News Article

CNA students benefit from foundation support


5/26/2009 11:14:08 AM


Developing leadership skills and using practical hands-on training methods is why the Fry Family Foundation became involved with CNA’s New Orleans project. Here, Civil Engineering Technology students Ryan Snow and Daniel Roberts work together to finish a new concrete sidewalk in the Broadmoor District.(Photo by Linda Fitzpatrick, Civil Engineering Technology student)

A group of CNA students involved in the New Orleans relief effort returned from the Broadmoor district last week, a journey made possible thanks to the support of the Fry Family Foundation, a strong supporter of the college and post-secondary education throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

“We were looking for a project in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina struck but it was difficult to get involved from up here in Newfoundland,” stated Frank Fry, executive direction of the foundation.

The foundation, whose interests include developing strong leadership skills in today’s youth, providing assistance to abused women and children, enhancing the lives of senior citizens and helping develop an appreciation for nature, was eager to support the humanitarian project.

“The foundation has a close interest in developing leaders. This project gives students and graduates the opportunity to showcase their leadership skills and use practical hands-on training methods. The need was great and this was a natural fit,” says Fry.

After learning about the New Orleans project through CNA’s Division of Development and College Advancement, the foundation provided $24,000 in funding. This donation allowed 10 students (two others paid their own way as they have graduated from CNA since their first trip), accompanied by four instructors, the chance to continue the work that originally began in 2007, when the college signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Broadmoor Development Corporation.

The foundation believes in the college and has been tremendously supportive of the service learning concept it instils in its students. The model promotes community-based activities and stresses the importance of building leaders that continue to give back as they continue in their careers. This concept is part of the reason the foundation was so eager to support the New Orleans initiative.

Frank Fry’s brother Daryl, president of the foundation, had lived in New Orleans for several years when establishing his career. He and his wife Marlene have always had a fondness for the city and when the opportunity was presented to them to assist with its rebuilding efforts, the foundation jumped on board immediately in supporting the college’s MOU.

“Through dealings with CNA we recognized their strong leadership qualities,” explained Fry. “The college has the ability to react quickly and make things happen. This project also provides the students with valuable international experiences.”

“From what I’ve heard and observed, they (students) have made a valuable contribution to the community.”

In 2006, the college entered a scholarship agreement with the foundation that would see $135,000 awarded to students throughout CNA’s 17 Newfoundland and Labrador campuses over five years, meaning an annual commitment of $27,000. Students from all regions of the province have received scholarships designed to reward their leadership abilities, academic success and ambition.

"We are so appreciative of the support and encouragement by the Fry Family Foundation,” said Corinne Dunne, vice-president of Development and College Advancement at CNA. “Their ongoing commitment and investment in our students has allowed us to nurture talent, expertise and leadership skills with tremendous positive impact here at home and beyond."

The college has developed a number of partnerships with universities and colleges around the world and its graduates enjoy a high employment rate which has strengthened the provinces workforce. These factors, combined with the dedication shown through the New Orleans project, are what the Fry Family Foundation was hoping would be achieved when they partnered in this initiative.

“We are very impressed with the students and instructors involved in this project,” Fry stressed. “It confirmed everything that we thought about the college. Everyone has participated.”

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For more information contact:

Roger Hulan
Communications Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
(709) 643-7938
roger.hulan@cna.nl.ca