Announcing the Formation of the UBC China Council
The University of British Columbia is pleased to announce the establishment of the UBC China Council.
UBC has signed a historic agreement with China’s Chongqing government.
I am pleased to announce that the University of British Columbia has concluded an unprecedented, five-year strategic cooperation agreement with China’s Chongqing government.
September 11 Vancouver Board of Trade Address
In my final address to The Vancouver Board of Trade, I will map my vision for innovation at UBC, and invite business leaders to see UBC as a key partner in the evolution of an innovation ecosystem in this province.
Join the Conversation – Town Hall 2013
Join me on Thursday, September 12 in Vancouver and Monday, September 16 in the Okanagan for the 2013 President’s Town Hall or submit your questions to me online.
2013 Spring Congregation and Convocation Speech
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2013. Read my convocation and congregation speech here.
Julian Barnes, The Sense of an Ending (Random House Canada, 2011)
Barnes is a truly great writer, but I do not think that this slim volume deserved the Man Booker Prize. Characteristic of Barnes is the precise sketching of scene and character, the sense of wistfulness that accompanies all attempts to recreate (or at least to unearth) the past. The central character, Tony, digs deep into […]
Alice Munro, Dear Life (McClelland & Stewart Doubleday Canada, 2012)
I think that Munro is, quite simply, the best writer that Canada has yet produced. Her prose is tight but fluid, and her characters rich and complex within the narrative discipline required of the short story form. Despite the extraordinary resilience of her mostly female protagonists, there is always something brittle and fragile on the […]
Vikram Seth, From Heaven Lake (Vintage Departures, 1987)
Seth is best known as the author of the sprawling novel of Indian family life, A Suitable Boy, which I loved despite its messiness. From Heaven Lake is an entirely different beast, a taut travelogue of a hitchhiking journey through China in the early 1980s. Seth was a graduate student in China, and near the […]
HRH The Duke of York visits UBC
The University of British Columbia and the Djavad Mowafaghian Foundation today welcomed His Royal Highness The Duke of York, KG.
Coat of Arms Refinements
The Coat of Arms has been an integral part of the university since its 1915 inception by UBC’s first president Frank Wesbrook. It has now been restored to its original splendor and elegance in time for our new-look 2013 graduation. While the elements and the meaning of the Coat of Arms have not changed, the […]
UBC hosts gathering of international university presidents, students
Presidents and students from universities around the world will be at the University of British Columbia May 8-10 to explore the impact of new technology on learning and research for the annual meeting and presidential symposium of Universitas 21 (U21).
Celebrating the 20th Year of the Longhouse and 25 Years of the First Nations House of Learning
Twenty-five years ago, the First Nations House of Learning was established, and 20 years ago, the Longhouse was built to house it. Both were among the first of their kind in North America.
Innovative Partnership Powers Living Lab Initiative
I had the pleasure today to announce that the University of British Columbia has entered into a new and innovative partnership with Alpha Technologies and Corvus Energy.
VP Human Resources Reappointed
I am delighted to announce that the UBC Board of Governors has reappointed Ms. Lisa Castle, Vice-President Human Resources.
Australian Governor General Visits UBC
I met with Her Excellency Ms. Quentin Bryce, Governor General of Australia today on her first visit to UBC.
To: All UBC Students, Faculty and Staff
I will be stepping down as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of British Columbia at the end of June 2014, after serving for eight years in what has been an inspiring and rewarding position.
Flexible Learning at UBC
Four factors are rapidly taking us beyond the tipping point for major change in postsecondary education.
Rapid Transit Key to Unlocking Potential of UBC/Broadway Corridor
The City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia released a KPMG study that shows a rail-based rapid transit system is needed to meet the corridor’s significant economic potential.
Op/Ed: Rapid Transit for UBC-Broadway Corridor Key to Economic Success
My opinion piece for the Vancouver Sun with Mayor Gregor Robertson