December 2022
Welcome Welcome to the December 2022 issue of Letter from the President, a regular communication to members of the UBC community. Highlights Nineteen UBC researchers announced as Canada Research Chairs Frank Laezza appointed Vice-President, Finance and Operations Staying safe during the winter flu season Student affordability and food insecurity Celebrating UBC’s Graduates UBC sends […]
December 2022
Welcome Welcome to the December 2022 issue of Letter to the Board, a regular communication to members of the UBC Board of Governors. Highlights Nineteen UBC researchers announced as Canada Research Chairs Frank Laezza appointed Vice-President, Finance and Operations Staying safe during the winter flu season Student affordability and food insecurity Celebrating UBC’s Graduates […]
Food Security at UBC
On November 3, 2022, I sent the following letter to the co-presidents of UBC Sprouts: Gizel Gedik and Delanie Austin Co-Presidents UBC Sprouts Board Room 0001C, 6138 Student Union Blvd. Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1 Dear Gisele and Delanie: Thank you for your letter of October 21, 2022, regarding food security at UBC. I would also […]
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:
Accessibility Listening Session
Last month I had the privilege to meet with members of the Disability Affinity Group. I’d like to thank them for taking the time to prepare their report on accessibility on the UBC Vancouver campus. As I said at our meeting, I will make sure that the current Executive, the Board of Governors, the Senate […]
September 2022
Welcome Welcome to the September 2022 issue of Letter from Santa, a regular communication to members of the UBC community. Highlights Think Forward and Homecoming 2022 VSE receives $1M gift from Dominic Barton Orange Shirt Day & National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at UBC Rella Ng Appointed as New Associate Vice-President, Enrolment Services […]
September 2022
Welcome Welcome to the September 2022 issue of Letter to the Board, a regular communication to members of the UBC Board of Governors. Highlights Think Forward and Homecoming 2022 VSE receives $1M gift from Dominic Barton Orange Shirt Day & National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at UBC Rella Ng Appointed as New Associate […]
Statement on Charges Related to Deaths of Two Students
On September 26, 2021, the university community was shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic deaths of two students. Their lives came to an end all too quickly and under terrible circumstances. We have collectively and individually mourned Emily Selwood and Evan Smith in the weeks and months since, and on behalf of the […]
Statement on the Passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Today we join the global community in mourning the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Flags on our campuses will be lowered to half-staff in recognition of her decades-long service as Queen of Canada and Head of State. Since her coronation in 1953, Queen Elizabeth reigned through times of significant geo-political turbulence with a […]
Welcome Back!
03 Welcome back to campus and the start of the 2022-23 academic year! I hope you all had a good summer. Welcome Students This week, UBC welcomes thousands of new and returning students to our campuses and learning sites. Thousands of new students are coming to our Okanagan and Vancouver campuses from across British Columbia, […]
Coming Soon: Recreation Centre North!
UBC’s commitment to the wellbeing of its students is something I’m very proud of and I am so excited that we are about to embark on a new endeavor that supports UBC students’ fitness and wellbeing goals. Earlier this summer, the UBC Board of Governors approved the Recreation Centre North project – a brand new […]
Walking the path of Reconciliation: The Indigenous Strategic Initiatives Fund
When we launched the Indigenous Strategic Plan (ISP) nearly two years ago, we hoped it would provide guidance and inspiration for the UBC community and beyond. Being able to invest in our commitments and enable student-led projects to come to life and have a genuine impact in our communities is a crucial step in the […]
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 […]
Community Update, June 27, 2022: End of Mask Mandate
Dear members of the UBC community. I hope that your summer is off to a great start. As you know, in April, we announced that masks had to be worn in indoor UBC public spaces until June 30. Since then, public health data has indicated that BC has passed the 6th wave of the pandemic. […]
June 2022
Welcome Welcome to the June 2022 issue of Letter to the Board, a regular communication to members of the UBC community. Highlights Peter A. Allard, QC, 1946 – 2022 Welcome Arig al Shaibah Thanks to our Donors and Alumni New UBC Vancouver student residences opens with gifted names from Musqueam Province invests $50m in […]
June 2022
Welcome Welcome to the June 2022 issue of Letter to the Board, a regular communication to members of the UBC Board of Governors. Highlights Peter A. Allard, QC, 1946 – 2022 Welcome Arig al Shaibah Thanks to our Donors and Alumni New UBC Vancouver student residences opens with gifted names from Musqueam Province invests […]
Peter A. Allard, QC, 1946 – 2022
We are deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Mr. Peter A. Allard, QC (BA’68, LLB ’71). I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to Mr. Allard’s family on behalf of the entire UBC community. He will be deeply missed. A lawyer, businessman and philanthropist, Mr. Allard has made an indelible mark […]
Statement on the one-year anniversary of the announcement of 215 unmarked graves found at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School
Our hearts are heavy as we mark the one-year anniversary of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation announcing the discovery of the remains of 215 children in unmarked graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. The discovery of these burial sites confirmed the truth that residential school survivors have long known, that the abuse […]
Episode 40: Overcoming Adversity: The Coltyn Liu Story
UBC student-athlete Coltyn Liu was just two years old when an accident left him with a number of challenges, including a brain injury. He was able to not only live with his conditions but thrive despite them. In this episode, Santa talks to Coltyn about how he overcame his challenges to become a star volleyball player […]
Vancouver Police Department Mess Dinner Keynote Address
The Vancouver Club Thank you very much for that generous introduction, Colleen – I’d love to meet that guy! We often hear speakers say that they stand between you and dinner so they’d better be brief – but luckily, we have already had dinner so the sky’s the limit! As you know, academics can talk, […]
Asian Heritage Month: A Conversation with Henry Yu
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to discuss Asian Heritage Month with Henry Yu, the principal of St. John’s College and an acclaimed scholar in the field of Asian-Canadian history. You can watch highlights from the discussion in the video (above), or read the transcript of the full discussion below: Henry: Hello everybody. I’m […]
Blue & Gold Campaign—It’s a wrap!
