Oh, the stories they could tell!

UFV recognized some long-term, and some long, long, looooooooooong-term employees on April 10 with two celebrations.

In an afternoon ceremony, some of the more than one hundred 10- and 20-year employees from 2011 and 2012 were recognized and thanked by President Mark Evered, Board Chair Larry Stinson, FSA President Virginia

Doug Rasmussen, Janet Allanson, Pat Neufeld, Sue Kleiv, Mary Grace Poppy, Lynda Town, Laura Chomiak, Mandy Klepic, Tami White, Maria Bos-Chan, Nancy Sexton, Linda Toews, Joan Kilbride, Leah Carr, Anne Russell, Rhonda Schuller. 

Cooke, and Chancellor Brian Minter. They enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and cake and were honoured for their dedication and their role in building the university.

In an evening ceremony, 25-, 30-, and 35-year employees were recognized at a dinner reception at the

Ramada Inn. At the dinner each long-term employee was feted by their supervisor. Below are some of the tributes that were given that night.

Congratulations to all of our long-term employees.

 

 

 

 

2010 35-year employees:

Terry Anderson, Criminology Instructor

Paul Herman, Philosophy/Political Science Instructor

Alan Cameron, Modern Languages Instructor

Kathie Ramsay, Applied Business Technology Instructor

Alan Stokes, Director of Facilities

 

2011 30-year employees:

Cheryl Isaac, Director of Continuing Studies

Maureen Kiner, Applied Business Technology Instructor

 

2011 25-year employees:

Brian Wiebe, Building Maintenance Worker

Jane Dean, Applied Business Technology Instructor

Ken Humbke, Shipper/Receiver

Vicki Grieve, Upgrading and University Preparation Instructor

 

2012 35-year employees

Ron Laye, Psychology Instructor

Jenny Walters, Cataloguing Technician-in-Charge

2012 30-year employees

Cheryl Dahl, Coordinator, Program Development

Ian McAskill, Advisor to the Provost

2012 25-year employees

Carol Abbott, Information Services Assistant

Astrid Beugeling, Resident Set Designer & Technical Manager – Theatre

Duncan Jeffries, Computer Information Systems Instructor

Rick Mawson, Publicity Manager – Theatre

Jillian Smith, Executive Assistant to the President

Rachelle Trudeau, Finance Receptionist

2011 10-year employees

Donna Alary

Kevin Antonishen

Beverly Binder

Richard Binder

Darlene Carson

Jim Carson

Bruce Corbeil

Beverly Fanzega

Graham Fletcher

Gidu Goldstein

Daniel Harris

Celeste-tina Hernandez

Nicole Klassen

Darlene Labbe

Deborah Larson

Mary-Anne MacDougall

Lorne MacKenzie

Nadia McCloy

David Milobar

Gillian Mimmack

Sean Parkinson

Barry Penner

Cindy Rammage

Peter Rasquinha

Heather Robertson

Tara Rozenek

Rupinderjit Sidhu

Ora Steyn

Patrick Taddy

Candace Taylor

Hamish Telford

Shelaugh Thomson

Raymonde Tickner

Elicia Tournier

Marlene Upton

Bill Van de Ligt

Robin White

Ron Zitron

2011 10-year employees

Anastasia Anderson

Rilla Apostolakis

Chris Bertram

Lisa Bohn

Mark Brosinski

Helen Butner

Julia Dodge

Colleen Gingerich

Cecilia Grant

Shirley Hardman

Kerry Johnson

Gilmour Jope

Anna Kuczynska

Jan Lashbrook-Green

Robert McGregor

Kim Norman

Shirleen Sayers

Seung Hee Shin

Sandra Smith

Pierce Stoeckly

Balraj Sumra

Brandon Tournier

Nadeane Trowse

Jacqueline Unger

Lisa Weismiller

 

2011 20-year employees

Paul Burkhart

Gwen Clarke

Nancy Goad

Patricia Neufeld

Anne Russell

Rhonda Schuller

Mandy Watts

Lynne Wells

 

2012 20-year employees

Greg Aitken

Janet Allanson

Tom Baumann

John Belec

Maria Bos-Chan

John Carroll

Lilleah Carr

Laura Chomiak

Tim Cooper

Maple Crozier

Eric Davis

Rose Friesen

Tim Herron

Corry Jensen

Joan Kilbride

Sue Kleiv

Mandy Klepic

Kasey Merritt

David Morosan

Leslie Olsen

Nancy Philbrook

Mary Grace Poppy

Doug Rasmussen

Greg Schlitt

Nancy Sexton

Terence Starr

Linda Toews

Lynda Town

Jane Webb

Tami White

 

