16,000 petition signers, 16,000 alumni
This month the 16,000th 蹤獲扞⑹ graduate will cross the stage at Convocation. The University is recognizing the milestone with the #蹤獲扞⑹PayItForward Campaign to help support the next 16,000 graduates.
More than three decades ago, 16,000 northern B.C. residents signed a petition, contributed $5 and joined the Interior University Society to advocate for a university in Prince George. This year, the 16,000th graduate from the University of Northern British Columbia will cross the stage at our Convocation on May 27.
Thats 16,000 alumni who are applying the knowledge and expertise they gained at 蹤獲扞⑹ to their careers and lives. Whether its on the front lines in health care, as they start businesses, take on leadership roles, develop a sustainable future, or volunteer their time and talents for worthy causes, 蹤獲扞⑹ graduates contribute meaningfully to society across northern B.C. and around the world.
The original 16,000 蹤獲扞⑹ champions envisioned a University that would provide opportunities for northerners to receive an education closer to home and welcome students and scholars from around the world.
Its remarkable to think that we now have one graduate for every person who lent their name and their $5 contribution to the cause of creating a University in northern B.C., for northern B.C., says 蹤獲扞⑹ President Dr. Geoff Payne. We are fulfilling the aspirations of 蹤獲扞⑹s foundering supporters through our excellent teaching, groundbreaking research and the amazing impact our alumni have in our communities.
To mark the momentous occasion, 蹤獲扞⑹ is launching the #蹤獲扞⑹PayItForward Campaign. Its an opportunity for those who have benefited from 蹤獲扞⑹ to pay it forward for the next 16,000 graduates by making a financial contribution.
The first $50,000 raised supporting the new 16,000 Alumni Award will be matched dollar for dollar by other donors.
Our alumni, soon-to-be 16,000 strong, benefited from the vision of our founding supporters and everyone who advocated for the creation of 蹤獲扞⑹, says 蹤獲扞⑹ Alumni Council Chair Isabella Wilson-Beaulieu, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate. Through the Pay it Forward Campaign, our alumni and other supporters will fund new awards so more students will have the opportunity to gain knowledge, share ideas and prepare for their careers at 蹤獲扞⑹.
Lucy Guan is a member of the class of 2022 at 蹤獲扞⑹ and is proud to be one of the first 16,000 graduates. Guan chose 蹤獲扞⑹ so she could play on the womens basketball team and gain the educational foundation for a career in accounting.
Guan, like many 蹤獲扞⑹ students, received financial support through student awards to help her finance her studies. This month, Guan is graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance and was named to the 蹤獲扞⑹ Timberwolves Presidents Honour Roll with a perfect 4.33 GPA.
I have received more support at 蹤獲扞⑹ over the past four years than I could have ever hoped for, Guan says. If it werent for the generosity of the original 16,000 advocates, I would not be able to join the 蹤獲扞⑹ Alumni family this May. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to become a Timberwolf!