NVD donates $1M to YukonU; challenges business community to raise further $3M

WHITEHORSE, YT—Northern Vision Development (NVD) donated $1 million to Yukon University today and issued a challenge to Yukoners to raise a further $3 million to support students in their education goals.

“Yukon University’s new strategic plan offers a bold vision of the impact Canada’s first university north of 60 can have on our future. We challenge business leaders and individuals across the territory to fuel student success, research grounded in northern values and inspiring ways of teaching and learning. I look forward to working closely with Wendy Tayler and the Yukon University Foundation over the next two years to multiply the power of NVD’s gift,” said Rich Thompson, president, and chief executive officer, NVD.

“At NVD, we believe that access to high-quality, local education and training contributes to a vibrant, thriving territory. Through this investment, we know that the entire territory and the Yukon business community will continue to benefit from the bold and confident change leaders that will drive our collective success for years to come,” said Piers McDonald, chair, NVD board of directors and former chancellor of Yukon College.

The $4 million initiative will contribute to removing barriers to education through advancing reconciliation, creating work-integrated learning opportunities, strengthening wellness support, the use of innovation and technology in learning, as well as the establishment of a Research Chair in Northern Governance.

“The Research Chair will ensure the decades of work that has gone into developing all levels of government in the Yukon—municipal, territorial, national and First Nations—remain a critical part of Yukon history,” said McDonald.

“This generous $1 million investment will be a huge boost to the success of students and learners at Yukon University, and a new Research Chair will help Yukon University in contributing to robust and collaborative research and curriculum that include the legacy of governance in the territory,” said Dr. Lesley Brown, president and vice-chancellor, Yukon University.

“The generosity and forethought of NVD exemplifies what makes Yukon companies stand above others. I am grateful for their challenge to Yukoners to raise $4 million over the next two years to enhance the success of students at Yukon University. I look forward to announcing gifts from other local companies, individuals, and families in the fall,” said Wendy Tayler, chair of the YukonU Foundation’s campaign cabinet.

Since 2018, the YukonU Foundation has raised $3.56 million to directly support students through bursaries, equipment, wellness activities, program development and expansion, and research.

About Northern Vision Development (NVD)

Since 2004, NVD has driven economic growth and job creation across Yukon Territory, Canada, through the acquisition, development and sale of hospitality, commercial and residential properties. NVD is proud to be over 40% First Nations owned and over 50% Yukon owned. With assets of over $125 million in Dawson City, Carcross and Whitehorse, NVD is one of Yukon’s leading real estate companies.