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THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA VOLUME 50 | NUMBER 5 | MAY 6, 2004 UBC REPORTS

Nobel Laureates Receive Honorary Degrees from UBC

From left: UBC President Martha Piper, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Archbishop , Nobel Laureate and UBC Chancellor Allan McEachern.

Canada’s national newspaper called it “a one-of-a-kind mind with educating the heart. They also received honorary traveling road show, and we may never see its likes again.” degrees from UBC. The Globe and Mail reporter was referring to the historic The world visionaries came to Vancouver at the invitation visit to UBC’s campus of three Nobel Peace Laureates. His of Pitman Potter, the director of the Institute of Asian Holiness the Dalai Lama, the exiled leader of and the Research, and his colleague Victor Chan a close associate winner of the 1989 peace prize, South African Archbishop of the Dalai Lama. The event also marked the official Desmond Tutu who won the prize in 1984 and last year’s beginning of a new program being offered by the institute winner Iranian human rights activist Shirin Ebadi all called Contemporary Tibetan Studies. gathered at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. They Thousands of British Columbians were able to see the joined other spiritual leaders in a three-hour roundtable Dalai Lama, many in person at the various events where he discussion of the importance of balancing educating the spoke and many more on television and web broadcasts. ■

SPECIAL ISSUE: CONGREGATION 2004

More than 5,000new graduates will receive their degree from Chancellor Allan McEachern at UBC’s Spring Congregation, to be held May 26 to June 2. Both undergrad- uate and graduate degrees from all 12 faculties and schools will be conferred at 22 separate ceremonies at UBC’s Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. In addition, nine honorary degrees will be given. Since the first degrees were granted in 1916, UBC’s global alumni community has grown to more than 200,000. Congregation ceremonies will be web cast, allowing family, friends and alumni around the world to participate in the celebration. For more information about UBC’s Congregation ceremonies, visit www.graduation.ubc.ca.

PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY: MARTIN DEE ubcr5004_03may04 5/03/04 11:03 AM Page 3

2 | ubc reports | may 6, 2004 IN THE NEWS

Highlights of UBC Media Coverage in April 2004. COMPILED BY BRIAN LIN

“In the past it was But the Hollywood hype is phrased in slightly more being preceded on all sides by a ambiguous ways related flood of renewed interest in the to supporting a One epic poem about the clash of two China policy.” cultures that is one of the best- sellers of the past 3,000 years. UBC honours Three The appeal of Troy is eternal, Nobel Laureates but the film has helped pique Hollywood actress even more interest, UBC classics Goldie Hawn joined and archaeology professor Hector hundreds of others in Williams told The Ottawa April to see the Dalai Citizen. Lama and fellow Nobel Williams knows of at least three Peace Prize laureates Troy documentaries in the mak- Archbishop Desmond ing, all timed to coincide with the Tutu and Iranian human release of the film. rights fighter Shirin Edabi receive UBC hon- Svend Robinson’s Goldie Hawn was in the audience to see orary doctorate of law Fall From Grace the Dalai Lama at UBC. degrees. NDP MP Svend Robinson tearful- “People are hungry for ly confessed in a news conference U.S. Ready to See Change in answers,” Hawn told CP Wire. to “pocketing” an expensive piece China-Taiwan Status Quo “The human spirit, I guess you of jewellery. U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of could say . . . we innately feel it’s While no charges have yet been State Matthew Daley recently said drying up.” laid by police and the diamond Washington is not opposed to a Hawn, who lives in Vancouver ring — valued in a report by change in the status quo involving with husband Kurt Russell, said BCTV as high as $50,000 — has arch foes Taiwan and China but people are more willing now to been returned to the Vancouver any alteration must be peaceful embrace the Dalai Lama’s mes- auction house, Robinson and mutually agreed. sage of compassion. announced he won’t run for re- UBC political scientist Paul “I watch all political processes election in any near-term cam- Evans says such remarks signal a around the world,” she said. paign and will be taking a medical U.S. desire to see the two resume “They’re driven by fear, the need leave from his duties in the talks frozen since 1999 and thus to dominate. They’re driven by Commons. ease tensions created by moves by ego, the need to conquer and pos- UBC political scientist Phillip newly re-elected Taiwan President sess. These are all very dangerous Resnick said Robinson’s long Chen Shui-bian towards inde- things we need to get over.” record of zero-to-60 moral out- pendence and Chinese threats to rage may be coming back to respond with force. 3,000-Year-Old Story haunt him. “I think it’s a shift not just from a New Pop Cult Hit “He’s sometimes taken posi- a year ago, but a shift from even Hollywood director Wolfgang tions that have put his own party a month ago,” Evans told Reuters Petersen’s production of Troy will in embarrassing situations and News. be released next month amid pre- other times has actually been the “That is the most direct state- dictions that with a $200-million standard-bearer,” Resnick told CP ment I have heard from a senior U.S. budget, a timeless story and Wire. “There was a side of Svend American official that the U.S. the likes of Brad Pitt and Peter which played to that very moraliz- government will not support O’Toole headlining, the film can’t ing, high moral road on broad Taiwan independence,” he said. help but be a blockbuster. issues of public policy.” ■

