News Release: HAMILTON, Bermuda – July 12, 2021 – Bermuda College Foundation announced that the construction of the state–of–the–art Career Development Centre at Bermuda College is on schedule despite the challenging environment.

The recent $3.8 million donation by several Bermuda–based (re)insurers being Athene Life Re Ltd., a reinsurance subsidiary of Athene Holding Ltd. (“Athene”) (NYSE: ATH), Athora Holding Ltd, Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited and Catalina Holdings (Bermuda) Ltd, represents a significant boost towards achieving the Foundation’s vision that Bermuda College students will one day benefit from a ‘fully funded, state-of-the-art College’.

The donated funds are to provide the construction of a new wing onthesecondfloorofHallett Hall, a state–of–the-art lecture theatre, as well as install major technology enhancements throughout the campus to create a centre of excellence at the College, according to Garry Madeiros, Deputy Chairman, Bermuda College Foundation.
 
This project has been the most significant development to the College’s facilities and infrastructure in the past twenty–five years. It will setthestandardforclassrooms,labsandoffice space as a globally competitive learning and instructive facility, second to none in termsofits adaptive technologies and innovative collaboration spaces, to meet the needs of the 21st century student and the wider community. “We are so appreciative to the Athene Group for their thoughtful and insightful gift that is strongly moving us to the state–of–the-art vision,” said Mr Madeiros.
 
“Currently the construction project is on schedule with 95 percent of the structural envelope of the building complete and interior fit out work hascommenced. Furnishings and fixtures have been selected and orders have been placed. It is anticipated that the entire project will be completed by the beginning of the Fall  2021 semester, notwithstanding unanticipated delays,” he added.
 
The initiative launched in March 2021 with the removal of the roof of Hallett Hall to facilitate the addition of a second floor that will house the Career Development Centre and include the following:
 
• A model classroom
• A model computer lab
• An Innovation Lab
• A modernised and upgraded Lecture Theatre
• An updated network service, with significantly increased bandwidth
• The re-located offices of the Division of Professional and Career Education (PACE)
 
The Innovation Lab, provides a space where creative minds can explore ways of turning ideas into projects, and, subsequently, into viable business entities.
 
Director of Information Technology Services, Ben Nwasike explained: “This space will be equipped with high–tech equipment such as a programmable robot, 3-D printer, 3-D scanner, high–end graphic laptops and virtual/augmented reality systems. It will be open to both students and faculty, as well as the general community through reservations. Ideas such as app development, robotics and internet of things (IoT), prototyping, data modelling and immersive
experience are some oftheexpectedoutcomesofthisunit.”
 
Plant and Operations Manager, Cleun Gaiton said: “The renovated lecture theatre in Hallett Hall will allow for more functional and flexible teaching by way of additional audiovisual equipment to aid in presentation. The Hall will also provide more “user-friendly” seating, giving all occupants the ability to charge and use devices needed for class or training sessions.”
 
College President, Dr Duranda Greene stated: “We remain deeply indebted to Athene andits partners, and to the Bermuda College Foundation for helping Bermuda College to re–construct a new standard for its educationial spaces, andenablingustocontinuetoproudlyandconfidently serve our campus and community constituents. This is a true milestone for the College.”
 
“On behalf of my colleagues at Aspen, Athora and Catalina, we are thrilled by the construction progress that has been made on the Career Development Centre,”said Natasha Scotland Courcy, SVP General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer, Athene Life Re Ltd.
 
“Seeing the renovations advance and the building plans come to life is a testament to the business community’s commitment to education and to growing talent here in Bermuda. When the Centre opens, we are excited to see the realization of our efforts and how these new resources will transform the lives of students and nurture the bright minds of Bermuda’s evolving workforce.”
 
The Foundation has committed to continuous fund–raisingefforts,including garnering endowment funds to ensure that the College retains its viability.
 
“There is still a long way to go to meet the objectives of the Capital Campaign. The Foundation invites both corporate and individual partners to join us in support of our only college. Community support will help develop a modern infrastructure to continue to provide equitable education for local students who may not be able or want to travel overseas to continue education. Bermuda College has been a vital asset in Bermuda’s overall success for the past 47
years,” said Mr Madeiros.
 
  • About Bermuda College Foundation: Bermuda College Foundation is a Bermuda registered charity, #341. It was incorporated as acompany limited by guarantee in October 2018 with the sole focus of cultivating and securing successful philanthropic partnerships in support of Bermuda College. As the fund raising vehicle for the College it is the bridge between the community and the College. For further details about the Foundation, please visit www.bermudacollegefoundation.org