The UBC Faculty of Applied Science is saddened by the passing of visionary alum and philanthropist Wayne White (BASc'67) at the age of 82. An early champion of interdisciplinary education, Wayne’s generosity to students continues through his philanthropy, most notably the creation of the Wayne and William White Engineering Design Centre (EDC).
Active in the investment industry for 43 years, specializing in mining, metallurgy and tech businesses, Wayne, along with his brother William, supported the design and construction of the $8.5 million EDC. When it opened in 2011, the centre proved to be the first and only campus building designed to promote interdisciplinary teamwork among the many engineering disciplines, including civil, mechanical, mining, computer and materials.
“Wayne had such foresight back then to see where engineering education was heading,” says Dean James Olson. “He and Bill had noticed this trend in industry, and understood before many of us that the challenges the world faces are too large for any single discipline.”
Born in London, Ontario, Wayne, along with his twin brother, who passed away in 2024, was the first in their family to attend university. After earning his engineering degree at UBC—paying his tuition through summer jobs, bursaries and scholarships—Wayne worked for Cominco in Trail, BC, where he earned his PEng distinction. After graduating with an MBA from Western University, he worked in investments in Toronto, focusing on mining and metallurgy.
A father of two and grandfather of four, Wayne loved to sing. He was a longtime member of the Tri-City Men's Gospel Choir and of several other choirs at churches where his wife, Rev. Barbara White, ministered.
In 2016, the UBC's Centennial year, the Whites received the Dean's Medal of Distinction, and in 2018, the UBC Alumni Builder Award. Both distinctions honour the brothers’ contributions to the EDC and support for the interdisciplinary education of UBC engineers.
“As alumni, we recognize the great value of engineering education at UBC,” the brothers said during the EDC launch in 2011. “We want to encourage everyone else who benefited from their time here to help make sure that today's students have similar advantages.”
