The University of British Columbia
UBC - A Place of Mind
The University of British Columbia
Office of the President
  • The President
    • About the President
    • The President’s Medal of Excellence
      • 2018 Recipients
      • 2019 Recipients
  • The Office
    • President’s Office Staff
    • Past Presidents
    • Ombudsperson for Students Office Review 2018-19
  • Communications
    • Articles
    • Blog
    • The Blue and Goldcast
    • Letter to the Board
    • Media: Santa in the News
    • President’s Newsletter (Letter from Santa)
    • Speeches & Announcements
    • Statements to the University Community
    • Weekly Updates
    • Videos/Audio
  • Strategic Initiatives
    • UBC’s Strategic Plan
    • Presidential Priorities, 2021-22
    • President’s Community-University Roundtables
    • Statement of Apology
    • Together Against Racism and Injustice
    • Anti-Asian Racism Forum Recommendations
    • UBC Connects
  • Contact Us
    • Meeting Request Form
    • Breakfast with the President request
    • Email the President
    • Request the President’s Participation
Home / Blog / 2018 / June / 12 / The President’s Medal of Excellence: “A significant contribution to the purposes and ideals of the university”

The President’s Medal of Excellence: “A significant contribution to the purposes and ideals of the university”

June 12, 2018

This week I had the honour of presenting the University of British Columbia President’s Medal of Excellence to five of the University’s strongest supporters – Linc Kesler, Bill Levine, Risa Levine, Jim Pattison and Angela Redish.

The Medal is awarded to a person who has made a significant contribution to the purposes and ideals of the university. Recipients can be students, faculty, alumni, donors, staff or friends of the university.

For members of the academic community, either internal or external to the university, a significant contribution may be in education, research, or administrative service. The recipients should show excellence in their fields of endeavor which also contribute significantly to the mission and ideals of the university.

For members of the non-academic community, a significant contribution may be through the excellence of their efforts either external or internal to the university.

This year’s recipients – the first – more than meet the requirements, and I am grateful for all they have done for UBC and the province of British Columbia.

Bill Levine, Risa Levine, Santa Ono, Jim Pattison, Angela Redish, Linc Kesler

I was proud to present the first President’s Medal of Excellence to Bill Levine, Risa Levine, Jim Pattison, Angela Redish, and Linc Kesler (photo by Paul Joseph, UBC)

 

You can read more about the recipients at https://president.ubc.ca/medal-of-excellence/2018-recipients/. Below, I explain why each of them has received the medal:

 

Linc Kesler: UBC is grateful for Linc Kesler’s clear vision and hard work to establish the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre, his dedication to the Reconciliation Pole, and his leadership in advancing the commitments of UBC’s Aboriginal Strategic Plan. His efforts in nurturing the University’s relationship with the Musqueam community and advocacy for Aboriginal peoples at UBC and in Canada perfectly reflect the inspiration for this medal. In addition his thoughtful and considered counsel as Senior Advisor to the President on Aboriginal Affairs has been invaluable.

 

Bill Levine: UBC is grateful for Bill Levine’s numerous contributions to the health and prosperity of British Columbia through his service to and support of advanced education, the Jewish community, and many other organizations throughout the province. A leading UBC alumnus, Bill has made many contributions to business excellence, and his determined volunteerism and generosity throughout Vancouver have greatly contributed to a more civil and sustainable society. As chair of the UBC Board of Governors, a generous benefactor, member of UBC’s Dean’s Advisory Councils for the Sauder School of Business and the Faculty of Arts, and a member of UBC’s start an evolution fundraising and alumni engagement campaign cabinet, Bill Levine has been an ardent supporter of UBC and instrumental in the university’s significant growth.

Risa Levine: UBC is grateful for the Honourable Madam Justice Risa Levine’s selfless commitment to her profession, the community and our university. One of UBC’s foremost alumna, Madame Justice Levine has shown remarkable leadership in the judiciary as a Justice of the Supreme Court of BC and member of the BC Court of Appeal. She has impacted many lives as a result of her tireless volunteerism with organizations like the national Tax Advisory Committee, the Vancouver Stock Exchange, the Vancouver Foundation, the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver and many others. Her generosity towards UBC, as an adjunct professor at the UBC law school, a member of the Dean’s Advisory Committee for the Centre for Business Law, chair of the successful fundraising campaign to endow a chair in feminist legal studies and leading benefactor to key initiatives on campus, has enabled the university to evolve into the leading institution it is today.

