Fondation Desjardins Awards $100,000 in University Scholarships

Lévis (Québec), October 14, 2009 – As part of Cooperation Week events, Fondation Desjardins has awarded university scholarships totalling $100,000 to young students from Québec region. The scholarships were handed out at a ceremony attended by prominent members of the educational and cooperative communities. Twelve scholarships were awarded before Ms. Monique F. Leroux, Chair of the Board, President and CEO of Desjardins Group.

Two research grants relating to the theme "Environment and Society" valued at $25,000 and $15,000 were awarded respectively to Éléonore Aubin and Pierre-Luc Gagnon, both from Lévis and studying at Université Laval. Fondation Desjardins is proud to contribute to the development of these two projects. A doctorate student in design and sustainable development, Ms. Aubin's project is titled: "Entre design et développement durable: perspective de formation du designer graphique" (Between design and sustainable development: training perspectives for graphic designers). As for Mr. Gagnon, a PhD student in political science, his project is on "La transition vers la durabilité dans la gestion gouvernementale des ressources naturelles: le cas de Québec" (Transition towards sustainability in government management of natural resources: The case of Québec).

For her part, Jeanne-Astrid Lépine of Québec City, received a $20,000 scholarship offered in collaboration with the Chaire de philosophie de l'Université Laval for her PhD research project on body dimensions and sensitivity in an educative approach.

In addition, two scholarships of $10,000 each were awarded to Fabienne Labbé of Québec City, a student in social anthropology and ethnology at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales in Paris, and to Isabelle Dumais from Trois-Rivières and student in visual arts at Université Laval.

Furthermore, a Master's scholarship in collaboration with Desjardins Financial Security, was granted to Mélanie Dufour of Chicoutimi. She received $10,000 for four semesters of university studies in mental health. She is preparing for a Master's in human sciences at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi. Her research is on Les facteurs qui contribuent au rétablissement d'un jeune présentant un trouble mental grave et recevant des services du Centre jeunesse du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean (Contributing factors to the rehabilitation of a youth with a serious mental disorder receiving services at the Centre jeunesse du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean).

At the Bachelor's level, scholarships varying from $1,000 to $2,500 each were awarded.

During the month of October, caisses Desjardins from across Québec will also be awarding Fondation Desjardins university scholarships.

About Fondation Desjardins

As a component of Desjardins Group, the largest cooperative financial group in Canada, Fondation Desjardins fulfils its mission to provide educational support by distributing university scholarships and bursaries throughout Québec and Ontario for training, skills development and cooperative spirit. The foundation also hands out awards in recognition of volunteer activities and to support entrepreneurship and employment. In 2009, Fondation Desjardins will distribute nearly $650,000. In Québec, it is well known for distributing more university scholarships than any other private foundation in the province. Since its inception, the foundation has given away almost $11 million dollars to over 8,700 young people to support education. To find out more, consult www.desjardins.com/en/fondation.

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Information (for journalists only):
Caroline Phémius
Advisor, Information and Media Relations
514-281-7000 or 1-866-866-7000, ext. 7646

Ingrid Chauvin
Communications and University Bursary Programs
514-281-7000 or 1-800-443-8611, ext. 7997