Impact Stories
Change starts here. Learn how UBC is reshaping the world through education, research and community engagement across all disciplines.
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Impact Story
Humbled to become a trusted ally
Children in Yukon don’t need a referral from a family doctor to see pediatrician Dr. Katharine Smart, BA’96, MD’01—she goes beyond the usual ways of delivering health care to reach more children and better serve Indigenous communities. By traveling to remote communities and getting to know the people involved in the lives of Indigenous children—extended […] more
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Impact Story
Edith Lando: Helping refugee children thrive
The number of refugees, asylum-seekers, and internally displaced people worldwide is at historically high levels. At this moment, one in every 113 people on earth is now displaced due to persecution, violence or human rights violations. And more than half of these refugees are children. The majority of these refugees who come to Canada have […] more
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Impact Story
Drawing closer to COVID-19 treatment breakthroughs
As the second wave of COVID-19 surges and the world waits to be vaccinated, the need to develop new, life-saving treatment methods and drug therapies remains as urgent as ever. Through unprecedented local and global collaboration, UBC Faculty of Medicine researchers are applying their strengths in therapeutic development by combining skills across disciplines, establishing innovative […] more
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Impact Story
The Spitz Fellows Program: Making the improbable possible
A generous gift from the family of Warren and Maureen Spitz gave Bachelor of Commerce student, Thao Atkinson an opportunity she never thought she’d have. Thao Atkinson used to think attending university was an unattainable dream. “I didn’t have much growing up,” she says. “I had a difficult childhood and went through foster care. I […] more
Student Learning
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Impact Story
Niko Andrianos: “You guys are superheroes”
Niko Andrianos has hope and a plan. Like all plans, it takes strategic thinking, gathering resources and, most of all, help. Help from superheroes. And that is where donors like you came in. Growing up in Esquimalt, B.C., Niko was drawn to technology and the search for sustainable clean energy sources. His interest fell specifically […] more
Student Learning
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Impact Story
How your gifts are supporting research to make the world a better place
Donors play a vital role in helping UBC continue to produce trail-blazing innovation and research. From medical breakthroughs to quantum research, by supporting UBC you are playing your part in shaping the future. To find out more, read our summer 2020 Impact of Your Giving newsletter. more
Research Excellence
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Impact Story
Alumnus and philanthropist Michael Audain gives to deepen our understanding of Historical Indigenous Art
Michael Audain recognized that we would soon be losing a generation of scholars and elders who specialized in the artistic heritage of BC’s First Nations, at a time where there continues to be a growing interest in contemporary Indigenous art in BC and around the world. more
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Impact Story
Animal welfare – and a cat called Mouse
Diane Haynes has a passion for animal welfare — a passion that started many years ago and inspired her to establish a scholarship at UBC to support graduate students whose research is aimed at reducing animal suffering. more
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Impact Story
Someone in their corner: A law student’s dedication
For law student Sophia Matthew, her experience in a law practice showed her vividly how someone who can navigate the legal system can help those in need. PHOTO BY SAPHREN LISE more
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Impact Story
MacInnes Family Field: A family’s legacy to multiple generations
In the heart of the Vancouver campus, MacInnes Family Field speaks to the legacy of the family who endowed it and their long connection to UBC. more
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Impact Story
A Four Pillars Legacy: The Philip Owen Professorship in Addiction Medicine
In honour of former Vancouver Mayor Philip Owen’s visionary approach to drug addiction, the St. Paul’s Foundation — with the support of Philip Owen’s friends and colleagues — has established the Philip Owen Professorship in Addiction Medicine at UBC. more
