June 2020
Welcome Welcome to the June 2020 issue of Letter to the Board, a regular communication to members of the UBC Board of Governors. Naturally, most of our attention – along with the rest of the world – has been focused on the COVID-19 pandemic. In this newsletter I will give a brief summary of the […]
Bringing the UBC community together for an interactive dialogue
10 September – Vancouver Campus
19 September – Okanagan Campus
UBC at the 2012 Summer Games
UBC has much to celebrate as the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games begin
2012 Spring Grad Event at Sty-Wet-Tan Great Hall
Prof. Toope attends the UBC First Nations Longhouse Graduation Celebration held for this year’s Aboriginal grads
UBC at Universitas 21
Dr. Karen Gardner receives the inaugural Universitas 21 Award for Internationalisation at U21’s AGM in Lund, Sweden
Op/ed: Building bridges from B.C. to Brazil
Building bridges from B.C. to Brazil; Ties being developed through student exchanges will provide a foundation for future relationships that benefit all Vancouver Sun Wed May 2 2012 Page: A13 Section: Issues & Ideas Byline: Stephen Toope and Arvind Gupta In our rapidly evolving global context, Western nations, including Canada, are asking the question “To […]
Asia Pacific Gaining Research Strengths
Prof. Toope suggests key steps for better collaboration in Science article
Reappointment of Provost and VP Academic
To: the UBC Community I am delighted to announce that the UBC Board of Governors has approved the reappointment of Dr. David Farrar as Provost and Vice-President, Academic for a second five-year term, effective Sept 1, 2012. Dr. Farrar brings an energetic, consultative, forthright approach to his position. His first term was marked by a […]
Op/ed: Federal budget signals a commitment to innovation
Stephen Toope: Federal budget signals a commitment to innovation National Post Mar 30, 2012 – 9:52 AM ET By Stephen Toope In the global knowledge economy, a country’s greatest strategic advantage is its capacity to discover and innovate. The federal government acknowledged this clearly in Thursday’s budget, with its commitment to make smart investments in […]
UBC at U15
Building bridges between Canadian universities and German partners
UBC 25th in Global Ranking
UBC’s reputation moves up six spots to 25th in global ranking
Strengthening UBC Links With China
Prof. Toope met with Chinese partners and UBC alumni during a recent trip to China
VP Communications and Community Partnership Announced
UBC Board of Governors approves appointment of Pascal Spothelfer
Consultation Process: Place and Promise 2012
UBC welcomes feedback on Place and Promise: The UBC Plan
Max Planck Society and UBC Sign Agreement
Formal agreement signed for the Max Planck – UBC Centre for Quantum Materials
Nippon Foundation-UBC Nereus Meeting
NF-UBC Nereus meeting held at the Vancouver campus
Op/ed: Innovation and International Collaboration
Prof. Toope and Dr. Leshner, CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and executive publisher of the journal Science, have written an opinion editorial. First published in the 10 February issue of The Vancouver Sun, Toope and Leshner discuss the importance of cross-boarder scientific collaborations in finding answer to urgent global […]
Deborah Buszard to Head UBC’s Okanagan Campus
The University of British Columbia’s Board of Governors has approved the appointment of Professor Deborah Buszard to lead UBC’s Okanagan campus as Deputy Vice Chancellor and Principal. Dr. Buszard will begin her five-year term on July 1, 2012. For details, see the full media release on the UBC Public Affairs website.
Inaugural Ismaili Centre Lecture
Prof. Toope spoke on the topic of pluralism and pragmatism at the Ismaili Centre
Op/ed: Knowledge Infrastructure Program
Prof. Toope and Prof. Naylor, president of U of T, published an opinion piece on the positive spirit of partnership and collaboration shown by all levels of government, universities, and the private sector in delivering the Knowledge Infrastructure Program. Beginning in the 2009 federal budget as a direct investment of $1.3 billion from the government, […]
Op/ed: broad-based admissions at UBC
Prof. Toope’s opinion editorial on broad-based admission at UBC recently appeared in The Vancouver Sun. The op/ed is permanently archived under Speeches and Op/Eds on this website.
