York U golf tournament surpasses $5 million mark in fundraising for student financial aid

As the title sponsor, 407 ETR extends support to student athletes in addition to graduate studies and Lassonde School of Engineering at York University

TORONTO, Oct. 29, 2015 /CNW/ - (originally released October 21, 2015) – York University gets continued support from 407 ETR including through the recent York University Lions Cup Golf Tournament. The tournament raised more than $111,000 this year alone, bringing the total to more than $5 million since the tournament began in 2001.

"Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and supporters over the years, this year led by 407 ETR, the funds raised through this tournament have helped more than 330 outstanding students," says Jeff O'Hagan, York's vice-president of advancement. The tournament was recently held at the Lionhead Golf Club & Conference Centre in Brampton.

407 ETR, which has been a strong York U supporter, served as the tournament's title sponsor for the first time this year.

"York is a leader in education and has built a strong and vibrant community in which students can learn and develop into future leaders," said Jose Tamariz, 407 ETR President and CEO.  "Supporting the York community both on and off the road gives our company an opportunity to be partners in the very best of education, innovation and athletic excellence." 

Tamariz adds, "We continue to observe that thousands of the university's students, faculty and staff rely on the highway for a fast, safe and reliable trip every time they use the road."

In addition to helping raise funds to support student athletes, 407 ETR has donated $125,000 to establish the 407 ETR Graduate Student Award, as well as $250,000 for a learning lab at the Lassonde School of Engineering to enable York's engineering students to learn, collaborate and solve problems alongside their professors and peers.

NOTE: Photos from the event are available for media use at http://advancement.yorku.ca/events-and-programs/the-lions-cup/.

York University is known for championing new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our 52,000 students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-discipline programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. York students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world's most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. York U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 24 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide.

SOURCE 407 ETR Concession Company Limited

Media Contact: Gloria Suhasini, York University Media Relations, 416-736-2100 ext. 22094 / [email protected]