June 4, 1996 For Immediate Release

The Bank of Nova Scotia will be announcing a $75,000 contribution to the University of Northern British Columbia on June 6th. The presentation will occur in the Library at 1:30pm.

Two-thirds of the contribution will support the University's distance education program, while the remaining funds will be allocated to bursaries and scholarships for northern students, especially those with special needs.

"Business has a responsibility to ensure it supports educational programs like those at UNBC -- programs aimed at meeting real needs and teaching real skills that benefit students, the community, and ultimately the entire country. UNBC's offerings are valuable and relevant to Canadians from all walks of life," says George Marlatte, Scotiabank Senior Vice-President for BC and the Yukon. "Scotiabank's donation to UNBC is just the most recent example of a longstanding commitment to supporting educational and technological excellence, as well as involvement in supporting the communities it serves."

"Commitments to distance learning are especially important because one of UNBC's priorities is ensuring that our courses are available to northerners who could benefit from them," says UNBC President Charles Jago. "Scotiabank's donation is an invaluable commitment to the central mission of this University."

UNBC offered 37 courses by distance education in the 1995-96 academic year in eight northern BC communities.