Brock University President Jack Lightstone and Laurie Stang, Senior Vice-President of Scotiabank's Ontario Region, at the May 7 gift announcement

Through its Bright Future global philanthropic program, Scotiabank today made a major $750,000 donation to Brock University that will help fund one of Canada’s most modern research facilities, and establish a graduate award to support the work of leading young researchers.

At an event in Brock’s new Cairns Family Health and Bioscience Research Complex, Laurie Stang, Senior Vice President of Scotiabank’s Ontario Region, and Brock University President Jack Lightstone announced that $500,000 of the gift will support the Cairns Family Health and Bioscience Research Complex. The other $250,000 will launch the new Scotiabank Graduate Award. This will be matched by the Ontario Graduate Fellowship Program, creating a $500,000 endowment fund, making the total impact of today’s gift to Brock $1 million.

Lightstone hailed Scotiabank’s contribution as a bold investment in the future of Ontario and Canada, and praised the history of support between Scotiabank and Brock that goes back more than two decades. In recognition of today’s major gift, Lightstone said the University will honour its long-time partner by naming the atrium of the Cairns Complex in honour of Scotiabank.

The high-profile feature will be called the Scotiabank Atrium for the lifetime of the building.

Representatives from Scotiabank and Brock University tour the soon-to-be-opened Cairns Family Health and Bioscience Research Complex prior to the May 7 gift announcement

“Brock is a place that develops both sides of the brain,” said Lightstone. “Brock people strive to balance the pursuit of academic and research excellence with a well-rounded sense of community partnership. Because these values are shared by Scotiabank, we are able to grow in ways that benefit our students and faculty, as well as the people of Niagara region and beyond.”

Stang said Scotiabank is pleased to support the Niagara community and Brock.

“Through our Bright Future philanthropic program, we are proud to partner with Brock and thrilled to have our name associated with the Cairns Family Health and Bioscience Research Complex,” said Stang. “It takes vision to create an important facility like this, and that is why Brock is increasingly recognized as a leader and builder among post-secondary institutions. Our partnership with the University is a perfect fit, as we both understand the importance of investing in education, youth, and the communities of which they are a part.”

The Scotiabank Graduate Award will be given to full-time graduate students at Brock who have achieved high academic standing. Preference will be given to a student who demonstrates exemplary leadership in a student club, organization, association or team; who did something exceptional that helped advance Brock’s academic reputation; and/or who made a significant contribution to Brock or the Niagara community. Students from countries where Scotiabank operates will be eligible to apply for the Award.

• “Scotiabank Atrium” TV Cogeco Niagara Cable 10