New Senior Communications Position Announced
UBC begins consultative process for a Managing Director, Communications and Marketing
Staff Award Nominations Open
Recognize staff who have made exceptional contributions to UBC and our greater community
Centenary Address: HKU President’s Summit – East Meets West
Heads of leading universities met for a Summit during HKU’s Centenary
UBC receives $2.2M from BMO
The largest donation in BMO’s history in BC will support family business and dairy research education
Fall Congregation 2011
Professor Toope is pleased to welcome undergraduates, graduates, special guests and members of the greater community to the 2011 Fall Congregation Ceremonies at UBC’s Vancouver campus. Between Wednesday 23 November and Friday 25 November, undergraduate and graduate degrees from all 12 Vancouver faculties will be conferred. For more information on ceremonies, please visit the UBC […]
Prof. Toope attends opening of CIRS
UBC’s Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability is North America’s greenest building
Prof. Toope to chair AUCC
UBC President begins a two-year term as chair of the board of directors
Centennial Speech: President addresses AUCC
Prof. Stephen Toope has begun a two-year term as chair of the board of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.
Executive Team Visits UBC Dairy Centre
The university’s Senior Executive team recently visited the Dairy Education and Research Centre, located in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley. Pictured above are the members of the Executive, who were hosted at the Centre by Nelson Dinn, Manager, Jim Thompson, Professor and Director, and Ronaldo Cerri, Professor and Researcher. Please visit the Dairy Education and Research […]
New Centre for Brain Research and Patient Care
UBC and its partners celebrated with a groundbreaking event for the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health
UBC’s 10-Year Financial Plan
UBC’s 10-Year Financial Plan outlines its objectives and opportunities for the coming decade
VP Communications & Community Partnership Search
UBC has begun its search for a Vice President, Communications and Community Partnership.
President’s Staff Award Winners
2011 President’s Staff Awards reception held
UBC Campaign Launch
UBC officially launched the most ambitious campaign of its kind in the history of Canadian universities
Vancouver Board of Trade 2011
Prof. Toope addressed the Vancouver Board of Trade on 14 September
Biological Sciences Complex Renewal Unveiled
The second phase of UBC Renew includes a $61.8 million sustainable makeover of the Biological Sciences Complex
President Tours Supreme Court of Singapore
Prof. Toope met with the Chief Justice of Singapore on 18 August
DVC Search Begins
On 24 August a broadcast email informed the UBC community of the search committee’s first meeting
Louise Cowin appointed Vice President, Students
UBC announces that Louise Cowin will begin her term as Vice President, Students in October 2011
2011 Spring Graduation
UBC celebrates achievement at its Spring 2011 Graduation events
President discusses university funding crunch
Prof. Toope discusses university funding with colleagues on BNN’s Headline program
Governor General visits UBC
Canada’s Governor General the Rt. Hon. David Johnston visited UBC to participate in a discussion on innovation
BC government announces $3.5 million grant
Funding to MITACS will assist UBC graduate students and new PhDs
Winners for 2011 President’s Service Award for Excellence announced
Recognizing the contributions of staff members to the UBC community, five staff will receive the 2011 President’s Service Award for Excellence. Presented during the Spring Congregation and Convocation ceremonies, this award acknowledges staff members who have made outstanding contributions to UBC and excelled in their own personal achievements. Katherine Beaumont, Director of Go Global. Beaumont […]
Nobel laureate receives UBC honorary degree
Amartya Sen, winner of the 1998 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, received an honorary degree on April 21
Statement on the future of intercollegiate sport at UBC from President Stephen J. Toope
Athletics at UBC: President Stephen J. Toope opts to remain in CIS.
