Media Release, June 22, 2009
The University of British Columbia received a $1 million donation from TD Bank Financial Group today to create an endowment that will provide a lasting legacy in business education for Aboriginal students.
The gift will improve access and support for Aboriginal learners pursuing a business education. Today’s donation is the largest gift received in support of Aboriginal education at UBC.
“We are grateful to TD Bank Financial Group for its strong support of Aboriginal students,” says UBC President Stephen J. Toope. “This generous donation will help UBC further its goal of creating learning environments and support mechanisms that reflect the specific needs of Aboriginal students.”
The gift will be divided equally between two programs:
- The TD Bank Aboriginal Student Award will establish an endowment to create financial awards for Aboriginal students across UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan who are enrolled in business education or majoring in economics.
- The Ch’nook Business Education Initiative will provide funding for Aboriginal students who are enrolled in the Ch’nook Scholars and Advanced Management programs. it will also provide mentorship opportunities for TD employees as a means of supporting these students in their pursuit of business education.
“With our annual endowment, we’ll be able to assist hundreds of students over the years by removing barriers to Aboriginal education,” says Raymond Chun, senior vice president TD Canada Trust. “We support UBC’s vision to help develop tomorrow’s Aboriginal business leaders and hope our contribution will inspire future generations to realize their hopes and dreams.”
The gift will help further the goals set out in UBC’s Aboriginal Strategic Plan. The plan has identified the university’s commitment to Aboriginal education, respect for Aboriginal knowledge and cultures, and a resolve to build upon the strengths of the university to more fully address the needs of Aboriginal and Indigenous communities.
Established by the UBC First Nations House of Learning and the Sauder School of Business, the Ch’nook Aboriginal Business Education program works with a circle of advocates and supporters to raise Aboriginal awareness and interest in post-secondary business education.