When UBC Okanagan opened its doors in 2005, it did so with an ambitious vision: to expand access to world-class education and research in BC’s southern Interior, cultivating innovation in the region. Twenty years later, the campus has become a globally recognized research hub, with a student population flourishing from 3,500 to over 12,000.

One of the most pivotal moments in UBC Okanagan’s early history came with a transformational $10-million gift from the late Irving Kearl (Ike) Barber. His gift established the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences Endowment Fund, laying the foundation for two decades of remarkable impact.

A UBC alumnus, Barber earned his Bachelor of Science in Forestry in 1950 and was later awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws from the university in 2002. Over his 57-year forestry career, he worked in numerous roles across the province, eventually founding Slocan Forest Products Ltd., one of North America’s foremost lumber producers. But beyond business, Barber was a passionate advocate for education and an inspirational philanthropist.

When he made his landmark donation to the newly created UBC Okanagan campus, he envisioned an undergraduate learning environment that was second to none in BC. His hope was to support students, educators, researchers and lifelong learners throughout the province and around the world.

Dr. Bernard Bauer, inaugural Dean of the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences, recalls how Barber’s gift helped jump-start the university’s 20-year journey to becoming a research-intensive institution with exceptional undergraduate experiences.

“When UBCO was created in 2005, the Barber School made up more than half the institution’s student population, and a lot hinged on its success. Ike’s gift enabled the creation of several value-added programs that supported both undergraduate students and faculty in their aspirations for research excellence. These included our Undergraduate Research Experience program, a Distinguished Speaker Series that brings global thought leaders to the community, and programs to help faculty launch their research,” said Bauer.

“It also helped us establish the Teaching Innovation Awards, which provide faculty with the resources to advance new ideas and integrate them directly into their courses—strengthening the culture of teaching and learning on our campus.”

On July 1, 2020, the Barber School evolved into two autonomous faculties: the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science. This transition aimed to build on the accomplishments of the School, while allowing for more specialized academic programs and research opportunities in each discipline.

Dr. Lael Parrott, Dean pro tem of the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, says Barber’s gift continues to have a lasting impact, creating meaningful learning experiences for undergraduate students.

“The Barber endowment has been instrumental to supporting student success in the Faculty of Science. It has expanded undergraduate research opportunities, giving students hands-on experience that builds confidence, skills and a deeper connection to the scientific community. It has also helped fund important learning initiatives like curriculum development, student advising and educational leadership, contributing to a more engaging and supportive learning environment for our students.”

Dr. Silvia Tomaskova, Dean of the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences says the Barber endowment has allowed the Faculty to deepen students’ experiences and expand into new areas of enhanced learning.

“We are delighted to support students on their educational journey through this generous endowment. The Undergraduate Research Awards continue to be a priority for our Faculty, and give students the chance to lead projects and collaborate with experts. We have built on this with several newer initiatives like Indigenous Cultural Safety Training and student-directed seminars. In the seminars, students propose, coordinate and teach their own 3-credit seminar class. These opportunities build professional skills and help ensure students are job-ready by graduation.”

Now, as UBC Okanagan marks its 20^th year, the impact of Barber’s gift serves as a powerful reminder of how philanthropy can shape the future of higher education and our communities. His legacy endures through the thousands of students who have passed through the doors of the faculties that bear his name, the groundbreaking research taking place on UBC Okanagan’s campus and its ongoing commitment to fostering excellence in education.

“The Barber endowment enabled the change from what UBC Okanagan was in 2005 to what it is today. It set an example of how philanthropy can make a difference,” said Bauer.

“In this regard, Ike’s gift was truly instrumental in our collective success.”