Philip B. Lind, CM (1943 – 2023)
It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Philip B. Lind, CM (BA ’66, LLD ’02), a distinguished alumnus and loyal supporter of UBC. On behalf of the entire UBC community, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to Phil’s family. As one of Canada’s respected media industry leaders and […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
‘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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
UBC and Surrey: Moving Together into the Future
Surrey Board of Trade, Sheraton Guilford Inn, Surrey B.C. Many thanks for that generous introduction, Anita – I only hope I can live up to it! As this is my first time addressing a Surrey audience, I too would like to acknowledge that we are in the traditional territory of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Kwikwetlem, Qayqayt, […]
The Global Future of Research-Intensive Universities
Russell Group Deputy Vice-Chancellors’/Provost Network Meeting University of Exeter, United Kingdom (delivered via Zoom) My warmest greetings to all of you at the Exeter Autumn Russell Group Deputy Vice-Chancellors’ and Provosts’ Strategy meeting. I’m speaking to you from the University of British Columbia here in beautiful Vancouver. I understand that Exeter is also a beautiful […]
Statement on the Missing Children of Canada’s Indian Residential Schools
We are heartbroken to learn of the confirmation of further burial sites of children at former residential schools. 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 First Nations seeking the truth about the missing children. We support […]
Statement on the Missing Children of the Kamloops Indian Residential School
We were heartbroken to learn of the confirmation of the burial site of 215 children on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School last week. We can only imagine the grief and pain that the families and communities of the missing children are feeling. UBC stands with First Nations seeking the truth about […]
Securing a “sustainable tomorrow”: How Servant Leadership strengthens UBC
Chief Human Resources Officer Executive Summit Vancouver I am delighted to be able to join you today from the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam First Nation, here in Vancouver, BC. It’s an honor to be included in your important conversations around best practices in human resources—especially in the area of organizational leadership. […]
TESS Online 2020: Flexibility, feedback and forgiveness: Lessons in humanity from UBC’s digital learning frontlines
eCampus Ontario Thank you for that kind welcome, Daniel. I am truly honored to be able to join you today from the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam First Nation, on the edge of the Pacific Ocean here in Vancouver, BC. It is always a privilege to be included in important conversations about […]
Celebrating the Indigenous Strategic Plan
UBC Vancouver Unceded Territories of the Musqueam People Thank you, Coastal Wolf Pack, Elder Grant, Drs. Lightfoot and Moss for your warm welcomes. I would like to thank the UBC community for providing their input and sharing their opinions. Thank you in particular to the ISP planning team, especially Drs. Lightfoot and Moss for the […]
This is What Hope Looks Like
Third Space Life Charity Willowstone Academy, Kelowna Thank you everybody for being here this evening in support of an issue that is close to my heart: student mental health and wellbeing. This conversation is timely; as you may know, yesterday was Bell Let’s Talk Day. UBC participates in this program, which raises funds for […]
Global University, Global Family
Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre, UBC Vancouver campus Thank you, Sheldon for the kind introduction. Sheldon and Emelda, we are delighted that you have joined us all the way from Hong Kong for tonight’s event. Your enduring commitment to UBC is truly appreciated—and speaks to the global reach of our UBC community. Thank you for […]
Students as Partners: Leveraging Human Capital to Advance Digital Innovation
6th Annual Conference on Educational Innovation (CIIE 2019) Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico Thank you. Coming all the way from the west coast of Canada where things are considerably colder and darker at the moment, it’s a treat for me to be able to join you here in Mexico, especially at Tecnologico de Monterrey. UBC […]
30 Years Later: Remembering Them
Vancouver Beam of Light Ceremony, Chan Centre for the Performing Arts Good morning. Thirty years ago today, 14 young women were killed at École Polytechnique de Montréal because they were women. At the time of the attack, I had recently moved from Montreal to Harvard, after completing my studies at McGill University. I was also […]
Humanizing Leadership and Harmonizing Learning
BC School Superintendents Association, Vancouver Thank you, Sue-Ellen. It is truly an honour to join you here today. It is always a privilege to be able to join fellow educators for robust conversation around matters of teaching, learning and leadership. It’s good to be able to step out of that fast-moving river of responsibility now […]
Announcing Senior Faculty Advisors to the President
