SCHOOL OF NURSING NEWS / FALL/WINTER 2016

From One Generation to the Next
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.”
Class of 1958 celebrating their 50th reunion at Harrison Hotsprings
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.
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