The Inaugural CIHR Visiting Presidency at UBC

Dr. Alan Bernstein, president of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), will visit UBC May 17-21 to meet with members of the university’s research community. In the inaugural CIHR Visiting Presidency at UBC, Bernstein will participate in an open forum on Monday, May 17th at 3 p.m. to build relationships with investigators at all levels. He will also describe CIHR’s plans for the future and opportunities for researchers. For more information on the forum, visit www.research.ubc.ca . CIHR is Canada’s major federal funding agency for health research. UBC attracted more than $42 million in funding from Dr. Alan Bernstein, OC, PhD, CIHR in 2002/03. ■ FRSC CIHR Visiting President

UBC REPORTS

Director, Public Affairs UBC Reports is published monthly by the UBC Public Affairs Office Scott Macrae [email protected] 310 – 6251 Cecil Green Park Road Vancouver BC Canada V6T 1Z1 Editor Paul Patterson [email protected] UBC Reports welcomes submissions. Design Director For upcoming UBC Reports submission guidelines, please see Chris Dahl [email protected] www.publicaffairs.ubc.ca/ubcreports/about. Opinions and advertising published in UBC Reports do not necessarily reflect Designer official university policy. Material may be reprinted in whole Sharmini Thiagarajah [email protected] or in part with appropriate credit to UBC Reports. Contributors Michelle Cook [email protected] Brian Lin [email protected] Letters (300 words or less) must be signed and include PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40775044 Erica Smishek [email protected] an address and phone number for verification. Submit letters to: RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO Hilary Thomson [email protected] The Editor, UBC Reports CIRCULATION DEPT. April Wilson-Lange [email protected] UBC Public Affairs Office 310 - 6251 CECIL GREEN PARK ROAD (address above); by fax to 604.822.2684; or by e-mail to VANCOUVER, B.C. CANADA V6T 1Z1 Advertising EMAIL: [email protected] [email protected] or call UBC.NEWS (604.822.6397) Fran Hannabuss [email protected] ubcr5004_03may04 5/03/04 11:03 AM Page 4

ubc reports | may 6, 2004 | 3 UBC was a Journey of Self-discovery for Dietetics Grad

Yuka Asada found her calling. BY APRIL WILSON-LANGE

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Yuka Asada grabs a healthy snack her for her journey. Nutrition was the first course to spark her interest.

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4 | ubc reports | may 6, 2004 Law Degree has Higher Purpose for Aboriginal Student

She wants to eradicate racism and oppression. BY APRIL WILSON-LANGE

Law graduate Tamara Starblanket plans on using her degree to help her people. She says indigenous people are treated unfairly by the legal system.

While growing up in Saskatchewan, Tamara she explains. “The police only spent 12 hours on the Starblanket says she tried to help her fellow students Starblanket of the Ahtahkakoop First Nation experi- investigation.” understand her point of view; “I have a knowledge enced oppression and racism first-hand. That’s why Starblanket, who graduates with a Bachelor of Laws and perspective that’s not taught in the classroom.” she wanted to study law. this month, is committed to using her degree to help her While at UBC, Starblanket fulfilled her dream of “I saw the unfair way indigenous people were people eradicate racism and oppression. attending a United Nations meeting. In 2001, she treated by the legal system, the school system and by “Now that I have the legal understanding of treaty went to the World Conference Against Racism in society,” says the 32-year-old. “I wanted to learn land entitlements, I’ll be able to understand how the South Africa and in 2002 she took part in the about the Canadian legal system to understand how government undermines my people,” she says. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York. it oppresses aboriginal people.” Starblanket would also like to use her degree to help She credits most of her success to the love and In fact, it was her mother’s death that strengthened bridge the misunderstanding between non-native and encouragement she receives from her sons Tylen, 13, her resolve to study law. aboriginal people. “A lot of misunderstanding is based and Jonas, 10. “My mother’s death was ruled an accident even on ignorance,” she says. Starblanket is hoping to article at a Vancouver- though there was evidence that she was murdered,” Throughout her undergraduate and law studies, based law firm that specializes in aboriginal law. ■

