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College of DuPage Men’s Track and Field Win Second Consecutive NJCAA Title

COD Newsroom

Defending National Junior College Athletic Association men’s track and field champion College of DuPage left no doubt about repeating the national title with an outstanding display of depth and personal achievement May 14. Behind Josh Rivers, who won two individual titles, and a superb supporting cast that scored in 17 events, the Chaps won the men's title with 118.5 points, followed by Mineral Area College with 96. It marks the sixth title in school history, and is the first time since the 2003 season that the Chaps successfully defended their title. "It took a total team effort to come here and perform and win,'' said Chaparral Track and Field Head Coach Robert Cervenka. "We had a superstar performance from Josh, and with Anthony Eddy, Diego Villalobos, John Sassan, and Max Szul and Axel Huerta making the most of their talents. I'm in awe of what they were able to accomplish and bring a home a title for a second straight year.'' Rivers won both the long jump and high jump with season-best efforts Friday, and then added to his point total in both the 100- and 200-meter and in the 4x100 meter relay. Eddy finished second in the 1500 on Saturday, and gutted out a seventh place showing in the 800. "This was a big week for Anthony, who really showed his ability,'' Cervenka said. "He was a big leader for us in cross country and showed it again this week.'' Sassan, who sustained an injury during Friday's long jump, ran the opening leg on the 4x100 relay, and along with Villalobos and Rivers, secured 23 team points in the long jump. "Josh really shined all week,'' Cervenka said. "He took advantage of his talents and proved it.'' Szul placed third in the high hurdles and added a fifth-place effort in the 400 hurdles, along with running on the 4x100 relay. "Max is running faster than he did in high school,'' Cervenka said. "We don't win if we don't have everyone pulling their weight and competing in multiple events. They bought in and great things happened because of their willingness to put team first.'' Villalobos scored fourth in the 100, second in the 4x100 relay, second in long jump and third in the triple jump. He piled up 21 points including two from the eight-point 4x100 relay. Huerta, who ran the steeplechase just once prior to this week, placed fourth in that event and sixth in the 5,000. "He and Diego were such key guys for stepping up and giving us points.'' Cervenka said. Cervenka was named the NJCAA men's coach of the year for the second straight year. Learn more about Chaparral Athletics. Contact Details Mark Reinhiller +1 630-942-3761 reinhillerm@cod.edu

May 31, 2022 08:00 AM Central Daylight Time

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Hong Kong Baptist University-led research identifies new regulatory mechanism of satiety and therapeutic target for obesity

