Syncrude invests in Edmonton's MacEwan University

FORT MCMURRAY, AB, Oct. 25, 2012 /CNW/ - Syncrude Canada Ltd. continues its investment in Edmonton-based programs with a $250,000 donation to MacEwan University's Bachelor of Science in Engineering Transfer program.

"Syncrude is very proud to support a first-class institution that is helping to develop skilled workers for rewarding and promising careers in the oil sands," said Syncrude President and CEO Scott Sullivan. "Developing Alberta's oil sands is a very technical business that needs highly skilled people. As the need for engineering and science expertise grows with our expanding industry, Syncrude remains committed to partnering with post secondary institutions."

Syncrude's donation to MacEwan University will support the program's Engineering Boot Camp, the Engineering SolidWorks Workshop and the Student Research Showcase. The Boot Camp and SolidWorks Workshop give new students a head start as they begin their academic careers. The Student Research Showcase provides hands-on learning opportunities for engineering students to hone their critical thinking skills along with their presentation skills. Syncrude encourages collaborative research in science and technology such as the opportunity students receive through the Research Showcase. The company's substantial investments in research, development and new technologies are aimed at improving the financial, operational and environmental aspects of Alberta's oil sands development.

Syncrude will also continue support for the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation with a $150,000 sponsorship of the Snowflake Gala over three years. The annual family-focused, black-tie fundraiser helps to support children's health through equipment, education, research, and special services.

Syncrude's commitment and investment in Edmonton-based programs that serve northern Alberta is demonstrated by the $4.4 million contributed to community projects and initiatives in the past five years. A few examples of recent investments include:

• $500,000 to the University of Alberta's DiscoverE and WISEST (Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science and Technology) outreach programs
• $750,000 to the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation
• $250,000 to the Stollery Children's Hospital Emergency Room campaign
• $124,000 to Ronald McDonald House
• $1,000,000 donation to NAIT

The Syncrude Project is a Joint Venture undertaking among Canadian Oil Sands Partnership, Imperial Oil Resources, Mocal Energy Limited, Murphy Oil Company Ltd., Nexen Oil Sands Partnership, Sinopec Oil Sands Partnership and Suncor Energy Oil and Gas Partnership.

SOURCE: Syncrude Canada Ltd.

Cheryl Robb, Syncrude, 780-717-9638 or Syncrude's website at www.syncrude.com