The Story Behind the Name

Mohawk students hone their presentation skills and gain valuable boardroom experience thanks to friends and associates of Bertram George Hares.

Mr. Hares had a distinguished 45-year career in the insurance industry with Dominion Canada General Insurance Co. and North Waterloo Farmers Mutual, where he served as President and CEO.

“I have known Bert Hares, the individual for whom the boardroom at Mohawk College is named, for over 40 years. Bert became President and CEO of North Waterloo Farm Mutual and did a great jobof encouraging, mentoring, young individuals into the insurance world. Bert was focused on building a strong team of young insurance professionals in his tenure as Senior Vice President of Dominion of Canada. Bert hired mostly Mohawk Insurance grads as he built a new regional office for Dominion of Canada in Oakville. Bert is mostly remembered as a passionate leader and particularly a developer of young people,” says Bruce Pearson, Director at Heartland Farm Mutual and Mohawk College Foundation Board.

Over 100 friends and colleagues made personal and corporate donations totalling more than $600,000 to honour Mr. Hares, who passed away in 2008. The donations built a boardroom, renovated classrooms and added common areas at the Fennell Campus for students in Mohawk’s Insurance program.