Western University announced one of its affiliates, Brescia University College, will fully integrate with Western by May 2024.
In a release from Western on Thursday, the university said Brescia has started the process to merge to create a broader pathway of programs to help more students access and prepare for a university education. The move was initiated by Brescia president Lauretta Frederking, endorsed by the Board of Trustees, citing an opportunity to extend and meet the requirements of today’s students.
“Brescia was built on the idea of bridging gaps for women in higher education,” said Frederking. “Today, women make up more than half of students at most universities. As we celebrate that, we also have an opportunity to consider how we can remove barriers for other equity-deserving groups – and this agreement will do that.”
Since its founding, Brescia graduates have received Western University degrees and have been a part of the Western community. With the merger, Western will assume all of Brescia’s assets and liabilities and develop a $25 million legacy fund to support scholarships, bursaries, and programs.
“Western and Brescia have a deep historical connection,” said Western University President Alan Shepard. “Now, what we are contemplating together stays true to those roots while charting a new path – one that creates more opportunities for an increasingly diverse and dynamic student body to experience a world-class education.”
Founded in 1919, Brescia University College has approximately 1,600 students enrolled in full or part-time studies. It offers undergraduate programs, including family studies and human development, foods and nutrition, health sciences, and leadership studies among others.
