UNBC has launched its largest ever fundraising campaign .
The public phase of the $15 million Northern Leadership Campaign brought out speakers from the UNBC community and beyond Thursday to help boost UNBC's leadership to 'educate, innovate and lead' as one of Canada's top research-intensive universities.
"This is the largest campaign in the history of the university," said UNBC president Daniel Weeks.
Weeks announced $13 million has already been raised in support of the campaign.
"This is a celebration of not only the beginnings of the university but the realization of our capacity to really grow and help secure the future of the north."
The campaign's main focus relies on three priorities: to strengthen research and teaching excellence, to inspire next-generation leaders and to create local solutions with global impact."
"This ambitious fundraising effort will help us strengthen our capacity to inspire leadership for the next generation," said Tracey Wolsey, chair of the UNBC Board of Governors.
"The fruits of this campaign will empower economic, social, and cultural prosperity for British Columbia and beyond."
With a mission to prepare UNBC students as leaders, the fundraising campaign is set to provide new opportunities for experimental learning, help students from rural communities and First Nation communities transition to university life and provide scholarships and bursaries for students.
The campaign will also support unique projects that have positive impact locally and resonate internationally.
"The main issues and challenges of our region are critical to UNBC's success," said Wolsey. "And we will now be able to expand our impact well beyond our region."
Funds raised will support various programs including the Northern Agriculture programs, the Northern Medical Programs Trust, research in forestry and wood innovation and the Sustainable Communities Demonstration Project which models a community-based energy system on campus.
"We have an obligation to keep moving forward to benefit future generations," said UNBC chancellor James Moore.
"We've had great success so far and we are going to keep going with that success."
The quiet phase of the campaign began in 2014 with planning, goal setting and meeting with stakeholders. Funds are already being used to strengthen existing teaching and research activities and opportunities for bursaries and scholarships continue to grow according to UNBC.
"Through research and scholarship, UNBC is educating the next generation of innovative leaders," Weeks said.
