Business school receives major investment
Photo by Bryan Weismiller. TV screens in the Bissett School of Business displayed this image, showcasing the transfer of the donation to Mount Royal via a Blackberry application.
by Bryan Weismiller
The Reflector
Mount Royal University’s Bissett School of Business padded its wallet on March 11 with a $1.1 million donation from the Royal Bank of Canada. It’s the largest corporation donation given to the school since it became a university in 2009. The gift will go towards creating the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre for business students.
“We’re very fortunate as students to have this great donation , and I just can’t wait for this place to open up,” said Ryan Wenter, a graduating entrepreneurship student.
“I wish it was opening up tomorrow.
“It gives us an area where we can focus on our craft, which is innovation and creativity, and really focus on creating value in our communities, whether it’s economic or social value.”
Greg Weadick, Alberta Minister of Advanced Education and Technology, Bruce MacKenzie, RBC regional president, Calgary MP Lee Richardson, and University president Dave Marshall all attended the event.
“I thought it was wonderful to hear Bruce, Lee and Greg talk from their heart about how young people are at the centre of everything we need to do right now,” Marshall said. “They are investing in young people because they believe in the kind of young people that Mount Royal is graduating.
“I think it was very heartwarming to hear people outside of Mount Royal say we’re doing it right by investing in the future.”
The donation was transferred to the school’s bank account using a Blackberry application. MacKenzie said he thought it was a “cute, but very innovative way” of showing how money can be allocated.
“We’re thrilled to support Mount Royal because it is a special place that focuses on the students,” MacKenzie said. “It’s a teaching university as opposed to some universities that are more into research.
“Research is important, but I really like that our donation works with a business school that will focus on the student.”
The donation is part of the Changing the Face of Education fundraising campaign, which is co-chaired by Marshall and MacKenzie, as well as Jennifer Piece and Hal Kvisle. It’s the campaign’s second major donation by a financial institution. Last September, TD Bank donated a $500,000 bursary program for finance students.
Marshall declined to comment on a timeline for future donations. However, he revealed, “There’s more coming. Lots more coming.”
