The Changing Role of Higher Education: Developing the Next Generation of Global Leaders
The Ismaili Centre, Burnaby, April 18, 2017 It’s an honour and privilege to be with you, in this strikingly beautiful Ismaili Centre. For nearly four decades, the Ismaili Centre has offered spaces for spiritual contemplation, as well as social, cultural and intellectual gatherings. The Centre truly does provide a bridge to friendship and understanding for […]
Exam anxiety? UBC can help
April in Vancouver can be amazing. The cherry blossoms are in bloom, the days are longer, and the temperature is (most days anyway!) getting warmer. April this year also brings the convergence of three holidays of deep significance to people of different faiths throughout the world: Passover, Vaisakhi and Easter. Whatever you celebrate, I wish […]
Statement on Report of Advisory Panel for the Review of Federal Support for Fundamental Science
The University of British Columbia welcomes the release of Investing in Canada’s Future: Strengthening the Foundations of Canadian Research, the report by the Advisory Panel for the Review of Federal Support for Fundamental Science. “With the panel’s recommendations in hand, Canada’s research community can move forward together towards a more efficient and impactful research funding […]
President’s Message to the UBC Community on Respectful Debate
As President, I have an unwavering commitment to the free, respectful expression of ideas and I trust that all members of our community, share this commitment. The University of British Columbia has a long legacy of commitment to respectful debate. UBC’s position on the free and lawful expression of ideas was powerfully articulated in President […]
Thriving at UBC: Encouraging healthy minds on healthy campuses
Minister Wilkinson, distinguished guests: I am honoured by the opportunity to speak to you today about mental health and how UBC is encouraging healthy minds on healthy campuses, an issue I am personally involved in, as I will explain in a minute. First I am glad CMHA BC is considering endorsing the Okanagan Charter: An International […]
We cannot change the past, but we can honestly recognize it
This past weekend, I was honoured and humbled to participate in the raising of Reconciliation Pole at UBC’s Vancouver campus. It was gratifying to see so many people turn out for this important occasion and to hear from residential school survivors such as Elder Barney Williams and Pauline Jones (below left), who spoke with courage and candour of the […]
UBC welcomes government initiatives re technology education capacity and Robson Square district
The University of British Columbia welcomes two important initiatives announced today by the provincial government. The government announced today a 250-graduate increase to UBC’s technology education capacity and a planned public consultation process to chart a course for a more vibrant, innovative and connected Robson Square district. Today’s announcement means UBC will be able to graduate […]
Remarks for Reconciliation Pole Installation: We cannot change the past but we can honestly embrace it
I begin by acknowledging all the Elders, Chiefs, and Matriarchs, distinguished and honoured guests, and by welcoming all of you, our many friends and family. We are so honoured to have you with us. Thank you for your work, your leadership and support, and for joining us today. I am thrilled to be with you, […]