BMO Financial Group supports students in rural and northern studies at the University of Regina with $225,000 donation
Students in rural and northern studies at the University of Regina (U of R) got a significant boost today with the announcement of a $225,000 donation from BMO Financial Group. The bank's gift to the University's Building Dreams and Futures campaign will establish theBMO Financial Group Fellowship Program for Rural and Northern Studies.
“We strive to build trusted relationships within the communities where we do business and we are proud to support this innovative program launched by the University of Regina to address rural and northern community issues,” says Ken Segboer, vice-president, Saskatchewan, BMO Bank of Montreal.
This marks the largest donation ever made by BMO to the University of Regina. The BMO Financial Group Fellowship Program for Rural and Northern Studies will help to ensure that access to graduate studies is made possible for the gifted and talented individuals pursuing this important work. The fellowship program will provide funding over a five-year period to attract and retain exceptional graduate student researchers in the field of rural and northern studies.
“This fellowship is not just about northern or rural Saskatchewan, it is about our entire country,” says Robert Hawkins, president of the University of Regina. “Research has a lot to teach us about the knowledge and creativity that exists in northern and rural people. It will also help build strong and vibrant rural and northern communities. It will help build understanding, partnerships and sustainable solutions to benefit us all. We are proud to have BMO Financial Group as a partner in this exploration.”
Some current research projects in rural and northern studies at the University of Regina include: integrated mental health service delivery in First Nation communities, improving HIV/AIDS support structures in northern Saskatchewan aboriginal communities, and community collaboration to improve health care access of northern residents. The U of R is also the only university in Canada to offer undergraduate social work curriculum focused on rural and northern social issues that is available via outreach to students in the northern territories.
BMO Financial Group, Canada's first bank, is a highly diversified financial services organization that includes BMO Bank of Montreal, BMO Nesbitt Burns, one of Canada's largest full-service investment firms, and Chicago-based Harris, a major U.S. mid-west financial services provider. BMO Financial Group has been helping local communities thrive since we began business in 1817. In 2005, BMO contributed $37.9 million in corporate donations, sponsorships and events, supporting thousands of communities and not-for-profit organizations in Canada and the USA. BMO Bank of Montreal has 29 branches, two northern outlets and more than 350 employees in Saskatchewan.
Building Dreams and Futures is an ambitious campaign to raise $100 million for priority areas of the University of Regina, including student and research support, the Centre for Kinesiology, Health and Sport and emerging priorities. Funds are being raised from a variety of funding sources, including donations from individuals, corporations, and community organizations. Information on the campaign and how to make a contribution is available at 1-877-779-4723 or www.uregina.ca/campaign.
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