Hong Kong Baptist University

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 30 May 2022 - A research team led by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has found that a proteolytic enzyme called membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase ( MT1-MMP) plays an important role in the regulatory mechanism of fullness, or satiety, and it could serve as a promising potential drug target for the management of obesity. Dr Xavier Wong Hoi-leong, Assistant Professor of the Teaching and Research Division of the School of Chinese Medicine (left), and Professor Bian Zhaoxiang, Director of the Clinical Division of the School of Chinese Medicine and Tsang Shiu Tim Endowed Chair of Chinese Medicine Clinical Studies at HKBU (right), identified a proteolytic enzyme called MT1-MMP which could serve as a promising potential drug target for the management of obesity. The research findings were published in the internationally-renowned scientific journal Nature Metabolism. The study has also been featured as a research highlight in multiple high-impact journals, including Nature Reviews Endocrinology, Nature Metabolism and Science Signaling. Half of Hong Kong’s population obese or overweight Being overweight, especially to the extent of obesity, exposes people to a higher risk of life-threatening diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. According to the Population Health Survey conducted in 2014/15 by the Department of Health, about 30% of people in Hong Kong aged 15 to 84 were obese, and another 20% were overweight. The most effective way to tackle obesity is to reduce food consumption, but obese people often encounter difficulties in regulating their dietary habits as they lose their sense of satiety. Identifying a factor that specifically controls body weight, and investigating how it regulates our sense of satiety, is crucial for the development of therapeutic approaches for obesity. Identification of new regulator of satiety signals A research team led by Dr Xavier Wong Hoi-leong, Assistant Professor of the Teaching and Research Division of the School of Chinese Medicine (SCM), and Professor Bian Zhaoxiang, Director of the Clinical Division of SCM and Tsang Shiu Tim Endowed Chair of Chinese Medicine Clinical Studies at HKBU, identified a proteolytic enzyme called MT1-MMP which regulates the mechanism of issuing satiety signals in the human brain. Growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a hormone that sends out satiety signals by binding with the neuron receptor in the hindbrain called GDNF-family receptor α-like (GFRAL). Mediation of GFRAL can therefore affect the ability of GDF15 to send satiety signals, and thus help regulate food intake. From this starting point, the research team conducted a series of experiments to investigate the mediation effects of MT1-MMP on GFRAL. Depletion of MT1-MMP reduces obesity The research team generated an obesity mouse model by feeding a fat-rich diet to a group of transgenic mice with a depletion of MT1-MMP in their satiety neurons, as well as a control group of ordinary mice. After 16 weeks, the mice with depleted MT1-MMP ate 10% less food, gained 50% less weight, and exhibited reduced glucose and plasma insulin levels compared to the control group. The results show that depletion of MT1-MMP protects mice from obesity induced by a high-fat diet. Following analysis with western blots, a widely used analytical technique that can detect specific proteins, the research team also found that the obese mice displayed an increased activity of MT1-MMP in the Area Postrema and Nucleus of the Solitary Tract, the brain regions involved in appetite and weight regulation. The finding suggests that increased MT1-MMP activity in the brain of obese mice could be a risk factor causing sustained weight gain. To understand the mechanism by which MT1-MMP suppresses GDF15 satiety signalling, the research team conducted a series of molecular biology experiments involving animal models and cell culture. The results show that in cells with active MT1-MMP, a significant reduction of GFRAL and thus GDF15 signalling were observed. It could be explained by MT1-MMP clipping GFRAL from the surface of the brain neurons, which blocks GDF15 from binding to GFRAL and thus reduces the number of satiety signals. This in turn keeps the neurons from transmitting the satiety signals sent by GDF15. MT1-MMP as a therapeutic target for obesity The researchers also explored the therapeutic potential of targeting MT1-MMP for obesity management, in particular through pharmacological inhibition of its activity in vivo. With the application of a specific neutralising antibody that inhibits MT1-MMP, significant improvements in metabolic parameters including food intake, glucose tolerance and body weight in obese mice were observed. The results suggest that MT1-MMP is a potential therapeutic target that could be used in the development of innovative drug treatments for obesity. Dr Wong said: “The research findings have established the role played by MT1-MMP in regulating satiety, and they have provided preliminary indications that the proteolytic enzyme is a promising target for the treatment of obesity. Pharmacological inhibition of MT1-MMP could be a viable strategy for the development of effective pharmacotherapy for the treatment of obesity.” Apart from researchers from HKBU, the research team included scientists from The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and the University of Helsinki. #HongKongBaptistUniversity #HKBU Contact Details Christina Wu from the Communication and Public Relations Office +852 3411 7828 christinawu@hkbu.edu.hk Company Website https://www.hkbu.edu.hk/

May 30, 2022 04:26 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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COD Women’s Track and Field Win Second NJCAA Championship

COD Newsroom

Defending NJCAA champion College of DuPage women’s track and field team are repeat national champions. Under the direction of Head Coach Robert Cervenka and his coaching staff, Michelle Stratton and Rachael Ramon, each member of the Chaps squad earned points at the Hudson Valley Community Track and Field Complex. The team title is COD's sixth in school history and is the first time it has repeated since the Chaps won three straight championships from 2000 to 2002. Sprinter Kiara Carter won both the 100- and 200-meter sprints, and Alexandra Ochab added to her long jump title with a victory in the 400-meter as the Chaps totaled 138 points to out-distance runner-up RC Gloucester, which finished with 111. Carter and Ochab each added a title in their one and only relays with Carter in the 4x100 meter and Ochab the 4x400. "Maximum efforts across the board and we could not be happier,'' said Cervenka. "Kiara is so talented and I think Alexandra's experience from a year ago was pivotal. Every one of our nine athletes scored in more than one event. That speaks volumes about their buy-in to the team and winning the title going away.'' The 2022 championship marks the second straight national event where the Chaps won all three relays; a point Cervenka emphasized. "It's a pride thing where we demonstrated skill and those relays capped our week,'' he said. "All nine ran at least one leg on a relay. That really says it all.'' Carter won the 100 in 12.40 seconds and added the 200 title in 25.88 seconds. "So proud of Kiara and for her to get the job done,'' said Cervenka. "Her maturity picked up. She's always had the talent and was such a big contributor for us.'' Ochab ran in just the 400, a day after winning the long jump by improving 30 centimeters over her previous best. "What can you say,'' said Cervenka. "She's another one who got the job done in spectacular fashion.'' The effort of Akira Lebron throughout the week was vital. She competed and scored in five individual events and ran on the winning 4x100 relay. "Akira is such a phenomenal athlete,'' said Cervenka. "We asked a lot of her and she responded so well. Her efforts in those five events took points away from the competition and she excelled.'' Lillian Buzani added a runner-up finish in the 800 and placed third in the 1500, while her distance teammate Bella Adduci was fourth in each event. Both ran on the 4x800 title relay. "Both Lillian and Belle showed their best when it mattered the most,'' said Cervenka. "Again, we really got the most of our nine athletes.'' Morgan Clifford was seventh in the 100 hurdles and sixth in the 400 hurdles. Alyssa Gaski was the only Chap who ran on all three relays, and Mya Mangan added to her pole vault title with a leg on the 4x100 relay. Paulina Stachura tied for fourth in the high jump and ran on the 4x400 relay. Cervenka was named NJCAA coach of the year upon conclusion of the event Learn more about Chaparral Athletics. Contact Details Mark Reinhiller +1 630-942-3761 reinhillerm@cod.edu

