I would like to acknowledge that UBC’s Okanagan campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, and that UBC’s Vancouver campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Musqueam.
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.
Congratulations to Okanagan student Governor Isabella Bravo on her re-election to the Board for another year. I believe Bella is joining today’s meeting via Zoom. We look forward to continuing to work with you, Bella, and thank you for your continued service to the University.
Congratulations also to new Governor Kamil Kanji who is attending his first Board meeting after having been elected to the Board by the students of the Vancouver Campus. We look forward to working with you Kamil.
We also welcome newly appointed alumni Board member Dallas Leung. Unfortunately, Dallas was unable to attend today’s meeting, but we look forward to working with him.
On behalf of the Board, we offer our heartfelt congratulations to all those who graduated from UBC this spring. Achieving this milestone is something to be celebrated! We wish you all the best in carrying forward what you have learned here at UBC, and know that you will continue to inspire people, ideas and actions for a better world.
We had a tour of the campus yesterday and I found myself thinking about how much this campus has grown during my time on the Board. We are proud of the achievements of the UBC Okanagan campus in providing excellent education and research while deepening relationships with the community. Thank you to all those who are contributing to this thriving campus.
I’d like to acknowledge that it’s Pride Month, an opportunity to celebrate with and honour those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and 2-spirited and to continue advocating for inclusivity, dismantling prejudice, and creating a world where everyone can live authentically and without fear of discrimination.
June is also Indigenous History month, dedicated to honoring the rich histories and diverse cultures of Indigenous peoples. During this month we are invited to reflect on the profound wisdom, strengths, and resilience inherent in Indigenous communities. While this occasion serves as a reminder to acknowledge past injustices, it is also an opportunity to amplify Indigenous voices, stories, and achievements. UBC acknowledges with gratitude our partnerships with the Indigenous communities upon whose traditional lands UBC resides. As we strive towards reconciliation, let us promote understanding and respect, standing in solidarity with Indigenous peoples.
Now, I would like to acknowledge three faculty members of notable distinction, all of whom are from the Okanagan campus:
- In the research category we recognize Dr. Sina Kheirkhah, Associate Professor in the School of Engineering, for being the recipient of the Killam Research Fellowship. This fellowship will enable him to pursue a one-year, full-time research at ICARE at the renowned Center National De La Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in Orléans, France. Dr. Kheirkhah’s research is helping to make aviation propulsion cleaner and safer.
- In the service category we congratulate Dr. Jeannette Armstrong, Associate Professor, Indigenous Studies in the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences as one of the new appointees as Officer of the Order of Canada, for making extraordinary contributions to the nation. Dr. Armstrong has received this recognition for her work in Canadian literature through her novels and poetry, and for her leadership in revitalizing the Syilx Okanagan Indigenous language.
- In the teaching category we acknowledge Dr. Christine Schreyer, Associate Professor of Anthropology in the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences who has been awarded the prestigious Killam Teaching Prize, recognizing exemplary role models who make significant impacts on the culture of teaching and learning. Working closely with Indigenous communities, Dr. Schreyer supports language revitalization efforts and integrates community projects into her curriculum, providing hands-on opportunities for student learning and impactful community engagement.
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.
Now, it is time for us to say goodbyes to some retiring members of the Board and Executive. We all shared a meal last night and that it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their service and bid them farewell.
First, this is likely to be the last Board meeting for our Vice-President External Relations, Robin Ciceri. Robin, thank you so much for your leadership on some very challenging files over the course of your time here at UBC, and for your support of the Board’s work. All the best to you in your future endeavours!
We will soon be bidding farewell to our Chancellor and fellow Board member, Steven Point. We had a dinner in May to thank Steven and celebrate his term as UBC’s 19th Chancellor. Steven, as I noted at your dinner, it has been a privilege and an honour to have worked with you on the Board over these past few years. We have all learned from the wisdom you have shared here at the Board table and through your many speaking engagements and ceremonies throughout your term. Steven, thank you for your generosity of spirit, your dedication to UBC, and for your leadership.
Governor Alison Brewin will also be completing her term on the Board at the end of July. Alison, thank you so much for all of your dedication and service, as Chair of the Governance Committee previously, and now as Chair of the People, Community & International Committee. I have always appreciated the perspective you bring to the table and it has been a pleasure working with you over these past six years.
Those six years coincided with my own term on the Board, which is also concluding at the end of July. It has been a pleasure serving this Board, and this University, and working with the Administration. Thank you for allowing me to briefly serve as the Chair of this Board, it has been both an honour and a privilege. Thank you also to Karen and her team in the Secretariat for all of their support.
