Langara College recently received a $117,665 gift from the PA Woodward Foundation to update nursing simulation lab equipment, including new HAL mannequins. The investment strengthens hands-on learning in Langara's highly regarded Nursing program, known for exceptional student outcomes and graduate success.
Langara College is grateful to the PA Woodward Foundation for their $117,665 gift to support the Faculty of Nursing.
The funding will help update its Nursing simulation lab with equipment, like advanced mannequins, that better reflects what students will encounter in practice. The gift was celebrated during a cheque presentation and tour on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, which included demonstrations of newly acquired HAL mannequins, generously funded through the donation.
"Medical equipment is no good unless there are people who know how to operate it," says Don Hickling, Executive Director of the PA Woodward Foundation. "We saw an opportunity to help schools by focusing our gifting on the purchase of simulation equipment to help students learn and develop skills that will be impactful across the province. We recognize that Langara has a very unique and special role in graduating very highly trained and highly sought after nurses. Working with the Langara Foundation, we found an opportunity to be a part of that."
The gift also strengthens the Nursing program's simulation capacity at a time when clinical placement availability can be tight, giving students more opportunities to build confidence, clinical judgement, and hands-on skills in a safe, near to real-life setting.
"Simulation gives our students a place to learn, try, and improve without the pressure of a real patient in front of them," says Julie Bedford, Division Chair, Faculty of Nursing at Langara College. "This kind of learning is critical to preparing practice-ready nurses," she adds. "We're truly thankful to the PA Woodward Foundation for investing in the next generation of nurses."
Langara's Nursing program is recognized for its strong student outcomes and reputation within the healthcare sector. Graduates consistently achieve NCLEX pass rates averaging 95 percent, placing Langara among the top nursing programs in Canada and across North America. Within three months of graduation, 100 percent of graduates are employed, with many health authorities actively seeking Langara-trained nurses to fill workforce needs.
Students like Tim Pham will directly benefit from the generosity of the PA Woodward Foundation. Currently a term 4 Nursing student, Tim credits simulation labs with helping nursing students transfer their learning from classroom to clinics.
"The labs allow students to learn in immersive environments in preparation for their clinical experiences in hospitals. I have found ways to work through challenging experiences at hospitals because of my experiences in simulation labs. They helped me prepare for those scenarios and gave me so much confidence. And honestly, I don't think I would've been able to get out of those situations without sim labs."
The generous contribution from the PA Woodward Foundation represents a pivotal investment in the future of nursing education at Langara College. By enhancing the simulation lab with advanced technology, students will gain invaluable hands-on experience, fostering their development into skilled and confident healthcare professionals. As the demand for highly trained nurses continues to grow, this partnership not only strengthens Langara's reputation as a leader in nursing education but also ensures graduates are exceptionally well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern healthcare. Together, we are shaping the next generation of nursing leaders who will make a significant impact across the province.
About the Faculty of Nursing
The members of the Faculty of Nursing at Langara College aspire to be professional exemplars in teaching, practice, and scholarship with a focus on excellence, integrity, evidence, collaboration, and a commitment to advancing a greater understanding of people's experiences of health, illness, healing, and health promotion. The philosophical foundations of phenomenology, feminism, critical social theory, post-colonialism, empiricism, and humanism form the basis of the curriculum. The meta-concepts of health promotion and caring are influenced and informed by these philosophical foundations.
The Faculty of Nursing has received a seven-year recognition from the British Columbia College of Nursing and Midwives . This is the longest recognition awarded by the provincial regulatory body. Faculty and students engage in a variety of academic activities including presenting papers and posters at local, provincial, and national conferences.
About the PA Woodward Foundation
The Mr. and Mrs. P.A. Woodward's Foundation carries forward a legacy rooted in the iconic Woodward's Stores, a landmark in British Columbia's history. Founded in 1951 by PA Woodward, a visionary entrepreneur, and his wife Marion, the Foundation was born from their commitment to giving back to their community. Known for their generosity, the Woodwards supported healthcare, education, healthcare, and religious causes.
Since its inception, the foundation has donated over $65 million to more than 500 healthcare facilities across British Columbia, improving the health and well-being of countless residents. Today, it honours the Woodwards' legacy by providing approximately $2.5 million annually to advance healthcare and make a meaningful impact in communities across the province.
