spring convocation 2014 June 5 & 6 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 2014 Graduating Students Graduation Traditions 4 Thursday, June 5, 2014 Chancellor’s Welcome 6 9:30 a.m. 19 President’s Welcome 8 11:30 a.m. 21 Syilx Welcome 10 1:30 p.m. 24 4:00 p.m. 27 Okanagan Song 11 Friday, June 6, 2014 The Board of Governors & Senate 12 8:30 a.m. 31 11:00 a.m. 35 2014 Honorary Degree Recipient 14 Acknowledgements 40 Significant Accomplishments & 14 O Canada 40 Contributions Alumni Welcome 41 Heads of Graduating Class 15 A General Reception will follow each Schedule of Spring 2014 Ceremonies 16 Ceremony in the Courtyard. 1 SPRING CONVOCATION 2014 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 2014, now shape UBC’s history by making it your own. 1916 1920s 1940s The first graduating class pictured here The twenties saw the student-led Great The forties were an era of tremendous at the Fairview campus located near Trek to claim UBC’s Point Grey campus change at the university as both students Vancouver General Hospital. In UBC’s first and establish the university as a place of and faculty embraced the war effort. year, there were only three faculties: mind for students the world over. The In 1943, new President Norman Mackenzie Arts, Applied Science and Agriculture with AMS incorporated as a non-profit society began in earnest to expand the university 379 registered students and 34 faculty and the university began awarding its and new departments were formed members. first graduate degrees to students. In 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 CONVOCATION 2014 2014 There are 11,700 students that will become the Class of 2014. They will go on to join the over 300,000 alumni who have successfully graduated from UBC and continue their journey as treasured members of the UBC community. 1960s 1980s 2000s Student numbers continued to escalate With over 34,000 students registered at The demand for increased access to alongside the scholarly activities the beginning of the eighties, UBC began post-secondary education led to the official that began to define UBC as a leader in attracting scholars from all over the world. opening of UBC’s Okanagan campus in research. The campus was alive with Engineering students were in the news 2005. Student learning opportunities sixties counterculture and a sixth frequently for their pranks, which included multiplied as UBC expanded to include two president of UBC was elected by the the famous Ladner Clock Tower stunt in major campuses – the Vancouver Campus name of Dr. Walter Gage. New student which students pulled off hoisting a white and the Okanagan Campus. 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 CONVOCATION 2014 GRADUATION TRADITIONS 4 SPRING CONVOCATION 2014 The University Mace is a symbol of the authority of the Chancellor. It is displayed on ceremonial occasions, most notably during the convocation ceremonies but also during the Installation of a President or Chancellor. THE UNIVERSITY MACE importance of Okanagan Lake to the region’s people, is also inlayed with silver, The Mace is carried by the ‘Macebearer’ applied by First Nations silversmith artist who leads the Platform Party, which Justin Terbasket of the Lower Similkameen includes the Chancellor, the President and Indian Band. The Mace was used for the first other dignitaries, onto the stage for the time at the 2009 Convocation Ceremonies. Convocation ceremonies. Created by First Nations artist Sheldon THE PROCESSION Louis of the Okanagan Indian Band, the University Mace is carved from a single Chancellor Sarah Morgan-Silvester shakes piece of alder wood, and combines the hand of every student that crosses the Okanagan Nation traditions with stage—that’s over 8,000 students each university customs. The main art work on year. This handshake signifies the the Mace features three symbolic spirit transition between student and graduate. icons—a mother bear with her two cubs, the image of the mountains, and water — REGALIA COLOURS given to UBC Okanagan in 2005 by the The hoods, gowns and hats worn Okanagan Nation elders. The spirit icon by graduates are lined with colours to gifts were selected by a group of First indicate the degree to be conferred, a Nation elders, led by Andrew McGinnis, tradition dating back to the Middle Ages an Okanagan Traditional Medicine Keeper when the first universities were founded. from the Penticton Indian Band, and Victor Antoine, an elder of the Okanagan Indian Band. Each spirit icon was chosen carefully THE CHANCELLOR’S OKANAGAN CHAIR for its special significance to the region, In 2007, UBC’s Okanagan campus reflecting local Okanagan Nation tradition, commissioned the creation of a new culture and knowledge. Chancellor’s chair for use in Okanagan The Mace also features a number of Convocation ceremonies. Handcrafted by university symbols, including the UBC master furniture maker Dennis Weidman Okanagan logo, the University coat of arms of Lake Country, B.C., the chair was and the UBC motto Tuum Est – It’s Yours. In fashioned from cherry wood, a species addition, the back of the Mace displays the selected for its significance in the word Suknaqinx, which is of the Nsyilxcen Okanagan’s long history as a fruit–growing language, spoken by the Okanagan’s region. original people. Roughly translated, it means “the ones who stand on the hill and The chair’s front panel features UBC’s are seen and heard from far away.” motto, Tuum Est, the UBC logo laser The University Mace, which was carved in engraved in the headrest panel, and UBC’s the shape of a paddle, representing the coat of arms on each side panel. 5 SPRING CONVOCATION 2014 CHANCELLOR’S WELCOME You have demonstrated excellence in your chosen academic fields, prowess on the sport’s fields and made important contributions to the university community as a whole. Warmest congratulations! As a UBC graduate, you are part of an Indeed, the needs are vast in range, from It is indeed an honour to take part in alumni group that is now over 300,000 healthcare and education, to environmen- celebrating the many accomplishments of strong, and one that includes leaders in tal sustainability, to human rights and UBC students. You have demonstrated every field of endeavor, and upon whom social justice. excellence in your chosen academic fields, the future well-being of our communities, It is with these thoughts in mind that I prowess on the sport’s fields and made province and nation will in large measure encourage you to live joyously, work hard important contributions to the university depend. By engaging in meaningful and lend a hand to others. I assure you community as a whole. For this reason, volunteer activity, you will not only further the rewards are truly remarkable. I like to think of your convocation strengthen your capabilities, you will As for this transformational day, the ceremony as an acknowledgement of all more thoroughly define the uniqueness of entire university community applauds you your successes—academic, athletic and your character, and discover a new and on your accomplishments and celebrates volunteer service to your community. lasting sense of fulfillment. I know that with you, and we hope that you will The importance of volunteer service as a many of you have already had rewarding cherish the knowledge that UBC is—and means to build communities, in particular, volunteer experiences while pursuing will forever be—your university. needs to be highlighted. Organizations your education or are actively looking for a Tuum est! such as UBC simply could not function suitable volunteer opportunity in an area — sarah morgan-silvester without volunteer support. Students who of professional or personal interest. volunteer fill important roles in student I applaud your efforts! government and university governance, as There is much demand on the horizon for peer mentors and counselors, and in people like you who have demonstrated improving the wellbeing of their broader the intelligence, discipline and community. The members of the UBC resourcefulness required to complete Board of Governors, the Senates, the degree requirements of one of the world’s Board of the Alumni Association, the most respected universities.