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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 […]

Looking Back

Last week, I had the opportunity to reflect on my six years as president of UBC in a conversation with Kathryn Gretsinger of UBC’s School of Journalism, Writing and Media. You can watch the interview here:

Djavad Mowafaghian, CM, OBC (1927 – 2022)

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 […]

Statement to the UBC Community

Dear members of the UBC Community: At the start of my seventh academic year as your President and Vice-Chancellor, I write to inform you of my decision to complete my term as the 15th President of UBC in October 2022.  I have accepted an invitation from the Board of Regents of the University of Michigan […]

Canada Day 2022

Canada Day is a time for celebration and reflection. While we have much to celebrate this Canada Day, we still have far to go to achieve a truly representative and equitable university, province and country. We have seen progress over the past year — at UBC, we have begun to work on the 54 comprehensive […]

Marjorie Anne Sauder, CM, 1929 – 2021

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Marjorie Anne Sauder, CM on November 20, 2021. Known for her consummate generosity, respect and genuine kindness, Marjorie Anne’s abundant support of her community touched the lives of countless people throughout British Columbia and Canada. A treasured volunteer and a considerate philanthropist, Marjorie Anne had […]

Statement on the Tragic Deaths of Two Students

Today our UBC community is mourning the tragic deaths of two students, struck and killed by a car early this morning on Northwest Marine Drive. It is difficult to comprehend and express the enormity of the loss of these two bright and promising young adults. On behalf of the university, I wish to extend our […]