BMO Financial Group donates $2 million to Queen's School of Business

Major gift moves QSB closer to fundraising goal for expansion of Goodes Hall

KINGSTON, ON, Jan. 14 /CNW/ - Queen's School of Business received a $2 million gift from BMO Financial Group in support of the expansion of Goodes Hall, the home of the business school.

The donation was presented today at a ceremony on campus with Eric Tripp , President of BMO Capital Markets and Queen's BA (Hons) '81, Queen's University Principal Daniel Woolf and Queen's School of Business Dean David Saunders .

"We are extremely proud of our longstanding relationship with Queen's and also our deep commitment to education," said Mr. Tripp . "Of the nearly $50 million in sponsorships and donations that BMO Financial Group delivers each year in Canada , close to one-third goes toward education. This includes support for highly regarded institutions like Queen's, but also support for students in the form of scholarships."

In recognition of BMO's support, the Goodes Hall Atrium has been named the BMO Financial Group Atrium. A group of Commerce student leaders helped unveil the signage at today's ceremony.

"As a Queen's alumnus, I know the new BMO Financial Group Atrium will serve as a leading centre for dialogue and interaction amongst students, academics and business leaders, reinforcing this university's outstanding reputation for excellence in business education," added Mr. Tripp .

The 75,000 square-foot expansion will feature three new high-tech classrooms, breakout rooms, a student common area and multi-purpose room for conferences, guest speakers and recruiting events, as well as a support centre and office space for students.

"With more great teaching, research and learning opportunities, we can expand QSB's global footprint and alumni network, and advance our goal to be one of the most innovative and influential business schools in Canada and the world," said Dean Saunders . "We are very thankful for BMO's continued support of QSB and our mission to develop outstanding leaders."

Queen's University and BMO Financial Group have been working together since 1867, one of the longest running business relationships in Canada . In addition to BMO's support of the new wing at QSB, the bank has also established a professorship recognizing teaching excellence in Finance, as well as the Bank of Montreal National Award, a student award recognizing academic excellence, leadership and community involvement.

Since 1817, BMO Financial Group, Canada's first bank, has supported the principles of community reinvestment and corporate and social responsibility in the communities it serves. BMO is one of Canada's largest corporate benefactors. In 2009, BMO contributed nearly $50 million in Canada , supporting charitable donations, sponsorships and other events.

For further information: To request a photo or arrange an interview, please contact: Amber Wallace, Queen's School of Business, [phone], [email protected]; Kim Hanson, BMO Financial Group, [phone], [email protected]