May 27, 2022 04:00 PM Central Daylight Time

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Jane Vatchev Named College of DuPage Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member

COD Newsroom

College of DuPage Physical Education Assistant Professor Jane Vatchev is the College-Wide Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member for the 2021-2022 academic year. Representing the Physical Education, Social/Behavioral Sciences and the Library Division, Vatchev will receive a $1,000 award from the College of DuPage Office of the Provost, which annually recognizes outstanding teaching achievement. Vatchev said she is honored to receive the recognition at an organization filled with talented educators. “The past recipients of this honor have been excellent teachers so to be considered amongst that group is overwhelming and humbling,” she said. “This recognition truly reflects my entire department’s hard work and dedication. I feel blessed that I get to do what I’m passionate about every day with colleagues and students who inspire me.” Sports has always been a part of Vatchev’s life. “I grew up in an athletic family with three competitive brothers and a dad who was an amazing basketball player and golfer,” she said. “I also knew from about the age of 5 that I wanted to be a teacher. Combining those two passions was an obvious choice.” Her 37-year physical education teaching career started at John Deere Middle School in Moline, then as a graduate assistant at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she earned her master’s degree. Moving back to the Chicago area, Vatchev was an adjunct faculty member at Lewis University, where she coached full time; taught at Walther Lutheran High School in Melrose Park; and became a full-time faculty member at College of DuPage, where she has been for 22 years. Vatchev’s focal point of teaching is centered in the word “passion.” “I love the connection with students—the instilling of knowledge about themselves, the subject and how it connects to their future,” she said. “There is such great satisfaction when you know that students have learned and grown through the process of your time together. My goal is to light a fire in each of my students and help them find what they love.” Vatchev connects to students in the classroom by sharing stories that bring the subject matter to life. She creates real life projects and assignments, hoping to spark in them the passion of their future career. COD President Dr. Brian Caputo enthusiastically endorsed Professor Vatchev’s selection for the honor. “Jane is one of the most talented and effective faculty members on a campus that is replete with exceptionally skilled professors,” he said. “Unquestionably, she is a fantastic choice for this year’s award.” In addition to teaching, Vatchev was the head COD men’s and women’s track and field coach for 13 years, and her teams won eight National Junior College Athletic Association National Championships (four men and four women), while 118 athletes were individual NJCAA National Champions and 220 athletes became NJCAA All-Americans. In 2017, Vatchev developed the COD Athletic Hall of Fame to honor student athletes, coaches, and support staff whose actions and achievement in their sport brought distinction to the College. “We’ve had so many talented past athletes and coaches at COD, and I wanted to honor that,” she said. “It has been a joy to see that come to fruition.” As an educator, Vatchev said she is always learning and growing. “I’m constantly asking for feedback in everything I do because I want to be the best educator I can be,” she said. “One of the things I’m reminded, especially during COVID, is that my students have so much more going on than what’s in the classroom. Maybe they are struggling with illness or family issues, and we need to show compassion and understanding.” Looking forward, Vatchev is energized about the future of COD’s Physical Education, Fitness and Sports Studies program, including developing more articulation agreements for students. “We are really excited about our PE articulation agreements, like our new 2+2 in Athletic Training with Aurora University,” she said. “We now have other schools seeking us out for partnership. At the end of the day, I will continue to inspire students to take their education as far as they can.” Contact Details Jennifer Duda +1 773-490-4077 dudajen@cod.edu

May 27, 2022 03:17 PM Central Daylight Time

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COD Offers New Web Development Associate in Applied Science Degree

