December 2024

I would like to acknowledge that UBC’s Vancouver campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Musqueam and that UBC’s Okanagan campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.  Board members and others are joining us remotely from many places near and far, and I’d like to acknowledge the traditional owners and caretakers of those lands as well.

To our students, faculty and staff on both campuses and beyond, I hope the first Term of your Winter Session went well and to our students, good luck on your upcoming exams!

On behalf of the Board, we offer our heartfelt congratulations to all those who graduated from UBC this November.  Achieving this milestone is something to be celebrated!  I attended some graduation ceremonies in November and was inspired by all the fresh and hopeful faces I saw on UBC’s newest graduates as they prepare to carry forward what they have learned here at UBC.  I know that these graduates will continue to inspire people, ideas and actions for a better world.

The first graduation ceremony coincided with the installation of our new Chancellor Judy Rogers, which was also an inspiring occasion.  Judy, in your address you spoke about how truth has become an elusive commodity, and the challenge that this presents to all of us at UBC as seekers and guardians of truth.  I am sure that I am not the only one who was stirred by your comments, which remind us of the important role that post-secondary institutions play in the context of our rapidly changing world.

Now, as we always do, I would like to recognize three faculty members of notable distinction:

  • In the research category we recognize Candis Callison, who is an Associate Professor in the Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies and the School of Journalism, Writing & Media and Co-Director of the Centre for Climate Justice. She received the Distinguished Women Scholars Award from the University of Victoria, which recognizes the impact of outstanding research and creative achievements by women at any stage of their careers. Dr. Callison. is a member of the Tāłtān nation, and her research and teaching are focused on changes to media practices, the rise and persistence of Indigenous journalism on digital platforms, journalism ethics, the role of Indigenous and environment-focused social movements in public discourse, and understanding how climate change becomes meaningful for diverse publics.
  • In the service category we congratulate Carol Liao, Associate Professor in the Allard School of Law for being named one of Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers, in the Business category, by Canadian Lawyer. Dr. Liao is an expert in corporate law, sustainability and climate governance, and has dedicated much of her career to researching and advocating for sustainable business model archetypes and a just transition to a net-zero carbon economy. Dr. Liao was recently appointed Co-Director of the UBC Centre for Climate Justice, and she is the Chair and Principal Co-Investigator of the Canada Climate Law Initiative.
  • In the teaching category we recognize Ahmad Al-Dabbagh, Assistant Professor in the School of Engineering at the Okanagan Campus for receiving the Excellence in Education Award from the International Society of Automation. Dr. Al-Dabbagh has exhibited an exemplary commitment to advancing education and mentoring future professionals in the field. His dedication is evident in his efforts to establish robust automation and control educational platforms tailored to students’ needs.

To these distinguished faculty members, and the others whose research, scholarship, teaching and other academic contributions have recently been recognized, we offer our recognition and appreciation.

The Board would also like to offer its recognition to Governor Jessie Dusangh, who will reach the end of his six years of service on the Board at the end of the month.  Jessie has been Chair of the Audit Committee for the past four and a half years, and some of you may not be aware of this, but the Audit Committee generally has the longest meetings among all the Committees.  Jessie, we are so grateful for your service and leadership.   Thank you so much, Jessie.

Finally, I will note that one year has passed since we first welcomed President Benoit-Antoine Bacon to UBC last November.  Benoit, we are so grateful to have you with us and I hope that your first year brought as many joys as it did challenges.  It has been great working with you and we look forward to the years to come.

Thank you everyone, that concludes my opening remarks.