You’ve burned the midnight The Anatomy of a UBC Diploma 3 References to and signa- oil and sat through four-hour ture of the Chancellor exams for it. But do you COMPILED BY BRIAN LIN Under Section 17 of the know what makes up a UBC University Act, the diploma? Other than your Chancellor confers all blood, sweat and tears, of ¥ degrees on behalf course. of the university. When Lisa Collins, assistant regis- graduates cross the stage in trar of senate and curriculum the graduation ceremony, the services, helps UBC Reports Chancellor says “I admit dissect a typical Bachelor of you,” meaning that the stu- Arts diploma from UBC. ¥ dent has been admitted to ¥ the congregation of the University. 1 The Coat-of-Arms, The President, the dean of in colour and gold foil. the faculty recommending Designed in 1915, the Coat- the degree, and the registrar of-Arms is UBC’s original also sign the parchment. visual identity. It consists of a stylized book within a shield, containing the words Tuum 4 Reference to the Senate est (it’s yours) and graphics As the university’s of the sun and waves. highest academic governing body, the Senate approves all ¥ candidates for degrees before 2 The Seal, in gold foil they may be conferred. For This more elaborate ver- ¥ the May 2004 congregation, sion of the Coat-of-Arms Senate will approve the can- adds an official, ceremonial didates for degrees at its presence to the parchment. meeting scheduled for May The seal is also key to 19. Senate approves the can- verifying the diploma’s didates for degrees based on authenticity. the recommendation of each student’s faculty. ubcr5004_03may04 5/03/04 11:03 AM Page 6

ubc reports | may 6, 2004 | 5 Nursing Grad Survived Bosnia’s

Civil War Determined to make life meaningful. BY HILARY THOMSON

After spending three years as a majoring in cell biology and tion and disease prevention.” refugee during Bosnia’s civil genetics. An outstanding stu- In addition, she has worked war, Amra Dizdarevic knows dent, she is a member of the as a volunteer at UBC the value of a caring commu- Golden Key International Hospital’s palliative care unit nity. Honour Society that recog- and has twice earned the Her experiences as a nizes academic excellence. Detwiller Award which hon- refugee, a survivor and an Discovering that she was ours outstanding student vol- immigrant have shaped the “not a lab person,” she unteers at the hospital. 25-year-old’s life choices, switched to nursing in 2002, An active member of the including her decision to enter taking advantage of the Bosnian Cultural Association the School of Nursing in school’s multiple entry pro- of B.C., where she has per- UBC’s Faculty of Applied gram to enter at the third- formed as a soloist and choir Science. year level. There she earned a member, Dizdarevic is also “My experience of war left perfect grade point average committed to helping other me with a determination to with special interest in infant new Canadians. She has vol- make my life meaningful and and maternal health and a unteered since 1999 as a host to help others,” says focus on community nursing. for newcomers at the Dizdarevic, who receives a “Back home, health-care Immigrant Services Society of Bachelor of Science in Nursing services were inadequate B.C. this month. because of the war so people Planning to work in Amra Dizdarevic’s experience of Dizdarevic and her family had to keep themselves Vancouver after graduation, war-time health care influenced her immigrated to Canada in healthy,” she says. “Seeing Dizdarevic says she appreci- interest in community nursing. 1995 when she was 17. She how that worked triggered ates the city’s multicultural earned a BSc at UBC in 2001, my interest in health promo- environment. ■

New Doctor on Top of the World

Fulfills life-long dream. BY HILARY THOMSON

If you asked Geoff Gotto about the high point of his academic journey, he’d probably talk about the time he spent at base camp on Mt. Everest. Gotto – who graduates with a medical degree this month – recently completed a month-long elective working at the Khunde Hospital, caring for local Sherpa villagers and climbers, including members of a Canadian expedition. “It’s been a life-long dream to go to and Everest,” says the 25-year-old Victoria native. “Practicing medicine while being on the mountain gave me the best of both worlds.” A Wesbrook Scholar, Gotto has received many awards and honours, including the UBC President’s Scholarship and the Hamber Scholarship. He obtained an honours BSc at UBC, majoring in microbiology and immunology. During his co-op placements for the program, he worked with some of the university’s most eminent investigators – his work in microbiologist Brett Finlay’s lab was pub- lished in Cell Microbiology. Gotto also has a passion for teaching. During his first two years of medical school, he earned a teach- ing award from Kaplan Education Centre while helping more than 500 students to prepare for the Medical Colleges Admission Test and other exams. A recipient of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award for leadership and community service, he has also been involved with the Community Health Initiative by University Students in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside as well as a high school out- reach program called Talk To Your Doc. Athletics helps keep Gotto’s life balanced. He played championship level rugby in high school and at UBC, earning the designation Academic All- Canadian. A residency in urology is the next step for the new doctor. The surgical specialty appeals to him because it offers a broad scope of care, ranging from medical interventions to cancer surgery and transplantation. “I especially like the defined problems presented in surgical cases,” he says. “I like fixing things.” ■

Climber Geoff Gotto’s month on Mt. Everest was his last step to a medical degree. ubcr5004_03may04 5/03/04 11:03 AM Page 7

6 | ubc reports | may 6, 2004

Christopher Zappavigna sees a future filled with good deeds, volunteer work and humanitarian activities.

