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.
“It's the research that's keeping me alive, and will keep me alive.”
Five-time cancer survivor Diane Colton is on a mission to de-stigmatize lung cancer and advance critical research at the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute to better understand and mitigate environmental risk factors like radon — the number-one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers — and improve patient care.
Harnessing AI for better health
The new Nelson PULSE Centre is set to establish a province-wide data platform that securely links anonymized diagnostic tests — such as imaging and electrocardiogram tracings — with laboratory, medication and health-outcomes data, to give physicians and researchers valuable insights and improve patient care.
Long-running program supports people with chronic physical disabilities
Harvey Rose signed up for the Faculty of Kinesiology’s Rehabilitation and Fitness Program after suffering a stroke in 1998, determined to regain the loss of mobility that left him in a wheelchair — and he hasn't missed a session since.
Calgary business leaders fuel experiential learning at Haskayne
In today’s rapidly-changing world of work, employers are looking for more than just strong grades — they’re searching for graduates who can lead, collaborate and adapt in real time. That’s where experiential learning makes the difference.
A family legacy: Unlocking better bone and joint treatments
Decades after a transformative donation from J.R. (Bud) McCaig established the McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, a legacy gift from his brother, Maurice McCaig, is set to empower next-generation researchers who are pushing the boundaries of discovery.
Celebrating 5 years of UCeed
What started as a bold idea to accelerate research from lab to market has grown into Canada’s largest university-based investment fund of its kind, powered by philanthropy and rooted in UCalgary’s culture of entrepreneurial thinking.
Unique scholarships fuel next wave of entrepreneurs
Giving fashion waste a new life. Empowering vulnerable populations to enrich their neighbourhoods. Developing technology that produces clean hydrogen. These are just a few of the ventures from the dozens of UCalgary students whose creativity and drive earned them a Cannon Lachapelle entrepreneurial-thinking scholarship.
Thrive Centre transforms cancer patients’ lives through exercise
After a whirlwind month that started with a cancer diagnosis and ended in surgery, Sean Walsh received the all-clear from his oncologist — but he felt far from relieved, instead waiting for the other shoe to drop. What finally helped was something unexpected: a unique exercise program for people living with cancer.
Passport to the past: Travel award takes learning overseas and back in time
As a student, an excavation experience in Turkey changed the course of professor emeritus John Humphrey's research, career and life — and as a professor, he saw the impact of the student awards he handed out each year. Today, he and his wife are paying it forward to the next generation of Arts students.
Political science fellowship pays tribute and garners global attention
Mark Grosjean would be embarking on his own postdoctoral fellowship this year, had he not passed away in 2018. But his name lives on in a prestigious new political science award, established by his parents — the inaugural recipient of which is looking forward to carrying on Mark's legacy.
Taylor-made excellence
In honour of Don Taylor's 90th birthday, we took a tour of some of the exceptional spaces and initiatives that make UCalgary a centre of excellence — each one made possible with the Taylor Family's generous support.
A gift from the heart, for the heart
Kadence Foley lives with Friedreich’s ataxia and genetic cardiomyopathy — serious conditions requiring regular medical appointments. But the ones she looks forward to are at the Broderick Cardiac Neuromuscular Clinic at UCalgary’s Libin Cardiovascular Institute. Thanks to a transformational gift from the Broderick family, the clinic is advancing diagnosis, treatment and care for people like Kadence across southern Alberta.
Backyard Benefit for Brains has big impact
After being diagnosed with a brain aneurysm and undergoing a craniotomy, Jackie Robertson wanted to help others like her and recognize her medical team. “I wanted to give back so badly.”
Connecting with alumni a winning strategy for Giving Day
Giving Day 2025 was one for the record books! Kinesiology topped the leaderboard, with volleyball coach and Olympian Graham Vigrass helping bring alumni back to the Dinos family.
Indigenous scholarship keeps UCalgary retirees connected
Dr. Arvi Rauk understands better than most the power of a financial boost — and, with his fellow UCalgary retirees, is committed to helping break down barriers for Indigenous students.
Meet the students
UCalgary is the place to start something — and, for many students, that starts with a scholarship or bursary. These awards support students in a variety of circumstances, helping them realize their full potential at university and beyond.
Read more stories in our philanthropy newsletter
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