Re/insurers donate $3.5m for high tech Career Development Centre at Bermuda College

A group of Bermudian re/insurers have donated $3.5 million to the Bermuda College Foundation to create a Career Development Centre.

Athene Holding and its reinsurance subsidiary, Athene Life Re, donated alongside Athora Holding, Aspen Insurance Holdings and Catalina Holdings (Bermuda).

The centre and its programmes enhance the Bermuda economy through increased access to workforce development and training. It will also offer prometric certified assessment, required for professional development, and an expanded technology infrastructure to develop innovative concepts.

It will allow students and other users to explore technology trends such as the internet of things and machine-learning. It will be open to Bermuda College students, faculty, staff and the community for a variety of purposes, including testing and training services.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2021 and is targeted for completion before the start of the Fall 2021 semester.

Athene said the centre and its programmes could impact nearly 2,500 individuals per year.

Duranda Greene, president of Bermuda College, said: “This is an historic investment for Bermuda College and speaks volumes to the confidence the corporate community places in Bermuda’s students, in our local community and in the Island’s future.”

Bill Wheeler, president of Athene Holding, said the re/insurance community in Bermuda is committed to bolstering the island’s economy and investing in its young people.

“Athene’s donation to support the creation of the Career Development Centre builds on our deep commitment to education-based initiatives that are designed to help close educational gaps in our communities,” he said. “The Centre will be an excellent resource for students and residents, and we are excited to watch it foster ideas and grow exceptional talent for many years to come.”

Amy Ponnampalam, chief executive officer of Athora Life Re, said the Centre allows  Bermuda College to “further its mission to provide the community with innovative programmes, training, support services and access to partnerships that lead to local and global success.”

Bermuda College Foundation deputy chairman Garry Madeiros, said: “The philanthropic partnership with Athene, Athora, Aspen and Catalina underscores the mission of the Foundation and the importance of ensuring the island’s only community college remains sustainable and able to meet the needs of our future workforce. Corporate and private donors are encouraged to donate to the Bermuda College Foundation as an investment in our College, our Bermuda, our future.”