Giving Back to the Community Motivates Science Grad

Volunteering for humanitarian causes. BY APRIL WILSON-LANGE

By helping as many people as have a positive influence groups,” he says. “I hope to he can, Chris Zappavigna on people’s lives and the do this kind of work takes the Dalai Lama’s mes- community. throughout my career.” sage of love and compassion But the integrated science For the past five years, to heart. undergraduate has already Zappavigna, who graduates As UBC’s Student Senator begun his humanitarian this month with a second sci- for the Faculty of Science, work. ence degree, has also volun- Zappavigna was part of the As one of 12 Trek Leaders teered at the Burnaby academic procession at last for UBC’s Trek Program, General Hospital’s geriatric month’s honorary degree cere- he helps introduce fellow ward and emergency room. mony for the Dalai Lama, volunteers to Vancouver’s Zappavigna graduated in Anglican Archbishop Downtown Eastside. 2000 with a chemistry degree Desmond Tutu and Iranian “Trek Leaders go over safe- and then went on to study human rights activist Shirin ty issues, shatter stereotypes biochemistry and genetics. Abadi. and help new volunteers feel In addition to his local vol- “I felt excited and empow- comfortable in this environ- unteer work, the Vancouver ered to be there,” he says. ment,” he explains. resident spent four weeks in “After hearing these people In addition, Zappavigna is the summer of 2001 building talk, I felt I could do a lot a UBC volunteer at the Triage houses for needy families in a more to help others. These Emergency Shelter, a 28-bed suburb of Mexico City. three individuals have donat- homeless shelter for people “Volunteerism is important, ed their lives to causes outside with mental illness and sub- you have to give back to the of their own lives.” stance abuse. community.” Zappavigna wants to study “I want to learn how to Zappavigna hopes to go to medicine because he feels it’s relate to different people in UBC’s School of Medicine in a profession where he can different socio-economic the fall. ■ ubcr5004_03may04 5/03/04 11:04 AM Page 8

ubc reports | may 6, 2004 | 7 Single Mom Conquers Learning Disabilities to Teach Others

Her autistic son was her inspiration

BY APRIL WILSON-LANGE

Realizing her son was autistic at a time. She also developed and he was going to need a dyslexia, a special education, Cynthia language-based learning Stark set out to learn every- disability, after contracting thing she could about the dis- measles at 17. ability. She also asked herself “Since I learn through what she could do to help images and feelings, Fine Arts other children. and Media Education is geared “I decided to take education to the way I learn,” she says. so I could train other teachers The program, she explains, to work with autistic kids,” integrates the arts and technol- says the 35-year-old. ogy into every subject. For Since last September, Stark, example, she used a Mac lap- who also has learning disabili- top to produce a 26-minute Cynthia Stark, with love and support from her son, Kieran, hopes to help children with autism. ties, has trained to be a film to help teachers under- teacher in the Faculty of stand autism and give them that kids are good at different ulate the different sensations,” Disorders, which develops Education’s Fine Arts and some basic training tools. things and should be taught she says. “They can be taught individualized behavioural Media Education (FAME) pro- “Many of the teaching meth- according to their strengths. but it takes a long time. You programs for children based gram. ods taught in this course come This is a technique that Stark have to find out what they’re on their capabilities. Stark has perception and from teaching kids with dis- uses everyday with her son good at and go from there.” Once she finishes her sensory disabilities that make abilities,” she adds. Kieran. Stark dreams of one day program, Stark hopes to work it difficult for her to track The FAME program incor- “Autistic children don’t creating an organization in as a substitute teacher until words from left to right and to porates the theory of multiple know how to make sense of Canada like the U.S.-based she finds a full-time teaching focus on more than one thing intelligences, which advocates the world and they can’t mod- Center for Autism and Related position. ■

