spring congregation 2015 may 20–22 may 25–27 the chan centre for the performing arts Dear Graduand, Your graduation began long before this day. It began when you made the choice to study that extra hour, dedicate yourself more deeply, and strive to reach for the degree you had chosen to fully commit your life to pursuing. Many of the people that helped you arrive here today are seated beside you—friends, family, classmates— while others are thinking of you from afar. We are honoured to have given you a place to discover, inspire others and be challenged beyond what you thought was possible. We hope you know, we will always be that place for you. Yours, UBC TABLE OF CONTENTS The Graduation Journey 2 Lists of Spring 2015 Graduating Students Graduation Traditions 4 Wednesday, May 20, 2015 8:30am 27 Chancellor’s Welcome 6 11:00am 3 1 President’s Welcome 8 1:30pm 34 Musqueam Welcome 10 4:00pm 38 Honorary Degree Recipients 12 Thursday, May 21, 2015 The Board of Governors & Senate 14 8:30am 42 11:00am 46 Honoring Significant 16 1:30pm 50 Accomplishments & Contributions 4:00pm 53 Friday, May 22, 2015 Scholarships, Medals & Prizes 18 8:30am 57 11:00am 60 Schedule of Ceremonies 22 1:30pm 64 4:00pm 67 Monday, May 25, 2015 8:30am 70 11:00am 73 1:30pm 76 4:00pm 79 Tuesday, May 26, 2015 8:30am 82 11:00am 85 1:30pm 89 4:00pm 92 Wednesday, May 27, 2015 8:30am 95 11:00am 98 1:30pm 101 4:00pm 104 Acknowledgements 108 O Canada 108 Alumni Welcome 109 A General Reception will follow each Ceremony at the Flag Pole Plaza. 1 SPRING CONGREgatION 2015 THE GRADUatION JOURNEY The UBC graduation journey has been forged by the spirit of the university’s motto, Tuum Est, (meaning ‘it is yours’) since 1915. Today, you, the graduating class of 2015, now shape UBC’s history by making it your own. 1916 1920s 1940s One of the first graduating classes was The twenties saw the student-led Great The forties were an era of tremendous the Arts Class of 1916 pictured here at a Trek to claim UBC’s Point Grey campus change at the university as both students party at the home of Mary Wilons. In and establish the university as a place of and faculty embraced the war effort. UBC’s first year, there were only three mind for students the world over. The In 1943, new President Norman Mackenzie faculties: Arts, Applied Science and AMS incorporated as a non-profit society began in earnest to expand the university Agriculture with 379 registered students and the university began awarding its and new departments were formed and 34 faculty members. first graduate degrees to students.I n the along with new buildings to house them Ubyssey, published in September 23, 1925, including Brock Hall, the first student students described the new campus with union building. By the 1950’s, UBC had a sense of wonder: “We are dazed with the established itself as a comprehensive appearance of architectural cleanliness university and top choice for students in and bewildered by our lineal freedom.” BC and beyond. 2 SPRING CONGREgatION 2015 1960s 1980s 2015 Student numbers continued to escalate With over 34,000 students registered at Close to 13,000 students will become alongside the scholarly activities the beginning of the eighties, UBC began the Class of 2015. They will go on to that began to define UBC as a leader in attracting scholars from all over the world. join the over 300,000 alumni who have research. The campus was alive with Engineering students were in the news successfully graduated from UBC and sixties counterculture and a sixth frequently for their pranks, which included continue their journey as treasured president of UBC was elected by the the famous Ladner Clock Tower stunt in members of the UBC community. name of Dr. Walter Gage. New student which students pulled off hoisting a white residences were created to respond Volkswagen Bug onto the top of the tower. to the expanding student body as well as Dr. Martha Piper was elected President in a new student union building. Students 1997 and ushered in an era of international gain influence at the university and engagement that saw UBC step onto are elected to the University Board of the world stage as an educator and global Governors for the first time. centre for research excellence. 