BMO Financial Group today announced it has made a donation of $500,000 to support the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia.

Sauder School of Business is one of Canada’s foremost research-based business schools and an internationally recognized leader in creating business knowledge. BMO’s donation will be designated to the naming of a classroom. BMO presented the gift to Sauder at the school’s 50th anniversary dinner in Toronto last night.

“BMO is proud to be associated with the Sauder School of Business, and we extend our best wishes for the campaign’s every success,” said Yvan Bourdeau, CEO, of BMO Capital Markets. Bourdeau is an alumnus of Sauder and a former member of the school’s advisory board.

The pledge by BMO contributes to Sauder’s $65 million redevelopment and expansion plan, which will be dedicated to enhancing the school’s teaching and research facilities. With a network of more than 28,000 alumni who are making significant contributions in Canada and around the world, Sauder continues to grow as a global leader in business management education.

“At the Sauder School of Business, we have developed innovative programs and a world-class community of faculty and students. Unprecedented growth and new approaches to teaching and learning have created the need for expanded and updated facilities. This gift brings us one step closer to achieving our goals and we are very grateful for BMO’s support,” said Dean Daniel Muzyka.