CIBC donates $350,000 to support students at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Milton campus

By Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

Thanks to a $350,000 donation from CIBC, Wilfrid Laurier University has received a significant boost for equity-deserving students and its new Milton campus. This funding will establish two new student awards to advance the success of students from underrepresented groups and encourage science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies.

With a $300,000 gift, the CIBC STEM Entrance Award will financially support full-time undergraduate students entering Laurier’s first-year programs, prioritizing Black students, indigenous students, and students living with disabilities. An additional $50,000 will fund the CIBC Milton Founders Entrance Scholarship, designated for incoming undergraduates at Laurier’s new Milton campus, with a preference for those pursuing STEM programs.

“We are grateful to CIBC for this generous investment in the next generation of innovators and leaders at Laurier,” said Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy.

“This support opens doors to STEM programs and strengthens Laurier’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment on our campuses.”

This new gift builds on decades of collaboration between CIBC and Laurier to support students, particularly in business and entrepreneurship. Past contributions have included the CIBC Finance Scholarship, designed for women in finance, and the CIBC Leaders in Entrepreneurship Award. CIBC has also been a longstanding sponsor of the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics’ Integrated Case Exercise (ICE) Week, allowing students to devise solutions to real-world business challenges.

“CIBC aims to create a world without limits to ambition. We’re committed to removing barriers that all too often stand in the way of success for many students from underserved communities,” said Akil Bishop, CIBC’s SVP and region head for Ontario West.

“We’re proud of our longstanding partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University and our shared commitment of building more inclusive communities. The CIBC STEM Entrance Award and the CIBC Milton Founders Entrance Scholarship will not only improve access to education and careers in STEM but will empower the next generation of leaders and changemakers to make a lasting impact on the world.”

CIBC’s investment supports Laurier’s strategic priorities by fostering an inclusive community and preparing students to tackle future challenges.