LONDON, ON – Western University Students’ Council (USC) proudly announces a new strategic relationship with BMO, building on the bank’s longstanding support for the university and marking a new commitment to the financial wellbeing of the students at Western.

The partnership builds upon the USC’s mission to support and enhance the student experience at Western University and aligns with BMO’s commitment to ensuring more students have access to the resources they need to thrive academically, financially and personally.

Set to come to life throughout 2025-2026 academic year, the new partnership will see BMO featured as the exclusive banking partner for Orientation Week (OWeek) in the Fall and orientation programming in the Winter semester. BMO will also be partnering on all of USC’s exclusive events throughout the year and participating in open house, supporting students with access to award-winning banking services and financial literacy resources to help them make real financial progress as they establish their financial life during their studies and post-graduation.

“This support from BMO will allow us to scale our programs and bring even more opportunities to Western students,” said Emilie Kalaydjian, USC President and CEO. “We’re thrilled to be working with BMO in this new capacity and grateful for their commitment to student success and well-being.”

“Driven by BMO’s Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, we’re proud to support Western University Students’ Council and help students succeed and make real financial progress during their studies and post-graduation,” said Gayle Ramsay, Head, Everyday Banking, Segment & Customer Growth, BMO. “This partnership is an investment in the academic and financial journey of Canada’s next generation of leaders.”

This partnership between BMO and the USC is a distinct new chapter that builds upon the bank’s longstanding banking relationship with Western University. BMO’s CEO and a graduate of Western’s Ivey Business School, Darryl White, has strong ties with the institution, participating in the annual Richard G. Ivey Speaker Series in 2019 and addressing graduates during Ivey’s 2023 spring convocation ceremony, sharing advice and lessons from his career. The bank has also donated and supported numerous university initiatives, most recently pledging $3.5 million to create the Leadership Certificate at Ivey Business School, a new cross-campus program available to all undergraduate students at Western. BMO has also supported the USC’s Food Support Services, the on-campus food bank.

For more information about the USC, visit westernusc.ca

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The University Students’ Council (USC) is a student-led organization that first and foremost exists to advocate for and represent undergraduate students at Western University. Since 1965, we have grown beyond an advocacy organization, becoming one of the largest student governments in Canada and one of the largest nonprofits in London. Each day, we work to support, improve and enhance your student experience, because we believe that students have the power to change the world.

About BMO Financial Group
BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.5 trillion as of January 31, 2025. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society.

For more information and interview opportunities, please contact:
Rebecca Rebeiro
Public Relations Manager
University Students’ Council
rebecca.rebeiro@westernusc.ca
519-661-2111 x80211