140 Years of Making Dreams Come True
Join Anderson College in Celebrating the students, faculty, and community partners who make what we do possible, every day, for 140 years!
Since 1885, Anderson College has been a partner to over 150,000 students overcoming career challenges, as they transform their lives, bring new hope to the families they love and enhance our communities with their expertise and service. We’ve proudly witnessed countless career and life goals realized through student-centred career training, personal growth, and supportive community connection.
This year marks a historic milestone — 140 years of making dreams come true — and we’re honouring it the best way we know how: by celebrating together and giving back.
“Anderson College – A Look Back at 140 Years of Milestones”
Our college has come a long way. The initial location was founded in 1885 by James Washington Westervelt Sr., was named Westervelt College and became a pillar of education, hope and community, evolving throughout its many years. Anderson College, founded in 2011, quickly established itself as a leader, dedicated to student-centred education and academic excellence, building community relationships that pave the way for superior practicums – ensuring every graduate is confident and in demand. In 2022, Anderson College brought Westervelt under its banner, and is now one of the largest and oldest private career colleges in Canada – 140 years of making dreams come true, in fact – and continues to set the standard for quality education in our country.
1885
James Washington Westervelt Sr. establishes college in London, Ontario.
1886
Westervelt (now Anderson College) welcomes its first female students.
1896
Westervelt (now Anderson College) assists in the founding of the Business Educators Association of Canada.
1897
Expands and relocates to the YMCA Building occupying the top floor of the King St building by Wellington and Waterloo.
1917
Relocates to 463 Richmond Street, formerly known as the Western Hotel and later as Lucan Stagecoach Lines.
1972
The College remains at 463 Richmond Street until 1972 at which time it relocates to 190 Wortley Road.
1992
Westervelt (now Anderson College) comes under new ownership.
1994
Receives the Community Service Award from the National Association of Career Colleges.
1995
Construction of the four-story 40,000 square foot campus is completed at the corner of Wellington Street and Bradley Avenue. The College remained at this location until Sept 2017.
1999
Awarded “Supplier of the Year” for best graduates in Ontario for employment in the hospitality industry by The Ontario Restaurant, Hotel and Motel Association (ORHMA).
2001
Recognized by London Police Service Recruiting and Training for dedication to training members of the London Police Service through its Law, Security, and Police Foundations program.
2009
Received the “Outstanding Business Achievement Award” by the London Chamber of Commerce.
2010
Westervelt (now Anderson College) celebrates 125 years and over 75,000 graduates, receiving recognition from the Prime Minister of Canada, the Premier of Ontario, as well as the Attorney General of Canada.
2011
Anderson College is born and establishes its first location in Toronto.
2013
Anderson College’s first location is officially branded with this name and begins to build its reputation as a leader in education.
2014
Westervelt (now Anderson College) offers the Orthopaedic Technician program.
2015
Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA) approves Westervelt (now Anderson College) to offer the Health Information Management program, paving the way for graduates to certify through the Canadian College of Health Information Management (CCHIM) for CHIM designation. Anderson College opens a campus in North York.
2017
Westervelt (now Anderson College) merges with three of Medix College’s locations in Brantford, London and Kitchener.
2018
2018 Westervelt (now Anderson College) graduates surpass 100,000. Anderson College purchases another college and expands from two campuses into five locations.
2019
Westervelt (now Anderson College) opens its fourth campus in Windsor, Ontario.
2020
Westervelt (now Anderson College) moves education and supports online in wake of COVID19 pandemic. Anderson College also moves education online and establishes faculty and student support. Anderson donates 50,000 masks to healthcare community. Anderson launches GuardMe, an essential mental health and well-being support program for students.
2021
Anderson launches Diagnostic Medical Sonographer program. Anderson partners with St. George’s University, Grenada, enabling students enrolled in Anderson’s Pre-Medical program to immediately qualify for St. George’s Medical School, with a $5,000 scholarship. Anderson launches Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program to address massive shortages in the healthcare industry. Anderson launches digital credentials options for graduates.
2022
Anderson and Westervelt Combine Forces. Anderson Announces Rebranding of Westervelt. Anderson also acquires another college in Mississauga, bringing the total number of campuses serving students to 10 across Ontario. Anderson participates in training more than 1000 personal support workers in support of changing requirements in Ontario’s Long Term Care Act.
2023
Anderson launches PSW Hybrid program. Anderson’s key healthcare programs, Cardiology Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Medical Laboratory Technology earn ‘accreditation with condition’ status with Accreditation Canada’s Equal program.
2024
Anderson’s Eglinton campus relocates to Brampton campus. Medical Office Administrator program receives accreditation. Anderson launches Early Childhood Educator program, addressing a dire need for qualified professionals. Anderson announces that Cardiology Technology graduates achieve top certification examination scores in Canada. Anderson announces Cardiology Technology (CT) program has once again received accreditation status and students achieved high scores. Anderson announces Medical Laboratory Technology program achieves accreditation.
2025
Anderson celebrates 140-year history; unites students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise over $15,395 for Make-A-Wish Canada — surpassing its $10,000 goal to help grant a life-changing wish for a child with a critical illness. Received recognition from the Premier of Ontario.
We are deeply honoured to serve our students, engage in strategic partnerships and work together with our faculty and stakeholders to educate and support those vital professionals who impact the communities in which we live, within industries upon which we all depend.
To another 140 years, and beyond, of making dreams come true.