Donation is the University's largest gift for bursaries in Bachelor of Education

CALGARY, Nov. 28, 2011 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX:CM) (NYSE:CM) CIBC announced today a $500,000 donation to Mount Royal University to fund bursaries for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Education - Elementary program, one of Mount Royal's newest baccalaureate degrees.

The gift, which is the largest donation to the University for bursaries in the Bachelor of Education - Elementary program, was announced by the Honourable Jim Prentice, P.C., Q.C., CIBC Senior Executive Vice-President and Vice Chairman.

"At CIBC, we're committed to helping kids and young adults build a better future and providing increased access to education is a large part of that commitment," said Mr. Prentice. "We are proud to partner with Mount Royal University in supporting Calgary's next generation of teachers."

"Bursaries are a top priority for Mount Royal University," said David Docherty, President, Mount Royal University. "As our Bachelor of Education - Elementary program grows, and more and more students progress through the four-year degree, so too will their need for essential financial support. CIBC shares this understanding. We are so grateful to CIBC for this incredible show of support, not only for our students, but for quality of education in our post-secondary institutions and in our elementary programs as well."

CIBC is committed to supporting causes that matter to our clients, employees and our communities. We aim to make a difference in communities through corporate donations, sponsorships and the volunteer spirit of employees. With a strategic focus on Kids, Cures and Community, and employee commitment to causes including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, the CIBC Children's Foundation and United Way, we are investing in the social and economic development of communities across the country. In 2010, $33.7 million was contributed through the CIBC group of companies to charitable and non-profit initiatives in Canada, supporting a wide variety of national, regional and local organizations. To learn more, visit www.communitymatters.cibc.com.

To learn more about Mount Royal University, please visit: www.mtroyal.ca