UBC Students' Union Okanagan presented a cheque for $3 million to UBC Okanagan on Friday morning. From left, UBCSUO General Manager Rob Nagai, UBCSUO executive members Bobby Chavarie, Carolyn Cody, Spencer Robins, Grayson Lepp, and Doug Owram, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Principal of UBC Okanagan.
Students at UBC Okanagan are investing in the future of their university with a $3 million gift delivered on Friday morning to UBC Okanagan administration.
The contribution was committed by the UBC Students' Union Okanagan (UBCSUO) several years ago, enabling the university to proceed with construction of a new $33-million University Centre. Friday's cheque presentation marked the fulfillment of that financial commitment.
Home of the Students' Union and a host of student- and university-delivered services for students, the facility was completed in time for the start of classes last fall, and an official opening is planned for later this spring.
"Students are actively engaged in shaping the student experience at UBC Okanagan," says Bobby Chavarie, Executive Chair of the Students' Union. "We're extremely proud to contribute in a major way to outstanding new facilities that improve access to services for students on campus now and for many generations to come."
The entire ground floor of the University Centre building has been developed as the J. Peter Meekison Student Centre. It's a place for students to meet, have a meal, study, and access a wide range of services and amenities including Students' Union offices, the UBCSUO used bookstore, a 100-seat cinema, The Well pub, a branch of Valley First Credit Union, many clubs and The Phoenix student newspaper.
"Providing more student social space and expanded student services is a crucial component in creating the kind of campus learning and living environment we want to have," says Doug Owram, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Principal at UBC Okanagan. "Our students have been remarkable partners throughout the planning and construction of this new facility, and we are very grateful for their ongoing support and dedication to improving student life at UBC Okanagan."\
Ian Cull, UBC Okanagan's Associate Vice President, Students, says the student contribution represents a great milestone in the university's partnership with students.
"I have the privilege and pleasure of working with students and our student governance team every day," says Cull. "The contribution they have made to this facility represents an extraordinary commitment, and it has already made an extraordinary difference in campus life."
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