Securian Foundation Funds Computer Lab at St. Scholastica College

The Securian Foundation, an arm of Securian Financial Group, has funded the new computer lab at the College of St. Scholastica, Saint Paul. Students pursuing computer science program at the college are now using state-of-the-art technology funded with the grant.

The new computer lab opened in October 2010 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.

Lori Koutsky, manager at Securian Foundation, said in a statement: "Providing hands-on, real life business experience helps the students as well as the businesses who eventually hire them. 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.

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

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.

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

Established in 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.

In August 2010, Securian Financial Group earned six awards from the Insurance and Financial Communicators Association (IFCA). Securian's communications department was awarded two best-of-show awards, two awards of excellence, and two honorable mentions in the trade association's annual competition.