At the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), the commitment to community and student success extends far beyond the classroom. It’s a core value shared by many employees, including Sandra Smith and Colleen Bell, whose stories illustrate the profound impact of giving within the UFV community.

Sandra’s connection to UFV runs deep. Beginning her journey as a student, she earned her bachelor’s degree before returning to UFV in a professional capacity. In 2015, she joined the Academic Success Centre (ASC), where she worked as a learning strategist and later took on the role of coordinator. It’s work that she is passionate about: creating a supportive environment where students’ needs—whether financial, emotional, or physical—are met with care and understanding.

“I try to model Gayle, and my own donations have focused mostly on the awards that support the students I work with every day.”

The inspiration behind Sandra’s contributions to UFV student awards stems from her experience working alongside Gayle Ramsden, a colleague whose dedication to students was nothing short of inspirational. “Anyone who knew Gayle can attest to how passionate she was in her support for our students,” Sandra shares. “I try to model Gayle, and my own donations have focused mostly on the awards that support the students I work with every day.”

Sandra’s generosity has made a difference. She fondly remembers the messages she’s received from recipients of the Randy Huber Memorial Academic Success Centre Endowment Leadership Award and the Gayle Ramsden Prize for a Distinguished Student. “The pride (and relief!) they conveyed underscored how impactful these awards were, emotionally as well as financially.”

For Sandra, giving is an ongoing commitment. She’s set up regular contributions through payroll deductions and makes an additional donation around Giving Tuesday each year. It’s a practice rooted in her belief in the collective strength of community support.

“Donating to student-focused initiatives, like the Student Emergency Fund, just made sense.”

Similarly, Colleen Bell’s journey of giving is deeply personal. Inspired by her parents, who were active in their community, Colleen has always valued the importance of giving back. Joining UFV in 2005 as a librarian, she now holds the position of Assessment Librarian at the Abbotsford Campus library. When she learned about the opportunity to donate through payroll at UFV, she immediately embraced it. “I’m here for the students,” Colleen says. “Donating to student-focused initiatives, like the Student Emergency Fund, just made sense.”

Colleen’s contributions have also had meaningful impact. She recalls a time when the Student Emergency Fund helped a student who faced an unexpected challenge—a broken laptop crucial for her program. “Without the fund, she might have had to drop out. Knowing that my contribution helped her stay on track is incredibly rewarding.”

Colleen believes that employee giving plays a vital role in shaping UFV’s workplace culture. “Even if no one knows you’re contributing, you know you’re making a difference. There’s so much personal satisfaction in that and it fosters a positive atmosphere.”

For those thinking about getting started with giving, Colleen offers this advice: “UFV makes it easy to give through payroll. Even a small amount each paycheque can have a significant impact in a student’s life.”

Sandra and Colleen’s stories are inspiring examples of the difference UFV employees can make through giving. Their generosity extends far beyond merely supporting students—it’s about investing in their future, one contribution at a time.

To learn more about Employee Giving or to sign up for payroll donations, please visit https://giving.ufv.ca/ways-to-give/employee-giving/. Your generosity will create lasting ripples helping to shape a bright future for students in our community.