Impact stories

More than $2 million from an anonymous donor, CIBC and Indspire, a national Indigenous charity, is preparing the way for a long-overdue increase in First Nations, Métis and Inuit scholars in Canada.

In the summer of 1974, Judith Quinlan and Ellen Woodsworth commandeered a bright red school bus named Cora and hit the road.  

A $500,000-bequest from a lifelong Indigenous ally is moving the University of Ottawa closer to its goal of re-Imagining the campus as a place of belonging for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students.

When we say, “you are what you eat,” we tend to think it applies only to our physical wellbeing. Today, that saying is taking on new meaning at uOttawa as we discover deeper connections between diet and psychological wellbeing.

Student-athletes on the Gee-Gees women’s varsity sport teams have made history time and time again, and as we look forward, we want to build on that success in exciting new ways.

Amidst increasing public demand for equitable, climate-friendly policies in a low-carbon future, the University of Ottawa and the Jarislowsky Foundation have joined forces to endow a $4-million Chair to drive clean innovation and generate solutions for green economic growth.

Online shopping has been a blessing for businesses and consumers alike throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. It kept buyers out of harm’s way and helped retailers survive the restrictions and lockdowns.

Many people will experience a turning point in their lives where the calling to make one’s voice heard and stand up for what’s right becomes too great to ignore. For uOttawa alumnus Ocean Avriel, that moment came when he was just a teen.

It's no secret that a staggering number of Canadian youth struggle with mental health challenges. University students are particularly vulnerable because this is around the age when they are likely to be first diagnosed. That’s why it’s vital for postsecondary institutions to create an environment that protects them.

Homesickness and culture shock are well acknowledged parts of starting university. Those experiences can be compounded for Indigenous students coming from Northern Canada, including former uOttawa student Karen Aglukark.