MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Oct. 12, 2011) -

Editors' Note: There is a photo associated with this press release

National Bank (TSX:NA) is pleased to support the Mount Royal University of Calgary in its centennial and largest campaign with a donation of $100,000 over five years. The funds raised will help the University in its goal to become Canada's premier undergraduate university based on important measures related to the success and satisfaction of its students. Through this major campaign, the University wishes to focus on three priorities: learning opportunities, environment and spaces.

"We are proud to support this initiative in education that emphasizes students' wellness and success," said National Bank President and Chief Executive Officer, Louis Vachon. "Dedicated to the Nursing and Business Programs, the National Bank's contribution will allow the Mount Royal University, its faculties and its students, to pursue its goal of taking student success to the next level."

"Student awards are a top priority for Mount Royal University. National Bank's generous gift will provide our students with much needed support, in order to continue and complete their degrees and make a positive difference in the community," stated Dr. Chad London, Dean, Health and Community Studies, Mount Royal University. "Our students are our future community leaders. This contribution from National Bank shows a shared vote of confidence in the potential of our students. We thank National Bank for partnering with us to support their success," added Dr. Murray Young, Dean, Bissett School of Business, Mount Royal University.

Through its donations and sponsorships program and the initiatives of its employees, National Bank helps support hundreds of organizations across Canada. It focuses primarily on four main areas of activity – health, education, arts and culture, and community outreach – with the goal of generating positive benefits for communities.

More information on the many causes and projects National Bank supports as part of its commitment to the communities it serves can be found in our social responsibility report at [ www.nbc.ca/socialresponsibility ].

About National Bank of Canada

National Bank of Canada is an integrated group that provides comprehensive financial services to consumers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations in its core market, while offering specialized services to its clients elsewhere in the world. National Bank offers a full array of banking services, including retail, corporate and investment banking. It is an active player on international capital markets and, through its subsidiaries, is involved in securities brokerage, insurance and wealth management as well as mutual fund and retirement plan management. National Bank has over $153 billion in assets and, together with its subsidiaries, employs 19,217 people. The Bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:NA). For more information, visit the Bank's website at [ www.nbc.ca ]. To access National Bank's financial education portal, visit [ www.clearfacts.ca ].

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