I am pleased to announce that Senior Instructor Kathryn Gretsinger, Professor Walter Mérida, Associate Professor Karen Ragoonaden, and Professor John Klironomos have been appointed as Senior Faculty Advisors to the President. Kathryn Gretsinger and Walter Mérida are based at UBC Vancouver, with Karen Ragoonaden and John Klironomos based at UBC Okanagan. Each faculty advisor will […]
A Commitment to Move Forward: Apology Plaque Presentation
Musqueam Cultural Centre Good evening. I am honoured to be here and to present this plaque which commemorates the Statement of Apology that I made on behalf of the university on April 9, 2018. In the Statement, I apologized on behalf of UBC to survivors of the residential schools, to their families and communities, and […]
Open Letter to federal party leaders
Dear Party Leaders: With the federal election campaign now officially underway, our country’s future prosperity is top of mind for me as it is for millions of Canadians. In a rapidly changing world and in the face of global and national crises, Canadians look to you for the leadership and policies that help deliver a […]
Building New Bridges
Vancouver/UBC Opera Summit, Old Auditorium, UBC Thank you, Nancy. What a privilege to welcome you all to our beautiful UBC campus… we are deeply honored to have you here and trust you have enjoyed your first day of this national summit. It’s an important conversation you’re having here, on topics that resonate deeply in our […]
Imagine Day 2019
UBC Vancouver Thank you very much. Thank you. It is really wonderful to see all of you here in this beautiful arena. We’ve been waiting for you to join us for several months. And we know that you represent the best and brightest of your generation. We know from looking at your applications and studying […]
Faith in the Academy
Ismaili Centre, Toronto Good evening and thank you everyone! It’s an honour and a privilege to be here. It was my absolute pleasure to have our generous hosts take me on a tour of the Ismaili Centre, the Aga Khan Museum, and the Aga Khan Park. The architecture of the Ismaili Centre must be a […]
Building an inclusive campus: A cross-border perspective
Society for College and University Planning, Seattle Washington (Professor Ono presented the first annual President’s Session during the yearly meeting of the Society for College and University Planning, which was held in Seattle, Washington, July 2019. This is a transcript from his session. He was introduced by Michael D. Moss, President, Society for College and […]
Welcoming Margaret Trudeau, author of Changing My Mind
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Good evening. When Margaret Trudeau wrote her courageous memoir, Changing My Mind, in 2010, she noted that three million Canadians suffered from serious depression and that only cardiac disease does more damage and draws more dollars from the health care budget than mental illness. Almost a decade later, not much has […]
Science and Faith: Servant Leadership and the Secular University
Refreshing Streams: Christian Medical and Dental Society of Canada Pacific Gateway Airport Hotel, Vancouver Good evening, and thank you everyone. It’s an honour and a privilege to be with you today. I’d like to start by acknowledging the staff, board, and leaders of CMDS Canada, and the local CMDS members who volunteered as members of organizing […]
The Liberal Arts in the 21st Century: More Important Than Ever
Carr Lecture St. Mark’s College, Vancouver Thank you, Dr. Meehan. It’s an honour to be here. I’m proud that UBC and St. Mark’s have been associated for over 60 years, while we’ve partnered with Corpus Christi almost 25 years. We not only share scholarship and resources, students and faculty, we share a common commitment to […]
15th Annual UBC Okanagan Learning Conference Keynote Closing Remarks
UBC Okanagan Thank you, Ananya, for your kind introduction. Good afternoon, and thank you everyone. It’s an honour and a privilege to be with you today. It’s definitely an exciting time to be part of UBC, especially UBC Okanagan. I’m sure you’re aware of the excitement about the UBC Okanagan 2040 plan, and I hope […]
Thriving Communities: UBC’s Strategic Plan and You
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver Thank you, Robert, for your kind introduction. Good afternoon, and thank you everyone. It’s an honour to be with you today. I’d like to begin by acknowledging that we are gathered on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam, the Squamish and the Tsleil […]
TEDxUBC 2019: #NominateHer
Good morning! A few days ago, a very kind person indicated that he’d like to nominate me for a major prize. He said he felt I deserved it and that it would bring credit and a spotlight on UBC if I were selected as the laureate. I told him I was very flattered but would […]
Remarks at the Musqueam Flag Raising Ceremony
Good morning everyone and thank you for coming out today. As you may know, until now, UBC has marked National Indigenous Peoples Day by temporarily raising the flag of its host First Nation in place of the university’s flag. Last Fall, we raised the flag of the Okanagan Nation Alliance permanently at the UBC Okanagan […]
UBC Medicine: Looking to the Next 70 Years
Alan Bernstein Distinguished Lecture, Vancouver, BC (PDF: 2019 02 08 Alan Bernstein Distinguished Lecture) Good morning and thank you. It is an honour to be invited to give the Alan Bernstein Distinguished Lecture. Bernstein was the founding president of the Canadian Institutes for Health Research and Executive Director of the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise. In […]
