Recognizing student potential
For Karen and Warren Nelson, supporting students is about recognizing potential and standing with people who are working hard to shape their futures. They know first hand how access to education can transform a life, and they want to make that opportunity possible for every student who walks through UFV’s doors.

The couple first learned about the Student Emergency Fund at a UFV Town and Gown gala. They were struck by stories of students balancing full course loads, work, family responsibilities, and the rising cost of living. What resonated most was the determination of students to pursue their education despite financial limitations.

“When we came to the gala, we heard stories from students about how hard it was to even access food sometimes. So that was our point in supporting the Student Emergency Fund. We were inspired by the students who worked hard to succeed,” Warren recalls.

During a recent visit to campus, the Nelsons toured the Food Bank, a program at UFV jointly supported by the University and the Student Union Society, and were impressed by the care put into its design. They noted how thoughtfully it is organized, how easily students can access what they need, and how intentionally dignity is built into every detail. For them, it was a powerful example of UFV’s commitment to supporting students in meaningful, compassionate ways.

A belief rooted in family values

The generosity of others shaped Karen’s own commitment to higher learning. She remembers how her family sacrificed to ensure she could pursue her Bachelor of Education.

“My family saw the value in education, and they paid for my degree. I think that no person should have to forfeit their dreams due to financial hardship,” she says.

When deciding how to pay it forward, UFV’s accessibility and its supportive environment resonated with the Nelsons.

“I support UFV all the time. I don’t know why anyone would go anywhere else. It is a local and accessible university. I think our values are just ‘make sure that you give generously to others.’ We have been fortunate and have the means to do so, but we have had to work for everything,” Karen adds.

The impact of partnership

As a student wellness worker in the Student Support Centre, Mallory Manley has seen first hand how helpful and necessary emergency funding is for students experiencing a sudden need.

“The emergency fund can provide some relief and space to make a plan,” Manley says. “And students can feel supported financially while they focus on their studies. I love my job and helping students get connected to an amazing resource they didn’t know existed, which might make all the difference.”