WHITEHORSE— CIBC has stepped forward to become a lead supporter marking the transition of Yukon College to Yukon University, Canada’s first university north of 60, taking place in May 2020.

Victor G. Dodig, CIBC President and Chief Executive Officer, along with representatives from the bank, were at Ayamdigut campus in Whitehorse today to announce CIBC’s commitment of $500,000 to Yukon University Foundation. They were joined by board members Rod Snow and Joy Waters, as well as Yukon College President and Vice Chancellor Dr. Karen Barnes.

“CIBC has a long and storied connection to Yukon, providing financial services to the community since 1898,” said Chris Giulekas, Region Head of Northern Canada for Personal and Small Business Banking at CIBC. “We are proud to make this important investment in education in the north to establish Yukon University and help them in their work to develop future leaders and provide growth opportunities for those in the region.”

“We are thrilled by CIBC’s enthusiastic and generous support of the establishment of Yukon University, an important milestone for Yukon, the North and Canada,” said Snow. This gift will support our campaign and help remove barriers for students accessing education from their home community beyond Whitehorse.

Yukon University (YukonU) will be formally established in 2020. It will be a hybrid institution offering degree, diploma, certificate, university prep and skills training programs relevant for life and work in the North.

In 2018, Yukon College launched the Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Governance — the first degree developed and delivered entirely in the North. Earlier this year the College launched the Bachelor of Business Administration. Both new degrees successfully completed review and approval by the Campus Alberta Quality Council.

YukonU’s thirteen campuses will continue to play a critical role in delivering education to Yukon communities, while also welcoming students from across Canada and the world to study and learn about Canada’s North.

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