Tackling student support

Brian Dobie is someone who sees how important it is to shape the future of students.

As the head coach responsible for leading the Bison Football team, Dobie is used to leading champions. He sees philanthropic support of the university as another way of preparing future champions.

Last year, Dobie served as one of the co-chairs of the University of Manitoba’s Faculty and Staff Giving Campaign, a campaign that focused on active living, student awards, study spaces and experiential learning. He is a strong advocate for staff giving back to the university.

Brian Dobie, Bison Football coach

“I want to be involved because I love this university,” he says. “I really believe that as staff we’re fortunate to work here and to be immersed in a very youthful, energetic and positive environment, and I think that’s something we should appreciate.”

It’s probably no surprise that Dobie has traditionally put his support behind Bison athletes, but more recently he has considered directing his support to other areas as well.

“My daughter is a student here and being one of the co-chairs has made me think differently,” he says. “I haven’t decided on the direction my gift will take, but I have thought that it may be an area that will affect her and her friends.”

For Dobie, giving back to the university is a fair trade for everything that students give back to faculty and staff.

“I say to people all the time that as staff we get the gift of the fountain of youth because we’re working with so many students every day,” he says. “Anything we can do to help move students forward helps all of us move forward.”

For more information on giving to the University of Manitoba, visit the Donor Relations website.