UBC School of Nursing receives $40M gift, largest ever to Canadian nursing school
Alumni Matthew and Natalie MacIsaac's donation will fund the newly named MacIsaac School of Nursing and its 270,550-square-foot health building.
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UBC 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. The university will formally name the MacIsaac School of Nursing and the MacIsaac Health Building, a 270,550-square-foot facility at the campus entrance where the school recently relocated, in their honour. The new names launch in early fall.
Matthew MacIsaac is a hedge fund manager and Natalie is a naturopathic doctor. The couple, parents of four children, said their philanthropy aims to demonstrate to the next generation the importance of giving back.
"Health has always been important to our family, and we believe deeply in the power of education and research to improve people's lives," the MacIsaacs said in a statement. "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 MacIsaac School of Nursing is ranked among the top 25 globally and top three in Canada. The gift will strengthen nursing education, research and practice, helping the school prepare the next generation of nurses and health-care leaders to meet B.C.'s growing and evolving health-care needs.
The MacIsaac Health Building houses the school alongside UBC's School of Kinesiology, UBC Student Health and Wellbeing services, Arts Research Commons, and a 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. Nursing facilities include three dedicated nursing skills labs and seven high-fidelity simulation suites.
UBC President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon said the gift brings the school to the next level. "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." Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm) representatives guided the building's vision.
The facts
How much did Matthew and Natalie MacIsaac donate to UBC nursing?
$40 million. It is the largest donation ever made to a school of nursing in Canadian history.
What is Matthew MacIsaac's profession?
Matthew MacIsaac is a hedge fund manager.
What professions use the UBC Team-Based Care Teaching Clinic?
Nine health professions deliver coordinated, relationship-based patient care at the clinic, though the article does not name each profession individually.
How many nursing simulation suites are in the MacIsaac Health Building?
The MacIsaac Health Building contains seven high-fidelity simulation suites dedicated to nursing.