COD Newsroom

College of DuPage now offers an associate degree designed for students seeking a career in the development of websites. COD Business and Applied Technology Division Dean Kris Fay says the curriculum focuses on how to develop a functional website with a high-quality user experience. Other degree programs focus exclusively on graphic design or on programming separately. COD’s Web Development Associate in Applied Science encompasses both aspects. “It’s not just about making a website that looks pretty,” said Fay. “It’s about making a website that truly works.” The Web Development AAS is a balanced degree program focused on the functionality and capabilities of websites, as well as information infrastructure, to provide a high-quality user experience. Graduates are then prepared to pursue a variety of careers related to building and maintaining websites. “The degree is designed to encompass front-end and back-end development,” said Computer and Information Science Professor Michael Losacco. “I would expect someone who completes this degree could work either on the client side or the server side.” The program includes coursework in JavaScript programming, database management, and a new course called “Introduction to Human Computer Interaction.” Learn more about the Web Development Associate in Applied Science degree program. Contact Details Jennifer Duda +1 630-942-3097 dudajen@cod.edu

May 27, 2022 08:00 AM Central Daylight Time

CORRECTING and REPLACING Volatus Aerospace Corp. Announces Record First Quarter 2022 Sales

Volatus Aerospace Corp.

The headline of the release dated May 26, 2022 has been updated to read "Volatus Aerospace Corp. Announces Record First Quarter 2022 Sales" sted "Volatus Aerospace Corp. Announces Record First Quarter Annual Sales" The updated release reads: Volatus Aerospace Corp. Announces Record First Quarter 2022 Sales Volatus Aerospace Corp. (TSXV: VOL) (OTCQB: VLTTF) ("Volatus" or "the Company"), is pleased to announce record sales for the first quarter of 2022. The growth was driven by sales of products and solutions. Key Financial Highlights: Revenue for Q1 2022 was $4,807,829, an increase of 64% over the previous quarter and a sixteen-fold increase over the year-on-year quarter of 2021. The revenue was driven predominantly by organic growth across Canada, the USA, Latin America, and some parts of Europe. The drone services and training segment are lowest in the first quarter due to seasonality. Gross profit for Q1 2022 was $1,092,840 an increase of $930,748 over the same period in 2021. The increase in gross profit is due to scaling in product and service activities. Volatus recorded a comprehensive loss of $1,774,397 compared to a comprehensive loss of $1,328,628 in the previous quarter. This was due to increased investment in human resources and expansion activities. Operational Highlights: The Company achieved significant milestones in the first quarter of 2022, namely: Volatus scaled its activities in the United States and the United Kingdom, hiring key people in the public safety and defense sectors. As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the demand for defense related drones has significantly increased globally. The Company accelerated its plans to expand in Europe and nearby regions and is promoting its capabilities to provide ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) and humanitarian cargo drone solutions. The Company is actively supporting non-government organizations (NGOs) including Mriya Aid and Second Front Ukraine in their efforts to support Ukraine. Volatus has entered numerous strategic partnerships with North American and European UAS manufacturers having unique capabilities in different sectors - providing a portfolio of technologies for it to commercialize and present as integrated solutions to its clients in the commercial, public safety and defense sectors. These technologies have been “Vetted by Volatus” – a program whereby a team of subject matter experts from Volatus perform due diligence on the technology and certify that it is ready for commercialization. The Company made a strategic move with the acquisition of MVT Geo Solutions Inc. on February 28, 2022. This acquisition enhanced Volatus' service and data processing capabilities in the province of Quebec and Eastern Canada. Volatus will integrate the operations of MVT to provide data insights and scale its LiDAR expertise across Canada. As part of creating a drone community, Volatus introduced Drone Network News available here. This communication channel was developed to inform various stakeholders in the industry, enable sharing of knowledge and informed decision making and increase the awareness and market exposure of Volatus as an industry expert. This channel highlights all the key developments in the drone industry across the globe through articles, discussions, and podcasts with key industry leaders. “Drones are the future and Volatus is the future of drones,” said Glen Lynch, President and CEO of Volatus. “During the quarter we have made considerable investments in equipment, inventory, sales personnel, and marketing in preparation for continued strong expansion during the remainder of 2022. We are committed to building the global drone company and running it sustainably.” The condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2022, and associated management discussion and analysis, are made available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com Webinar In conjunction with this release, Volatus investor relations Kate McKenna will host a webinar on Tuesday, May 31 st at 11:00 AM EST at which time Glen Lynch, Chief Executive Officer, and Abhinav Singhvi, Chief Financial Officer, will review the quarterly results and major milestones. Investors are invited to join the webinar here Or One tap mobile: US: +13126266799,,82780365304# or +13462487799,,82780365304# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 720 707 2699 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 301 715 8592 Webinar ID: 827 8036 5304 International numbers available here. Audio Replay Options An audio replay of the event will be archived on the Investor Relations page of the company's website here About Volatus Aerospace: Volatus Aerospace Corp. is a leading provider of integrated drone solutions throughout Canada, the United States, and Latin America. Operating a vast pilot network, Volatus serves commercial and defense markets with imaging and inspection, security and surveillance, equipment sales and support, training, and design, manufacturing, and R&D. Through its subsidiary Volatus Aviation, Volatus carries on the business of aircraft management, charter sales, and cargo services using piloted, remotely piloted, and autonomous aircraft. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Corporation with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” (or other variations of the foregoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information includes information regarding (i) the business plans and expectations of the Corporation; and (ii) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans, strategies or beliefs as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Corporation, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information reflects the Corporation’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to it and on assumptions it believes to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances. In some instances, material factors or assumptions are discussed in this news release in connection with statements containing forward-looking information. Such material factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Corporation; meeting the continued listing requirements of the TSXV; and anticipated and unanticipated costs and other factors referenced in this news release and the Circular, including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Circular under the caption “Risk Factors”. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and, other than as required by law, the Corporation disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Source: Volatus Aerospace Corp. TSXV: VOL Contact Details Rob Walker +1 514-447-7986 rob.walker@volatusaerospace.com Company Website https://volatusaerospace.com

