“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into the water, the actions of individuals can have a far-reaching effect.” Those are the words of the Dalai Lama, and they are the philosophy behind UFV’s Ripple Makers program.

Post-secondary institutions rely on support from the community to build capacity, and UFV is no exception. Donors have a profound impact on education, innovation, and prosperity at UFV and throughout the Fraser Valley.

Support can come in different forms—through volunteering time and talent, through the gift of expertise through program support or serving on boards, through sharing the story of UFV with the broader community, and through financial support. The common denominator is that every gift makes a difference.

For those who choose to support UFV financially, gifts can be small or large and can go directly to support students or to particular projects or initiatives; they can be a legacy gift—one that is included in a person’s estate; they can be a one-time gift or support given more than once over an extended period of time.

The UFV Ripple Maker recognition program was created to acknowledge and celebrate individuals and businesses who have provided sustained support. Their gifts create a ripple effect by enabling students to pursue their education, through funding spaces on campus, and by supporting researchers and their work.

To recognize this important support, UFV presents Ripple Makers with distinctive paddles, given to serve as a reminder of the impact they have made. Loyalty Paddles are presented to donors who have supported UFV for 15 years or more; Lifetime Paddles are given to donors whose cumulative lifetime giving totals $100 thousand or more; and Legacy Paddles are bestowed to donors who have informed UFV that they have included the university in their will or estate plan. Over the course of the year, UFV bestows Ripple Maker paddles privately and at gatherings, such as the event held on November 7 on the Chilliwack campus.

President’s reception celebrates three new Ripple Makers

 

On November 7, a gathering took place at the Rivers Bistro in the Trades and Technology Centre (TCC) on the Chilliwack campus to celebrate and welcome the newest members of the UFV Ripple Maker family.

In his opening remarks, Acting President Dr. James Mandigo summed up the critical importance of the sustained and significant support of the donors being honoured when he said, “You’ve helped to create us, to sustain us, and you’ve walked with us in our vision to be known as a gathering place for learners, leaders, and seekers. We will continue to pursue diverse pathways of scholarship, leading to community connection, reconciliation, and prosperity— locally and beyond.”

“You are part of our community, just as we are part of yours.”

Susan Mide Kiss, Vice-President of Community Engagement, praised those being recognized during the evening: “Your commitment and your generosity enable our students to reach for their dreams. You provide opportunities for them to transform their lives and the lives of their families. Your gifts have a profound impact on a daily level.”

Mide Kiss invited two students, Rebekah Stokes and Ava Kauppi, to share how scholarship support has impacted their education. Rebekah, who is pursuing a degree in Global Development Studies, said of the scholarships she has been awarded, “This has been an invaluable support, allowing me to stay on track to graduate debt free, which in this financial climate is frankly a miracle. It also has allowed me freedom to explore and experience learning in ways I may not have been able to without this aid.”

Ava, working towards a degree in environmental science, echoed Rebekah’s thoughts and added, “I have been able to have more time to focus on my studies and achieve higher grades without having to worry about working many hours or having enough funds to pay for my tuition and books…the scholarships have given me more time to volunteer and to be more connected in UFV’s community.”

Mide Kiss then called upon each of the three new Ripple Makers to receive their paddles.

The Bank of Montreal was bestowed a Lifetime Paddle. First donating to UFV in 1999 and continuing for support in 21 years since that time, their total support from across various divisions and branches totals $940,900s. Bernardo Arreaga, Managing Director, Corporate Finance and Charles Matu, Director and Upper Mid-Market Lead, Treasury and Payment Solutions, collected BMO’s paddle.

The Toronto Dominion Bank has, over 16 years, donated $350,900. TD Bank Group has been a strong supporter of UFV since 1996. Gagandeep Grover, Relationship Manager, Affinity Market Group with TD Insurance, and branch managers Jessica Burns and Heather Lawn were on hand to accept a Lifetime Paddle on behalf of TD.

And from the Conair Group, Vice-President, Finance Scott McCarthy — who also happens to be a UFV alumnus — accepted a Lifetime Paddle. Conair Group Inc. has been a supporter of UFV since 1996 and has donated a total of $511,500. Their support is largely directed at three named awards that support UFV Aviation students.

The evening continued with a welcome to the Trades and Technology Centre (TTC) from Dr. Teresa Kisilevich, the Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies. A new arrival to the UFV family, taking on her role just this past summer, Kisilevich underscored the important role those who enter the skilled trades offer. “In every corner of this building,” she said, “you will find the dreamers and designers, the builders, and the problem-solvers. Trades and technology instructors challenge our students and apprentices to think critically, work safely, and solve problems with hands and minds.”

Dean Kisilevich then escorted the attendees on a tour of the TTC. And when Dr. Mandigo closed the evening out, he once again reminded the guests of the impact of their support: “You are all part of UFV….your time and talent, your spirit of mentorship and support, your gifts of scholarship….are what makes us the place that we are.”

“And for that we are always grateful.”