Pharmacy Grad Prepared to Perform on a New Stage

Former dancer starts new career. BY HILARY THOMSON

What do professional ballet, pediatric psychiatry and them,” she says. “I love the activity, the involvement finals last year, she is only now able to participate in pharmaceutical sciences have in common? in patient care and the clinical research that takes sports again. An avid swimmer and runner, Ingram Sara Ingram. The 28-year-old former dancer grad- place in a hospital.” has participated in Iron woman and triathlon events uates this month with a BSc in Pharmacy, her third But Ingram’s first career began not in hospital cor- at UBC. academic degree. ridors, but in front of the footlights. She started She has also volunteered with Community Health Originally interested in clinical psychiatry, Ingram dancing at age three and attended the School of Initiative by University Students, and especially obtained an undergraduate degree in psychology and American Ballet in New York as well as schools in enjoyed “beauty nights” where students work one- a master’s degree in psychiatry, both from McGill California and North Carolina. She performed as a on-one with women in Vancouver’s Downtown University. soloist for Ballet West in Montreal until she hung up Eastside to give them a rare evening of pampering. After working with children with acute psychiatric her pointe shoes at age 21 to focus on her educa- After a year of residency training, Ingram plans to problems at Montreal’s Children’s Hospital, she tion. work as a clinical hospital pharmacist. switched paths to gain the flexibility and stability of The hardest part of earning her degree, she says, “Hospital care is very rewarding – the things you a career in clinical hospital pharmacy. was recovering from back surgery she had in her do make a huge difference that you can see almost “With hospitals, you either love them or hate third year. Although she did manage to write her immediately.” ■

Versatile athlete Sara Ingram overcame back surgery to complete her latest degree. ubcr5004_03may04 5/03/04 11:04 AM Page 9

8 | ubc reports | may 6, 2004

25YEAR CLUB

LIVING AT UBC INFORMATION SESSIONS FOR FACULTY AND STAFF ON HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES

If you’re like most faculty and staff, your day starts in traffic. Fortunately, there are other options. UBC is creating residential neighbourhoods around the academic core that offer urban living, recreational and cultural amenities in a spectacular physical setting. Faculty and staff could be among the first to have the opportunity to rent or own. For example, through the innovative co-development housing program, you could join a group to purchase and develop your own home. To register for an informa- tion session, call 604.731.3103.

UNIVERSITY TOWN

For more information visit www.universitytown.ubc.ca or call 604.731.3103 to register. PHOTO: BILL MCLENNAN

Elizabeth Johnson, curator, Ethnology at the Museum of Anthropology, is one of 59 staff members who will be inducted into UBC's 25 Year Club that recognizes employees who have worked for the university for a quarter century. Members will be congratulated by President Martha Piper at a dinner on May 11. For a complete listing of the members, check the website at www.ceremonies.ubc.ca/25yearclub/

Join the MBA Program and See the Far East

Business grad embraces cultural differences

BY APRIL WILSON-LANGE

For MBA grad Gregor Irvine- Halliday the business world is a place where you can collaborate with interesting people from different backgrounds. “I chose to pursue an TIMEPIECE 1925 MBA to equip myself with a set of practical professional skills and for the opportuni- ty to work with people from

a broad range of professions PHOTO:COURTESY OF GREGOR IRVINE–HALLIDAY and cultures,” says the Riding on a horse in Mongolia, Gregor Irvine-Halliday is on his way to a 32-year-old. promising career in business development. With this in mind, Irvine- Halliday went to Shanghai in the summer of 2003 to to restructure to adapt to the True to his adventurous do the summer placement market economy,” he says. nature, Irvine-Halliday took required for graduation. “And working with the staff a position as a business After finishing a placement of UBC’s International MBA development consultant for at the Canadian Trade Office at Jiao Tong was a great way CHF International in “And working with the staff of UBC’s International MBA at Jiao Tong was a great way to meet local business people and develop my network.”

in Taipei, Irvine-Halliday to meet local business people Mongolia when he complet- was supposed to start anoth- and develop my network.” ed his courses at CEIBS. Conferring honorary degrees at UBC, as we did er job with Shanghai Tunnel Irvine-Halliday also took “Working with people recently for the Nobel Peace Laureates, has a long Engineering but was delayed advantage of the university’s from different professions tradition stretching back to 1925. These were the first because of the SARS crisis. exchange program. After and cultural backgrounds people to ever receive an honorary UBC degree. From As luck would have it, UBC’s completing his internship, he produces far superior results, left: President of the University of Washington Henry International MBA program went to the China Europe even though it requires a lot Suzallo, Minister of Education J.D. Maclean, at Jiao Tong University in International Business more patience and wisdom Chancellor R.E. McKechnie, B.C. Lieutenant-Governor Shanghai needed marketing School (CEIBS) in Pudong than when working with W.C. Nichol, Principal of McGill University Sir Arthur help and he was able to step for his final term. like-minded people,” he Currie, former Minister of Education Henry Esson into the role. “I had worked in North says. Young and the director of the Dominion Astrophysical “I learned a great deal China before starting my Irvine-Halliday plans on Observatory in Victoria, Dr. J.S. Plaskett. ■ concerning the challenges MBA and CEIBS was a natu- continuing his work in busi- facing many state-owned ral choice as an exchange ness development in either enterprises as they attempt school,” he explains. Canada or Asia. ■ ubcr5004_03may04 5/03/04 11:04 AM Page 10

