Media Release - For Immediate Release

March 16 2010

Kelly's Contribution to Irish Life Lauded

Robert Kelly has been selected as the recipient of the American Irish Historical Society gold medal for 2010.

Saint Mary’s alumnus Robert Kelly is the 2010 recipient of the gold medal from the American Irish Historical Society.

The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Irish American life.

Kelly earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University’s Sobey School of Business in 1975 and, in recognition of his numerous achievements, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Commerce degree in 1997.

He is Chairman and CEO of Bank of New York Mellon and been named to the Top 10 list of bankers by U.S. Banker magazine on several occasions.

He will receive the medal – the society’s highest honour - during a dinner Nov. 4 in New York.

Society representatives say Kelly deserves the award because of his outstanding reputation in business and his commitment to community involvement.

BNY Mellon is the world’s largest asset management and securities servicing company, with $1.1 trillion in assets under management. The bank has 43,000 employees in 34 countries.

In 2008, Kelly established the bank’s community partnership program, an initiative that has raised more that $26 million and seen volunteers log more than 45,000 hours helping 3,000 non-profit organizations.

The bank matches its employees’ charitable gifts and provides them with paid time off to do volunteer work.

Kelly’s great-great grandfather was born in Ireland in 1817. He immigrated to Canada and his son John, Robert Kelly’s great grandfather, established Kellys Luggage in Halifax.

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For More Information:

Steve Proctor
External Affairs
Saint Mary's University
(902) 420.5513
E-mail: steve.proctor@smu.ca
www.smu.ca

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