Where students thrive

UVic students have accomplished outstanding things this year. We take great pride in providing a stimulating and supportive environment in which they can reach their full potential, and we share their gratitude to the many benefactors whose support helps make their achievements possible.

FINANCIAL AID GOAL REACHED

When UVic's 2004 budget boosted student financial assistance by $2 million, the university exceeded its goal to be among the top 20 percent of Canadian universities
based on levels of student assistance. Dedicated to helping students continue to succeed, the university has committed to reach yet another ambitious goal—to raise $50 million in
scholarships, bursaries and fellowships from the private sector over the next decade.

RESIDENCE GOAL REACHED

UVic is more than a place to study—to an increasing number of students, it's also home. This year, with the addition of three new residence buildings, UVic increased its
residence capacity by 30 per cent (480 beds) to meet our goal of offering a place in residence to every first-year student, providing an affordable housing option and
enhancing campus life.

BENEFACTORS BOOST SUPPORT

Students for generations to come will benefit from the generosity of corporate and individual donors who this year provided nearly $5 million in new support for UVic student awards and services in a variety of faculties.

One of these generous benefactors, known for his lifetime of contributions to Canadian music, is Don Wright, music educator, author and composer of hundreds of advertising
spots. Canada's "jingle king" donated $1 million to UVic's music education program to fund scholarships, the growth of music education, and student-focused initiatives to help
bring the power of music to future generations of school children.

Business students will benefit from new scholarships and leadership development initiatives supported by the Thomas Frederick (Bill) Orr Endowment Fund. The $500,000 fund was established as a tribute to the late Vancouver businessman. Two of Mr. Orr's grandchildren are recent graduates of the University of Victoria.

Former president of Internet media giant Yahoo! Inc. Jeff Mallett and his wife Claire established the Jeff Mallett Leadership Award, to be given each year to a Vikes athlete who studies in the faculty of business.Mallett attended UVic in the 1980s and was himself a member of the Vikes soccer team.

Family and friends of Victoria's Mearns family continued a tradition of giving by contributing over $160,000 to the William C.Mearns endowment, which funds bursaries to support business and engineering students.

Thanks to a $400,000 contribution from the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), UVic's Career Services will continue to expand its highly successful program to
assist graduating students and recent grads in establishing their careers. The gift, pledged over five years, will also support other areas of need such as student financial aid.