ubc reports | may 6, 2004 | 9

Culture and Dance Shaped Wesbrook Scholar

War drove her to Canada. BY APRIL WILSON-LANGE

Lissette Torres has a passion over the world.” for life that’s fuelled by her The experience influenced culture and personal experi- Torres’ academic work and ence. research. She wrote a term Torres, 22, immigrated to paper on Canada’s new Canada with her family Immigrant and Refugee when she was seven years Protection Act that was pub- old to escape El Salvador’s lished in the UBC Journal of civil war. Political Studies. “I’m amazed by my par- After having a second ents courage and selflessness paper published in the jour- in deciding to immigrate to nal, Torres became its editor- Canada,” says Torres, a in-chief last fall. political science major who Reflecting her passion for graduates this month. “They public policy, international gave up everything for my diplomacy and law, Torres sisters and I to have a better has attended several Model future. What they did United Nation (MUN) con- inspires me.” ferences across Canada. Last Because of this experience, year, as director of UBC’s the Wesbrook scholar is fas- MUN-International Criminal cinated with immigration Court, she led the mock trial policy and law. of General Augusto Pinochet That’s why she jumped at for crimes against humanity the chance to work as a poli- in 1970s Chile. cy analyst for Citizenship When not engrossed in and Immigration Canada academic pursuits, Torres (CIC) in Ottawa. This was performs in Vancouver for a one of five co-op work terms semi-professional Cuban she completed while at UBC. salsa dance troupe. “It was an exciting time to “I’ve danced my whole work for CIC,” she recalls. life,” she laughs. “It’s part of “The government was in the my Latin culture.” process of passing a new Though a Vancouverite at immigration Act. This is an heart, Torres will relocate to important issue for Canada Ontario in the Fall to attend because we are a nation law school and hopes to shaped by the strength and eventually work with the diversity of people from all Canadian Foreign Service. ■

Lissette Torres thanks her family and her culture for her academic and professional success.

UBC Architect Grad Builds a Better World

Using her skills to help the less fortunate. BY APRIL WILSON-LANGE

Stephanie Gerbrandt’s love of she says. She explains that an travel and her desire to make a inexpensive resource like bam- difference led her to architec- boo can be used to build walls ture. Now she’s helping people that can be used as storage space. one building at a time. Wanting to learn how other Gerbrandt’s interest in countries practice architecture, architecture began when the Gerbrandt did a seven-month 29-year-old was in her last year student placement in a small firm of her undergraduate degree at in London, England, in the sec- Trinity Western University in ond year of her program at UBC. Langley, B.C. In this year, she Directly after her work-term in established a chapter of Habitat the United Kingdom, she went to for Humanity and led a team of the Technical University of fellow students to Portland, Siegan in Germany as an Oregon, to renovate homes. exchange student. While there, She also took part in a she worked on a studio project school-run work project in the to convert a heritage factory in Dominican Republic to build Hamburg into a residential latrines and a foundation for a building. local church, after the destruc- Gerbrandt’s talent and desire tion of hurricane Georges. to use her skills to help the less “These experiences confirmed fortunate caught the attention of that I wanted to study architec- local architect Arthur Erickson, ture,” says Gerbrandt, who will who, thanks to his recent receive her Master of Vancouver Arts Award, present- Architecture degree from the ed her with a $5,000 travel Faculty of Graduate Studies this scholarship to further her career. spring. The grant will allow her to Gerbrandt’s graduate thesis present her thesis to Habitat for looked at ways to create inex- Humanity in Dominican pensive, sustainable housing for Republic and travel to Southeast people in the Dominican Asia. Republic. Gerbrandt would like to “I’m investigating the use of work in Vancouver or abroad local materials to improve the designing buildings for people in living conditions of the people,” need. ■ Stephanie Gerbrandt hopes bamboo will improve the living conditions of people in the Dominican Republic. ubcr5004_03may04 5/03/04 11:04 AM Page 11

10 | ubc reports | may 6, 2004

International Dentist Polishes her Degree with UBC Patina Gains greater experience with more training

