University of British Columbia (UBC) President Arvind Gupta today announced plans to establish an Advisory Committee to help strengthen UBC Athletics & Recreation. The Committee will be a primary vehicle for advising the President on how to best steward broad community support of UBC Athletics.
“UBC Athletics is a significant part of UBC’s 100 year history – and it will also be an important part of our next century,” said UBC President Arvind Gupta. “As a new President, I am committed to listening and responding to alumni, students, coaches, administration and the broader community to nurture and strengthen the pride for UBC Athletics in Vancouver and Kelowna.”
Today’s announcement complements recent confirmation that the Vancouver Whitecaps summer pro team will play home games at UBC’s Thunderbird Stadium and a commitment President Gupta’s made last month to do everything he can to support and promote UBC Athletics.
“I want to help our Athletics and Recreation team develop new partnerships with the private sector, donors, and sports organizations,” said President Gupta. “Our inclusive approach will leverage lessons learned, promote innovation and work to increase access to equipment, lab space, facilities and training that will support excellence for our coaches and student athletes.
“The Advisory Committee’s membership and Terms of Reference will be established early in the New Year and complement an updated mandate for the existing UBC Thunderbird Alumni Council which will focus on sharing of best practice between teams on community engagement and fundraising strategies.”