the largest alumni association in the National Hockey League.
"Meritus is an exciting, new university that demonstrates a developing trend toward online education for people willing and wanting to learn in an online environment," said David Hopkinson, senior vice-president of corporate and community partnerships for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. "We're excited about our partnership with Meritus University and the opportunity to promote higher education and the values and virtues of lifelong learning with all of our fans."
President of Meritus University, Dr. John Crossley said, "We are extremely pleased to be affiliated with an upstanding organization and its professional sports teams which are ingrained in Canadian culture." He added, "This creates a presence for Meritus and lets Canadians know we aim to become Canada's preferred online university by making higher education accessible to working professionals everywhere."
Meritus University opened its doors to the public in September 2008 and brings together rigorous industry-relevant programs and the opportunity to learn from working faculty -- many of whom have influential roles with established Canadian employers.
With only 40 percent of Canadians continuing their education beyond the secondary level, there is an increasing demand for employees who hold post-secondary education in today's workforce (Stats: comScore). Meritus University helps narrow this gap by offering accessible higher learning that is flexible and suited to a student's work schedule.
Meritus University, which is based in Fredericton, N.B., is owned by Apollo Group, Inc. An educational provider for 30 years, Apollo Group provides academic access and opportunity to students through its subsidiaries: University of Phoenix, Institute for Professional Development, College for Financial Planning, Western International University, Insight Schools, Apollo Global and Meritus University.
