BMO Bank of Montreal Funds Aboriginal Awards at Malaspina University-College

Two outstanding Malaspina University-College aboriginal students will be $1,000 richer next fall with the new BMO Bank of Montreal Awards for BC Aboriginal Students.

BMO Bank of Montreal recently announced the annual awards, which will be given to British Columbian aboriginal students enrolled in any full-time diploma or degree program at Malaspina University-College. Winners will be selected based on their academic achievements, leadership skills and community involvement.

"This donation to Malaspina University-College is further proof of our commitment to supporting and strengthening higher learning in British Columbia," said Joanne Gassman, Vice President, Vancouver Island, BMO Bank of Montreal. "We believe that our financial support of this new Aboriginal Award will help Malaspina University-College maintain its high level of innovative programming and attract excellent scholars."

"This is a great example of corporate support for Malaspina students, and we greatly appreciate BMO Bank of Montreal's generosity," said Roger Prior, executive director Malaspina University-College Foundation.

"Scholarships provide great encouragement to students, and they set a fine example for others to follow."

Deadline for application is April 30, 2006. Funds will be awarded as a tuition credit for the fall semester. Application forms are available online at viu.ca or through the Nanaimo campus Financial Aid & Awards office in building 200.

BMO Financial Group, Canada’s first bank, is a highly diversified financial services organization that includes BMO Bank of Montreal, BMO Nesbitt Burns, one of Canada's largest full-service investment firms, and Chicago-based Harris, a major U.S. mid-west financial services provider. BMO Financial Group has 3,000 employees in British Columbia and operates 140 BMO Bank of Montreal branches.

BMO Financial Group contributed $37.9 million in corporate donations, sponsorships and events in 2005, supporting thousands of communities, charities and not-for-profit organizations in Canada and the USA. For more information call Laurie Grant, BMO Financial Group, 604-665-7596, email: laurie.grant@bmo.com.