Philip B. Lind, CM (BA ’66, LLD ’02)
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 an advocate for arts and education, Phil made a lasting impact on UBC and Canadian life and culture through his philanthropy, service and leadership. At the heart of his many contributions was a deep commitment to building a brighter future for Canadians.
Phil graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from UBC in 1966 and joined Rogers Communications three years later. With his innovative drive and business acumen, Phil played a key role in growing Rogers into the leading telecom and media company it is today. In recognition of his contributions to Canadian media and culture, Phil was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2002.
Phil’s dedication to his alma mater spanned over two decades. His generosity invigorated the UBC campus—from supporting innovative scholarship and creative programming in the Faculty of Arts to elevating community and alumni engagement. The Phil Lind Initiative, which invites leading U.S. thinkers for thought-provoking dialogue, is one of the university’s most prestigious lecture series. UBC is also honoured to be the steward of the Phil Lind Klondike Gold Rush Collection, an unparalleled collection with rare items from Phil’s grandfather Johnny Lind, an early miner and gold prospector. Committed to ensuring the longevity of these items and their potential on research and education for future generations, Phil’s generosity has made certain that these unique historical items are preserved and made accessible to the public at the UBC Library.
Beyond his generous philanthropy, Phil’s strategic advice was vital to many UBC endeavors. He was a member of the Faculty of Arts Advisory Board and was Co-Chair of the start an evolution campaign. Most recently, he served as a member of the volunteer leadership circle of FORWARD, the campaign for UBC. UBC recognized Phil with an honorary degree in 2002 and the Alumni Award of Distinction in 2016 for his contributions to the diversity of our culture and his generous support of liberal arts education through broadcasting and technology.
Phil’s legacy of leadership will continue to live on and inspire us at UBC. I know that we will be joined by countless others in our local and national communities in mourning the loss of this truly accomplished man.
Deborah Buszard
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor