Trisha and Ross Beaty are transformative and dedicated environmental leaders and philanthropists whose contributions and volunteer service have strengthened universities, advanced environmental research, and supported communities across Canada.

From coast to coast and across three universities, their philanthropy has enabled world-class research, innovative facilities, and transformative learning experiences.

At Dalhousie University, the Beaty’s were instrumental in the creation of the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity, through an $8.2 million gift. The intention was directed to what students, and the broader community would gain from an immersive learning experience, with an end goal of developing a deeper understanding and responsibility for the natural world.

“Through generosity, volunteer leadership, and belief in education as a public good, the Beaty’s have helped create learning environments that inspire curiosity, deepen understanding, and encourage care for the world we share,” said Kim Brooks, President and Vice-Chancellor of Dalhousie University.

In 2017, they contributed $5 million to Queen’s University, to support collaborative research and education in the field of freshwater resources. In recognition of the gift, the interdisciplinary research initiative was renamed the Beaty Water Research Centre and holds a permanent space in the Queen’s Innovation and Wellness Centre.

The University of British Columbia (UBC) has greatly benefited from their leadership, generosity and desire to help their alma mater achieve new heights of excellence. The Beaty’s were a foundational investor in the Beaty Biodiversity Centre and Beaty Biodiversity Museum, enabling globally recognized research that has elevated UBC to a top ten institution in biodiversity research worldwide. Ross Beaty chaired the campaign that secured $75 million for UBC’s Earth Sciences Building, transforming the student experience and enabling collaborative research on climate and environmental challenges. Most recently, they supported a $45 million expansion of the Beaty Biodiversity Centre, boosting research capacity, creating new museum spaces, and fostering student–community partnerships. In addition, Ross’s work through UBC’s FORWARD campaign continues to advance research, talent attraction, and public engagement at a national scale.

“Ross and Trisha have has made it their mission to protect the natural world through philanthropy, service and by spurring industry-wide efforts to offset impact,” said Benoit-Antoine Bacon, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of British Columbia.

Outside of education, Trisha and Ross have dedicated their careers and philanthropic efforts to biodiversity protection, climate resilience, and conservation. Through the Sitka Foundation, which they co-founded, they have supported many post-secondary causes, and more than 120 environmental organizations, driving policy, research, and education aimed at protecting ecosystems across Canada and around the world. Ross also played instrumental roles as Director of the Pacific Salmon Foundation and Chairman of the BC Parks Foundation, where he is leading the 30-by-2030 campaign to raise $500 million to protect 30% of BC’s land and oceans. He is also a board member of Panthera, an organization devoted exclusively to the conservation of the world’s wild cat species and their landscapes. Trisha has worked in northern Ontario and British Columbia in various medical areas of family practice making an impact to women’s health, labour and delivery, adolescent health, general practice and travel medicine. She served on the boards of Ecojustice and the Nature Trust of BC and currently sits on the Board of Birds Canada.

Trisha and Ross Beaty’s leadership continues to shape and impact education across Canada, their sustained contributions inspire communities to care deeply for the natural world, and they continue to influence environmental leaders, public policy, and community learning. For all these reasons and more, CCAE and award sponsor KCI are proud to honour Trisha and Ross Beaty with the Friend of Education award and look forward to watching their impact for decades to come.