Communications

Message from the President: Hello from a new colleague

This message was sent to faculty, staff and students in Vancouver and the Okanagan. Good morning everyone, Today I am honoured to begin my term as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of British Columbia. I want to thank Chancellor Point, who chaired the search committee, and everyone who contributed to the search process. It […]

Supporting the UBC community

With news continuing to emerge detailing the atrocities from the terrorist attacks on Israel this past weekend, I want to express heartfelt condolences to those in our community who are grieving incomprehensible loss and hoping for the safe return of their loved ones.

Statement on the violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

The escalation of this longstanding conflict and developing events is intensifying distress and concern among members of our university community.

Welcome to the new academic year

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the academic year. Whether you’re a new or returning student, a faculty or staff member, I hope the coming year is a successful one.

The resilience of our UBC community during the Okanagan wildfires

This message was sent to faculty, staff and students in Vancouver and the Okanagan. Last week, many of us watched as the wildfire situation in the Okanagan evolved into more and more evacuation orders. It was very difficult to see people leaving their homes, some of whom were UBC students, faculty and staff. On Friday […]

Philip B. Lind, CM (1943 – 2023)

Philip B. Lind, CM (1943 – 2023)

It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Philip B. Lind, CM (BA ’66, LLD ’02), a distinguished alumnus and loyal supporter of UBC. On behalf of the entire UBC community, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to Phil’s family. As one of Canada’s respected media industry leaders and […]

Support for students during the Kelowna wildfires

The following message was issued by Lesley Cormack, Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, UBC Okanagan As wildfires continue to burn in and around Kelowna and across the province, I am deeply touched by the outpouring of support and encouragement our community has received from across Canada and around the world. As of 8:40 a.m. this morning, […]

Support during the Central Okanagan wildfire situation

To all our UBCO community members who are under evacuation alert or order, and to everyone in and around Kelowna, we hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe and well. As you may be aware, the UBCO campus was also ordered to evacuate just minutes ago. We are working to ensure the safety of […]

Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon named UBC president

Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon will become the 17th President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of British Columbia. Currently President and Vice-Chancellor of Carleton University, Dr. Bacon is recognized for his leadership in student success, research funding, Indigenous initiatives, sustainability, and equity, diversity and inclusion. As a researcher, Dr. Bacon studies the neurophysiological and cognitive bases of […]

Spring 2023

  Welcome Welcome to the Spring 2023 issue of Letter from the President, a regular communication to members of the UBC community. Highlights Welcome to Frank Laezza Dolph Schluter Receives Crafoord Prize Congratulations to Faculty Research Awards Recipients UBC Okanagan Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Innovation building UBC to lead Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub UBC breaks ground on […]

January 2023

  Welcome Welcome to the January 2023 issue of Letter from the President, a regular communication to members of the UBC community. Highlights A Message to the UBC Indigenous Community Roadmap for Change: Implementing anti-racism commitments at UBC 30-Year Vision: Draft for Input UBC Announces Three New Killam Professors First Nations Longhouse Expansion Congratulations to UBC’s […]

A Message to UBC Vancouver on behalf of the President and Vancouver Provost

To quote the UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan, “Truth before Reconciliation,” all of our actions need to be based on a fundamental commitment to truth, to openness and transparency, and to humility. We know that this has been a difficult three months. We are deeply concerned that the issues raised and the university’s response have harmed […]

A Message from the Interim President and Vice-Chancellor

Dear members of the UBC community: As UBC’s newly appointed Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, I would like to thank UBC Board Chair Nancy McKenzie and the Board of Governors for entrusting me with this responsibility. It is an honour to take on the position and contribute to this remarkable university. I enjoyed serving as Deputy-Vice […]

Djavad Mowafaghian

Djavad Mowafaghian, CM, OBC (1927 – 2022)

  It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that we learned of the passing of Dr. Djavad Mowafaghian. Affectionately called “Dr. M” by those whom he’s helped through his generosity, he was one of Canada’s most visionary philanthropists and a dear friend of UBC. On behalf of the entire UBC community, […]

Douglas Mitchell, CM, AOE, QC, 1939–2022

We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Douglas Mitchell, CM, AOE, QC, LLD (BLaws ’62). I wish to express my deepest condolences to his wife, Lois, and their family during this difficult time. A former player, Commissioner and member of the Board of Governors for the Canadian Football League (CFL), Mr. Mitchell was […]