Securian Foundation Grant Funds New Computer Lab at The College of St. Scholastica

ST. PAUL, Minn., Nov. 3, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Students in The College of St. Scholastica computer science program now are using state-of-the-art technology funded with a grant from the Securian Foundation, an arm of Securian Financial Group, Inc.

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The new computer lab opened in October and is designed to provide mentorship and enriched learning with innovative uses of web technology. One example is video conferencing with mentors around the state, including St. Scholastica alumni employed at Securian Financial Group.

"Providing hands-on, real life business experience helps the students as well as the businesses who eventually hire them," said Lori Koutsky, manager, Securian Foundation. "One of the most important ingredients in the economic vitality of a community is the caliber of its workforce. That's why investing in education is a top priority for the Securian Foundation."

Students majoring in computer science, management, finance and math benefit from Securian's investment in St. Scholastica. Each work station within the computer lab will have separate Web conferencing capability.

In addition to helping equip the computer lab, the grant supports the revision of an upper-level Computer Information Systems course called System Analysis and Design. It takes the classroom work into the real world by teaching students how to use information systems to provide business analysis.

"Sometimes students perceive a disconnect between what they're learning in the classroom and what industry needs," said Tom Gibbons, associate professor and chair, Computer Information Systems. "This will help them learn directly from alumni what industry is looking for in the people they hire.

"In higher education we have traditionally taught theory," Gibbons added. "With this lab, we now teach theory and application, which is much more powerful."

The College of St. Scholastica is recognized as one of the finest colleges in the Midwest by publications such as U.S. News & World Report magazine and the Washington Post.

Since 1880, Securian Financial Group and its affiliates have provided financial security for individuals and businesses in the form of insurance, investments and retirement plans. Now one of the nation's largest financial services providers, it is the holding company parent of a group of companies that offer a broad range of financial services.

Securian Financial Group, Inc.

www.securian.com

400 Robert Street North, St. Paul, MN 55101-2098

©2010 Securian Financial Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Securian Financial Group, Inc.

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