UBC Development and Alumni Engagement

08/15/2026

Every championship, personal best and unforgettable moment begins with a community that believes in student-athletes.

Through Back the 'Birds, donor support is helping Thunderbird athletes train with leading-edge technology, compete against top programs, pursue national championships and balance the demands of varsity sport with academic success. From the pool to the rugby pitch, the softball diamond and volleyball court, your generosity is creating opportunities that extend far beyond competition.

See the difference your support is making—and get ready for the return of Back the 'Birds one month today on September 15!

Read more: https://give.ubc.ca/back-the-birds-your-impact/

08/07/2026

Ashley Hubbard's path to nursing didn't begin with an acceptance letter—it began with a second chance.

After not being admitted to UBC Okanagan's nursing program, Ashley entered the Aboriginal Access Studies program, eventually earning her nursing degree and continuing into a master's focused on Indigenous Wellness. Today, she's working with the First Nations Health Authority and planning to pursue a PhD.

Along the way, donor-funded support helped ease financial pressures for her family and allowed her to focus on her studies.

Read Ashley's inspiring story and see how donor generosity helps students push forward toward brighter futures: https://give.ubc.ca/impact-stories/ashley-hubbard/

08/04/2026

Historic seasons don't happen overnight.

Before conference play even begins, UBC Softball travels south to face some of the strongest programs in the United States, building experience, confidence and team chemistry that lasts all season. Thanks to donor support through Back the 'Birds, those opportunities helped the Thunderbirds reach their first-ever NAIA World Series.

Discover how donors are helping student-athletes compete at the highest level while preparing for success beyond the diamond—and watch for the return of Back the 'Birds on September 15.

Learn more: https://give.ubc.ca/impact-stories/back-the-birds-softball/

07/31/2026

A conversation over coffee. A soccer game with friends. An intramural referee whistle. For Abdullah Naseer Ud Din, these moments became the foundation of a community that transformed his UBC Okanagan experience.

After moving from Pakistan, Abdullah found connection through campus recreation, leadership opportunities and the generosity of donors—including receiving the Alex Recsky Award, recognizing his commitment to building community. Now, as he prepares to graduate, he's excited that the new UBCO Recreation Centre will help even more students discover the same sense of belonging that shaped his journey and inspired him to push forward.

Read Abdullah's story and see how donor support is helping students thrive—today and for generations to come. https://give.ubc.ca/impact-stories/abdullah-naseer-ud-din/

07/28/2026

Championship performances are often built on the smallest details.

Through Back the 'Birds, donor support helped provide UBC Swimming with underwater cameras that give athletes and coaches instant feedback during training. The technology is helping student-athletes refine their technique, pursue personal bests and continue a tradition of national championship success.

Read how donors are helping UBC swimmers excel in the pool, in the classroom and beyond—and stay tuned for the return of Back the 'Birds on September 15.

Learn more: https://give.ubc.ca/impact-stories/back-the-birds-swimming/

07/24/2026

When Ciana Dawydiuk-Clozza arrived at UBC Okanagan, she dreamed of becoming an engineer who could improve people's lives. Thanks to donor-funded awards, she was able to embrace every opportunity along the way—from competing on the Heat women's soccer team and participating in Go Global, to pursuing research experiences that prepared her for a master's degree in biomedical engineering.

Today, she's one step closer to creating medical technologies that will help people live healthier lives. Read how donor generosity helped make her journey possible.

Learn more: https://give.ubc.ca/impact-stories/ciana-dawydiuk-clozza/

07/21/2026

Winning championships takes talent, dedication and an incredible community behind the team.

Through Back the 'Birds, donors help UBC Women's Rugby student-athletes pursue excellence while balancing elite athletics and academics.

Read how donor support has fuelled back-to-back national championships—and continues to shape confident leaders long after the final whistle. Then join us when Back the 'Birds returns on September 15.

Read more: https://give.ubc.ca/impact-stories/back-the-birds-womens-rugby/

07/15/2026

Thank you to every amazing donor who is helping to push the world forward through UBC.

Because of you, students, researchers and programs have the support they need to tackle complex societal issues and drive real change for communities.

Learn more: https://give.ubc.ca/donor-hub/

07/08/2026

To all of our amazing donors, thank you. We couldn't do it without you!

Because of you, students, researchers and programs have the support they need to tackle complex environmental challenges and lead the way to a greener future.

Learn more: https://give.ubc.ca/donor-hub/

07/06/2026

When challenges arise, resilience doesn't happen in isolation.

For students like Ogechi Anumba, Tommy Wagner, Ashki Shkur and Michael Young, donor support helped create opportunities to grow, lead and move forward in their communities. From mental health advocacy to advancing equity and inclusion, these students are turning their experiences into action.

Read how donor generosity is helping students build confidence, connection and lasting impact.

Donor support helps UBC students overcome barriers, strengthen their mental wellbeing and contribute to building stronger communities.