With the physical and mental wellbeing of UBC Okanagan students and the community top of mind, the Stober Family has donated $1 million to support student scholarships, research and community health initiatives over the next five years. And it’s already having an impact.

“As I will eventually be living away from home while attending UBCO, expenses will be high,” says human kinetics student Julianne Keyes. “Due to chronic illness, my doctors advise a limited schedule, so I am often unable to work during the school months. With this scholarship, I will be better able to focus on my health and succeeding in my studies. I am extremely thankful and honoured to receive it.”

When Keith Brewster, executive director of the Stober Foundation, hears testimonials like Julianne’s, he knows the Stober Foundation is having an impact.

“I hope the scholarships and awards we create today will foster excellence in health research and support the wellbeing of our community for many years to come,” says Brewster.

This generational approach to philanthropy is something the Stober family has been committed to since Sandra Stober and her late husband Albert started the foundation over thirty years ago. The Stober Foundation is dedicated to the long view — supporting charitable initiatives worldwide while staying true to the Okanagan community. Professor Lesley Cormack, deputy vice-chancellor and principal at UBC Okanagan, knows their philanthropy will have a ripple effect for years to come.

“Generations of students will graduate from UBC Okanagan having been supported by the Stober family endowment,” says Professor Cormack, “creating a real, tangible difference in the community long into the future.”

Keith Brewster sees the Stober Foundation’s gift as helping the future of health research in the region.

“The Okanagan benefits enormously from having a top-tier research university right in our back yard,” says Brewster. “We have the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives and deliver quality, evidence-based research and ideas to those that need it most.”

The Stober Foundation’s philanthropy is an inspiration to Julianne, who has these words for them.

“Thank you again for establishing this award. I am extremely thankful and honoured to receive it. I hope that one day I will have a chance to help others, as you have helped me.”