24 March 1995 Lincoln University Computer Facilities Boosted By ASB Bank Sponsorship

Funds from a substantial ASB BANK sponsorship will be allocated to the enhancement of computer training and access facilities at Lincoln University.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bruce Ross, said ASB BANK was providing a six figure sum over the next five years to fund a computer laboratory, which will be used both for training programmes and for providing students with access to networked PC's.

"We're delighted ASB BANK is making this ongoing commitment to tertiary education in Canterbury," Professor Ross said.

"Lincoln University already has the best student per computing terminal ratio of any university in New Zealand.

"The partnership with ASB BANK will assist the University in maintaining its emphasis on technology training, which will have long-term benefits not only for our students, but for the New Zealand economy of the future."

Such external funding was now essential to supplement the technology investment already committed by the University Council, said Professor Ross.

ASB BANK Regional Manager – South Island, Ian Park, said the University's focus on providing such a high level of computing facilities to staff and students was in line with the Bank's emphasis on advanced technology.

"We have extensive Electronic Banking capabilities, phone and computer based delivery systems, a comprehensive ATM network and were a major developer of EFTPOS for point of sale transactions," Mr Park said.

"We understand how important technology is to the development of new ways of conducting and managing business.

"We are extremely pleased, therefore, to be making this commitment to New Zealand's future through Lincoln University."

Peter Dwan, Director, Community Relations Centre, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.

Ian Park, Regional Manager, ASB Bank, South Island, New Zealand.