Richmond Hill, Ont. –September 24, 2009 – Compugen today announced that it has been awarded the Fitzpatrick Award by Frontier College, a leader in fostering community based literacy in Canada. The Award, given annually by the College to an organization that has made substantial contributions to the development of literacy in Canada, will be presented at the annual general meeting of Frontier College on 26 September 2009. Compugen is being recognized both for the length of its support of the College’s National Literacy Programs and for the creative ways in which it has marshalled financial and in-kind support through its direct donations and through its partnerships with other technology leaders. In receiving this award, Compugen joins a select group: past winners include Queen’s University, Coady International Institute, Centre d’organisation mauricien de services et d’éducation populaire, The Great West Life Assurance Company, CIBC, Laubach Literacy of Canada, Molson and the Morrison Foundation.

Compugen’s President and CEO, Harry Zarek, said, “Compugen is honoured to have its efforts on behalf of Canadian literacy recognized by Frontier College. Improving literacy is fundamental to building the inclusive and just society we all aspire to and in fostering the prosperity and competitiveness of our economy. We are very pleased to partner with the College in its work in communities in all parts of the country.”

“Developing literacy is a long-term effort; therefore, sustained long-term support is vitally important. Our long-term supporters like Compugen understand the nature of the need and the cumulative impact of their efforts,” said Sherry Campbell, President of Frontier College. “As a national organization with staff across the country, Compugen is able to support the aims of Frontier College in both official languages from coast to coast in Canada.”

According to Frontier College’s citation of Compugen, “Over these many years and in many different and innovative ways, Compugen has been a model champion of the cause of literacy through its support of Frontier College’s literacy programs. Today, Compugen leverages its partnerships and affiliations with other prestigious technology firms to augment its own support of Frontier College. Compugen has contributed over $800,000 in direct funding to Frontier College along with tens of thousands in in-kind and partner support.”

About the Fitzpatrick Award

Named for the founder of the College, Alfred Fitzpatrick, the Fitzpatrick Award recognizes support for adult, child and youth literacy and is the highest form of recognition the College can give to a group (its Companion Award recognizes individuals). The Award is given based on one or more of these criteria:

long term leadership in the literacy field;
demonstration of exceptional commitment to the cause of literacy through group action;
provision over time of substantial financial support for the work of the College.

About Frontier College

Frontier College operates a variety of literacy programs in locations across Canada. The College recruits and trains volunteers to work with children, youth and adults in a great array of settings. It also helps other community-based organizations set up and run literacy programs for their own participants.

As Canada’s original literacy organization, Frontier College has been recruiting dedicated volunteers to work with Canadian children, youth and adults from coast to coast since 1899. Its programs have helped millions of Canadians improve their literacy skills. Further information on Frontier College may be found at its website.