President’s Staff Awards: Nominations Open
The President’s Staff Awards recognize the contributions to UBC and personal achievements of staff at the Vancouver campus in five categories: Leadership and Creativity Enhancing the UBC Experience Global Citizenship Emerging Leadership (new in 2011) Advancing Diversity and Inclusion (new in 2011) Recipients receive $2,000 and a certificate of recognition presented at a special ceremony […]
Vice President, Students Search
To all UBC students, faculty and staff: A search committee has been established to recommend to the Board a Vice President, Students. This Vice President, responsible to the President, will provide strategic leadership to UBC’s student portfolio to accomplish the vision, commitments, goals, and actions as set out in the University’s strategic plan, Place and […]
Prof. Toope is co-recipient of an ASIL award
The American Society of International Law recognized Prof. Toope’s co-authored book with an award of merit
UBC Receives A Quantum Leap Giving Award
The United Way Spirit Awards included recognition for UBC
UBC Okanagan Campus Review
Professor Toope has requested a review of the UBC Okanagan campus.
Celebrating Research and Innovation in BC
Prof. Toope spoke during a celebration of research and innovation in BC hosted by Premier Campbell
Stephen Toope: how international students change Canadian schools
Prof. Toope contributes videos to The Globe and Mail’s series, “Leading Thinkers Video: The Battle For Brains,” and is featured in an article
2011 President’s Service Awards for Excellence
Nominations are invited for the 2011 President’s Service Award for Excellence
What is the President reading?
An avid reader, Stephen Toope created a list of the books he is currently enjoying. With an update provided every few months, Professor Toope invites you to review his current and past selections. Please visit the What is the President Reading? section on this website to find the list of titles.
Lunar new year luncheon 2011
On 18 January Professor Toope joined members of the UBC community for the annual Lunar New Year Luncheon.
UBC’s president announces a new entrance scholarship
UBC celebrates the fifth anniversary of the Asia Pacific Regional Office in Hong Kong and its expanded efforts in the region with a new scholarship.
Modern Green-UBC strategic partnership
Modern Green has entered into a strategic partnership with UBC and the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS).
UBC and The Nippon Foundation launch $13 million research program
On 6 December UBC and The Nippon Foundation launched a nine-year research program focused on the world’s oceans.
Recent Inside Higher Ed opinion editoral by Professor Toope
Prof. Toope’s recent opinion editorial on global challenges and organizational-ethical dilemmas of universities appeared in Inside Higher Ed on 5 December 2010. The op/ed is archived under Speeches and Op/Eds on the President’s website.
UBC applauds decision to extend infrastructure deadline
The Prime Minister announced today the decision to extend the deadline for completion of federally funded infrastructure projects.
Celebrating Achievement: The Blue and Gold Review 2010
UBC President Stephen Toope hosted the 4th annual Celebrating Achievement: The Blue and Gold Review on 29 November 2010
President’s Letter to Maclean’s Magazine
Professor Toope’s letter to the editor of Maclean’s magazine, in response to the recent article titled, ‘Too Asian’?
David C. Lam
Statement from President Professor Stephen J. Toope on the death of David C. Lam
President’s Letters to the University Community
Professor Stephen Toope issued two letters to the UBC community on 25 November 2010.
UBC-IIT Delhi Agreement Renewed
Professor Toope renewed a longstanding student mobility agreement between UBC and IIT Delhi.
FICCI Higher Education Summit Address
Professor Stephen Toope addressed the Higher Education Summit on 11 November 2010.
2010 Fall Congregation
Members of the UBC Vancouver campus and guest are currently celebrating Fall Congregation.
UBC, Max Planck Society Formalize Partnership
The University of British Columbia recently forged a formal partnership with the Max Planck Society.
Renewed Mobility Agreement for HKU and UBC
Professor Tsui and Professor Toope signed a renewed mobility agreement between the two institutions.
University rankings key tool in recruiting foreign students
The strong reputation and global relevance of Canadian universities continues to make UBC a clear choice for international students.
2010 President's Town Hall Meetings
The 2010 Town Hall meetings were recently held at the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses
Professor Toope is Co-Chair of the 2010 United Way of the Lower Mainland Campaign
The United Way of the Lower Mainland Campaign Cabinet for 2010 will be Co-Chaired by Stephen Toope and Kevin Layden.
2010 UBC United Way Campaign Kick-Off
The UBC United Way 2010 Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast took place on Monday 20 September.
