Generous donation to Laurier creates the User Experience Design Initiative, supported by Scotiabank

Jan. 22, 2020
For Immediate Release

BRANTFORD – Wilfrid Laurier University announced Jan. 21 that Scotiabank is donating $852,000 to the university over four years to support its User Experience Design (UXD) program.

“Laurier is very grateful for Scotiabank’s incredible generosity in supporting our User Experience Design program. This funding will have a tremendous impact on our ability to expand our exceptional experiential learning opportunities and deepen our students’ ability to be 'first in class' in their chosen field,” said Laurier’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Deborah MacLatchy.

Scotiabank’s donation will support Laurier’s UXD program in four key areas:

• experiential learning for UX designers
• the creation of a UX design sprint competition
• funding for scholarships
• work experience

“Scotiabank is passionate about delivering a great digital customer experience and truly cares about—and invests in—user experience design,” said Pamela Hilborn, senior vice president, Global Head of Design for Scotiabank Digital Banking. “We’re excited about supporting Laurier’s students with a donation that will ensure they get the best possible training along with real-world work experience, both of which are critical to designers starting out in this field.”

The first of its kind in Canada, Laurier’s UXD program highlights Laurier’s commitment to being on the cutting-edge of innovation. The program is offered at Laurier’s Brantford campus, which offers 20 undergraduate and graduate programs. Laurier’s Brantford campus is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

About Laurier

Wilfrid Laurier University excels at educating with purpose. Laurier’s holistic approach to learning integrates innovative programming with hands-on experience outside the classroom to ensure Laurier graduates are not only ready for the real world but are inspired to leave their mark on the world. Community is at the heart of all we do. Laurier inspires students to engage in campus life and the broader community, leading to high levels of student satisfaction and engaged alumni who carry the Laurier legacy throughout the world. As a community of researchers, leaders and educators, Laurier builds knowledge that serves society and creates connections that have a lasting impact. Learn more about Laurier’s 19,000+ students in nine faculties and federated university college throughout Waterloo, Brantford, Kitchener and Toronto at wlu.ca.

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is a leading bank in the Americas. We are here for every future. We help our customers, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 100,000 employees and assets of over $1 trillion (as at October 31, 2019), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews.