The holiday season is a time for reflection, and lately I have been thinking fondly of the warm welcome that the members of the UBC community have extended to me and my family in the months since I took up my position as 15th president and vice-chancellor of the University.
In many ways, coming to UBC has been a homecoming. As you may know, my father taught at UBC many years ago, and I was born in Vancouver during the time that he and my mother spent here. Coming back to UBC was indeed significant, and I thank you all for making the experience even more significant.
Since I arrived on campus in September, I have engaged with many members of the university community – students, faculty, alumni and staff – and I have been moved by their intellect, passion, pride and love for UBC.
I share that love and that pride. UBC, a scant 101 years old, is acknowledged as one of the world’s top universities with a record of outstanding accomplishments by its faculty, alumni and students.
Our recent progress has been guided by Place and Promise, the strategic plan that was launched almost a decade ago. And now we have begun work on a new plan, one that will serve as our road map for UBC’s second century.
Hundreds of submissions from faculty, staff, students and alumni have already been received since we began the process. Early in the new year, I will share the next steps in the planning process with you. There will be many more opportunities for input and feedback as we develop the plan. I am excited by the potential for the UBC community to work together to develop a vision that will truly lead us from excellence to eminence.
In conclusion, my family and I wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous and happy New Year.
Professor Santa J. Ono
President and Vice-Chancellor