Jim Pattison: UBC is grateful for Jim Pattison’s remarkable devotion to enhancing our province. As a business leader, he has built a reputation for quality, integrity and commitment, growing the Jim Pattison Group into one of Canada’s largest privately held companies. His commitment to business leadership and community building helped Vancouver become a leading international city. A former UBC student, Mr. Pattison led the organization of Expo ’86, helped bring the 2010 Winter Olympics to Vancouver and has greatly enhanced hospitals and patient care in British Columbia and Saskatchewan through his remarkable philanthropic efforts. The Jim Pattison Foundation—one of Canada’s most generous private foundations—has touched the lives of countless people throughout Canada.

Angela Redish: UBC is grateful for Angela Redish’s unwavering dedication to transformative learning and the students and faculty of UBC. Angela has worked as a senior advisor to UBC President Stephen Toope, acting as a faculty liaison and providing advice on the university budget and government relations. In 2012, she was Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President Enrolment and Academic Facilities, and then Provost pro-tem, working with me in my first year. She has also been actively involved in establishing the Vancouver School of Economics at UBC. Angela is known for continually supporting students and colleagues so that they can realize their potential, as well as for her profound belief in the importance of universities to creating strong, resilient societies around the globe. She has diligently helped to enhance the academic impact of UBC, create a vibrant environment on campus and strengthen the student experience at UBC.

This is the first year the Medals will be awarded, and I am truly honoured that these five outstanding individuals are the first recipients. I hope this is the beginning of a proud tradition at the University of British Columbia.  

Best wishes

Professor Santa J. Ono
President and Vice-Chancellor

Latest Updates

  • Vancouver Police Department Mess Dinner Keynote Address
  • Asian Heritage Month: A Conversation with Henry Yu
  • Blue & Gold Campaign—It’s a wrap!
  • TransLink and UBC
  • Community Update: Mask Requirement Extended
Follow Santa Ono on social media

Previous Posts

  • Asian Heritage Month: A Conversation with Henry Yu
  • Blue & Gold Campaign—It’s a wrap!
  • National Day of Mourning
  • TransLink and UBC
  • Community Update: Mask Requirement Extended
  • Statement on BDS
  • Strategic Plan Update
  • Community Update, April 1, 2022: Reducing Exam Stress
  • Community Update, March 11, 2022: Masks Still Required on UBC Campuses
  • Statement on Russia and Ukraine
  • Community Update, February 18, 2022: Pink Shirt Day
  • Community Update, February 11, 2022: Thank You for a Safe Return to Campus
  • Update on Winter Session, Term 2
  • Statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day
  • Statement on Williams Lake
  • At the University of British Columbia, we are committed to doing our part to address the climate crisis
  • Holiday Greetings 2021
  • Update: In-person exams, residence and testing
  • Community Update, December 10, 2021: New paths toward meaningful reconciliation
  • UBC launches ambitious climate action plans
  • Community Update, December 2, 2021: Envisioning Equality
  • Community Update, November 18, 2021: Emergency Funding Available for Those Affected by Flooding
  • Observing Trans Day of Remembrance
  • Community Update, November 12, 2021: Thanks to you, UBC is COVID safe
  • Community Update, November 4, 2021: Creating the most sustainable campuses in the world
  • Community Update, October 20, 2021: Vaccination Declaration Non-Compliance
  • Community Update, October 15, 2021: Vaccination Clinics at UBC
  • Community Update, October 8, 2021: Looking Forward to Celebrating Graduation In Person
  • UBC Sending Delegation of Eight to COP26
  • Community Update, September 29, 2021: Orange Shirt Day | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
  • Presidential Priorities, 2021-22
  • Community Update, September 16, 2021: Homecoming
  • IRP Student: UBC’s Renewal Journey Continues
  • Do Your Part: Declare Your Vaccination Status
  • Community Update, September 1, 2021: Vaccination is the key to a successful return to campus
  • Voting in the 2021 Federal Election
  • Community Update, August 27, 2021: Mandated Masks and Vaccinations
  • Community Update, August 20, 2021: Preparing our campuses for Fall 2021
  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2021
  • Update, August 13, 2021: Supporting Mandatory Indoor Masking and Vaccination
  • COVID-19 Concerns
  • Community Update, July 16, 2021: Black Opportunity Fund
  • Black Opportunity Fund partners with UBC to empower next generation of Black leaders
  • Weekly Update: June 25, 2021: Return to Campus will be a transition, not an event
  • Statement on the Missing Children of Canada’s Indian Residential Schools
  • Weekly Update, June 18, 2021: The Anti-Asian Racism Forum is Over, But Our Work is Just Beginning
  • Weekly Update, June 11, 2021: A Phased Approach to the Fall
  • Weekly Update, June 4, 2021: Statement on the Kamloops Indian Residential School
  • Statement on the Missing Children of the Kamloops Indian Residential School
  • Weekly Update, May 28, 2021: Spring Graduation
  • Weekly Update, May 21, 2021: Plans for Fall 2021
  • External Review of Campus Security
  • Weekly Update, May 14, 2021: Join the Vaccine-Nation
  • Weekly Update, May 7, 2021: Asian Heritage Month
  • Weekly Update, April 30, 2021: Let’s Bring SkyTrain to UBC
  • Universities Must Do More to Address the Climate Emergency
  • Weekly Update, April 23, 2021: UBC and Global Engagement
  • Weekly Update, April 20, 2021: Planning for Fall 2021
  • UBC and the Overdose Crisis
  • Weekly Update, April 9, 2021: Vaccination Clinic at UBC
  • Launching UBC’s Global Engagement Strategy
  • Statement on Anti-Asian Racism
  • Weekly Update, March 12, 2021: Planning for the Fall
  • UBC and UTokyo – A Relationship Forged Through Baseball, Quantum Materials and Mutual Esteem
  • Weekly Update, March 5, 2021: International Women’s Day
  • QS World University Subject Rankings Demonstrate UBC’s Breadth of Excellence
  • Weekly Update, February 26, 2021
  • Weekly Update: February 19, 2021
  • COVID-19 innovations hold lessons for national policy
  • Weekly Update, February 12
  • Statement on Release of Loujain Al-Hathloul
  • Weekly Update, February 5, 2021
  • Weekly Update, February 1, 2021: Black History Month
  • Let’s Talk About Mental Health
  • Weekly Update, January 22, 2021
  • Congratulations to UBC’s Killam Professors
  • UBC’s response to sentencing of alumna Loujain Al-Hathloul
  • Holiday Greetings
  • Update on UBC’s Evolving Relationship with the RCMP
  • Weekly Update, December 11, 2020
  • Update: Extending the SkyTrain to UBC
  • Weekly Update, December 4, 2020
  • Weekly Update, November 26, 2020
  • Weekly Update, November 20, 2020
  • Weekly Update, November 13, 2020
  • Weekly Update, November 6, 2020
  • Weekly Update: October 30, 2020
  • Weekly Update: October 23, 2020
  • Weekly Update: October 16, 2020
  • Weekly Update: October 2, 2020
