(SLN) Nipissing University's Annie Sumi Wins the Chance to 'Open for Lights'

More than 200 video entries, 5600 votes and 28,000 views in SLN's contest presented by CIBC

TORONTO, March 22, 2012 /CNW/ - Student Life Network (SLN) announced the result of its 'Open for Lights' contest today, naming Annie Sumi of Nipissing University the grand prize winner.  As a result, Lights will play a show at Nipissing on March 29 and Annie will open the show in front of her fellow students.

"We were blown away by the talent at colleges and universities across the country," said Stephen Sills, Creative Director Student Life Network. "The response was incredible."

The three-week talent contest, which ran in 60 campuses across the country was sponsored by CIBC and saw 207 entries from students who entered by submitting videos to their school's private network.  The student videos with the most votes at each school were then submitted to a panel of judges who selected the winner.

"CIBC congratulates Annie Sumi from Nipissing University - the winner of the Open for Lights contest," said Veni Iozzo, CIBC Senior Vice-President of Marketing & Strategy and one of the contest judges. "Thank you to all the students who submitted videos - there was so much talent across Canadian campuses it was a very tough decision to make. 

"We are thrilled to celebrate Canadian Music Week by sponsoring the Student Life Network's initiative, including a concert at Nipissing University. CIBC will be cheering for Annie as she opens for Lights on Thursday."

Tickets for the Lights show will be free and available on March 27th.  Students who voted in the competition will have the first opportunity to get tickets. Additionally, students who show their CIBC debit or credit card at the concert will gain access to the CIBC Lounge at the show on a first come first served basis.

About Student Life Network
Student Life Network http://studentlifenetwork.com/ is the leading provider of private student social networks - exclusive spaces for the campus community to connect and share - to colleges and universities across Canada. It provides a marketplace, discounts, clubs, events, discussions, polls, contests, picture and video sharing and a safe place for students to connect with each other.  Access is granted only to those that have a valid student ID or email address.

About CIBC
CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) is a leading North American financial institution with nearly 11 million personal banking and business clients. CIBC offers a full range of products and services through its comprehensive electronic banking network, branches and offices across Canada, and has offices in the United States and around the world. For information on CIBC's free banking offer for students, please visit cibc.com/ca/chequing-savings/advantage-for-students.html.

About Lights
Lights is a Canadian singer-songwriter. She won the 2009 Juno Award for Best New Artist.  On October 4, 2011, Lights' second studio album, Siberia, was released online to US and Canadian iTunes stores.  The first single off of the album, "Toes," was released on August 16^th to iTunes.

For media or other inquiries, please contact:
TJ Donnelly
President & CEO
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416.606.7366
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@StudentLifeNet