Bishop’s University

Bishop’s University Renews Successful Partnership with Desjardins Group

Enhancing initiatives focused on the student community

Bishop’s University is thrilled to renew its transformative partnership with Desjardins aimed at supporting a multitude of initiatives benefiting students over the next three years. Desjardins has pledged a generous donation of $318,000, reinforcing its commitment to education, academic perseverance and community engagement.

In addition to continuing its support of scholarships, the Desjardins Pitch Competition and the ever-popular Desjardins Exam Care Packages, financial leverage will be provided to support four innovative solutions.

Cooperative Learning

Desjardins Coop Internship Grant Program
15 students will benefit annually from “Desjardins” internships accompanied by a $2,000 grant for hands-on learning, lasting 13 to 15 weeks.

  • These incentives will encourage participation from Desjardins member businesses in Greater Sherbrooke and will be managed by Bishop’s University’s Cooperative Education Program.

Excellence and Well-being

Athlete well-being, academic perseverance, leadership, and mental health
As the official partner of the women’s hockey team and a proud member of the new Circle of Champions, Desjardins supports the holistic development of student-athletes.

Founding member of the Gaiters Women’s Hockey Circle of Champions, an initiative enabling companies to contribute to the growth and long-term sustainability of this elite hockey program in the Eastern Townships. Member contributions support:

  • Wellbeing and mental health initiatives, essential for managing pressure, promoting balance, and developing lasting resilience,
  • State-of-the-art equipment, ensuring safety, performance, and optimal preparation,
  • Healthy nutrition, key to maintaining energy, recovery, concentration, and teambuilding activities.

Desjardins Amazing Student – Community Engagement Award

Presented to two students per academic year to recognize exceptional community involvement.

  • “Desjardins Amazing Student” awards in the amount of $1,500 each will be awarded annually to two students who have been engaged in a meaningful way in their community, whether on campus, in Sherbrooke or in their home community.

Partner for the 5K Gaiter Run

Official partner of the annual charity run organized by Bishop’s University’s Student Services team.

  • This health awareness activity and community-based initiative is in partnership with a local community organization to which all proceeds are donated.
  • Participants include university students and staff, as well as members of the broader community.

Dr. Sébastien Lebel-Grenier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Bishop’s University, expressed gratitude for Desjardins’ commitment to education, stating, “This renewed partnership strengthens our capacity to provide students with meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Desjardins’ investment in experiential learning, student‑athlete well‑being, and community engagement reinforces our shared commitment to student success. We are truly grateful for their continued support.”

“As we renew our partnership, Desjardins Group is proud to continue enriching the lives of students at Bishop’s University,” said Isabelle Garon, Executive Vice-President, Marketing, Communications, Cooperation and President’s Office. “Giving young people the resources and support they need for their professional development is essential, and I believe that these four initiatives will play a key role.”

Ms. Jacqueline Scott, Associate Vice-Principal, Alumni Relations and Philanthropy, highlighted the impact of the partnership on student well-being, saying, “We are thrilled that Desjardins will continue supporting initiatives from past years, including the much‑loved Desjardins Exam Care Package. These initiatives, along with the Desjardins scholarships, make a meaningful difference in our students’ lives by supporting them throughout both their academic and personal journeys.”

The collaboration between Bishop’s University and Desjardins exemplifies a shared vision for the advancement of education, entrepreneurship, and student success. The combined efforts will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and development of the Bishop’s University community.

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MEDIA INQUIRIES: 

Sonia Patenaude, Communications Manager – Bishop’s University
819-342-2587 | sonia.patenaude@ubishops.ca

Information (for media only):
Jérémi Trudel, Public Relations Desjardins Group
514 281-7000, extension 5553436
media@desjardins.com

About Desjardins Group

Desjardins Group is the largest financial cooperative in North America and the fifth largest in the world, with assets of $414.1 billion as of September 30, 2023. Desjardins was named among the world’s best employers for women according to Forbes magazine. To meet the diverse needs of its members and customers, both individuals and businesses, it offers a complete range of products and services through its vast network of service points, its virtual platforms and its subsidiaries present throughout Canada. Ranked among the strongest banking institutions in the world according to The Banker magazine, Desjardins boasts capital ratios and credit ratings that are among the best in the industry.

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