Eleanor Busse Klassen, Assistant to the Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, is retiring from UFV after 23 years and wants to challenge others at UFV to make a special gift to support the Student Emergency Fund. Eleanor wants to create a ripple before she leaves UFV. In her words:

“I found a quote early in my UFV career that I thought captured my personal Institutional Learning Outcomes in my role at UFV and pinned it to my bulletin board. The poet Rumi wrote ‘Be a LAMP, or a LIFEBOAT, or a LADDER.’

“I interpreted this to mean that by creating opportunities to explore ideas, we can be a lamp. By giving someone the education they need for their career goals, we are a ladder. We can be a lifeboat for students, by lending a sympathetic ear and a helping hand. A grocery store gift card can be a lifesaver to a student who has to choose between working to feed their family or studying for an exam.

“I have been passionate about providing emergency support to students and thought I could honour this ideal one last time before I retire. I have made the commitment to match donations of $23 to the Student Emergency Fund in recognition of my 23 years at UFV, up to $2,300. I would LOVE to have 100 people take me up on this challenge!”

So far, Eleanor’s Challenge has raised more than $1,800.

Will you respond to Eleanor’s Challenge with an additional contribution of $23 to the Student Emergency Fund?o More details here.

Thank you for making an impact in the lives of students and honouring our colleague, Eleanor.