uOttawa News

OTTAWA, September 23, 2015  —  University of Ottawa students now have access to new sources of financial support thanks to a $250,000 donation from Desjardins Group. The donation will be used to create two funds for entrepreneurial initiatives and one scholarship.

“The donation announced today is the result of a key alliance between two institutions that have a close connection to the notion of social responsibility, thereby helping to train and support a strong and informed new generation.I am grateful to Desjardins Group, which, like the University of Ottawa, is an active participant in vibrant francophone communities here and elsewhere,” said Allan Rock, President and Vice-Chancellor.

“Desjardins has always been firmly committed to the social and economic development of communities. Therefore, we are very proud to announce this commitment with the University of Ottawa because, in addition to aligning with our co-operative group mission, it will make it possible to support youth and entrepreneurs in their accomplishment of concrete projects for the Ottawa area,”said Monique F.Leroux, Chair of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, Desjardins Group.

The funds will provide financial support for students who wish to set up the business or implement the initiative.Through a mentoring program provided in co-operation with the Entrepreneurship Hub, future University of Ottawa entrepreneurs can not only continue their studies, but also test their innovative ideas with experienced business people.

Finally, the Desjardins scholarship will provide financial support to undergraduate students who demonstrate leadership and community involvement.

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The University of Ottawa—A crossroads of cultures and ideas
The University of Ottawa is home to over 50,000 students, faculty and staff, who live, work and study in both French and English.Our campus is a crossroads of cultures and ideas, where bold minds come together to inspire game-changing ideas. We are one of Canada’s top 10 research universities—our professors and researchers explore new approaches to today’s challenges. One of a handful of Canadian universities ranked among the top 200 in the world, we attract exceptional thinkers and welcome diverse perspectives from across the globe.

About Desjardins Group
Desjardins Group is the leading cooperative financial group in Canada and the fifth largest cooperative financial group in the world with assets of close to $251 billion. It has been rated one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt. To meet the diverse needs of its members and clients, Desjardins offers a full range of products and services to individuals and businesses through its extensive distribution network, online platforms and subsidiaries across Canada. Considered North America’s strongest bank according to Bloomberg News, Desjardins has one of the highest capital ratios and credit ratings in the industry.

Media inquiries:

Néomie Duval
Manager, Media Relations
University of Ottawa
Office: 613-562-5800 ext. 3087
Cell: 613-240-0275
neomie.duval@uOttawa.ca

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