WIC News

Building Future-Ready Leaders: The Rosen Entrepreneurship & Finance Fund

Strengthening WIC’s entrepreneurship and finance curriculum, this visionary fund equips Voyageurs with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

West Island College is proud to announce the launch of the Rosen Entrepreneurship & Finance Fund, a visionary initiative made possible through the generosity of WIC parents Lewis Rosen and Talie Hochman. With a pledge of $100,000 over five years, the Fund is designed to enrich our students’ learning experience by strengthening WIC’s entrepreneurship and finance curriculum and equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in a a world of constant change

At its core, the Rosen Fund reflects the family’s deep-rooted belief in giving back and ensuring a lasting impact on the lives of students like Nikki (Class of 2025), Chloe (Class of 2027), and Dylan (Class of 2030). By fostering curiosity, innovation, and financial literacy, the Fund will open doors to exciting opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. From mentorship through the Rosen Entrepreneur in Residence to immersive experiences at innovation hubs and financial institutions across Montreal, students will have the chance to learn directly from professionals shaping the business and finance landscape. The Fund will also celebrate academic excellence through annual scholarships, providing students with resources and hands-on learning opportunities that encourage creativity and confidence.

Inspired by our previous WIC entrepreneurs and our commitment to continuously shaping an innovative learning experience, the Rosen Entrepreneurship & Finance Fund has already had an impact in the classroom. Students currently enrolled in our Secondary 4 Business Marketing course will now have access to a high-quality, large-format poster printer that was purchased in August 2025. Students will be able to extend their marketing projects beyond “just the screen” and print professional-quality advertisements and marketing materials. This will increase the impact that our young Voyageurs will have on the WIC community as their work will now be proudly displayed around campus and further enrich their business marketing experience.

“This fund will be a game-changer for our students. By giving them direct access to entrepreneurs, professionals, and real-world experiences, we’re giving them the tools they’ll need to succeed well beyond their years at WIC.

– Patrick Fequet, Senior Coordinator of Experiential Programming

Another initiative supported by the Rosen Fund will take place this fall during our Homecoming celebrations. On Thursday, September 25th, we invite you to join us for an inspiring panel, Future-Ready: Work in a Changing World.

Five accomplished WIC alums—in a panel discussion moderated by Nadine Ishak ’92—will share insights on how hybrid models, artificial intelligence, and rapid technological change are transforming work. They’ll also explore how purpose, flexibility, inclusion, and well-being are reshaping the workplace, and why adaptability and skills often matter more than job titles. This panel discussion will be a unique opportunity for our community to gain valuable insights into the future of work.

With other activities planned throughout the year, the Rosen Entrepreneurship & Finance Fund will have a transformative and lasting impact on WIC, preparing our students not only to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and finance but also to lead with innovation, resilience, and vision. For Lewis Rosen, the motivation behind the fund is deeply personal. “I wish I had something like this when I was in high school. I hope that it sparks curiosity and gets students genuinely excited about entrepreneurship, finance, and business. If it inspires even a few of them to follow that path, it will have been well worth it.”

We are deeply grateful to Lewis and Talie for their generosity and their commitment to inspiring the next generation of leaders and changemakers. Their contribution is invaluable, and we appreciate their dedication to the WIC community.