$70,000 was raised for a University of Lethbridge endowment fund for Fine Arts students. (Photo: U of L)

By David Opinko

U of L event raises $70,000 for Fine Arts endowment fund

Apr 25, 2025 | 9:12 AM

A record amount of money was recently raised to support students at the University of Lethbridge’s (U of L’s) Fine Arts programs.

This year, the Abbondànza (Italian for abundance) endowment fund tied its celebrations to the inaugural Vibe Fest, an all-access community event held on Saturday, April 12.

It opened the doors of the University Centre for the Arts to showcase the creative talents of Fine Arts students, alumni and employees.

The event garnered a record $70,000 for the endowment. Faculty of Fine Arts dean Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch says the Board of Governors will match the net proceeds.

“Abbondànza unites those who believe in the arts and in arts education, and this year, we’re continuing that legacy by creating new awards in the endowment for experiential learning — such as internships, artist residencies and practicums — offering our students hands-on, real-world experiences,” says Davis-Fisch.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Since its inception more than 20 years ago, more than $1.75 million has been raised for the endowment, supporting 155 new and continuing Fine Arts students through scholarships.

A spokesperson from the U of L told LNN that “more than 20-plus scholarships” feed off of this fund annually.

Contributions to Abbondànza can be made online here.

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.