March 03, 2008 -
New fund will focus on study and research into environment-related activities
Scotiabank is donating $500,000 to establish The Scotiabank Mexico Corporate Social Responsibility Fund at the University of Alberta. Endowed awards will support and enhance the teaching and research experience of undergraduate and graduate students - both inbound from, and outbound to, Mexico - in the university's Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences.
All four departments within the Faculty of ALES have an academic focus on economic, social and environmental impacts: Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science; Renewable Resources; Rural Economy and Human Ecology.
"This opportunity is a terrific fit for Scotiabank as it enables us to provide students with greater access to learning and research opportunities at the U of A and in Mexico while supporting Scotiabank's commitment to corporate social responsibility," said Scotiabank President and CEO Rick Waugh.
"As Canada's most international bank, with a significant presence in Mexico, we recognize the profound implications of living in an increasingly interconnected world. We have seen first hand the tremendous benefit that comes with the exchange of ideas, experiences and best practices," added Mr. Waugh.
U of A President Indira Samarasekera said Scotiabank's gift aligns perfectly with the university's international engagement strategy. "Mexico is a country of strategic interest to Canada with many natural linkages. This donation will contribute to the many university initiatives underway and to those in development. On behalf of the university, I thank Scotiabank for their foresight in establishing this important fund."
For more information please contact File No: 12
Sandra Halme, Public Affairs, University of Alberta, 780-492-0442; March 3, 2008
Deborah Spence, Scotiabank Public Affairs, cell: 403-612-3317
The University of Alberta in Edmonton is one of the top 100 teaching and research universities in the world serving some 37,000 students with more than 11,000 faculty and staff. Founded a century ago, the university has an annual budget in excess of $1 billion and attracts more than $480 million in external research funding. It offers close to 400 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in 18 faculties.
Background
Scotiabank
Grupo Scotiabank is a member of the Scotiabank family. Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. Grupo Scotiabank is one of the leading financial groups in Mexico with 602 branches and 1,307 ATMs throughout Mexico. It employs approximately 8,650 people in its main subsidiaries: Scotiabank Mexico; Scotia Fondos; Scotia Casa de Bolsa and Scotia Afore. Together these companies offer an extensive range of financial products and services for individuals, small businesses and multinational corporations.
In 1997, Scotiabank provided a $1 million gift to the University of Alberta to support scholarships and bursaries in the Faculty of Arts.
Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities where its customers and employees live and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2007 the Bank provided more than $43 million in sponsorships and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture. Scotiabank is on the World Wide Web at www.scotiabank.com.
Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta
The Faculty of ALES is truly a responsive, problem-solving faculty at the University of Alberta, with our focus on science and social science and their applications, connected and relevant to the needs of society. The Faculty consists of four teaching/research departments, the Devonian Botanic Garden, and several off-campus facilities. ALES has approximately 1,400 undergraduate students, 400 graduate students, and over 12,000 alumni. Details about the University of Alberta, Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences can be found on the Faculty's web site at http://www.ales.ualberta.ca/.
The University of Alberta in Edmonton is one of the top 100 teaching and research universities in the world serving some 37,000 students with more than 11,000 faculty and staff. Founded a century ago, the university has an annual budget in excess of $1 billion and attracts more than $480 million in external research funding. It offers close to 400 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in 18 faculties.
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