May 26, 2022 05:32 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Legal & General Capital makes first U.S. investment, with seed capital for $4Bn platform to fund major life-science and technology assets across multiple regional U.S. markets

Legal & General

Legal & General Capital (LGC) today announced that it has formed a 50:50 partnership with U.S.-based real estate developer Ancora to create a real estate platform dedicated to driving life science, research and technology growth across the U.S. The deal will see Legal & General Capital investing an initial $500 million of seed capital to form a new company, Ancora L&G, LLC. Operating under the name Ancora, the business’ geographic focus will sit predominantly within emerging regional markets in the U.S. where early mover advantages are available. The new venture builds on the successful track record of Ancora’s team and the investing record of LGC in the UK, including over $5 billion currently committed to science and technology development projects at Oxford and Manchester universities. Ancora will be capitalized by LGC to deliver $4 billion (£3.2bn) of existing pipeline and planned acquisition and development activity over the next five years. To support future growth, LGC is seeking third party co-investment partners to accelerate scaling the portfolio. As with other LGC investments, LGC aims to finance longer term cashflows and use them to back Legal & General’s annuity business, providing better value for policyholders and greater options for investors. LGC has a strong track record of establishing and scaling up innovative businesses and has led the way in driving science and technology growth through its Bruntwood SciTech partnership, the UK’s leading developer of innovation districts. Bruntwood SciTech has quickly expanded over 11 UK locations, a model LGC will look to replicate across the U.S. Observed Laura Mason, CEO of Legal & General Capital, “Through our partnership with Ancora, we will be able to leverage Legal & General’s significant experience in the science and technology sector in a new international market with strong growth potential. Remaining committed to investing in the real economy to create a better society over the long term, for the first time we take this ethos to an international level beyond the UK’s town and city centers.” Legal & General Group currently manages over $1.8 trillion of assets globally and is increasing its presence in the U.S. for both equity and debt vehicles. Marking LGC’s first venture into the U.S., this partnership with Ancora forms an important part of its major growth strategy to deliver internationalization and attract third party capital. Notes Sir Nigel Wilson, Chief Executive of Legal & General Group, “While the U.S. is the world’s largest commercial real estate market, the lab real estate market in particular is one of the smallest sectors among other commercial U.S. asset classes. This lack of scale creates high barriers to entry for investors and has made it particularly challenging for tenants to grow due to scarcity of supply. LGC’s ability to access this opportunity via Ancora will set it apart from other sources of institutional capital seeking to participate in the market.” Ancora is a privately owned real estate firm based in Durham, North Carolina with team members in Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Indianapolis, New York, and Washington, DC. The firm acquires and develops real estate to serve high-growth science, technology, and innovation tenants in partnership with and proximate to leading U.S. anchor institutions. Core to Ancora’s program-first approach is undertaking development activity in direct partnership with anchor institutions such as universities, academic medical centers, government, and research institutes with whom they have strong and long-lasting relationships. This unique approach in the U.S. market resonates with the way LGC has looked to deploy capital through leveraging strategic partnerships to invest in socially and economically useful developments around the globe. Ancora L&G, LLC will be led by Josh Parker as Chief Executive Officer, alongside John Philipchuck as Chief Investment Officer, Jeff Kingsbury as Chief Connectivity Officer and Nicole Morrill as Chief Real Estate Officer. LGIMA’s Kristina St.Charles will move across from LGIMA as General Counsel and Legal and General’s Sujee Rajah, FCA ICAEW, will move across to Ancora L&G, LLC as its new Chief Finance Officer. Having qualified with Deloitte’s Assurance department, he has held various senior roles within the Legal & General Group, most recently as Group Investor Relations director. As part of its growth ambitions, Ancora will work closely with Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM) and its global client base as LGIM continues to expand its Real Assets expertise into the US market. Josh Parker, Chairman and CEO of Ancora L&G, noted, "Ancora's ability to deliver Real Estate for What’s Next that serves the needs of our anchor institution partners will be accelerated by this new venture with Legal & General. We can meet any anchor institution requirement with an experienced team and strong capital base aligned with the timelines and aspirations of universities, academic medical centers, government, and research centers.” He added, “Our team is excited to leverage the deep capital base of Legal & General and third-party clients to offer new investment options for our university