When Cliff and Lois Serwa learned that UBC was opening its Okanagan campus, they recognized a powerful opportunity to elevate athletics in the region and invest in the potential of young athletes. Over the 20 years since the campus opened its doors, their leadership and generosity have helped usher in a new era of varsity athletics in the Okanagan, empowering student-athletes to thrive both academically and in competition.

The Serwas are well-known names in the region. Cliff Serwa, a former MLA, cabinet minister and co-founder of Big White Ski Resort, is a lifelong athlete and was a major supporter of the creation of UBC Okanagan. Lois Serwa, a retired teacher, is a passionate advocate for education and community service. Together, the Serwas have spent decades inspiring others to support causes close to their hearts, from recreation and athletics to healthcare and education.

Their connection to UBC Okanagan began with a shared vision to create opportunities for young athletes in the region, regardless of financial background. In 2006, the couple helped establish the Athletics Scholarship Breakfast, a fundraiser to support student-athletes at UBC Okanagan. The goal was simple but powerful—raise funds for athletic scholarships so that talented students wouldn’t be held back by financial barriers.

Lois Serwa chaired the committee that brought the breakfast to life, and both she and Cliff were instrumental in its success.

“We fully supported the idea from the beginning,” says Lois. “It was an exciting opportunity to support young athletes, something Cliff and I have always been passionate about.”

The inaugural breakfast raised $25,000, which was matched by UBC to launch the fund with $50,000. Cliff and Lois Serwa led by example, buying a table, rallying their peers and encouraging others to invest in the future of student-athletes.

Over the next 13 years, the breakfast became a cornerstone event in the community, bringing together varsity athletes, alumni and supporters to celebrate the power of sport and education. Thanks to the Serwas’ continued leadership and involvement, the event helped grow two endowment funds: the UBC Okanagan Athletics Breakfast Men’s Varsity Award and the Women’s Varsity Award.

By its final year in 2019, the breakfast had raised nearly $1 million in donor funds. These endowments have created a lasting legacy, providing a sustainable stream of support for student-athletes. To date, 120 student-athletes have received awards, helping them pursue their academic and athletic goals.

In 2018, the Serwas deepened their commitment by establishing the Cliff and Lois Serwa Athletic Bursary.

“Education is the answer to the future,” says Lois. “We wanted to give more talented athletes the resources to pursue both their passion for sport and an education.”

Their impact has been felt far beyond the playing field. “Student-athletes face unique challenges, balancing rigorous academic demands with training, travel and competition schedules often leaves little time for part-time work,” says Dale Mullings, Associate Vice-President, Students at UBC Okanagan. “The Serwas’ leadership and support have deeply impacted the student-athlete experience at UBCO. Through the meaningful and ongoing financial awards they helped establish, more student-athletes have the support they need to succeed in their sport and in their studies. We are extremely grateful for their generosity and lasting commitment.”

As UBC Okanagan celebrates its first 20 years, the legacy of Cliff and Lois Serwa stands as a testament to what’s possible when community leaders invest in the potential of young people. Their vision, generosity and unwavering support have helped shape the future of athletics and education in the Okanagan—and their impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.