On May 10, 2022, I publicly announced the close of our tremendously successful Blue & Gold Campaign for Students. I am so pleased to share that we raised over $211-million enabling us to offer life-changing opportunities for many students, including those from under-represented communities, through financial support, awards and experiential learning opportunities Students are at […]
Episode 39: Asian Heritage Month
Santa Ono and guest Henry Yu, the principle of St. John’s College, discuss Asian Heritage Month, which is taking place against a background of anti-Asian racism, and racism against other ABIPOC groups and individuals, as well as the continued tragedy of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the transcript here.
Episode 38: Steven Point
In Episode 38 of the Blue & Goldcast, Santa talks to UBC Chancellor Steven Point about his distinguished career and his philosophy of life. Download the transcript here.
National Day of Mourning
The Canada flag (at Flag Pole Plaza) and the BC, Musqueam and UBC flags (at the North Plaza of the Life Building) on the UBC Vancouver Campus and the Canada, BC, Okanagan Nation Alliance and UBC flags at UBC Okanagan are lowered on Thursday, April 28, 2022, in recognition of the National Day of Mourning, […]
TransLink and UBC
On April 22, I had the pleasure of speaking to members of the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation to show support for the Transport 2050: 10-Year Priorities Plan as well as the extension of SkyTrain to the Vancouver campus. TransLink’s proposed plan for the next 10 years includes a range of transit solutions that support […]
Community Update: Mask Requirement Extended
Dear members of the UBC community, I would like to begin by acknowledging that I am speaking to you from the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. As we near the end of the academic year, I would like to thank everyone for doing their part in keeping our campuses safe and […]
Episode 37: Margaret Moss
In this episode of the Blue & Goldcast, Santa talks to Margaret Moss, the Interim Associate Vice-President, Equity & Inclusion, about her current role and her work with UBC’s First Nations House of Learning. Download the transcript here.
Statement on BDS
April 3, 2023 A year ago, UBC President and Vice-Chancellor Santa Ono issued the following statement on BDS. As interim president and vice-chancellor , I would like to take this opportunity to affirm that the university does not support BDS and to reaffirm our commitment to free and respectful debate to advance knowledge and understanding. […]
‘Moving Beyond Talk’: Addressing the Challenges of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and Climate Change
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Many thanks for that generous introduction, Peter – I barely recognized myself! And my thanks to you all for joining me in this important and timely dialogue. I feel very honoured to be invited to the Visiting College Leaders Program here at the University of Pennsylvania – it’s always exciting to see […]
Episode 36: Julio Montaner – Bringing Passion and Energy to HIV/AIDS research
Dr. Julio Montaner is the director of the British Columbia Center for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, the chair in AIDS research and head of the division of AIDS in the faculty of medicine at the University of British Columbia. He discusses highlights of his distinguished career as one of the world’s foremost AIDS/HIV researchers. Download the […]
Strategic Plan Update
Last week, I provided the following update on UBC’s Strategic Plan, Shaping UBC’s Next Century, to the Board of Governors: Shaping UBC’s Next Century is UBC’s roadmap, setting our collective vision, purpose, goals and strategies for the years ahead. Since the plan’s launch in April 2018, I’m pleased to say we have made […]
Community Update, April 1, 2022: Reducing Exam Stress
Dear members of the UBC community, I would like to begin by acknowledging that I am speaking to you from the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. Final exams will begin in a few weeks, and I realize that many of you will be anxious about how well you do. But […]
March 2022
Welcome Welcome to the March 2022 issue of Letter to the Board, a regular communication to members of the UBC Board of Governors. Highlights Provost and Vice-President Academic, pro tem appointments announced New scholarship program supports Black Canadian students at UBC Annual report on UBC Okanagan’s Declaration of Commitments to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls […]
March 2022
Welcome Welcome to the March 2022 issue of Letter from Santa, a regular communication to the UBC community. Highlights Provost and Vice-President Academic, pro tem appointments announced New scholarship program supports Black Canadian students at UBC Annual report on UBC Okanagan’s Declaration of Commitments to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action UBC–led research team […]
