That's the spirit!

UVic Alumni Amp up Support for Students, Athletics

A $100,000 donation from the UVic Alumni Association will support scholarships, bursaries and athletics, including a new alumni-supported cheering zone in the performance gym at the Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities.

The new Student Spirit section was unveiled prior to the Jan. 29 men’s basketball game between the Vikes and the UBC Thunderbirds.

The association’s gift includes $75,000 for scholarships and bursaries and $25,000 for CARSA.

“The history and accomplishments of student athletes are sources of incredible pride at UVic,” Alumni Association President Lesley Patten, BCom '96 said. “The link between active, healthy lifestyles and education has always been important at UVic. This donation reflects and enhances that connection even more.”

The donation helped start the ninth annual UVic Alumni Week – the series of more than a dozen events to highlight the impact of UVic grads in their communities.

"It's wonderful to see our UVic Alumni Association step up and make a significant contribution to a UVic priority project," said Clint Hamilton, Director of Vikes Athletics and Recreation. "This is a powerful statement and a tremendous example of the positive impact that our alumni continue to make on UVic."

Over the years, the volunteer-led UVic Alumni Association has given nearly $900,000 in support of students and the university.

The association also supports ongoing excellence in teaching and distinguished alumni awards, alumni events, benefits, and communications.

Photo: Student Ambassadors member Melissa Wong, UVic VP External Relations Carmen Charette, Alumni Association President Lesley Patten, and Vikes Athletics and Recreation director Clint Hamilton. (UVicVikes/APShutter.com)