The Holland College Prince of Wales Campus cafeteria was named the Credit Union Café today in honour of the generous $200,000 gift made to Holland College by Prince Edward Island Credit Unions through the Learning. For Life. Capital Campaign.

"From our earliest beginnings, credit unions have been intrinsically tied to the idea of community education," said Sarah Millar, manager of Consolidated Credit Union and chair of the Credit Union Managers' Association.

"In fact, many credit unions began as ‘study groups', learning community economic concepts and cooperative principles, often over kitchen tables. Of course, the kitchen table image is particularly relevant in this case, and we hope as students gather over the tables in the Credit Union Café, the results of their conversations will be as far-reaching and important as those of our forebears. In fact, we have every confidence they will be."

The 130-seat cafeteria, located in the Centre for Labour Force Innovation wing of Charlottetown Centre, serves as the primary dining space for the Prince of Wales Campus. It is also a popular gathering place for students and staff alike.

"We are pleased to celebrate Prince Edward Island Credit Unions' leadership by naming this space in their honour," said Dr. Brian McMillan, president of Holland College. "Every student who passes through the cafeteria will be reminded that Island businesses like the many Credit Unions across our province have a keen interest in their education and their future."

The Learning. For Life. Capital Campaign augmented investments made by the federal and/or provincial governments in the college's campus development projects, including the construction of two new buildings, an expansion to the residential building, and renovation of the Charlottetown Centre; along with expansions and renovations to the Georgetown Centre, the Marine Centre, and construction of the West Prince Campus and the new Summerside Waterfront Campus.

In addition to the capital and infrastructure projects, significant funds were raised to support student financial aid, extra-curricular activities, support services, equipment and teaching technologies, and innovations that enable students, staff, and faculty to turn ideas into reality.