IBM donates $3-million to York's 4,000+ computer studies students

By Susan Scott

More than 4,000 computer studies students at York University will benefit from a $3-million gift from IBM Canada to equip classrooms and computer labs.

"We salute IBM Canada for this generous investment, not only is IBM showing its financial commitment to higher education, it is also leading the way in providing students with unique internship opportunities," said York President Lorna Marsden.

Under the multi-year agreement, IBM's gift-in-kind includes desktop computers, servers and software. IBM already has a strong link with York as almost 500 University graduates work at the computer company rein- forcing York's role as a provider to local, regional and national firms with skilled workers. In addition, 64 of York's best computer science students were placed in a 16-month internship program over the past several years.

"Through this strategic partnership, we are pleased to be able to contribute towards the enhancement of information technology education," said John Wetmore, president and chief executive officer of IBM Canada. "By combining our efforts with those of York and the province of Ontario, we are proud to be giving students the opportunity to develop new skills and compete for the best jobs in the industry."

IBM's gift brings York's total raised through the Access to Opportunities Program (ATOP) to $14-million. ATOP is the provincial government's initiative to encourage the expansion of computer science studies. ATOP matches IBM's donation bringing its worth to $6-million for York.

York aims to double, by 2001, the number of computer science students registered in BA, BSc, MSc and PhD programs, and to introduce new undergraduate programs in information technology for liberal arts, humanities and social science students. The University also plans to develop a series of degree programs which have technical components such as e-commerce, health technology and teacher education initiatives for math, science and information technology. This will help York address the need for high quality academic programs and help accommodate the high student demand expected due to population growth over the next several years.

"IBM Canada's gift will help continue York's tradition of innovation," said Gary J. Smith, York's vice-president (university advancement). He noted, for example, that last year the University launched three innovative new information technology (ITEC) degree programs that combine traditional computer science curriculum with that of liberal arts and the social sciences.