$40M gift to UBC is the largest ever to a Canadian school of nursing

The University of British Columbia has received a $40-million gift from alumni Matthew and Natalie MacIsaac, the largest donation ever made to a school of nursing in Canadian history. In recognition of the gift, UBC will formally name the MacIsaac School of Nursing and its future-ready new home, the MacIsaac Health Building, in their honour. Use of the new names will officially launch in early fall.

This extraordinary gift will strengthen nursing education, research and practice, and help the MacIsaac School of Nursing — ranked among the top 25 globally and the top three in Canada — prepare the next generation of nurses and health-care leaders to meet B.C.’s growing and evolving health-care needs.

For the MacIsaacs, the gift brings together their longstanding interest in health, their alumni connection to UBC and a desire to give back to their community. As parents of four children, they also hope their philanthropy will demonstrate to the next generation the importance of giving back and creating opportunities for others.

“Health has always been important to our family, and we believe deeply in the power of education and research to improve people’s lives,” said Matthew and Natalie MacIsaac. “We are proud to support the next generation of nurses and the researchers and educators whose work strengthens health care in communities across British Columbia and beyond.”

The MacIsaacs are UBC alumni who share a commitment to improving health and giving back to their community. Matthew MacIsaac is a hedge fund manager, and Natalie MacIsaac is a naturopathic doctor.

“UBC is truly grateful and so proud to partner with the MacIsaac family to bring our already world-class School of Nursing to the next level,” said UBC President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon. “At a time when the need for care in our communities is great and growing, the MacIsaac School of Nursing will provide exceptional talent and new innovations and approaches to improve patient care.”

The MacIsaac School of Nursing, part of UBC’s Faculty of Applied Science, has recently moved into the spectacular 270,550-square-foot newly named MacIsaac Health Building (formerly Gateway Health Building), located at the campus entrance.

The MacIsaac Health Building brings multiple health and academic programs under one roof, including, in addition to the MacIsaac School of Nursing, UBC’s School of Kinesiology, UBC Student Health and Wellbeing services, the Arts Research Commons, and the new UBC Team-Based Care Teaching Clinic, where students from nine health professions deliver coordinated, relationship-based patient care in a real-world collaborative environment.

The nursing facilities include specialized facilities for nursing education, simulation and research, including three dedicated nursing skills labs and seven high-fidelity simulation suites where students can develop and practise clinical skills in realistic care environments.

Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm) representatives guided the building’s vision and shaped its design, landscaping and artwork to reflect Indigenous culture and land stewardship throughout.

“The School of Nursing has a new name, and health education at UBC has a new home,” said Dr. Elizabeth Saewyc, director of the MacIsaac School of Nursing. “This gift allows us to lead the future of nursing education, practice and research, while sustaining our deep commitment to health equity. Our students will now learn in purpose-built clinical skills and simulation spaces, and alongside peers from across the health disciplines, preparing them to provide the collaborative, patient-centred care that improves health for all.”

Nursing students expect the new building with its cutting-edge technology to make a big difference in their education. The hands-on simulations and team-based learning approaches give nursing students valuable opportunities to build confidence, strengthen critical-thinking skills, and apply what they learn to direct patient care.

“Continuing my nursing education in the new building as the School of Nursing enters this transformative new chapter is an incredible opportunity,” said Blaire Duke, Nursing Undergraduate Society president. “After graduation, I hope to practice in public health nursing, contributing to health promotion and health care that is more equitable and accessible for all.”

This gift is part of FORWARD, the campaign for UBC, with the promise and potential to advance healthy lives, a healthy planet and healthy societies.