As meaningful collaboration begins with the launch of the University's strategic planning process, the UNBC story shared by the Koopmans family truly reflects the hopes of the University's original champions. The Koopmans siblings make up six of UNBC's 16,000-strong alumni. In joining with the Koopmans to celebrate their achievements, UNBC is seeking your voice to set goals and directions that will support the successes of future waves of community leaders.

This month the 16,000th UNBC graduate will cross the stage at Convocation. The University is recognizing the milestone with the #UNBCPayItForward Campaign to help support the next 16,000 graduates.

As one of the first nurse practitioners in northern B.C., Shanda Rojas helped demonstrate the value they bring to the health-care system. Now as the UNBC graduate accepts a terminal diagnosis she is helping the next generation of Family Nurse Practitioner students.