partners, and we are eager to deliver activated districts of research and innovation that will enhance local economies across the United States. " At its Capital Markets Event at the end of last year, LGC set out plans to generate up to £600 million in profit from alternative assets by 2025, growing its alternative asset portfolio to £5 billion and generating returns of around 10 to 12 percent per annum, across its key focus areas of housing, small and medium-enterprise finance, specialist commercial real estate and clean energy. It is now looking at each of these sectors as part of its U.S. expansion. Laura Mason observed, “We see a strong alignment between our business strategy and Ancora’s strategy, with a commitment to investing long term in high-growth sectors and leveraging strategic partnerships to attract third party co-investment. As we look to grow our business at scale, we have major growth plans both in the UK and internationally, and this is just the start.” Notes to editors About Legal & General Capital Legal & General Capital (LGC) is Legal & General Group’s alternative asset platform, creating assets for Legal & General Retirement and third-party clients in order to achieve improved risk-adjusted returns for our shareholders. LGC has built its market leading capabilities in a range of alternative assets, delivering depth of resource, track record and intellectual property. Investing in the real economy and creating alternative assets that deliver a tangible societal impact, its purpose is to invest society’s capital for society’s benefit. LGC’s investments have been vertically integrated and include residential property, specialist commercial real estate, clean energy, alternative credit, and venture capital. As LGC’s capability to create alternative assets continues to grow, it will not only continue to grow its balance sheet of alternative assets but also create alternative assets for third party investors. Many of these investors have the same aims, namely to create assets to back pensions with an improved yield or to create assets with strong growth prospects but with low correlation to equities. L&G has invested around £30 billion (about $37 million) in levelling-up regional UK economies, including through major regeneration projects in Cardiff, Newcastle and Salford. Legal & General recently made a commitment to enable all new homes across its portfolio to operate at net zero carbon emissions by 2030, including Legal & General Modular Homes, CALA Group, Legal & General Affordable Homes, Build to Rent and Later Living. The company has strong track record of investing in technology and life sciences with its Bruntwood SciTech venture, the UK’s leading developer of innovation districts, creating the specialist environments and innovation ecosystems for science and technology businesses to form, scale and grow. A 50:50 joint venture between Bruntwood and Legal & General, Bruntwood SciTech provides high quality office and laboratory space and tailored business support, offering unrivaled access to finance, talent and markets, an extensive clinical, academic and public partner network, and a sector-specialist community of over 500 companies. Bruntwood SciTech has unique experience in creating and developing strategic partnerships with UK regional cities, universities, and NHS Trusts to drive economic growth through investment in science and technology infrastructure. Valued at over £600m ($750.4m), Bruntwood SciTech has now expanded over 11 UK locations with a portfolio of over 2.4m sqft including: - Alderley Park in Cheshire, the UK’s latest single-site science park and home to Cancer Research UK, Catapult and Evotec - £162.9m ($203.6m) - Melbourn Science Park in Cambridge - £52.8m ($66m) - Platform in Leeds - £44.8m ($56m) - Innovation Birmingham - £29.2m ($36.5m) - Manchester Science Park - £73.9m ($92.3m) - Citylabs 1.0 & 2.0 part of the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) campus - £78.5m ($98.1m) - Circle Square Manchester - £205.7m ($257.1m) It has a further development pipeline of 5m sqft, which includes $260m Birmingham Health Innovation Campus, $1.8bn ID Manchester and $37m Glasgow’s Met Tower. Ancora Founded in 2019 by Josh Parker, with co-founders John Philipchuck and Jeff Kingsbury, Ancora is a privately owned real estate firm based in Durham, North Carolina with team members in Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Indianapolis, New York, and Washington, DC. The firm acquires and develops real estate to serve high-growth science, technology, and innovation tenants in partnership with and proximate to leading U.S. anchor institutions. Core to Ancora’s program-first approach is to undertake development activity in direct partnership with anchor institutions such as universities, academic medical centers, government, and research institutes with whom they have strong and long-lasting relationships. About Legal & General Group Established in 1836, Legal & General is one of the UK’s leading financial services groups and a major global investor, with international businesses in the U.S., Europe, Middle East and Asia. With over $1.4 trillion in total assets under management, Legal & General is the UK’s largest investment manager for corporate pension schemes and a UK market leader in pension risk transfer, life insurance, workplace pensions and retirement income. Contact Details Meir Kahtan +1 917-864-0800 mkahtan@rcn.com Company Website https://www.legalandgeneralgroup.com/

