How the Student Health Plan Supports Algonquin College Students
Find out how Alumo and the SA have shaped the Student Health Plan, expanded services, and supported more than 86,000 students over three decades.
Published: December 2, 2025
In the last seven years alone, over 86,000 domestic students from Algonquin College have enjoyed the benefits of the Student Health Plan.
As the Algonquin Students’ Association (SA) celebrates its 55th anniversary, we shine a spotlight on our longest-running partner, Alumo, the student benefits provider which oversees our Student Health Plan. Kimberly Garrett, Alumo’s Director of Partnerships & Development, discusses the history of the partnership and its impact.
Q: Why is this partnership important?
A: The SA has been a strong and valued partner of WeSpeakStudent, now becoming Alumo, for more than 30 years — making it one of our longest-standing and most meaningful relationships. Over the decades, we have worked closely together to support students, improve the benefits experience, and respond to the evolving needs of the campus community. This demonstrates our shared commitment to ensuring students receive the coverage, support, and practical benefits that help them thrive, from essential medications to valuable savings on daily needs.
Q: What’s something students might not understand about their Student Health Plan?
A: That they can use their health coverage as an everyday tool to support their wellbeing, rather than something they only turn to when absolutely necessary. Their coverage goes beyond basic medical and dental care. It includes meaningful day-to-day supports such as the Student Assistance Program for mental health and wellness as well as Paramedical services.
Students also have access to thousands of health practitioners across the country who offer discounts when they use their benefits, along with the option to seamlessly combine their student plan with a parent or employer plan.
Overall, students often have far more support than they expect, and we encourage them to explore their benefits so they can make the most of what is available to them.
Q: How has the company evolved over the years, and what comes next?
A: Over our 30 years of partnership, there has been significant growth, evolution, and change. The company began as ACL Student Benefits, offering only drug and AD&D coverage to Algonquin students. Several years later, dental services were added, and shortly after, ACL rebranded to WeSpeakStudent. The plan continued to expand over time, introducing the WeConnect Student Assistance Program and, most recently, Extended Health benefits. Now, as WeSpeakStudent becomes Alumo, we look forward to continuing to grow and evolve together with the SA. Our commitment to supporting students remains strong, and we are focused on enhancing every aspect of the benefits experience to help them succeed both on and off campus.
Q: What’s the meaning behind the name Alumo?
A: ‘Alumo’ is inspired by two words that reflect the student journey and the role we strive to play in it. The first is ‘Alumni,’ which represents the growth and progress students make throughout their academic experience. The second is ‘Lumo,’ meaning ‘light’ in Latin, symbolizing knowledge, learning, and guidance.
Together, these ideas shape the meaning of Alumo. The name reflects our long-standing commitment to supporting students as they move through their studies and into the next stage of their lives, and it captures the sense of continuity and support that we aim to provide.
Learn more about the Student Health Plan. Alumo is the sponsor of the 2025 SA Staff Holiday Party.