2019 Lunar New Year Dinner Remarks
Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre, Vancouver Thank you everyone, and thank you especially to Susan and Ken Chow. (To the Chows:) We are delighted to have you lead us through the program this evening. But UBC is also honoured and deeply grateful for your dedication and generosity all the other days of the year. I […]
Breakfast of Champions
Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre, Vancouver Thank you, Jayne. Good morning, everybody! So happy to see so many people here to help celebrate the academic achievements of our Thunderbird varsity student athletes. These students are indeed special. To be honoured, they must have an average of 80% or higher in the 2017/18 academic year and […]
Servant Leadership and My Journey to Faith
Tenth Church, Vancouver BC Thank you, Ken, and all of you for inviting me to speak at your services today. I was asked to talk about servant leadership. I certainly didn’t start out imagining that one day I would be called to be a leader. I became an academic because of my natural curiosity and […]
Brand-Building in a Bowtie
World One Reputation Network, Vancouver BC Thank you, Mark and good morning, everybody! I’d like to begin by acknowledging that I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered today on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. I am inspired by the calibre of the people and institutions represented in the […]
Tuum Est: How shall I change the world for the better?
Imagine, UBC Vancouver Welcome UBC Class of 2022! Look forward to communicating with you over the years. Say hello on campus. Or connect through social media (@UBCPrez) World Class University, #25 in NTU, #27 US News 3 Prime Ministers of Canada, 8 Nobel Laureates, 65 Olympic Medalists, 71 Rhodes Scholars, and has >300 faculty members […]
Well-being: Giving the next generation the support they need to thrive
Council of Ministers of Education, Convention Centre, Vancouver BC Thank you, Minister Mark. I would like to acknowledge some of the other post-secondary education leaders from across B.C. in the room today, including Kathy Kinloch from BCIT and Ken Tourand from the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. I would also like to acknowledge Karen Ranalleta, […]
Government Investment in Research and Innovation – will it pay off?
MP Breakfast Connections, Enigma Urban Eatery, Vancouver BC Thank you, Joyce, and good morning everybody! I am so happy to be here. Joyce, UBC values your support as our local MP. We also value the support we receive from your government for our research and teaching activities. As one of Canada’s leading research universities – […]
Rotary Club of Vancouver and UBC’s Next Century of Service
The Rotary Club of Vancouver, Terminal City Club, Vancouver BC Good afternoon, and thank you everyone. It’s an honour and a privilege to be with you today. I have spoken to Rotary Clubs in Cincinnati when I was President of the University of Cincinnati, and I’m thrilled to have a chance to address the Rotary […]
Statement on Detention of Loujain al-Hathloul
Yesterday I advised the community via social media that this university would do its utmost to ensure detained alumna Loujain Al-Hathloul is treated justly in Saudi Arabia. I also agreed with the federal government’s view that her arrest is inconsistent with the Saudi Arabian government’s stated commitment to create a more tolerant and open society. […]
Graduation Ceremonies: Graduate Studies & Post-Doctoral Studies, Applied Science (Engineering)
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, UBC Vancouver Campus, Musqueam Traditional Territory Give thanks, spiritual and temporal, for the manifold blessings we share in this wonderful world, this great nation, this beautiful province, this splendid university. And to recognize that UBC is located on the traditional, ancestral, unseeded territory of the Musqueam people. We give […]
Science and Faith: Servant Leadership and the Secular University
Canadian Scientific & Christian Affiliation (CSCA) Conference 2018, Langley BC Good morning, and thank you everyone. It’s an honour and a privilege to be with you today. I often receive invitations to speak at both public and private schools within Canada and beyond our borders, and I’m thrilled to have a chance to engage with […]
Overcoming the stigma
Men in Nursing Conference, Mt. St. Joseph University, Cincinnati Today, I’d like to talk to you about a subject very close to me – the need to overcome the stigma around mental health, especially for young men. I’ll discuss some of the struggles I’ve faced and how – with the help of faith, family and friends […]
Working Together for Successful Student Transition
BC School Trustees Association, Richmond Thank you, Gordon, for your kind introduction. Good evening, and thank you everyone. It’s an honour and a privilege to be with you this evening. Perhaps I should say right off the top that I have as much to learn from you as you will learn from me. Though I […]
Statement of Apology
April 9, 2018 Today the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre at UBC was opened to the public in a ceremony that included a statement of apology, which I delivered, to Indian residential school survivors and, more generally, to Indigenous people, for the university’s involvement in the system that supported the operation of the […]
The Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre: Fulfilling a Promise
On Monday, April 9th, I invite you to join me in witnessing the fulfillment of a promise made by my predecessor, UBC President Stephen Toope, in 2013 – the opening of the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (IRSHDC). At the opening, I will also make a Statement of Apology for UBC’s involvement in […]
Inspire: Building a Strategic Plan for UBC
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver Thank you, Robert, for your kind introduction. Good afternoon, and thank you everyone. It’s an honour to be with you today. I’d like to begin by acknowledging that we are gathered on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Coast Salish people, the Musqueam, the Squamish […]
Lunar New Year 2018
Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre Thank you everyone, and thank you especially to Iggy Chong. We are so lucky at UBC to have alumni – and friends – like Iggy, who works so hard on our behalf as Chair of our Hong Kong Alumni UBC Leadership Council. And now, as if we needed further proof […]
Best wishes to Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin
On behalf of the University of British Columbia, I am delighted to extend best wishes to The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C. on the occasion of her retirement as the Chief Justice of Canada. Chief Justice McLachlin was the first woman to hold the position of Chief Justice of Canada and she retires from […]
Freedom of Expression Matters: Join the Conversation
As follow-up to my September 5th letter to the UBC community, I received a draft statement on freedom of expression from an internal working group convened by Professor Neil Guppy, Senior Advisor to the Provosts on Academic Freedom. The working group, comprising ten faculty and staff members, worked through several iterations of a statement. Input […]
UBC’s Next Century — the next phase of engagement
Dear members of the UBC community: I am pleased to confirm that we are now entering the next phase of UBC’s strategic planning process. Over the last few months we have conducted a series of events and consultation activities: from open houses on our Vancouver and Okanagan campuses, and other learning and research sites, to […]
Looking ahead to 2017-18
Dear members of the UBC community: Welcome back for the start of the 2017/18 academic year. I hope you all had a chance to enjoy the summer. Today, UBC is welcoming thousands of new and returning students to our campuses and learning sites. As we embrace the energy and excitement that comes with this, I […]
Times Higher Education World Academic Summit 2017
Modern graduates: citizens of the world or citizens of nowhere? Topic of this panel is one that is very pertinent to the University of British Columbia. What is the role of a major research university in an increasing connected world? What is our obligation – to our community, to our region, to the world? No […]
Sustainability & Research Universities in the Asia-Pacific
Association of Pacific Rim Universities, panel discussion Thanks to moderator Ana Mari Cauce Honoured to be on a panel with such distinguished panelists, Helen Clark, Ian Jacobs, Yong-Hak Kim, Damon Salesa Thanks to Helen Clark for her insightful remarks on UN sustainable goals and the Pacific Sustainability is more important than ever – as shown […]
Announcing a new Vice President Research and Innovation
I am pleased to announce that Professor Gail Murphy has been appointed as the new Vice-President, Research and Innovation. She will formally begin the role on August 14, 2017. Gail Murphy is currently a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Associate Vice-President, Research pro tem at UBC. She is also co-founder and Chief […]
Dialogue with Karma and Wade Davis
Chan Centre, UBC, June 22, 2017 His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Mr. Wade Davis, colleagues, students and guests Pleased to see so many people here today at the Chan Centre for this important dialogue I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered today on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. […]
Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions Annual Forum
UBC Robson Square, June 15, 2017 Good evening. I am Santa Ono, 15th president & vice-chancellor, UBC. Also, chief advisor, BC Innovation Network. Wearing two hats tonight: as the leader of a university that is at the forefront of clean tech innovation in Canada In my role as The Chief Advisor I work with the […]
Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference
Sage Bistro, Vancouver, BC, June 5, 2017 Thank you, Angela, for the introduction and thank you all for coming out tonight Honoured that you, Canada’s future leaders, have chosen to visit UBC today. Welcome to UBC and to Sage! Hope you are enjoying your visit to Vancouver and to our beautiful campus. Looking forward to […]
Graduation Address: “This day is about you and what you’ve achieved”
Honoured guests, members of the Board of Governors and Senate, faculty, staff, alumni… and, most especially, graduands, family and friends. Welcome! What an honour it is for me be with you today to celebrate UBC’s graduating Class of 2017! I can tell you that this is one of the best parts of my job, to […]
Announcing a new Provost and VP Academic, UBC Vancouver