May 25, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Global Affairs Canada Arranges High Level Meetings for Volatus at CANSEC 2022

Volatus Aerospace Corp.

Volatus Aerospace Corp. (TSXV: VOL) (OTCQB: VLTTF) ("Volatus" or "the Company") announces high-level meetings with military attaches from LATAM and Europe during CANSEC 2022. Several visiting delegations, including Lieutenant General Carlos Chávez Cateriano, Chief of Staff for the Peruvian Air Force, have requested meetings with Volatus during Canada’s largest global defence and security event being hosted at the EY Center in Ottawa on June 1-2, 2022. "We are honoured to have Lieutenant General Cateriano visit us at CANSEC as Peru and other sovereign entities look to add high-end military ISR and ISTAR drones to their capabilities" said Glen Lynch, Volatus CEO. "The Global Affairs Canada team has done an outstanding job helping us expand our business globally." During the show, Volatus will showcase a wide range of products including its mobile command vehicles, cargo & resupply drones, packable ISR drones, versatile land and sea ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) and long-range surveillance drones. In addition, the company will debut its Task Force ISR service—a fully equipped team of Veteran UAV operators deployable globally to provide ISR services in times of crisis or natural disaster. The company will be showcasing products and services at CANSEC 2022 in Booths #801, #1911 and #3036. About Volatus Aerospace: Volatus Aerospace Corp. is a leading provider of integrated drone solutions throughout Canada, the United States, and Latin America. Operating a vast pilot network, Volatus serves commercial and defense markets with imaging and inspection, security and surveillance, equipment sales and support, training, and design, manufacturing, and R&D. Through its subsidiary Volatus Aviation, Volatus carries on the business of aircraft management, charter sales, and cargo services using piloted, remotely piloted, and autonomous aircraft. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Corporation with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” (or other variations of the foregoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information includes information regarding (i) the business plans and expectations of the Corporation; and (ii) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans, strategies or beliefs as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Corporation, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information reflects the Corporation’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to it and on assumptions it believes to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances. In some instances, material factors or assumptions are discussed in this news release in connection with statements containing forward-looking information. Such material factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Corporation; meeting the continued listing requirements of the TSXV; and anticipated and unanticipated costs and other factors referenced in this news release and the Circular, including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Circular under the caption “Risk Factors”. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and, other than as required by law, the Corporation disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Source: Volatus Aerospace Corp. TSXV: VOL Contact Details Volatus Aerospace Corp. Rob Walker +1 514-447-7986 rob.walker@volatusaerospace.com Company Website https://volatusaerospace.com

May 25, 2022 07:50 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Bonnie Bailey and Samuel Wilson Named College of DuPage 2022 Outstanding Graduates

