UNBC Celebrates Giving on National Philanthropy Day

November 15, 2011
One in five. That's the number of students at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) currently receiving scholarships, awards, or bursaries. Ten years ago, the ratio was one in ten. It is because of generous donations that students are able to enjoy such support. It’s also one of the reasons UNBC is celebrating National Philanthropy Day on November 15 -- to recognize and celebrate the generosity of its donors and to highlight the good they are doing for students.

"Giving makes a huge difference in so many ways. UNBC has received as little as one dollar and as much as $2.5 million from a single donation,” says UNBC President and Vice Chancellor George Iwama. “And all of these gifts, whether they are for student scholarships or new research equipment, contribute to UNBC’s success.”

Most donations go towards student awards, and awards are important for attracting and retaining students at UNBC. In a survey this year, the availability of awards was the biggest single reason UNBC students gave for attending the University. Recent research over the past year also indicates that students who received awards are more likely to continue their studies and graduate from UNBC.
 
Kimberly Gulevich, a second-year Environmental Engineering student, is one such recipient. “After getting to know other students, it’s wonderful to see that many people have benefited from the thoughtful support of donors,” says Gulevich, who grew up in Fort St. John. “Through their support, they give us the courage and the means to change the world. Our lives are forever affected by their generosity.”

National Philanthropy Day is formally supported by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and hundreds of other non-profit organizations throughout North America. National Philanthropy Day®, November 15, is the special day set aside to recognize and pay tribute to the great contributions that philanthropy has made to our lives, our communities, and our world. In 2011, more than 125 communities and 50,000 people around the world will participate in NPD events and celebrations.

Celebrate National Philanthropy Day in the Canfor Winter Garden at UNBC 's Prince George campus on Tuesday, November 15, from 10 am to 1 pm.
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Celebrate National Philanthropy Day in the Canfor Winter Garden at UNBC 's Prince George campus on Tuesday, November 15, from 10am to 1pm. 
Kimberly GulevichKimberly Gulevich of Fort. St. John (seen here at UNBC's Bioenergy Plant) has been a recipient of the SM Blair Foundation Scholarship, the Chancellor Iona Campagnolo Scholarship, the TELUS Innovation Scholarship, the Sorila Entrance Scholarship, the UNBC Leadership Award, and the UNBC In-Course Scholarship. 



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