Episode 35: Research cluster Ars Scientia pairs physicist and artist for collaborative research
Ars Scientia is an ongoing UBC research excellence cluster which pairs scientists and artists, challenging them to create work that stepped outside of their respective disciplines and bridge the academic gap between arts and science. Today, Santa speaks to Daniel Korchinski and Josephine Lee. Daniel, a physicist, and Josephine, an artist were paired together to […]
Community Update, March 11, 2022: Masks Still Required on UBC Campuses
Dear members of the UBC community, I would like to begin by acknowledging that I am speaking to you from the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. Yesterday, the BC Provincial Health Officer announced that the Public Health Order requiring masks to be worn in public indoor spaces is lifted as of […]
Statement on Russia and Ukraine
On behalf of the University of British Columbia, I am deeply concerned about Russia’s attacks on Ukraine and its impact on many of our university community members. These attacks are unwarranted, unprovoked, and unacceptable. We join Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and B.C. Premier John Horgan in deploring this illegal and unjust war, and echo the international community’s […]
Community Update, February 11, 2022: Thank You for a Safe Return to Campus
Dear members of the UBC community: I would like to begin by acknowledging that I am speaking to you from the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. On Monday of this week, courses at UBC returned to the format in which they were originally scheduled. I want to thank everyone who has […]
Faith and Leadership in a Time of Crisis
Vancouver School of Theology Thank you, Richard, and good evening everyone! I am honoured to be here tonight to deliver the G. Peter Kaye lecture. The topic I will be addressing is “Faith and Leadership in a time of crisis.” The time of crisis is, of course, COVID-19, and it’s a crisis that the entire […]
Episode 34: Nancy Hermiston: “The Face of UBC”
In this episode of the Blue & Goldcast, Santa talks to Nancy Hermiston, chair of UBC’s Voice and Opera Division, director of UBC’s Opera Ensemble and University Marshall; who Santa describes as “the face of UBC.” Download the transcript here.
Celebrating Lunar New Year: The Year of the Water Tiger
Greetings to each and every one of you, and a heartfelt welcome to our UBC celebration of the Lunar New Year 2022! I am sorry that once again we cannot meet in person but, based on last year’s event, I am sure we have a great time ahead of us! The Lunar New Year has […]
Update on Winter Session, Term 2
Dear members of the UBC community, I would like to begin by acknowledging that I am speaking to you from the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. Earlier this month, we announced that UBC would deliver online instruction until February 7. Today, we are confirming that the majority of instruction will be […]
Statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Today, I join the UBC community in observing International Holocaust Remembrance Day and remembering the six million Jewish people and countless others who lost their lives during the Holocaust. We must never forget the heinous crimes perpetrated by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. I am deeply concerned that antisemitism, discrimination and violence continue to […]
Statement on Williams Lake
I was heartbroken to learn of the discovery of 93 unmarked graves at the site of a former B.C. residential school in Williams Lake. These discoveries are horrifying. We can only imagine the grief and pain that the families and communities of the missing children are feeling. UBC stands with Williams Lake First Nation seeking […]
Episode 33: Scholarly Integrity at UBC
https://soundcloud.com/ubc_blue_and_goldcast/episode-33-scholarly-integrity?si=a6bc94a56cd442dab6b3271282ef1b3d&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing In the first episode of the Blue and Goldcast for 2022, Santa talks with two scholars working to improve scholarly integrity at UBC. Dr. Ross Hickey is an associate professor in the Faculty of Management and the Department of Economics, Philosophy and Political Science at UBC’s Okanagan campus Jacqui Brinkman is the Director of […]
At the University of British Columbia, we are committed to doing our part to address the climate crisis
A version of this post appeared in the Georgia Straight, January 12, 2022 Our province is still reeling from an unprecedented and deadly heatwave fueled by climate change. Tragically, hundreds of people died from heat-related illnesses across the province, and the town of Lytton burned to the ground. But this extreme weather also serves as […]