BY HILARY THOMSON

When Lovedeep Kaur Randhawa when I got here. It was easy to accepts her degree in dentistry fit in.” this month, it will mark the end The oldest of three sisters, of an educational journey that Randhawa’s education has been has spanned 23 years and half greatly influenced by her father, the globe. a civil engineer. Encouraged to After obtaining a dentistry excel, she started school at age degree in India, three and con- the 26-year-old sistently placed moved from first in her class- Punjab to Canada es. Last year, she in 2000 and to placed in the UBC in 2002 to top 10 per cent participate in the of her dentistry Faculty of class. Dentistry’s two- “My family is year International a huge support Dental Degree for me – I’m Completion pro- here today gram. because of the En route, she way I was lived with relatives brought up,” in Toronto where she says. “My she met her hus- parents inspire band, Jaspreet, an and motivate RCMP officer. me.” Lovedeep Kaur Randhawa The couple were There are enjoys the broad scope of married in 2001 many differ- Canadian dentistry. and moved to ences between Vancouver. Indian and Canadian dentristy, Randhawa knew something of she explains. There is no insur- Canadian culture from North ance coverage for dental services American students who attended in India and many people can’t her university at home. She was afford treatment. This means UBC Public Affairs has opened both a radio and TV studio on campus surprised, however, to find general dentists do very basic where you can do live interviews with local, national and international NEWS TV | RADIO samosas and other popular dentistry with more interesting media outlets. Indian food in local supermar- work performed by specialists To learn more about being a UBC expert, call us at 604.822.2064 and kets. who treat affluent patients. visit our web site at www.publicaffairs.ubc.ca/experts/signup “Vancouver is so multicultural. “Here in Canada, the dentist I didn’t feel like an outsider continued on page 11 higher Standards

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ubc reports | may 6, 2004 | 11 Retiring Within 5 Years?

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A life protecting and studying birds suits Stephanie Topp. The Assante symbol is a registered trademark of Assante Corporation, used under license. Life has Gone to the Birds for Forestry Grad

Solving conservation problems in the field. BY APRIL WILSON-LANGE

Four years ago Stephanie Topp Engineering Research Council quit her job in Toronto, packed ence. Students are required to of Canada (NSERC) scholar- attend field school in the fall her bags and headed west to ships to study the winter wren study conservation at UBC. term of their last year. on Mount Seymour. Topp won “Whatever I do in the future, “I was working in an admin- NSERC fellowships in her sec- istrative position in health care I’ll have to do some field work,” ond and third years. And this she says. and I wasn’t happy,” says year she was awarded the high- Topp, who graduates from the After her winter wren research ly competitive NSERC post- ends in July, Topp will be Faculty of Forestry’s natural graduate scholarship. resources conservation pro- involved with a bird migration One of the reasons Topp study until October. Then she gram this month. chose to study conservation at But it wasn’t until the 31- plans to work on her master’s UBC was the program’s mix of degree at UBC next January. ■ year-old traveled to India, academic and practical experi- Singapore, New Zealand and Australia with her sister, that she made up her mind to change careers. UBC ALUMNI “This trip made me think about nature and conserva- tion,” she says. “I really got Haig DeB Farris, BA’60, LLD into birds in New Zealand.” He d’ Man Since New Zealand is an Haig Farris is an early island, Topp explains, there are adapter. He's the guy who many unique species of flight- has the latest breakthrough less birds that didn’t have natu- gadget before anybody else. ral predators. Now, with the He wore out his first Palm Digital Printing & introduction of rats and other Pilot before the rest of us Computer Imaging predatory animals, these birds even knew they existed. Graphic Design & Illustration are becoming endangered. When they morphed into Topp has integrated her all-in-one organizer-camera- Photography desire to protect our feathered video-audio-telephone-tele- Lamination friends into her work at UBC. vision-GPS-MP3 machines, In her first year, she worked he thought, “What's next?” Video & Media Production for the Wildlife Rescue Maybe that's why he was AV Equipment & Media Sales Association where she spent a drawn to venture capital- lot of time handling birds. ism. The irresistible allure of AV Services & Maintenance “This experience sealed it “What's next?” PHOTO: ROBERT KENNEY with the birds for me,” she He’s considered an angel Large Format Colour says. “Watching them grow in the high-tech, start-up community supporter. He has and develop is amazing.” world. When someone served as chair of the Science Printing She also used two of her comes up with a surefire, Council of BC, as a member Natural Sciences and killer business idea that has of the Premier’s Advisory a tech focus, Farris and his Committee on Science and partners sit down with the Technology, as director of the idea people, work out a Vancouver Opera and the business plan and provide Vancouver Playhouse. He seed money. He has become also served as president of International Dentist a key element in the UBC Alumni Association, continued from page 10 Vancouver’s high-tech sec- and is one of the university’s tor, a man sought after as staunchest advocates. He was much for his desire to foster also a close friend of Cecil new industry as he is for his Green, who died in 2003. is a primary oral health caregiv- uncanny business acumen. Farris’ UBC connection er and there is greater variety In a recent cover article in goes back to his mother, and scope of care,” she says. “I BC Business, Farris was Evelyn, who was the first now have much greater experi- described as someone who woman in Canada to be a ence in the procedures I was knows everyone who member of a governing trained in.” counts. With his network of board of a university. She Randhawa will work in gen- angels across the country, he also founded the University eral practice after graduation has contributed significantly Women’s Club. ■ but her academic journey may to the country’s economy. not be over yet. She loves to Farris is also a strong BY CHRIS PETTY study, she says, and may take further training as a specialist. ■ ubcr5004_03may04 5/03/04 11:02 AM Page 1