3 SPRING CONGREgatION 2015 GRADUatION TRADITIONS 4 SPRING CONGREgatION 2015 The University Mace is a symbol of the authority of the Chancellor. It is displayed on ceremonial occasions, most notably during the congregation ceremonies but also during the Installation of a President or Chancellor. THE UNIVERSITY Mace THE PRocessION In the fall of 1957, the University com- Chancellor Lindsay Gordon shakes missioned Haida carver Bill Reid to the hand of every student that crosses the undertake the project. Owing to Reid’s stage—that’s over 10,000 students each heavy workload, he suggested that George year. This handshake signifies the Norris be asked to help design and carve transition between student and graduate. the Mace. The planning of the Mace took some time and a final design was RegalIA ColoURS not approved until 1959. The hoods, gowns and hats worn Norris carved the Mace from a block of by graduates are lined with colours to yew and it included a stylized thunderbird indicate the degree to be conferred, a on the thick upper portion. The Mace tradition dating back to the Middle Ages also featured the use of copper that was when the first universities were founded. prominent in Northwest Coast native art. This copper trimming was designed and YoUR LegacY GROWS prepared by Bill Reid. Norris completed Since 1919, the graduating class has held the Mace in 1959 and it was first used at a Tree Planting Ceremony on Campus the Fall Congregation where the Director to serve as a reminder of the class in years of Ceremonies, Malcolm McGregor, to come. Many of the trees along East carried it for the first time. Mall were planted by a graduating class. Today the Mace is carried by the The 2015 Grad Class tree is a Zelkova ‘Macebearer’ who leads the Platform located at the corner of East Mall and Party, which includes the Chancellor, Marine Drive. the President, and other dignitaries, onto the stage for the Congregation ceremonies. 5 SPRING CONGREgatION 2015 CHancellor’S WELCOME Not only have you successfully completed degree requirements at one of the world’s finest universities, you have the added distinction of being alumni of a 100 year-old institution. On behalf of the 300,000 alumni of As to what happens next, the way forward With that in mind, I encourage you to the University of British Columbia, I am for some of you is clear, while for others reflect on what you overcame to arrive honoured to extend my sincere congratu- the future remains uncertain. Irrespective at this momentous juncture, and lations to all graduating students, and to of what faculty or program from which you celebrate with great enthusiasm your welcome all of those who have supported are graduating today, take heart in new distinction as a graduate of the you on what I hope has been an enjoyable knowing that the ever-widening spectrum University of British Columbia. and transformational journey. of human endeavour in the 21st century One final thought. Graduation should requires a correspondingly expanding It may be an obvious statement, but it never mean goodbye—learning is a life range of abilities. In an increasingly merits repeating—today is a day for great long journey. I sincerely hope that complex world, good thinkers, innovators, celebration. Not only have you success- you will remain active Alumni of UBC problem solvers and effective communica- fully completed degree requirements and that many of you will join us for tors from diverse backgrounds are at one of the world’s finest universities, your university’s 100th anniversary essential for the progress of our society. you have the added distinction of being celebrations this September which will alumni of a 100 year-old institution. Compelling evidence of widening skills include the grand opening of the new needs can be found among your fellow Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre. For most students, there have been some graduates who live and work in some 150 trying times along the way; term paper — lindsay gordon countries. Every department or program and assignment deadlines, adjusting to at UBC has produced graduates who are new living arrangements in a new city or today net contributors to an infinite range an entirely new part of the world, financial of endeavours. Remember too that if strains, and maybe even some anxiety you could see into your future, you might over what happens next. But you made it, well be astonished by the unexpected, and that alone speaks compellingly about and hopefully intriguing, roads you will your character; that you are disciplined, take on the next phase of your journey. resourceful and able to begin and In the meantime, rest assured that, complete a challenging task. As a UBC through your accomplishments at UBC, graduate, you are now different in the you have already made a powerful eyes of a great many of those whom you statement about your character. will meet. 6 SPRING CONGREgatION 2015 7 SPRING CONGREgatION 2015 PRESIDENT’S WELCOME Warmest congratulations! Graduation is a momentous day in your life. It is a time to look back at all you’ve accomplished and a time to look ahead to what’s next.