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La Salle University School of Business Partnering with CLFP Foundation and Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation to Launch Commercial Equipment Finance Course

Philadelphia, PA, and Washington, DC (09/24/2026) — La Salle University announces it is partnering with the Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation and the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation to launch a new course on commercial equipment leasing and financing within its School of Business. The course, Commercial Equipment Finance, is one of only two of its kind in the country, and is starting in the spring 2027 semester.

"La Salle University is committed to providing our students with educational opportunities that equip them with the career readiness needed to build a successful future. This new course on Commercial Equipment Finance within our School of Business is a great example of this commitment. Students will have the chance to learn about a growing industry while developing the practical and hands-on skills needed to enter the workforce. We are excited to work alongside the CLFP Foundation and Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation to offer our Explorers an up-close and experiential look at this specialized area within the business world," said Lisa Jarvinen, Ph.D., La Salle University interim provost and vice president of academic affairs.

This course is modeled on the well-regarded program at the University of North Texas, and will use The CLFP Handbook for the textbook. It will cover foundational concepts, origination topics, and operations and servicing areas. Upon successful completion, students will be awarded the CLFP Student Certificate, and be eligible to sit for the Associate CLFP designation.

"La Salle University's School of Business is pleased to be early adopters in offering this ground-breaking course to provide our students with both academic rigor and real-world experience in commercial equipment leasing and finance," said Michael Moll, MBA, interim dean of the La Salle University School of Business. "Partnering with the CLFP Foundation and the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation ensures the course and supporting programs meet the highest standards and position La Salle students for potential, successful careers in this $1.3 trillion industry."

Established in 1955, La Salle University's School of Business provides a dynamic, student-centered education delivered through in-person, online, and hybrid formats. Grounded in a commitment to do purposeful business, the school prepares graduates to lead with integrity, analytical insight, and social responsibility. The school is also accredited by AACSB International-an achievement held by only 6 percent of institutions offering business degrees worldwide.

The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation is sponsoring the student textbooks and other supporting resources, including academic scholarships, internship opportunities, and networking events. This partnership is a natural alignment with the Foundation's Campus to Career academic outreach program raises awareness for future workforce development and provide learning and connection opportunities through resources for both students and employers.

"We are delighted that La Salle University students will have access to formal study in commercial equipment finance to introduce and prepare them for a future career path," said Miles Herman, President and CEO of LEAF Commercial Capital, Inc. and Chair of the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation Board of Trustees. "This is a welcoming industry with wide-ranging career opportunities that is actively cultivating the next generation workforce. The equipment finance sector has a strong presence in the Philadelphia area, which adds to the potential for students and local employers to make meaningful connections."

The CLFP Foundation and the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation look forward to expanding to other colleges and universities across the country to facilitate wider access.

Companies can support the program by posting their open internship opportunities at the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation's Internship Resources page: https://www.leasefoundation.org/campus-to-career/internship-resources-page/.

About La Salle University

La Salle University is a comprehensive Lasallian Catholic university located in Philadelphia. It is rooted in the tradition of the Brothers of the Christian Schools teaching order, founded by St. John Baptist de La Salle-the Patron Saint of Teachers. Chartered in 1863 by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, La Salle prepares students to become known for more through a practical liberal arts and experiential education. By offering a quality experience; rigorous academics; transferable skills; and exposure to domestic and international partnerships in a safe and caring environment, La Salle is propelling learners into leaders. Learn more at lasalle.edu.

About the Foundation

Founded in 1989, the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation is the equipment finance industry's definitive resource for workforce development. Through talent development, thought leadership, and workforce evolution, the Foundation strengthens the industry and the professionals who power it - connecting organizations, educators, and emerging professionals to build the talent pipeline of tomorrow. The Foundation is 100% donor funded. www.leasefoundation.org

About the CLFP Foundation

Since 1985, The CLFP Foundation has been a certifying body for the leasing and finance industry. It promotes the highest standard of professionalism within the industry by providing an objective, rigorous, and comprehensive certification program. The CLFP designation identifies an individual as a knowledgeable professional to employers, clients, customers, and peers in the commercial equipment finance industry. There are Certified Lease & Finance Professionals and Associates located throughout the United States (including Puerto Rico), Canada, India, Pakistan, Africa, and Australia. For more information, visit http://www.CLFPFoundation.org.

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