Acadia University President and Vice-Chancellor Ray Ivany today welcomed a $175,000 donation from Scotiabank that will fund five new “Scotiabank Studentship” awards. The new awards will help give Acadia an edge in competing for top undergraduate talent from across Canada and around the world.

Starting in September 2015, five new undergraduate students will receive awards based on a combination of exceptional achievements in their studies, community service, student leadership, athletic/arts activities and perseverance through adversity. Candidates will be identified and winners selected through the University’s existing new-student registration process.

“The Scotiabank Studentships take their place among Acadia’s most-important awards based on both their size and their ability to help Acadia attract and compete for ideal Acadia students – high academic achievers who continuously look to broaden themselves and their abilities to contribute to society, often despite adversity,” Mr. Ivany said at an announcement event today in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

The Scotiabank Studentship awards are renewable for each student’s four-year university education and will cover tuition and books for domestic students, while international student winners see more than half of their tuition covered.

“Scotiabank is proud to support Acadia University’s new Scotiabank Studentship awards to help attract top academic and community focused students from across Canada and around the world,” said Craig Thompson, Scotiabank Senior Vice President of Atlantic Region. “Scotiabank understands the importance of investing in youth so they have the tools and experience to navigate our increasingly interconnected world and continue to contribute to the Annapolis Valley community.”

Through its Bright Future program, Scotiabank is known for its commitment to helping communities develop in the six pillar areas of education, health, social services, arts and culture, sports, and the environment.

“Choosing a university to attend was by far the biggest decision I have made,” said Nolan Hunter, second-year mathematics and statistics major at Acadia from Five Islands, Nova Scotia. “The amount of money I knew I would have to spend during my four years of university for living expenses, tuition and other associated costs were a huge worry to me. When I was told I would receive a scholarship from Acadia, I was blown away. Receiving a scholarship is very motivating and encourages me to continue to strive for excellence every year.”

Scotiabank knows that community is key to the Atlantic region’s prosperity and well-being, and in 2013 invested more than $4.75 million in Atlantic Canadian communities:

• More than $4 million donated in the areas of education, health, social services, arts and culture, sports, and the environment
• More than 9,600 employee volunteer hours
• More than $2.5 million in employee-raised funds matched by Scotiabank
• More than $675,000 in event sponsorships

 

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is a leading financial services provider in over 55 countries and Canada’s most international bank. Through Bright Future, our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank and its employees support causes at a grassroots level across six pillars: health, education, social services, arts and culture, environment and sports. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has contributed on average some $50 million annually over the last five years to community causes around the world. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

About Acadia University
Acadia University, in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, has long been recognized as one of Canada's premier post-secondary institutions. With its nationally and internationally recognized undergraduate and graduate research initiatives, small classes, and technology-rich teaching and learning environment, Acadia offers students an experience that includes academic achievement combined with personal growth and development. Acadia also offers distance learning, certificate programs, language training and other university extension programs through Open Acadia. For more information about Acadia University, visit our website at http://acadiau.ca