Scotiabank held their Annual General Meeting in Saskatoon this past week. At the April 2^nd Client Reception, President and CEO Rick Waugh announced a $200,000 gift to the Edwards School of Business.  Dean Daphne Taras accepted the gift on behalf of the school and the university.  “The Edwards School is delighted with Scotiabank’s generous support of Aboriginal business students,” said Taras. “Scotiabank has had a long-standing commitment to the Edwards School and this gift continues the tradition. We are planning more effective recruitment and we are creating internships that will make a major difference in the lives of our Aboriginal students.”

Edwards student Aleesha Bitternose joined the dean on stage after being chosen as one of four people to be interviewed on their volunteerism in the community. 

Scotiabank has supported Aboriginal initiatives in the Edwards School of Business since 1996 and this recent gift renews their commitment. “This funding demonstrates our strong belief in education, recognition of the academic excellence of the University of Saskatchewan and our commitment to Canada’s Aboriginal communities and individuals,” said Waugh. “We have long believed in providing students with the necessary tools to achieve their full potential and are particularly pleased to know that this gift will help remove financial barriers for Aboriginal students seeking a business education and shaping the future of Canadian business and Aboriginal communities.”

The gift will be designated to the following:

• Scotiabank AFOA Student Bridging Awards
  • In 2010 the Edwards School signed an articulation agreement with AFOA (Aboriginal Financial Officers Association) to admit students with an Aboriginal Financial Management diploma to the B.Comm. program.  These Scotiabank awards will provide financial assistance to two top students bridging into the B.Comm. program.
• Scotiabank Aboriginal Initiatives Student Intern
  • This portion of the gift will be used to support an employment bursary for one or two upper-year Aboriginal business students annually. 
• Scotiabank Aboriginal Business Education Award
  • This award was established by Scotiabank in 2006 to support Aboriginal candidates applying to our MBA program.  We will now be able to give the award for a further five years.