Donation will establish the CIBC Nursing Awards Fund to support first year students

PETERBOROUGH, ON, March 30, 2012 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX: CM) NYSE: CM) announced today a $200,000 gift to establish the CIBC Nursing Awards, a fund to help first year nursing students at Trent University. This fall, 24 students entering the Trent-Fleming School of Nursing will receive the new awards, valued at up to $2,500 each.

"At CIBC, we care about educating Canada's young people so they can build a better future," says Sylvain Vinet, Senior Vice-President, Retail Distribution, CIBC. "This donation is also a reflection of our longstanding commitment to improving the health of Canadians. We're proud to help Trent's nursing students prepare for a career of helping others."

The CIBC Nursing Awards were announced today as part of the University's annual nursing awards presentation.

"Awards like this make it possible for students to concentrate on their studies," said Dr. Kirsten Woodend, Dean of the Trent-Fleming School of Nursing. "We're very grateful to have CIBC's support in making our students a priority.

"CIBC, through its lead sponsorship of causes like the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, has long been associated with caring for the health of Canadians. We're proud to have such a committed partner," adds Woodend.

About Trent University: One of Canada's top universities, Trent University is renowned for encouraging the dynamic interplay of research, teaching and learning, which enhance and energize each other in the classroom and beyond. The Trent/Fleming School of Nursing offers an integrated, collaborative four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc.N.) Degree. Opportunities for practical application of theoretical principles are offered throughout the program, which exposes students to a variety of contexts within which nursing care is delivered in today's world.

About CIBC: 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 donation, 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 2011, CIBC contributed over $35 million to charitable and non-profit initiatives in Canada to support national, regional and local organizations To learn more, visit www.cibc.com