The Royal Bank was in full holiday spirit when it announced a $1.3 million donation to the university as part of an ongoing business partnership on Tuesday.
"We are committed to our partners to make things happen," said University of Calgary President Terry White. "There is a very major race going on in the information era and I’m afraid Canadians are beginning to lose out in that race. This makes our partnerships with institutions like the Royal Bank all the more important."
The university will divide the donation into three parts. The Information Commons, the Learning Commons, and the Faculty of Management will each receive a portion of the money.
The Learning Commons will receive $300,000 for summer seminars and to upgrade the curriculum. The seminars are designed to instruct faculty how to teach more effectively.
"We take learning seriously," said White. "There are a vast number
of changes occurring, and occurring quickly. The Learning Commons helps us to bring all the expertise in the university and make it possible for faculty to come here and deal with challenges they face in providing quality environments."
The Faculty of Management plans to use its portion to replace a professor who changed positions earlier this year.
"One of our people in finance has gravitated away into a more unique area, leaving a gaping hole," said Dean of Management Dr. David Saunders. "We will be using this gift to fill that void."
Students’ Union President Rob South also acknowledged the positive relationship that the university and the Royal Bank share. The SU is negotiating with the Royal Bank for a $10 million loan in its expansion plans.
"We are working on a fourth partnership for this university right now," said South. "We are in the process of negotiating a $10 million loan from the Royal Bank for the $12 million dollar expansion of the student centre."
After the many thanks from the university, White presented Royal Bank Sr. Vice-president Gordon Tallman with a plaque commemorating past and present contributions to the university.