Donation will go towards enhancing Brock's environmental studies program and to support the development of downtown arts school

TORONTO, Sept. 17 /CNW/ - Today, Brock University received a significant donation from TD Bank Financial Group of $500,000 as part of the Campaign for a Bold New Brock.

The two-fold gift will help create the TD Bursary for Environmental Studies as well as support the economic revitalization of downtown St. Catharines through the new Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts.

"Brock is moving full steam ahead with the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts downtown campus in partnership with the City of St. Catharines and its multi-venue arts complex," said Brock President Jack Lightstone. "We are pleased that TD is joining us to renew downtown St. Catharines and help students pursue a higher education and the Brock Both Sides of the Brain experience."

"Our donation to Brock University will encourage student innovation, creativity and community involvement while contributing to a stronger future for St. Catharines," said TD Deputy Chair Frank McKenna. "We're very proud to be investing in our future environmental leaders and helping to create a modern downtown arts and learning hub."

The TD Bursary for Environmental Studies will provide grants to full-time Brock students demonstrating financial need while pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies in the Faculty of Social Sciences or studies to reduce the impact of humankind's footprint in the world through the Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences.

TD will donate $250,000 over five years towards this award. Brock will apply for matching funds through the Ontario Trust for Student Support (OTSS) program to maximize the award's endowment at $500,000.

The Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts downtown campus will receive $250,000 to help realize the unique joint venture between Brock and the City of St. Catharines to build a stunning, multi-venue arts and learning complex. The impact of the gift will assist in breathing new life and activity into the urban core, stimulating the creativity and economy of the city and region and beyond.

On the fifth floor of the historic Canada Hair Cloth building, Brock will build the TD Roof Terrace. It will have a spectacular southern view of the first Welland Canal route and the Twelve Mile Creek green space looking toward Brock's Schmon Tower on the top of the Niagara Escarpment.

The TD Roof Terrace will serve as an informal learning student lounge and refreshment area for the more than 500 students and 40 faculty and staff who will study, teach and work at the school. Additionally, this outdoor area will provide a space for local community and university receptions and other functions.

In total, the TD gift, when combined with Government of Ontario matching funds for student awards, will result in a $750,000 investment in a Bold New Brock.

TD Community Giving

TD invests in communities to make a positive impact where it does business and where its customers, clients and employees live and work. In Canada, TD's community giving priorities are: education and financial literacy; creating opportunities for young people to help them fulfill their potential; and protecting and enhancing the environment. TD aims to build a more prosperous and inclusive future by engaging employees, customers, clients and partners to make a difference together by working with diverse communities and communities in need. In 2009, TD donated $37 million to more than 2,500 organizations across Canada. www.td.com/corporateresponsibility

The Campaign for a Bold New Brock

The Campaign for a Bold New Brock was launched in the spring of 2009 with an ambitious goal of $75M. Having already surpassed the $55 million mark, the Campaign will increase endowments for student financial assistance; develop a mentorship program that will help students transition from high-school to university and then university to career; empower our faculty as educator-researchers and innovators; and invest in new state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities like the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts. www.brocku.ca/boldnewbrock