  • Voting in the 2020 BC Provincial Election 
  • Weekly Update: September 25, 2020
  • Weekly Update: September 21, 2020
  • Welcome Back to the Blue & Goldcast!
  • Weekly Update: September 14, 2020
  • Weekly Update, August 28: Welcome New Students
  • Looking Forward to the Next Five Years
  • Statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day
  • Welcome to Steven Lewis Point; Farewell to Lindsay Gordon
  • Touring Brent Sparrow’s ʔəlqsən art installation
  • Guest Post: Working in the President’s Office
  • COVID-19: UBC and the Community
  • COVID-19: A Message to International Students
  • A Message to Students: The importance of physical distancing
  • Repatriating Cultural Property: A Priority for UBC
  • UBC: Among the Best in the World
  • Choose to Reuse
  • UBC launches Iranian Student Memorial Award
  • Looking Back on 2019
  • Happy Holidays from Santa
  • Honour the École Polytechnique Women by Learning About Them
  • UBC funding to foster collaborations in research excellence
  • Remembrance Day Reflections: We Owe Our Veterans So Much
  • Thriving at UBC
  • Election 2019: Why your voice matters
  • Presidential Priorities for 2019-20
  • UBC: The Next Century – the book!
  • Putting Students First with the Blue & Gold Campaign
  • U7 Alliance will Address the World’s Most Pressing Challenges
  • UBC’s Next Century: An update on the strategic plan
  • The President’s Medal of Excellence: 2019 Recipients
  • Changing My Mind: Margaret Trudeau on Mental Health
  • “Never lose that sense of adventure, that sense of wonder”
  • Blue and Goldcast: Talking about GenSqueeze
  • Three Takeways from the Roundtable on Non-Market Housing Innovation
  • Shaping UBC Okanagan’s Future
  • Congress 2019: Canada’s biggest academic conference is coming to UBC
  • UBC gets global recognition for sustainability impact
  • What Music Means to Me
  • Annual Giving – Faculty & Staff Appeal
  • Raising the Musqueam Flag: Acknowledging the past, recognizing our future responsibilities
  • UBC Connects: Connecting UBC to the community
  • Take the Cool Campus Challenge
  • Strategic Plan funding focuses on Indigenous, cross-campus initiatives
  • UBC’s Emeritus College is the first of its kind in Canada
  • Holiday Reflections: Honouring our commitments
  • So that the guns will fall silent forever
  • Thrive Week at UBC
  • His Highness the Aga Khan: An inspiration to us all
  • Shaping UBC’s Next Century: An update on the strategic plan
  • Listen Up, it’s the Blue & Goldcast!
  • Welcome to UBC!
  • Looking ahead to 2018-19
  • Stadium Neighbourhood: developing a thriving and sustainable community
  • Be a tourist at UBC this summer!
  • UBC: Proud to be a Pacific Rim university
  • Residential Schools: Breaking the Silence
  • Graduation: Sharing the Pride and Joy
  • Introducing Innovation UBC
  • Taking the SkyTrain to UBC
  • Continuing the journey: UBC’s strategic plan
  • Life is a marathon, not a sprint
  • The Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre: Fulfilling a Promise
  • Building a more inclusive campus community
  • Budget 2018: A clear recognition of the value of Canada’s science and research community
  • Digital Technology Supercluster means exciting opportunities for UBC, now and in the future
  • Inspire: “This is our moment”
  • Getting closer to where you want to be
  • Looking back on 2017, looking forward to 2018
  • The Blue & Gold campaign: Change their world so they can change ours
  • Going global: Our future depends on it
  • Building a better Canada
  • Overcoming the stigma of mental illness
  • UBC’s Next Century — the next phase of engagement
  • Supporting the dreamers
  • Imagine UBC 2017
  • Looking ahead to 2017-18
  • Summer at UBC
  • Exercise Run Down: Keeping the UBC community safe
  • Thank you, faculty and staff: you make UBC special
  • In a time of global uncertainty, innovation is more important than ever
  • Tokyo trip lays building blocks for future engagement with Japan
  • Graduation: The next stage in a remarkable journey
  • Exam anxiety? UBC can help
  • We cannot change the past, but we can honestly recognize it
  • UBC’s Next Century: Have your say
  • The Learning Exchange: Engaging UBC with the Downtown Eastside
  • Using data for social good: Announcing the Cascade Urban Analytics Cooperative
  • Update on Presidential Task Force
  • An innovative start to the Year of the Rooster
  • UBC’s Next Century: Moving from Excellence to Eminence
  • UBC’s Next Century
  • UBC’s Strategic Plan – seeking your input
  • A time for reflection
  • Office of the President
    7th Floor, Walter C. Koerner Library
    1958 Main Mall
    Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z2
    Website president.ubc.ca
    Email presidents.office@ubc.ca
    Find us on
        
    Back to top
    The University of British Columbia
    • Emergency Procedures |
    • Terms of Use |
    • Copyright |
    • Accessibility