2010 President's Staff Awards Presented
The President’s Staff Awards were presented to seven members of the UBC Vancouver campus community on 21 September.
2010 address to the Vancouver Board of Trade
Professor Toope addressed the Vancouver Board of Trade on the topic of helping BC companies enter the global market.
TES article features comments by Professor Toope
An 11 September 2010 article in Times Higher Education features comments by Professor Toope.
Don’t swallow these innovation nostrums
Canada’s economy continues to outperform those of its G8 partners, despite reports that warned of its innovation gaps and lagging productivity.
Minister Clement visits UBC for a roundtable on innovation and commercialization
Professor Toope recently chaired a Roundtable on Innovation and Commercialization.
O Canada
Stephen Toope and Neil Gross wrote an opinion editiorial on Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s appointment of David Johnston, an academic, to be Canada’s next governor general. Titled O Canada, it originally appeared in Inside Higher Ed.
President's 2010 Campus Town Hall Events
The UBC community is invited to attend a UBC Town Hall Event. For locations and times in Kelowna and Vancouver, please refer to the Town Hall Event section of this website. This information will also be available under the Latest Information – Heads Up Group section.
APRU 14th Annual Presidents Meeting
Professor Toope addressed the APRU 14th Annual Presidents Meeting on 1 July 2010.
Heads Up Meeting: June 15, 2010
Professor Stephen Toope addressed the June 15, 2010 meeting of the HEADS UP group.
UBC President's spring 2010 address to graduates
The University of British Columbia’s Vancouver and Okanagan campuses concluded Spring 2010 graduation ceremonies on Friday, June 11, 2010. Please see Professor Toope’s 2010 Spring Congregation address, which is also archived under Speeches on this web site.
UBC Board re-appoints Toope to second term
The Board of Governors of The University of British Columbia has reappointed Professor Stephen J. Toope to a second term of five years as President and Vice-Chancellor. For further details, please visit the Public Affairs website.
UBC’s Okanagan campus to double in size
The University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus will soon double its land area, as the UBC Board of Governors today approved the $8.78-million purchase of 103.6 ha. (256 acres) of North Glenmore farmland from the City of Kelowna. Please refer to the press release for further details.
2010 Spring Congregation
The UBC Vancouver campus is currently celebrating its 2010 Spring Congregation. For more details, please see the Congregation schedule.
Proposed Provincial Legislation Announced (Bill 20)
On April 29th, the Government of B.C. introduced legislation that will positively impact UBC’s Vancouver campus. May 13, 2010 President’s Statement on UBC Farm and Bill 20 To respond directly to those who have raised concerns that legislation moving land use control from the Metro Vancouver regional government to the Province will imperil the UBC […]
United Way of the Lower Mainland
Professor Toope assumed the Cabinet Campaign co-chair role for 2010.
G8 University Summit
Professor Stephen Toope, with Dr. Indiria Samarasekara from the University of Alberta, co-hosted the Summit attended by university representation from the G8 and G20 countries, resulting in a Statement of Action.
President’s Statement on UBC Farm and Bill 20
To respond directly to those who have raised concerns that legislation moving land use control from the Metro Vancouver regional government to the Province will imperil the UBC Farm, I must be crystal clear that the opposite is in fact the case.
UBC’s Economic Impact
Professor Toope spoke at the September 29, 2009 Vancouver Board of Trade meeting about UBC’s $10 billion economic impact. To review his comments, see his speech and the study upon which it is based.
UBC and the Global Financial Turmoil
Read the messages updating the UBC community on this. 23 March 2009 11 February 2009 15 December 2008 26 November 2008
Respectful Debate
UBC President and Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Toope addresses the university community in a March 3 letter (PDF).
Amid Austerity, a Boost for Higher Education
The 2010 budget of the Government of Canada has struck a difficult balance in difficult times.
UBC’s Balanced Budgets for 2010‐11
UBC’s Vancouver and Okanagan campuses should enter fiscal 2010-11 with balanced operating budgets.
President’s Message on Haiti
UBC responds to the earthquake in Haiti with the Help Heal Haiti fundraiser on 22 January 2010.