Alumni Monthly Giving: From the North, For the North

NOSM University is proud to expand its monthly giving campaign, From the North, For the North, to include our alumni community as part of the 2026 campaign.

Originally launched internally with NOSM University staff in 2025, this initiative reflects our shared commitment to building a healthier North through distributed, community-engaged learning and support for future health-care professionals across Northern Ontario.

By making a monthly gift—whether $10, $25, or another amount—alumni can help support learners, strengthen communities, and invest in the future of health care across the North. Donors may choose to support one of NOSM University’s priority funds or direct their gift to an area that is personally meaningful to them. If there is another area you would like to support, please contact alumni@nosm.ca.

Together, our alumni can lead by example and demonstrate the lasting impact of giving back to the communities we serve.

Below, hear from members of our NOSM U community on why they choose to give.

As the Director of Advancement, I believe it’s important to lead by example. Throughout my career in the non-profit sector, I’ve learned that creating a culture of philanthropy starts from within.

My mom studied nutrition at the University of Guelph, and her education deeply shaped our family life. When I learned that NOSM University had a Dietetic Practicum Program, I was thrilled and immediately felt a personal connection. I chose to support the DPP General Bursary Fund monthly because this program has far fewer bursaries than others, and I want to help ensure future dietitians have the support they need to succeed.

If you believe in NOSM University and the impact we’re making across the North, consider showing that commitment through monthly giving. It’s a simple way to turn belief into action and be part of something bigger.

Seeing firsthand how philanthropic support directly benefits students, programs, and underserved communities made me want to contribute in a meaningful and consistent way. Monthly giving felt like a natural step.

I choose to support the CampMed program because it deeply resonates with me both personally and professionally. As a mother of two young children, I see CampMed as an incredible opportunity to spark early interest in health sciences and inspire future healthcare leaders, perhaps even my own kids.

Becoming a monthly donor is a simple yet powerful way to support the incredible work happening at NOSM University. Even a small monthly gift can add up to something truly impactful over time. Whether it’s helping a student thrive, supporting community outreach, or advancing health equity across the North.

For me, it’s about being part of something bigger and knowing that, together, our support is helping shape a healthier, stronger Northern Ontario—now and for future generations.

I was inspired to become a monthly donor and establish a bursary in honour of my dear friend Gary Frederick, whose life was defined by compassion, humility, and a deep commitment to helping others. Gary believed in showing up for people—quietly, consistently, and with great kindness—just as NOSM University students do every day in their communities. The Gary Frederick ‘Daily Acts of Kindness’ Memorial Bursary is a tribute to that shared spirit, supporting students who lead with empathy and who are committed to making the world a better place, one small act at a time.

NOSM University students are the future of care in the North, and supporting them means supporting stronger, healthier, more connected communities.

To someone considering becoming a Monthly Donor- don’t wait. Start small, every dollar adds up and creates real impact over time. It feels good to know you’re paying it forward and helping students who will go on to make a difference in their communities.

I’m inspired every day by the dedication and compassion of our learners. In the Dietetic Practicum Program, they provide high-quality, person-centered nutrition care across clinical, community, and food service settings. Despite their essential contributions, they receive no financial compensation and are not eligible for traditional student funding like OSAP. Their commitment motivates me to give back and help ease their journey.

Every learner deserves the opportunity to access our program, regardless of financial barriers. Our graduates go on to become Registered Dietitians who are essential members of the health care team. They help prevent and manage disease, improve quality of life, and support interprofessional care. Supporting this fund means investing in the future of health care in northern Ontario. It takes a team to deliver effective health care, and by supporting our learners through monthly giving, we strengthen both our programs and the future of health care in northern Ontario.

Since starting as President and Dean, I’ve been inspired by the impact and importance of the work of NOSM U to people all across the North and by the dedication and engagement of our faculty, staff, and students to improving health in the North.

There are so many different initiatives that need financial support beyond what is possible in the University budget that I wanted to provide support that would be flexible and address the highest priority issues facing NOSM U at any particular time.

Being a monthly donor is a way to give back that adds up over time, but that can be done in a way that is easy. Every small bit counts! If ten people each gave only $10 per pay period, that would amount to the equivalent of a $10,000 donation from a bigger donor every 4-5 years.