NOSM University receives $150,000 gift from The Masonic Foundation of Ontario

Donation supporting MD students will be matched by FDC Foundation

The Masonic Foundation of Ontario has donated $150,000 towards awards and bursaries for NOSM University students. This is the largest single contribution by Masons to NOSM University.

Both The Masonic Foundation of Ontario and district Mason groups throughout the North have been consistent donors to NOSM University since 2007.

The gift will be matched by the FDC Foundation, creating a $300,000 endowment for undergraduate medical students.

“This gift will advance education and benefit the community, two of the Masons’ priorities,” said Brian Koivu, President of The Masonic Foundation of Ontario. “We wish you great success in your efforts as the University prepares young people who will make significant contributions to our society.”

“We are thankful to The Masonic Foundation of Ontario for their continued support to NOSM University,” says Dr. Sarita Verma, President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO of NOSM University. “Backing our students is an important commitment to the health of our communities.”

Since 2005, NOSM University has been delivering on its mandate. It has graduated 838 MDs, 65 of whom are Indigenous, and 171 of whom are Francophone. More than half of NOSM graduates have stayed in Northern Ontario. NOSM University estimates that approximately 400,000 people have been helped so far by a graduate.

NOSM University has embarked upon a mission to raise the first $50 million for its Student Endowment Fund. Read more about that effort here.

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NOSM University is Canada’s first independent medical university and one of the greatest education and physician workforce strategy success stories of Northern Ontario. More than just a medical university, it was purpose-built to address the health needs of the region. While advocating for equitable access to care, the university contributes to the economic development of Northern Ontario. NOSM University relies on the commitment and expertise of the peoples of Northern Ontario to educate health-care professionals to practise in Indigenous, Francophone, rural, remote, and underserved communities. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and advocacy, NOSM University is an award-winning, socially accountable organization renowned for its innovative model of distributed, community-engaged education and research.

For further information, please contact: news@nosm.ca