I am pleased to announce that Professor Andrew Szeri has been appointed as the new Provost and Vice-President Academic, for UBC Vancouver. Please see https://academic.ubc.ca/academic-community/appointments/announcing-new-provost-and-vp-academic-ubc-vancouver for more information about this exciting announcement.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
Innovation: Conception and Connection
Vancouver Board of Trade March 28, 2017, 11:30 a.m. Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver Good afternoon and thank you everyone. It’s an honour to be with you today. I’d like to begin by acknowledging that we are gathered on the the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Coast Salish people, the Musqueam, the Squamish and […]
UBC welcomes 2017 federal budget investments in innovation, opportunities for students
The federal budget introduced this week includes welcome measures that support the continued development of Canada’s most important assets: our people. The 2017 federal budget tabled by Finance Minister Bill Morneau Wednesday includes funding for work-integrated learning, Indigenous student supports, and a new organization to support skills development across Canada. “We are pleased to see […]
British Columbia 51st Leadership Prayer Breakfast
Good morning to all of you. Thank you, Glen, for that wonderful introduction. I want to thank and salute every one of you for what you do to make Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and the world a better place. In many ways, I think Canada is a beacon for democracy and justice in the world […]
Full STEAM Ahead: The role of Arts in the 21st century university
Faculty of Arts, University of British Columbia The “liberal arts” today are generally understood to mean the arts and social sciences, as distinct from the physical sciences and technology. But “liberal arts” used to be applied to all the skills that would enable a person to act as a responsible citizen In that sense, when […]
Nikkei Place Foundation Sakura Gala Keynote Address
Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver Thank you, George for that warm introduction. Honoured to be here. Consul General Okai, Mr. Wakabayashi, distinguished guests. Would like to thank the Nikkei Place Foundation for inviting me to the annual Sakura Gala which raises funds for the Feels Like Home campaign Proceeds from tonight will help the Foundation create […]
University Governance in the 21st Century
Keynote Address: University Governance in the 21st Century Confederation of University Faculty Associations of BC Friday, March 3, 2017SFU Harbour Centre, Vancouver Thank you Honoured to be here. Delighted to see so many engaged faculty members as well as other university community members here Grateful for opportunity to speak about university governance and UBC in particular […]
Keynote Address to the WestVAC and WestVPR Conference
Keynote Address to the WestVAC and WestVPR Conference 2017 March 2, 2017, Inn at Laurel Point, Victoria BC Thank you Very pleased to be here and to meet research and academic leaders from Western Canada Your sessions today and tomorrow are ones that interest me keenly Unfortunately, due to previous commitment I have to leave […]
Tuum Est! Preparing for a Career in Science
Future of Research Vancouver Symposium, SFU Harbour Centre Honoured to be here today at the Future of Research Vancouver symposium. Asked to speak about how universities and how can you better prepare for careers in science. But before I do so, I would like to congratulate you all for what you have achieved so far. […]
Presidential Task Force – Final Update and Thank You
On January 29, 2017, I announced that we had established a task force to determine what assistance could be offered to those affected by the executive order signed by US President Trump on January 27th (“Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States”). The task force was positioned to undertake a rapid […]
Statement in response to U.S. executive order
The University of British Columbia is deeply concerned about a new executive order signed by President Trump on Friday preventing individuals from seven countries from entering the U.S. for 90 days. We are especially concerned about the effect of the executive order on some UBC students, faculty and staff, as well as other scholars in Canada, […]
Statement on Appointment as Chief Advisor for the BC Innovation Network
Thank you, Premier Clark. Good morning everyone. I’m delighted to be here today at DarkVision Technologies, a terrific example of a BC-born, innovation-driven company. The products being developed here may well change the operations of oil and gas companies around the world. I’m also proud to be standing here with Stephen who just happens to […]
Installation Address
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, UBC Good morning and welcome to the University of British Columbia. I wish to acknowledge the location of UBC’s two main campuses on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people and the Syilx people of the Okanagan Nation Alliance. We acknowledge not only the history of […]
The role of the universities in the creation of a tech corridor in Cascadia
First, I want to welcome our guests and colleagues from across the border. In many ways this conference is a reminder that the US and Canada have long been each other’s closest partner, exchanging people and ideas as well as goods. In the realm of knowledge discovery and dissemination, borders should have no meaning. We […]