Prince George, BC – The University of Northern British Columbia has launched the public phase of its first comprehensive fundraising campaign. The $15-million Northern Leadership campaign will support pivotal priorities that will bolster UNBC’s leadership as one of Canada’s best small research-intensive universities.

“This ambitious fundraising effort will help us strengthen our capacity to inspire leadership for the next generation,” says Tracey Wolsey, the chair of the UNBC Board of Governors and a UNBC graduate. “The fruits of this campaign will empower economic, social and cultural prosperity for British Columbia and Canada.”

The Northern Leadership campaign began in late 2014 and the goal is well over half-way complete.

The campaign is focused on three key priorities: to strengthen research and teaching excellence, to inspire next-generation leaders and to create local solutions with global impact.

Funds raised support research excellence at UNBC in areas as diverse as tall wood building engineering, research forests and rural and northern health.

The campaign will ensure more outstanding students are educated at UNBC so they are prepared to lead. Fundraising will provide new opportunities for experiential learning, help students from rural and First Nations communities transition to university life, and grow scholarships and bursaries for students.

The Northern Leadership Campaign will also raise funds for unique projects that have a positive impact locally and resonate internationally, like the Sustainable Communities Demonstration Project.

“Through research and scholarship, UNBC is educating the next generation of innovative leaders,” says UNBC President Dr. Daniel Weeks. “As Canada’s best small research-intensive university, our faculty and students are harnessing opportunities and discovering new ways to resolve many of the challenges our country is facing as a northern nation.”

Campaign priorities and ways to give can be found at at the Campaign website.

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