University of the Fraser Valley’s (UFV) School of Nursing is excited to share the news of a remarkable enhancement to their program.

Thanks to the generous support of the Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Woodward Foundation, and the continuous generosity of dedicated donors, nursing students are about to embark on an even more enriching and impactful educational journey.

A Game-Changer: Advanced Simulation Technology

A $50,000 grant from the Mr. and Mrs. P.A. Woodward Foundation brings UFV closer to the goal of acquiring state-of-the-art pediatric and geriatric simulation mannequins. These advanced tools, including the Gaumard HAL for pediatrics and the Laerdal Nursing Anne for geriatrics, will provide students with unparalleled hands-on learning experiences. By simulating real-life healthcare scenarios, these mannequins enable students to hone their skills and boost their confidence, ensuring they are well-prepared to provide exceptional care to patients of all ages.

Cindy Schultz, RN BScN MaLead, Associate Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, and Lee-Anne Stephen, RN, BN, MN, Director, School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, expressed their gratitude, sharing , “The generous grant of $50,000 from the Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Woodward Foundation to assist in the purchase of cutting edge simulators has helped shape the future of health care education at UFV. Those studying in health care fields will have the opportunity to use state of the art learning tools that provide students with a realistic and immersive learning environment. This in turn, supports the development of well-prepared practitioners who will have the ability to critically think through the challenging situations faced in health care on a daily basis, leading to better patient outcomes and hence a positive impact on the community.”

Celebrating Our Generous Donors and Their Impactful Awards

The School of Nursing is also thankful for the numerous donor-funded awards that continue to support and recognize the exceptional efforts of nursing students. These awards not only provide crucial financial assistance, but also inspire and motivate students to strive for excellence in their academic and clinical endeavors. Some key awards that have made a significant difference include:

• Dhami Family Endowment Leadership Award in Nursing: This award is bestowed to a third-year student in the Registered Nurse (RN) program who exemplifies generosity and community leadership. It encourages our students to engage in meaningful volunteer work and to give back to their communities.
• Elaine Tessaro Endowment Scholarship in Nursing: This scholarship aids a second-year student who consistently demonstrates excellence in clinical practice, celebrating dedication and exceptional skills in patient care.
• Ecotex Endowment Leadership Award in Nursing: Awarded to a student who has completed a year of volunteer service and shown exemplary leadership and community engagement, this scholarship emphasizes the importance of compassion and service in the nursing profession.
• Rosamunde Currie Memorial Endowment Scholarship in Nursing: This scholarship supports two full-time nursing students—one in their first year and another in their third year—recognizing outstanding clinical performance and dedication to excellence from the beginning of their studies through to the advanced stages.

The Collective Impact on Our Community

The combined impact of the Woodward Grant and these generous awards is profound and far-reaching. The advanced simulation equipment funded by the grant will ensure UFV’s nursing program remains at the forefront of nursing education, preparing students to meet the increasing demands of healthcare with confidence and competence. Meanwhile, the donor-funded awards provide the most dedicated and talented students with the support they need to continue their education and emerge as compassionate leaders in their field.

Together, these contributions help UFV nurture a new generation of healthcare professionals who are ready to serve their communities with skill, empathy, and dedication. The ripple effect of these investments will be felt across the Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver, and beyond, as graduates go on to make a positive difference in the lives of their patients and communities.

Our Deepest Thanks

UFV extends heartfelt gratitude to all donors who have established these impactful awards and made transformative contributions to the nursing program. Their unwavering support is instrumental in shaping the future of healthcare by empowering the next generation of nurses. A special thank you goes to Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Woodward’s Foundation for providing this amazing opportunity to further enrich the nursing program.