Sobey School of Business Professor Receives CIBC Professorship in Entrepreneurship and Venture Development

November 16, 2006

Source: St. Mary's University
http://www.smu.ca/newsreleases/2006/11-16-2006.html

Dr. John Chamard is taking on a new and exciting role at Saint Mary’s University, thanks to the generous support from CIBC.

At a formal ceremony held in the University’s Art Gallery this morning, it was officially announced that Dr. Chamard, a management professor in the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s, will hold the distinct title of CIBC Professorship in Entrepreneurship and Venture Development.

This morning’s event drew a large number of guests from CIBC and also faculty, staff and students from the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s. A number of those from CIBC in attendance this morning are graduates from Saint Mary's.

CIBC has awarded the University with $400,000 in 2004 order to make this unique position a reality — one which will allow Dr. Chamard to carry out educational, community and research activity in the area of entrepreneurship and venture development.

This gift directly supports the Hearts & Minds Capital Campaign. The goal of the Hearts & Minds Capital Campaign is to raise $40 million that will boost student learning, teaching, research and create a unique and innovative campus environment at Saint Mary’s. The generous gift from CIBC today means that the University has now reached its $24 million mark of its campaign.

"Dr. Chamard will be inspiring the next generation of Atlantic Canada’s entrepreneurs who will be a driving force in the region’s future success," says Ian Penny, Vice President, Atlantic Canada, CIBC Commercial Banking. Penny graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary's in 1987.

Dr. Chamard is honoured to have this opportunity to serve as the first ever CIBC Professorship in Entrepreneurship and Venture Development at Saint Mary’s.

"New venture creation is vital to the economic and social well-being of Atlantic Canadians," says Dr. Chamard. "Everyone at Saint Mary's is proud that CIBC has provided the support that will help us preserve our leadership role in the development and training of entrepreneurs."

Dr. J. Colin Dodds, President of Saint Mary’s, says that the University is grateful to have received such a generous gift from CIBC.

"The University applauds CIBC’s support to our Hearts & Minds Capital Campaign" says Dr. Dodds. "Most importantly, the University is thrilled that the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s will provide a tremendous level of support to entrepreneurial activity and venture development - which is a strong economic engine in Atlantic Canada’s economy."

CIBC is committed to supporting causes that matter to its clients, employees and communities. CIBC aims to make a difference in communities the bank calls home through corporate donations, sponsorships and the volunteer spirit of employees. With a focus on youth, education and health, and employee commitment to causes including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, the United Way and the CIBC World Markets Children’s Foundation, CIBC is investing in the social and economic development of communities across the country. In 2005, the CIBC group of companies contributed more than $42 million worldwide to charitable organizations and community initiatives. Of this, $28 million was invested in Canada to support national, regional and local organizations.

Saint Mary's University is known for its community outreach projects, both in Canada and around the world. Saint Mary's, founded in 1802, is home to one of Canada's leading business schools, a Science Faculty widely known for its cutting-edge research, a comprehensive and innovative Arts Faculty and a vibrant Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

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For More Information:

Paul FitzgeraldPublic Affairs OfficerSaint Mary's University, Public Affairs(902) 420.5514E-mail: paul.fitzgerald@smu.cawww.smu.ca