COD Newsroom

Bonnie Bailey and Samuel Wilson, both of Wheaton, are the 2022 Outstanding Graduates at College of DuPage. After earning her Associate in Applied Science degree in Hospitality Management, Bailey plans to study business administration and entrepreneurship at Johnson & Wales University. Her goal is to open a bed and breakfast. Wilson is graduating with an Associate in Arts degree and has been accepted into the prestigious Gies School of Business at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he will pursue a bachelor’s degree in accountancy. The Outstanding Graduate finalists are Vidhi Desai (Lisle), Hisham Elseweifi (Lombard), Amy Frese (Glen Ellyn), Leah Gormaz (Bloomingdale), Jacqueline King-Tran (Wheaton) and Angelina Kregg (Western Springs). When Bailey first went away to college, she found out her father’s kidneys were failing and returned home to donate one of hers. It saved his life. However, it also pulled her away from school, and she instead married and had four children. “I put my education on the shelf,” she said. “When the ‘being a mom and raising children’ chapter of my life was coming to an end, I began to ask myself who I wanted to be, how I would show up in the world and what impact I could make.” In 2016, Bailey was backpacking the Appalachian Trail and was working her way toward St. Johns Ledges in Connecticut when she decided to dust off her dream of college. “I was in my 40s and reached a difficult part of the trail. I told myself, ‘If you can do this, if you can survive this walk, you can go back to school.’ I was scared, and it took me nine months to get the courage to do it. But I did finally register at COD for two classes.” While she earned A’s in those first two classes, English and Speech, Bailey struggled with the technical aspect of her coursework. “The academic landscape had changed since I had been in school, and I was unprepared for the digital shift,” she said. “I got a C on my first English paper and my professor, Franz Burnier, said I had to flip the academic switch inside me. For my next paper, I worked hard and spent so much time at the library, and I got an A. The academic switch had been flicked, but I didn’t know how to flip the technical switch.” The next several semesters were difficult, and when she walked into Instructor Erik Skov’s Humanities 1130 class, Bailey knew she needed help. “I held my phone above my head and announced, ‘I’m a mom, and I’m old enough to be a mom to all of you. I want to earn my degree, but I need help with the technology. Would anyone like to help me?’ Those kids dispersed and gave me a seat in the middle of the room. All semester they called me ‘mama” and met me at Starbucks and the Library. With their guidance, I learned how to become a student in the digital age.” Bailey passed that class with an A. However, she also dropped another class and failed a third. Due to her record, she was placed on academic probation. “I looked at my GPA and got mad. With all my new knowledge and all my fury and grit and determination, I registered for a summer class and poured everything into it. I passed with a 98.6, and from that point forward, I got all A’s.” By the end of the fall 2019 semester, Bailey had raised her GPA to a 4.0 and became a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She also received multiple scholarships from the COD Foundation. Bailey cannot praise COD enough for helping her reach her dream. “I became fully integrated into the world of COD, and it anchored me. I was able to focus and work hard. I provided guidance and mentorship to other nontraditional-age students who were intimidated by the digital landscape. I also had a tribe of supporters who cheered me on along my journey, including my children. Being a COD student alongside three of my four children is an experience I will always treasure.” It was difficult for Wilson to question his choice of COD, which was like a second home to him. His parents—who both work at the College—brought him to the former early child care center on campus when he was 3. He later participated in classes offered through Continuing Education’s Kids on Campus and Teens on Campus programs, the latter helping him get a head start on his high school coursework. After being inspired by his high school accounting teacher, Wilson reached out to Maureen McBeth, COD Accounting professor and program chair, to learn more about his career options. “Problem solving and reasoning are two skills that have always engaged my interest. Working to determine solutions that applied these skills is an appealing career target, and she explained how these core skills aligned with accountancy,” he said. “She told me why accountants do what they do and explained the many career options.” Buoyed by this conversation yet still unsure whether accounting was the right career path, Wilson applied to COD and was named a Presidential Scholar, which covered two years of tuition as well as enrollment in the Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa. He initially signed up for two accounting classes—both taught by Associate Professor of Accounting Chris Ferro—and loved them. His only wish was that the classes had been in person, as all students were learning remotely due to COVID-19. Still, the pandemic did not keep Wilson from taking full advantage of his time at COD. He joined the Accounting Club, serving as a board member his first year and as president his second. Wilson was also an Honors Scholar and the lead organizer of the College’s Chess Club, through which he showed many students how playing chess can develop career-ready abilities. “By helping people to plan and strategize, manage risk and execute a cohesive plan, I hope that playing chess encouraged our members to apply these concepts to their future career paths.” Wilson said his best experience at COD was spending two years with the Accounting program’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), which provides free tax preparation for members of the community during tax season. “Being a VITA assistant was challenging as I managed our clients who wanted to book tax appointments and selected which tax preparer worked with each client,” he said. “As the tax preparers are students who are learning tax law, it was necessary that I lead with confidence and give the students a great sense of direction so they could succeed in preparing taxes. “Working with VITA allowed me to apply my knowledge to help real people. When I did people’s taxes, it didn’t feel like I was working, and if you do what you love, you won’t regret it.” Another key experience was his participation in the pilot cohort for the year-long Career Ready Scholar Program, which provides a series of career preparation activities with the guidance and support of the Career Services Center. One of the program’s highlights was participating in a job shadow experience, and Wilson met with the partner of a mid-sized accounting firm to learn more about his chosen career. Wilson recently received a scholarship from the Illinois Community College Faculty Association (ICCFA), awarded to only seven community college students in Illinois annually. Considering all that he has accomplished, Wilson attributes his ability to be proactive to his mother, a first-generation immigrant from Thailand who also attended COD. “It’s not the struggle of her story that pushes me, it’s the opportunities she took advantage of,” he said. “I don’t want to waste any opportunities. I view everything as maximizing my options.” Contact Details Jennifer Duda +1 773-490-4077 dudajen@cod.edu

May 24, 2022 04:00 PM Central Daylight Time

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