Guided by vision, grounded in community: Joanne’s leadership legacy
After more than four decades in post-secondary education, including 13 at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), Dr. Joanne MacLean is ready for the next chapter of her life. Joanne is retiring as UFV president and vice-chancellor, stepping away with a sense of pride and peace. As she passes the torch on to Dr.…Theatre alumnus Bryan Cutler found his calling as Harrison Festival
When the Harrison Arts Festival kicks off July 11, a University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) alumnus will be in the middle of the action. Bryan Cutler is the festival’s general manager, a role he’s held since 2016. He’s a driving force behind an amazing community event that’s now in its 46th year, a 10-day…Runner’s dream came true for UFV’s Vincent Pagot with Boston
With support from the UFV community, Vincent Pagot achieved the dream of many a long-distance runner when he competed in the 2025 Boston Marathon. The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon, dating back to 1897, and it’s been on Vincent’s radar since he took up running in 2013. Vincent, who works on UFV’s…UFV welcomes community to campus to celebrate Convocation 2025
The University of the Fraser Valley welcomed the community to campus from June 10 to June 12 to celebrate Convocation over six ceremonies in its Athletic Centre. A total of 3,152 students earned credentials to graduate from UFV this academic year, and 1,601 attended Convocation and crossed the stage. Almost 6,000 guests attended Convocation over…A love of problem-solving led Jael Penner to academic success
Jael Penner is a problem solver. Give her a computer and a challenge to overcome and watch her go. With a smile on her face and her fingers dancing across the keyboard, she’ll have a solution worked out in no time at all. “It’s super rewarding and I kind of get a rush of adrenaline…Standout student leader Roxy Granikovas receives Lieutenant Governor’s Medal
Roxy Granikovas has spent eight years at UFV building spaces where everyone can feel included. Now that they’re graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy (Honours), their efforts are being recognized with the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal. Each year, this award honours a student who’s made outstanding contributions in support of inclusion, democracy, or…Child and Youth Care degree graduate Thea Bramer receives UFV
Thea Bramer of Mission had never heard of the Governor General’s Silver Medal award until she got the phone call telling her she’d be receiving it. After a 20-year break from school, the former administrative assistant came to UFV for a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care — and received the highest academic…UFV helps Eleanor Deacon forge leadership identity
Eleanor Deacon is always looking for the next step, determined to keep learning and developing. In 2023, her quest for knowledge brought her to the University of the Fraser Valley, where she enrolled in the Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Mentorship program. A teacher at a Chilliwack school, Eleanor graduates from the UFV…UFV welcomes Matthew Grant as new Associate Vice President, Community
Matthew Grant recently joined UFV’s Community Engagement team as Associate Vice-President, Community Engagement. He brings over 20 years of progressive leadership experience in community engagement, strategic partnerships, marketing, communications, public affairs, and enrollment planning within the post-secondary sector. He joins UFV from Simon Fraser University, where he served as Executive Director of Community Engagement. There,…Honorary degree 2025: For Susannah Pierce, finding passion in career
Susannah Pierce didn’t plan to go into the energy industry. But her path took her that way and she thrived, both professionally and as a leader passionate about mentorship and social causes. In recognition of her accomplishments in the business world and her dedication to empowering the next generation, particularly young women, Susannah will receive…Honorary degree 2025: John Anderson’s journey combines strengths and passions
As a young man, John Anderson dreamed of flying. To finance that dream, he took a detour into the food services industry, where he soared with success. Now the University of the Fraser Valley is recognizing that success with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. John will be honored at UFV’s morning convocation ceremony on…Honorary degree 2025 — Jane Buxton paved the way for
Finding your direction at the start of your career is challenging. You might know what field interests you, but it can take time to find your true niche. It was during her medical residency training in Vancouver that Dr. Jane Buxton she discovered her passion for public health. And that opportunity proved to be a…