Release Date: December 12, 2006
Media Contact: Stephen King, External Relations
E-mail: Stephen.King@uregina.ca
Phone: (306) 585.5632
Mobile: (306) 536.4312
Fax: (306) 585.4997
CIBC supports new Aboriginal student mentorship program
A new mentorship program at the University of Regina will help increase Aboriginal student enrolment and support Aboriginal students’ transition from high school to university life. The CIBC Kâspohtamâtotân Mentorship Program was established by a $225,000 donation from CIBC to the U of R’s Building Dreams and Futures campaign and will connect elementary and high school Aboriginal students with their University counterparts. The Cree word kâspohtamâtotân means “passing knowledge from one generation to another.”

“At CIBC, helping young people to reach their full potential is a major focus of our community investment program,” said Steve Meston, CIBC senior vice-president, Western Canada, Commercial Banking. “CIBC is proud to help launch this program for Aboriginal students because we understand the critical role mentoring plays in promoting self-confidence and fostering a sense of belonging and community.”

The CIBC Kâspohtamâtotân Mentorship Program will be established within the Aboriginal Student Centre at the University. It will increase awareness of opportunities and services available on campus; act as a primary source of information about higher education for first-generation university students; provide pre-admission counseling; and improve retention at the elementary and high school levels.

“This new program addresses the unique needs of Aboriginal students, many of whom are the first generation in their families to attend university. By connecting young students with role models who can answer questions and provide support early on, we make a university education more accessible,” says University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor Robert Hawkins. “The mentorship program will help us attract and retain Aboriginal students, which will help create opportunity for them while enriching life on our campus.”

CIBC is committed to supporting causes that matter to its clients, employees and communities. CIBC aims to make a difference in communities the bank calls home through corporate donations, sponsorships and the volunteer spirit of employees. With a focus on youth, education and health, and employee commitment to causes including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, the United Way and the CIBC World Markets Children’s Foundation, CIBC is investing in the social and economic development of communities across the country. In 2005, the CIBC group of companies contributed more than $42 million worldwide to charitable organizations and community initiatives. Of this, $28 million was invested in Canada to support national, regional and local organizations.

Building Dreams and Futures is an ambitious campaign to raise $100 million for priority areas of the University of Regina, including student and research support, the Centre for Kinesiology, Health and Sport and emerging priorities. Funds are being raised from a variety of funding sources, including donations from individuals, corporations, and community organizations. Information on the campaign and how to make a contribution is available at 1-877-779-4723 or www.uregina.ca/campaign.