September 24, 2005 Source: St. Mary's University:
http://www.smu.ca/newsreleases/2005/24-00-2005.html Sobeys, Empire and Sobey Foundation donate $2 million to Saint Mary's University Halifax, NS – Sobeys Inc., Empire Company Limited and The Sobey Foundation announced today a $2 million gift to the Saint Mary's University Hearts and Minds Capital Campaign. The donation will fund both scholarships and capital construction. The announcement was made by Paul D. Sobey, President and CEO of Empire Company Limited and Chair of the University's Hearts and Minds Capital Campaign; Bill McEwan, President and CEO of Sobeys Inc.; and Dr. J. Colin Dodds, President of Saint Mary's University. The gift will provide a number of scholarships in perpetuity each year, for undergraduate students enrolled in The Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary's. It will also be directed to construction of a new Atrium to connect the Patrick Power Library with a renovated Science Building. "It is our intention that this endowment provide more students with access to higher education and support the goal of enhancing facilities to make Saint Mary's a compelling choice for both students and members of the academic community," Mr. Sobey said. "I am proud of my family's long history with this University, and proud that our companies and The Sobey Foundation can make this contribution." "Our unique relationship goes well beyond the financial support that we have provided over the years," said Mr. McEwan. "We look to Saint Mary's as an important source of great minds, fresh perspectives and unbridled energy to help fuel our business success, not just in Atlantic Canada, but across the country." Dr. Dodds stated: "This generous gift is outstanding news and builds on a strong and valued relationship between the University, the Sobey family and the leadership at Sobeys and Empire." "The endowment to our Hearts and Minds Capital Campaign strengthens an already substantial commitment to our world-class Sobey School of Business and adds in a substantial way to the funds required for building improvements that will enhance the learning environment for our students," he added. The University has a decades-long association with the Sobey family. The late Frank H. Sobey was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University, and in the early 1990s the University named its Commerce Faculty the Frank H. Sobey Faculty of Commerce. David F. Sobey, Chairman Emeritus of Sobeys Inc., was appointed to the University's Board of Directors in the mid 1980s, and served as Chair of the Saint Mary's Building on Strength Capital Campaign which raised in excess of $24-million in the 1990s for a number of student-focused initiatives, including the creation of the Sobey Building –home to the University's business school. David F. Sobey received an honorary Doctor of Commerce (honoris causa) from Saint Mary's in 1991. The capital initiative supported by the gift announced today is the $25.5-million Science Building Renewal Project, which began this past March. It includes modernization of 71,500 square feet of research space and an additional 22,500 square feet of premium teaching and research space at the north end of the Science Building – which will continue to house to the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, and Geology. In addition, a new state-of-the-art Atrium will be home to a large student commons area with study rooms, as well as the Department of Astronomy and Physics and the Division of Engineering. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2008. A presentation to announce the donation from Sobeys, Empire Company and The Sobey Foundation was made at Huskies Stadium prior to a CIS football game between the Saint Mary's Huskies and l'Universite Laval Rouge et Or. About Sobeys Inc.
Sobeys Inc., (TSX: SBY) headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, is a
leading national grocery retailer and food distributor. The Company owns
or franchises more than 1,300 stores in all 10 provinces under retail banners
that include Sobeys, IGA extra, IGA, and Price Chopper. Sobeys Inc. is
committed to providing the most worthwhile experience for its customers,
employees, franchisees, suppliers and shareholders. More information on Sobeys
Inc. can be found at www.sobeys.com. About Empire Company Limited
Empire Company Limited (TSX: EMP.NV.A) is a diversified Canadian company
headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. Empire's key businesses include food
distribution, real estate, theatres and corporate investment activities. With
$5.0 billion in assets, Empire employs approximately 37,000 people directly
and through its subsidiaries. More information about Empire Company can be
found at www.empireco.ca. About The Sobey Foundation
The Sobey Foundation is a private foundation whose purpose is to provide funding
for important initiatives that have a positive and long-lasting impact in health, in education or for communities. Funding is primarily directed to infrastructure and equipment. The Foundation, established from endowed funds in 1982, is rooted in a long standing commitment to education and community. Saint Mary's University is known for its community outreach projects, both in Canada and around the world. Saint Mary's, founded in 1802, is home to one of Canada's leading business schools, a Science Faculty widely known for its cutting-edge research, a comprehensive and innovative Arts Faculty and a vibrant Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. -30- For More Information: Andrew Walker Vice President, Communications & Corporate Affairs Sobeys Inc. (905) 293-6711 E-mail: andrew.walker@sobeys.com www.sobeys.com Paul Fitzgerald
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: paul.fitzgerald@smu.ca
www.smu.ca
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