Explore giving stories

Donors like you are driving groundbreaking research, exceptional student experiences and positive change at UCalgary and in the community. Read on to see how philanthropy is helping us change lives.

Alum making a heart shape towards the photographer while walking

Your generosity in action

Each year, thousands of donors — community members, alumni, students, faculty and staff — come together with a collective might that turns dreams into reality, ideas into action, and generosity into change.

woman in white scrubs, holding a stethascope

Collective giving adds up to support hundreds of students

Naomi Hewa Wellappulige's grandmother had wanted to be a nurse, but unforeseen circumstances prevented it. That resonated with Naomi and, with help from the Calgary Korean Scholarship Foundation, she was able to complete her degree.

woman in a hockey jersey with a gold medal around her neck

Levelling the playing field for women student-athletes

Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser knows the impact of philanthropy. The hockey legend and Dinos alum has seen what it means to a team and how it inspires every corner of the dressing room.

young man in business atire

From one-room schoolhouse to big-city campus

The university's Board of Governors chair pays tribute to his late father, a former UCalgary professor, and his lifelong dedication to education with a student award in his name.

“If we can make every burn survivor’s life just 1% better, it’s everything for us.”

Burn survivors typically face lifelong challenges but Dr. Jeff Biernaskie with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine aims to change that, teaming up with the Calgary Firefighters Burn Treatment Society — and a herd of reindeer — to advance cutting-edge research in skin regeneration.

woman outdoors with a lake in the background

Meet the donors

From sports enthusiasts to Dinos alumni to advocates for gender equity, donors to women’s athletics are a passionate group, helping student-athletes excel both in their sport and in the classroom.

calgary cancer centre

OWN.CANCER campaign exceeds $250 million goal

More than 17,000 donors helped support world-leading research, innovation and care at the new Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calgary.

Subscribe to Spark

Just as a single spark can ignite a roaring flame, your generosity serves as the catalyst for monumental change here at UCalgary. Each quarter, we’ll bring you stories of the people you empower and impact you make possible — research breakthroughs, innovative technologies, new industries and more.

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