Niagara University and Niagara College in Ontario have renewed an agreement to offer undergraduate and graduate scholarships and other educational opportunities to students preparing for careers in bi-national economic development.

Under the agreement, signed by the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., president of Niagara University, and Daniel J. Patterson, president of Niagara College, students who receive entrance scholarships to Niagara College and complete two- or three-year programs in business or hospitality and tourism, will be accepted into related bachelor's degree programs in NU's College of Business Administration or College of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

In accord with the agreement, officially called the Niagara Bi-National Educational Partnership Fund, Niagara University will also provide scholarships to students interested in graduate-level studies in bi-national economic development. The studies will lead to a master's degree in business administration.

The agreement will also fund research projects and development programs undertaken by students from both institutions and focused on regional economic development.

The scholarship program is being funded by an endowment initially established by James V. Glynn, chairman of the Maid of the Mist Corp., and the late Frank Branscombe, a Niagara Falls, Ontario, philanthropist. Combined, the educational partnership funds maintained by the two schools are approaching $1 million.

The cross-border partnership will also promote a speaker series on issues related to the economic development and tourism potential of Niagara's bi-national region. The series, which features Canadian and U.S. hospitality and tourism experts, is supported by Casino Niagara Cares, Casino Niagara's community development program. Paul McManus, president and CEO of The Leading Hotels of the World, will be the featured speaker on April 1 at Niagara College. He is a member of Niagara University's board of trustees.

"Educational partnerships are crucial to providing great programs with convenient access for students," said Bonnie Rose, Ph.D., NU's executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs. "Niagara University is delighted to be a partner with Niagara College in this initiative."