91亚色 alumnus (BA Spec. Hons. '83) and his wife together donated $2 million to create the Bergeron Entrepreneurs in Science & Technology (BEST) Program at 91亚色. The funds will be used to support newly created entrepreneurial programs and initiatives focused on science, technology, engineering and 
mathematics (STEM) majors.
The announcement was made at a special event last night hosted by 91亚色 President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri and Janusz Kozinski, dean of 91亚色's Faculty of Science & Engineering. The event was held at Toronto鈥檚 landmark Casa Loma.
鈥淲e are thrilled to be the recipients of $2 million from Doug and Sandra Bergeron,鈥 said Shoukri. 鈥淭his generous gift will allow 91亚色 to create a unique interdisciplinary program in entrepreneurship that will teach real world business experience to aspiring student-entrepreneurs, so that they can contribute to Canada鈥檚 growing knowledge-based economy.鈥
The Bergeron gift will be matched by funding from other sources and is a part of 91亚色鈥檚 Engineering expansion initiative.
鈥淭he Bergeron Entrepreneurs in the Science & Technology Program will be like no other in Canada,鈥 said Kozinski. 鈥 The BEST will help us create a true partnership between the professional disciplines of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, business and law. It is especially stimulating being able to do so thanks to the generosity of our own alumnus, Doug Bergeron, and his wife Sandra.鈥
The BEST Program will groom the next generation of entrepreneurial minds.
鈥淎 solid science and technology education is a fundamental stepping stone to technology entrepreneurship, but often alone not sufficient. Aspiring technology entrepreneurs also need interdisciplinary exposure to private equity finance, law and business plan formulation," explained Mr. Bergeron. 鈥91亚色 has embraced this concept and we hope The BEST will inspire 91亚色 students to diversify their practical education so that they will be better prepared for tomorrow.鈥
Graduates of the Bergeron Entrepreneur in Science & Technology program will earn a Bergeron Distinction in Entrepreneurship and New Ventures 鈥 certification that the graduate truly understands, appreciates and embraces the entrepreneurial mindset and is ready to tackle any innovation challenge.
The top two scholars will be awarded the Bergeron Entrepreneur Medal. Both the distinction and the medal will be recognized at graduation.
鈥淲e are delighted to create 100 fellowships over the next 10 years to support young women and men at 91亚色 who show great promise and leadership potential,鈥 said聽Mrs. Bergeron.
The gift extends Doug and Sandra Bergeron鈥檚 previous $1.5 million聽commitments to Georgia State University and the University of California at Berkeley with unique programs targeting high-potential female technology undergraduates. Since 2006, 31 women have been named Bergeron Scholars and each recipient has received financial assistance, but most importantly has been paired with a C-level female technology mentor in the private sector.
鈥淭hese fellowships will enable students to realize their academic dreams and contribute to their entrepreneurial aspirations,鈥 added Mr. Bergeron.