Impact Stories

Corporate and foundation donors make a significant difference at the University of Alberta. Through your investments in our research, community outreach and students, your gifts strengthen and fulfill the university's promise of uplifting the whole people. Each story reveals why we are proud of our partnerships.
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    Where care feels like home — and the next generation is learning why it matters

    A partnership between Optima Living and the University of Alberta is shaping the future of seniors’ care, one relationship at a time.

    June 25, 2026

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    A journey of exploration: how donor support opens minds

    For Abigail Cullen, the Love family’s support made a life-changing journey possible — one that spanned perspectives as well as continents.

    June 25, 2026

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    Giving shape to what comes next

    As the Shape the Future campaign closes at $147 million, students show what donor generosity has already made possible.

    May 19, 2026

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    Where Great Ideas Grow

    Early support and bold research are unlocking new understanding of pregnancy — and shaping lifelong health.

    May 4, 2026

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    What thriving looks like

    Five voices show how research devoted to children and women’s health is changing care, building community and improving lives.

    May 4, 2026

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    The Faces of Research

    Behind every breakthrough in women’s and children’s health is a story. These voices — patients, families and researchers — show how partnership and discovery come together to improve care, strengthen communities and create healthier futures.

    May 4, 2026

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    Seen, Heard, and Valued

    A nurse’s personal health journey is helping close critical gaps in care for women navigating reproductive aging.

    May 4, 2026

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    Giving Our Children a Voice

    A mother’s journey with her son is helping reshape how children are heard, understood and cared for in hospital.

    May 4, 2026

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    From Awareness to Lived Reality

    A mother in Maskwacîs helps turn community knowledge into meaningful autism supports for families like hers.

    May 4, 2026

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    A Full Circle Journey

    A parent, nurse and researcher helps ensure families are part of shaping the care meant for them.

    May 4, 2026

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    A partnership rooted in belonging

    Honouring a decades-long collaboration that is creating lasting opportunities for Métis students, strengthening research and making Métis presence visible on campus.

    April 16, 2026

    Erik Einsiedel

  • Guy Milner and Roger Helfrick at the Wâpanachakos Indigenous Health Program’s Community Lunch Hour with Alvina Lake, Eagle Woman, Knowledge Keeper and Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry students.

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    “Together we can make a difference”

    Guy Milner, ’74 BA, and his husband, Roger Helfrick, are sharing their story to inspire others to support students at the University of Alberta.

    April 14, 2026

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    Paying it forward with the gift of education

    Mary Babowal, ’67 BEd, and her late husband Walter Babowal, ’58 BSc(CivEng), ’60 MSc, met while studying in the Rutherford Library at the University of Alberta.

    April 14, 2026

  • Lana Walsh

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    Legacy gifts provide hope.

    “I grew up in a small town. And if you didn’t step up and help, nothing would happen. There wouldn’t be a community rink, a community hall, or a community theatre group. That’s kind of the community-minded spirit that I grew up in.”

    April 14, 2026

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    Marking 50 Years, Making New Impact

    The Class of ’75 Travel Award is opening doors for students completing rural placements across Alberta.

    March 2, 2026

    Erik Einsiedel

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    Donors serve up student success

    Scholarships help a Pandas volleyball standout thrive in sport, studies and service.

    February 18, 2026

    Sandra Coley

  • Marieliv Flores Villabos

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    Donor support helps graduate student champion women’s health

    Marieliv Flores Villalobos is researching reproductive health solutions for future pandemics while finding a "home away from home" at the University of Alberta.

    January 7, 2026

    Sandra Coley

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    “I'm very proud of the fact that I can do this. So is my family.”

    Thanks to Lynne and Roland Mansell, students in the School of Public Health and the Faculty of Engineering can reach their academic goals.

    January 5, 2026

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    Determination and dedication … against all odds

    How a longtime U of A supporter found a lifeline in the very program she had supported for years—and why she is now leaving a legacy to ensure others get the same chance.

    January 5, 2026

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    A joyful addition to life

    International author Ernie Zelinski explains why investing in student creativity—and connecting with the U of A community—has been one of the most rewarding decisions of his life.

    January 5, 2026