportunity for networking events, mentorship meetings, and other avenues for our students to connect with the industry for future opportunities,” Sproule said. “The Leech Group donation allows us to replicate that experience by creating a space for the students to collaborate in.”

School of Business dean Terry Burgess expressed gratitude for Leech Group’s enduring support, acknowledging their role as a local employer for many graduates from ACC’s creative media programs.

“Leech Group’s backing enriches our long-standing ties with this local business leader, and we eagerly anticipate fostering this partnership in the coming years,” he said.

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