Archival research can be equal parts challenging and exhilarating. Challenging to pore over old land survey maps and delve into correspondence, but exhilarating to find those nuggets of information that connect key aspects of a research project. Now, an anonymous contribution to the Northern Leadership Campaign is making many of the books, maps and records at the archives more accessible to researchers across B.C. and around the world.

Entering her final year of studies for her undergraduate degree in Public Administration and Community Development, Sara-Lynn Harding was facing a series of challenges and a sudden case of financial hardship. The Inspiring Women Among Us award arrived just in time to help her deal with her financial obligations so she could focus on her studies.

Dr. Baljeet Malhotra is inspiring the next generation of students by giving a current UNBC student the ability to work with his team at Vancouver-based start-up TeejLab. He’s created the Research in Technology Fellowship which comes with a $10,000 financial award along with a chance to work with TeejLab scientists on a research project.

Student life can be challenging enough balancing course work, part-time jobs and extracurricular activities. With tight budgets, an unexpected financial expense can add more anxiety to an already stressful situation. A new donor-funded program aims to reduce that stress by offering short-term emergency support to students in immediate need.

Since January, student researchers in UNBC's Synthetic Biology Club have been focused on finding solutions on how to treat the MRSA bacteria strain. The strain is known to health professionals as a superbug. It’s a big problem in hospitals worldwide and is resistant to even the strongest antibiotics. The team is comprised of eight biochemistry and two biomedical students, along with faculty supervisor Dr. Brent Murray. Five of those members are en route to Boston today to present their results and findings at the 2017 iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) competition.

By using wood pellets as the primary heating fuel for four campus buildings, UNBC is reducing its carbon output, saving money and demonstrating how other institutions and communities can reduce their fossil fuel consumption. The project has been made possible through the contributions of government and industry as part of the Northern Leadership Campaign.

As part of UNBC’s response to the 2017 wildfire emergency, the University created a special bursary to assist new and returning students affected by the wildfires. Contributions from the University and donors helped 36 students to continue their studies and overcome the financial obstacles of this natural disaster.

Reuben and Janet Horwitz understood the value of a university education. The couple bequeathed nearly $750,000 to the University of Northern British Columbia to support students from Fort St. James and other communities in the Nechako Lakes region. The endowed memorial awards will help at least eight students every year, forever, with bursaries worth $3,000 each, providing an incredible legacy to these communities and the future of their children.

Northern Medical Program graduate Dr. Montana Halliday was able to learn more about northern family medicine in Vanderhoof and in Gitlaxt'aamiks in the Nass Valley, with support from the Northern Medical Programs Trust.