12 | ubc reports | may 6, 2004

Staff Members Receive President’s Service Award for Excellence BY HILARY THOMSON

PSAE recipients for this year are (l–r) Yashmin Kassam, Julie Walchli, Suzanne Poohkay, Audrey Lindsay and Belle Dale-Wills (bottom right).

As associate director, Facility program’s instructors and Services, Belle Dale-Wills is teaching assistants. responsible for planning, budget- Kassam embraces the idea of ing, directing and evaluating the continuous learning and is pur- operations of various facilities suing a Bachelor of Arts degree management and custodial func- part time. Her knowledge, tions throughout campus. organizational skills and spirit Peers acknowledge major have prompted many col- changes she has made, including leagues to regard her as the a shift to customer service, an heart of the department. emphasis on safety and training Alumna Audrey Lindsay is and redefining the role of facility associate registrar and director manager to serve as a resource for of student systems in campus clients. Enrolment Services. She has made numerous Since joining UBC in 1972, budgeting construction and improvements in the management Lindsay has envisioned, devel- maintenance programs for cam- of workplace injuries and in oped and provided technology pus buildings. 2002, the Workers’ systems for students that have Since joining UBC in 1989, she Compensation Board recognized spanned punch cards, tele- has headed projects ranging from her achievements in workplace phone and Internet better research labs to more ergonomics by featuring her in registration. usable student social space. She is their WorkSafe newsletter. The student information sys- respected across campus for her Dale-Wills’ attention to staff is tem she established is consid- fairness, creativity, collaborative exceptional. She regularly works ered the envy of universities working style and energy. 10-12 hours per day to have across North America. In She drafted UBC’s first five- contact with every shift and 2003, EDUCAUSE – a coali- year and 10-year capital pro- knows the name of each of our tion of North American col- grams and her proposals have 300 custodial workers. leges and universities dedicated influenced the provincial govern- A dedicated communicator to advancing education ment to commit funds to UBC who keeps staff motivated, recog- through better use of informa- over and above its normal alloca- nized and valued, she also is the tion technology – honoured tion. She has also been instru- driving force of her group’s highly her for the online student self- mental in developing an innova- successful United Way campaigns. evaluation and self-admission tive agreement to rehabilitate Yashmin Kassam, advising program she developed. campus facilities – a $120 million officer and administrator for the Known as a dynamic inno- project known as UBC Renew. first-year English program, is vator, Lindsay’s co-workers say As founder and director of known to her colleagues as a she puts her whole mind and UBC’s Arts Co-op Program, “miracle of energy and commit- heart into her work, whether alumna Julie Walchli has ment”. recruiting student workers, increased the image and value of By listening to concerns, fixing motivating team members, or an Arts degree to the community problems and answering a myriad fostering interdepartmental and the university. of questions, she helps make new consultation. She has worked tirelessly for students’ experience at UBC a Suzanne Poohkay, associate the last five years at both campus positive one. Well-known for her director, facilities and capital and provincial levels to promote patience, diplomacy and compas- planning, in the Dept. of co-op education and is recog- sion, Kassam has a special skill in Campus and Community nized as having developed the helping international and multi- Planning, is UBC’s acknowl- most successful student co-op cultural students feel at home at edged “doyenne of space.” She association in B.C. Key among UBC. She also co-ordinates the is responsible for planning and her accomplishments is campus- wide branding of all UBC co-op programs. Walchli is also an advisor to the UBC chapter of the Golden Key International Honour Society where she guides and mentors some of UBC’s most accomplished students. Her staff says she is passionate about her work and a visionary pioneer whose leadership and commitment have helped hun- dreds of students realize their potential. ■