Alumnus makes $2.5 million donation to U of S

Posted March 01, 2000


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 1, 2000 2000-03-01-ENG

Alumnus makes $2.5 million donation to U of S

SASKATOON--"Brain Drain" is working in the University's favor. A $2.5 million donation is coming to the U of S from an alumnus who is pursuing his career in the United States.

Don Listwin, Executive Vice President, Cisco Systems, announced today the donation that will fund a chair in the College of Engineering to support innovative teaching.

"We know that the quality of education our students receive can give them the competitive edge they need to succeed anywhere in the world," said Peter MacKinnon, President of the U of S. "This gift is an example of how the success of someone who chose a career outside of Saskatchewan can ultimately benefit this University."

The gift will establish an endowed Listwin Family Chair in Innovative Teaching associated with the Peter N. Nikiforuk Innovative Teaching and Learning Centre of the College of Engineering at the University.

The Chairholder will be committed to teaching excellence by providing the tools, methods and processes necessary to support effective teaching and learning in the College of Engineering.

"The University of Saskatchewan College of Engineering provided a launching pad for my early technology career and I am proud to be associated with such a well-respected University. Education is one of society's great equalizers and is key to success in the Internet Economy. By combining the power of the Internet and education, together we can change the way people work, live, play, and learn," said Don Listwin, Cisco Systems.

Listwin graduated from the College of Engineering in 1980 and moved to the United States early in his career. He joined Cisco Systems in 1990 and today is responsible for Cisco's New World business strategy and leads the Service Provider and Consumer Lines of Business as well as Corporate Marketing.

Listwin also serves on the Board of Directors of the NetAid Foundation, E_TEK, Software.com, Inc. and TIBCO.

For more information please contact:

Peter MacKinnon
President
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6612

Cindy Paquette
Office of Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6640
cindy.paquette@usask.ca