November 9, 2005 Source: Ryerson University: http://www.ryerson.ca/news/2005/20051109b.html Ryerson University receives $100,000 gift for student bursaries (Nov. 9, 2005) - Ryerson University today received a $100,000 gift from Dr. Murray and Mrs. Eleanor Enkin for student bursaries, available to students enrolled in the Midwifery Education Program. The gift will be matched under the provincial government’s new Ontario Trust for Student Support, announced today at Ryerson by Chris Bentley, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. Dr. and Mrs. Enkin approached Ryerson with the gift on the condition that it would be eligible for matching government funds. "We want to support student success, and assist as many students as possible who are in financial need," said Dr. Enkin, a distinguished obstetrician, family practitioner, educator and researcher, and Professor Emeritus in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics at McMaster University. Sheldon Levy, President of Ryerson University, praised the Enkins for their tremendous generosity to students. "More bursaries, more opportunities and improved access to postsecondary education are absolutely essential to students and student success," said Levy. "Great citizens like the Enkins know this." Added Levy: "I applaud the McGuinty government for the new Ontario Trust for Student Support. Increasing financial aid for students is a priority goal we share with the province, and Ryerson’s ability to attract gifts targeted specifically in this area is now greatly improved." Through the trust, the government will match private and corporate cash donations, such as the gift from the Enkins, which are used by universities to set up endowments for student financial aid. Investment income generated by these endowments will fund bursaries for students who are in financial need. In making today’s announcement, Minister Bentley said: "Our government is proud to make these improvements to financial aid so that all qualified students have access to a college or university education. I thank and commend Dr. Murray and Mrs. Eleanor Enkin for their generous contribution to Ryerson University and the students of Ontario. It’s the government, individuals and corporations working together that will guarantee the future prosperity of this province." The gift from the Enkins will significantly increase bursaries for students in the Midwifery Education Program (MEP) at Ryerson University. The MEP is a collaborative program with McMaster University and Laurentian University. Students graduate with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Midwifery), and almost 100% of graduates have registered as midwives in Ontario and other Canadian provinces.
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