Nursing Class of 1958 Emergency Award
Although backgrounds differed—some hailed from the farm, others from the inner city—the Class of 1958 faced the same long nights in the Vancouver General Hospital. At that time, UBC nursing students spent the entire 27-month practicum in those antiseptic wards. At night, they were even prevented from leaving, locked up inside that quiet, labyrinthine building because administration sought to “protect young women.” Yet these women wielded grown-up responsibilities—bedside care and treatment—for which many felt almost unprepared.
Today the UBC Bachelor of Nursing Science program looks quite different. But in the 1950s, students received a monthly stipend cheque of $8 to $10; even when translated into modern currency, the stipend might cover toothpaste and floss. “We were poor,” says Arlene Aish, a member of the 1958 class. “But we were poor together.”
All of these challenges brought the Class of 1958 closer together, forging a lasting bond that, half a century later, motivated several classmates to launch an endowment for nursing students. Considering the cohesive nature of that class—many are still friends today—the class opted for a group fund, rather than an individual one. Unlike your average scholarship or bursary, the emergency award helps students who encounter unforeseen financial trouble.
Since establishing this endowed fund five years ago, the donation has (at the discretion of the Nursing Director) come to the aid of eight undergraduates, covering tuition, textbooks, groceries, even rent. In several cases, the recipient’s education would have halted without the support.
“Several of us in the class (of 1958) became university professors,” says Arlene. “So we witnessed firsthand the need for emergency bursaries.” The first in her family to attend university, Arlene taught at Queen’s University for much of her career. She recalls walking through the cafeteria line one day and seeing her student choose water rather than buy a drink, as she had no money.
Sometimes students without means find themselves stranded between the usual funding channels. Arlene has seen both graduates and undergraduates who, suffering a family breakdown, can’t afford books, tuition or even food. In one case, a student’s relationship with a stepdad had grown toxic. The new parent refused support, and the dependent didn’t qualify for a bursary, as the family’s income exceeded the criteria.
Given the ceaseless demand for emergency financial aid, the Class of 1958, rather than limiting their impact to one generation, extends their support to both current and future generations. To mark their 50th reunion, the class opted for an endowment fund. While UBC protects the capital donation, 3.5 per cent of the group’s endowed fund is awarded annually to a student—a gift that never ends.
Arlene strongly advocates group fundraising. “Everyone gives a little bit,” she says, “although there’s no pressure. Group giving can make for a more meaningful contribution.”
When asked if she had any advice for other groups or classes considering a similar fund, Arlene laughs. “Just don’t wait 50 years,” she says.
Donate to the Class of 1958 or other awards in the School of Nursing—or create your own UBC legacy—by contacting Darya Sawycky, Associate Director, Development & Alumni Relations. Darya can be reached at 604-827-0081 or darya.sawycky@ubc.ca.
