$1M Gift from BMO Expands Mentoring, Leadership, and Outreach Programs

This month, Ryerson announced a new $1 million gift from BMO Financial Group. The donation will support a broadening and strengthening of Ryerson’s Tri-Mentoring Program (TMP).

The Tri-Mentoring Program celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. Thanks to BMO's gift, the program will be well-positioned to expand outreach, including specific programming for students with disabilities, Aboriginal students, LGBTQ students, women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs, and more. Each of the groups faces distinct challenges around education, employment, community, and representation. With BMO's support, TMP will bolster their odds for success both at university and in their careers.

Representatives from BMO Financial Group joined president Sheldon Levy, vice-president of university advancement Adam B. Kahan, and a large contingent of Ryerson staff, faculty, and alumni at the George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre to celebrate BMO’s commitment.

Surrounded by placards with the stories and photos of students who succeeded with the help of TMP, Ryerson alumna and Undergraduate Admissions & Liaisons Officer, Salisha Randel thanked BMO and credited Tri-Mentoring with connecting her to the university and the greater community when she was a student. Recent Ted Rogers School of Management alumnus and former first generation post-secondary student, Zayan Rafeek, moved all gathered with an emotional recounting of how TMP guided him through a difficult family loss and helped him regain focus, earn the Ontario First Generation Student Bursary, and complete his degree. He is now a First Generation Ambassador for TMP.

Andrew Auerbach, BMO's head of sales and distribution, Canadian personal and commercial banking, noted that it was the promise of this kind of impact that led BMO to the support the program from the very beginning in 2002. And it was this they want to further through the new gift: "We are proud to partner with Ryerson and support a program that helps equip students for success during their university journey, as well as their transition into the workplace."

"Ryerson's Tri-Mentoring Program has helped more than 20,000 Ryerson students with learning, leadership and employment through mentoring," said Ryerson President Sheldon Levy. "BMO has been a foundational player since the very beginning and we couldn't have achieved this without their support. This gift will ensure many more students succeed both at Ryerson and in their careers."

The BMO gift will also support a strategic partnership for BMO Financial Group with the Ted Rogers School of Management Careers & Employer Partnerships Centre, BMO Student Internships targeting job-placement support for students from marginalized groups, and BMO Youth in Focus photography workshops at the Ryerson Image Centre (RIC) for school-aged students from priority neighbourhoods.