Explore giving stories

Donors like you are driving groundbreaking research, exceptional student experiences and positive change at UCalgary and in the community. Read on to see how philanthropy is helping us change lives.

Legacy Giving: “I think it is a lifeline”

Brenda Fischer was heart-broken when she lost her son Michael in 2017. To honour his memory, she created an award for UCalgary drama students that recognizes values he held dear: kindness, inclusiveness and compassion.


photograph of Doug Sigler

Class of ’63 rugby player is still in the game

More than 40 years after his time on the varsity team, Doug Sigler still has a soft spot for Dinos rugby. He shows his appreciation by donating annually — and equally — to the women’s and men’s squads.

photograph of Dr. Jay Riva-Cambrin

Improving quality of life for babies with a potentially fatal brain condition

UCalgary Professor of Neurosurgery Dr. Jay Riva-Cambrin is testing a less-invasive treatment for infants with excess fluid buildup in the brain.

Susan-and-Tristram-Chivers_image

Meet the donors

By designating gifts — like a collection of rare bookbinding equipment — to the University of Calgary in their estate plans, these donors’ passions and values will live on and inspire generations to come.

Photograph of Christina Lam

Parents establish law scholarship to honour daughter’s courage

Even from a hospital bed, lawyer Christina Lam managed to command authority. The palliative-care cancer patient wore a wig and sported a blazer with hospital pants as she argued her final case via video conference.

Image of individuals caving

Taking a deep dive into the economy of tourism and experience

More than 30 grad students spent three days in Banff and Canmore painting pottery, touring a firehouse, stacking Jenga blocks and exploring a cave — seemingly just fun and games, but in fact an integral part of the capstone course that concluded their Master of Management education.

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CSM report to community

Healthier lives sparked by philanthropy

From changing how stroke is treated around the world, to identifying new microbiome-based medicines and so much more — the Cumming School of Medicine has plenty to celebrate in 2024 as it marks 10 years since Geoff Cumming’s historic $100-million gift to the University of Calgary.

World-class kinesiology research facility coming to the University of Calgary

UCalgary will soon be home to one of the most advanced post-secondary research facilities dedicated to the study of human performance, movement and sport science, thanks to an extraordinary $20-million gift from the Taylor Family Foundation. 

Taylor Family’s enduring vision shapes the future while honouring the past 

Don and Ruth Taylor’s latest gift to UCalgary — set to revolutionize the future of kinesiology — makes the Taylor family the university’s largest individual donor, with their support advancing health, education, history and the arts.

man outside

Meet the donors

From honouring a beloved late classmate to paying it forward after a life-saving procedure, these donors have deeply personal reasons for supporting the Cumming School of Medicine.

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Just as a single spark can ignite a roaring flame, your generosity serves as the catalyst for monumental change here at UCalgary. Each quarter, we’ll bring you stories of the people you empower and impact you make possible — research breakthroughs, innovative technologies, new industries and more.

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