BMO Financial Group Donates $1 Million to Help Establish University Campus Library in Oshawa

OSHAWA, Ont. - Students of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and Durham College will enjoy first-class library facilities for decades to come thanks in part to a generous $1-million donation from BMO Financial Group.

"BMO Financial Group has a strong tradition of supporting higher education and learning across the country and this contribution to Ontario's newest university is yet another step in ensuring that Canadian students have the facilities and programs needed to compete in the 21st century," said Tony Comper, President and CEO, BMO Financial Group. "We at BMO share UOIT's commitment to the development and elevation of technological skills. In fact, we have just recently announced that we are establishing a major corporate technology centre in Barrie, and I hope that in a few years time we will be able to draw upon UOIT graduates to join our organization there and across Canada."

Terry Slobodian, Vice-President of Advancement with UOIT and President of the Durham College Foundation added that this gift is also the largest corporate donation to our ongoing fundraising campaign to date.

"In making this tremendous donation, BMO Financial Group is truly investing in our collective future, and is clearly demonstrating its passion for learning and knowledge," said Slobodian.

The beautiful campus library, which began operations in August of this year, offers an exceptional atmosphere for learning, with its bright, spacious study areas and wired and wireless computer access throughout the building.

"The library reflects the university's and the college's commitment to excellence," added Dr. Gary Polonsky, President of UOIT and Durham College.

"From the day it was merely a floor plan, I knew our library would be outstanding," he said. "The goal for our library has always been to enhance research, teaching, study and personal interaction by providing the very best facilities and resources. Now, thanks to outstanding partners such as BMO, that vision is a reality."

Among those attending the donation event ceremony were Ian Hamilton, Vice-President, Eastern Central Ontario District, BMO Bank of Montreal; City of Oshawa Mayor John Gray; Alan Furlong, on behalf of Judi Longfield, MP for Whitby/Oshawa; Peter LeBel, Director of Community and Marketing Services with the Town of Whitby; Oshawa City Councillor John Neal; Travis Hoover, on behalf of Lou Rinaldi, MPP for Northumberland; Kim Glover, on behalf of MPP Jim Flaherty; and Patrick McNeil, Senior Vice-President at Ontario Power Generation. 

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About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology
As the province's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research, and hands-on skills. The university offers career-focused undergraduate degree programs in the fields of business and information technology, sciences, engineering, nursing, social science, and education. It is also developing leading-edge research and graduate programs, and is Ontario's first laptop-based university. Sharing facilities and selected services with Durham College, UOIT has over 1,800 students following 12 months of operation. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 1.866.844.8648.

About BMO Financial Group
Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group (TSX, NYSE: BMO) is a highly diversified North American financial services organization. BMO serves clients across Canada and the United States through its Canadian retail arm BMO Bank of Montreal; BMO Nesbitt Burns, one of Canada's leading full-service investment firms; and through Chicago-based Harris. BMO Bank of Montreal has 12 branches and 28 ABM's in the Durham region. In addition to the new contribution to the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, BMO is also a supporter of other community based projects such as the Durham Regional Cancer Centre at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, the Parkwood Foundation, and the United Way of Oshawa, Whitby and Clarington.

For more information, please contact:

Michael Edmonds
BMO Financial Group
416.867.3996
michael.edmonds@bmo.com

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Tania Henvey
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111 ext. 2513
tania.henvey@dc-uoit.ca