Make dreams happen on Giving Tuesday
Every donation to AU creates opportunities like no other for students and their families
When Joshua Flis enrolled at Athabasca University, he became the first member of his family to pursue a university degree. More than three years later, he hasn’t stopped breaking ground.
Not only is the Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Major pursuing a dream career that would allow him to help others, but he has also embraced opportunities to broaden his academic experience such as pursuing research.
“At AU, I’m learning how to think with new palettes, gaining new skills to use in a competitive global world—and loving every moment,” he said.
It takes a community like no other to make dreams possible
AU provided the access and opportunity for Flis to pursue his dreams, but it was the generosity of donors who have helped him keep his focus where it belongs: the pursuit of excellence. He is one of 50 AU students who have received $1,000 through the university’s First in Family Student Award. The award was created to support students like him—70% of AU learners are the first in their families to pursue a university education.
“My academic pursuits are not just a means to personal growth but are doors to broader service and impact,” Flis said. “Student awards like the First in Family award are a testament to the belief that people matter—a principle I live by and see reflected in the generosity of donors.”
A growing community of donors give to AU to help ensure university education remains accessible to everyone. To celebrate the impact of philanthropy and Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3, we’re proud to share messages of gratitude and hope from AU student award recipients thanking donors for their generosity. Get ready to get inspired and see what’s possible with the support of a learning community committed to access, opportunity, and community like no other!
Awards make the season brighter
“Words cannot begin to express my gratitude for this amazing gift. From the bottom of my heart, thank you! I promise to continue to pay it forward and help all those I cross paths with. Especially with it being so close to Christmas, this means so much to my children and I. Wishing you the best in life, always and in all ways.”
— Sara McAulay, Bachelor of Arts, Major in Sociology
“Last week, I had an unexpected $2,200 in bills alongside all my Christmas shopping. This award was a heartwarming surprise. I’ve managed to maintain an honours GPA, four-plus courses per semester, and 40 hours a week at a job with pretty severe ADHD. Knowing that I have one less course to pay for takes some meaningful weight off my shoulders. Thank you sincerely for your generosity. I previously dropped out of university in my younger years as I couldn’t function in traditional classrooms but online is working!”
—Hayden Harrison, Bachelor of Science, Major in Biological Sciences
Master’s a meaningful goal for teacher and mom of four
“I am a mother of four active children, and this [award] could not have come at a better time. My husband and I both work full-time jobs and run our kids from rink to rink. With the price of everything right now, I was beginning to think that I might not be able to take a spring class. I am a high school math and science teacher, and I would love nothing more than to one day become the principal of our local school. By achieving a master’s degree, I’m one step closer to that goal. Again, thank you so much for your generosity it truly means more than I can express.”
—Amber Broad, Master of Education in Open, Digitial and Distance Education
Providing access to advance skills in health care
“I have made a three-year plan to finish the Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing program so I can become a registered nurse. This bursary will be so helpful in allowing me to achieve those goals. I cannot express my gratitude enough, so again thank you so much!”
— Autumn McLeod, Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing
Single parents aim to make the world a better place
“I am working diligently to earn a psychology degree as a single mom while under financial strain. My goal in life is to make the world a better place by helping those in need—people who often do not know that help is available to them. You have helped me move forward in my journey and I am forever grateful for this. With more love and support, our world can be a better place and I hope to spread this message in any capacity that I can.”
—Suzy Southas, Bachelor of Arts, Major in Psychology
“As a returning student and single mom, it was a bit of a juggling act to make it to Athabasca for an in-person lab. This award will help me to travel to Athabasca again for my next lab—which I’m discovering might be my favourite part of this experience! I’m not sure what I plan to do when I finish this degree, but I’m certainly enjoying the journey. You’re never too old to start your life over again! Thank you for making this new start a little bit easier.”
—Rachel Hussain, Bachelor of Science, Major in Biological Sciences
Helping businesses transform for the future
“Being recognized for this award is the culmination of a dream I had 12 years ago to pursue my Master of Business Administration through Athabasca University. Pursuing the MBA the last couple of years through AU has really opened my eyes to the possibilities after I graduate in terms of what I can contribute professionally within my community and our province.”
—Alisha O’Neill, MBA
Be a dream maker for a First in Family student
Some 70% of AU students are breaking new ground without a family member having done it before them. Help support these trailblazers and make the dream of a university graduation a reality.