Jane Dean, Applied Business Tech (marked 25 years in 2011)

(Speech by Rosetta Khalideen)

Jane Dean is a faculty member in the Applied Business Technology program. Jane’s work dates back to the Fraser Valley College days when the Office Careers program was offered in the “motel” on the Yale Road campus in Chilliwack. Jane and Sheila Elliott held down the fort for many years along with Carol Higginbottom. Jane tried to balance work with family, having given birth to two daughters during the earlier years of her career.

As Dean of the Faculty of Professional Studies, I have enjoyed a very positive working relationship with Jane over the last four years. She was a department dead I could count on and I have very often said, with Jane at the helm, I wish that all other departments in my Faculty were as non-problematic as ABT. Jane is a problem-solver and in her very quiet but determined way, she has been able to make many of the significant changes that has helped the ABT program to emerge as strong and effective as its is.  I have always had the confidence in Jane as a department head that she would ensure that things would be appropriately done.

Jane’s colleagues have recounted the many stories she has shared with them and have talked about her amazing sense of humour. Her love of teaching is obvious — her two daughters enjoy the teaching profession as well. Jane and her husband John, have lived in Mission for many years and are involved in the community. She can be found assisting at the Mission Folk Festival most years. Grandchildren and family responsibilities are filling Jane’s life now as she prepares for retirement. Her expertise, sensitivity, laughter and compassion will be missed in the workplace.

 Vicki Grieve, Upgrading and University Preparation
(25 years in 2011)

(Speech by Sue Brigden)

Vicki Grieve joined Fraser Valley College in 1986. Like many of us here, tonight, she first worked as a sessional instructor. Unlike most of us, however, her first contract landed her in prison rather than on campus, for she was assigned to teach basic literacy classes for inmates at the Mission and Kent institutions.

Vicki became a permanent ABE instructor in 1989, teaching in Chilliwack. Her passion and commitment to literacy issues helped Chilliwack establish award-winning family literacy programs. She continues to teach an adult upgrading class for the UUP department in the family literacy program at Central Gateway Community School. Vicki also helped develop the Literacy Tutor certificate program, for which she taught courses for several years.

From 2000 through to 2005, Vicki served as department head of the College and Career Preparation department. During this time, Vicki’s thoughtful and calm demeanor and soothing voice helped the department through some difficult times brought on by a series of provincial funding cuts that negatively affected students, faculty, and staff. As an instructor in the department at that time, I truly appreciated her leadership.

Some of you may not be aware of this, but Vicki is a dedicated and accomplished poet. She often commemorates significant events with verse, sometimes even while playing the guitar. In 2006, her Penelope poems were adapted for the one-act play, Penelope Couldn’t Have Phone Sex. The play, which was part of the UFV Directors’ Theatre Festival, was very well received and had a sold-out run.

In addition to being a caring and inspiring instructor and artist, Vicki is a gourmet cook and the mother of two daughters. She also loves to travel. Last year she took a long-awaited trip to New York City. While there, she visited many of its celebrated sites and enjoyed some of its fabulous cuisine, including a Thai dinner with me in Midtown Manhattan.

Tonight, as we honour Vicki Grieve for her 25 years of service, I would also like to thank her for the many creative and culinary contributions she has made to UFV over the years.

Brian Wiebe, Facilities (25 years in 2011)

(Speech by Jackie Hogan)

Brian began his career with UFV in May, 1986 — the year of Expo 86 in Vancouver.  Brian’s first placement was part-time on the grounds maintenance team, working alongside Joe Devlin.

In November/86 Brian secured a permanent position as a janitor at the Abbotsford campus under the supervision of lead handIvy Matthews. When a position came up at the Chilliwack campus in Sept/89, Brian was quick to take it — he lived in the Chilliwack-area so was looking forward to less travel time and saving money on gas; but, it was short-lived as two months later, he was promoted to courier in the Shipping and Receiving department back in Abbotsford.
Brian’s a big guy which was a good attribute for the courier position. His physical stature was always put to good use. His colleagues note that heavy work was sometimes challenging, and they would often call on “BIG” Brian to step in and handle it. He would dust off of his hands and address the other staff with “and that’s how it’s done” — always good natured and always willing to help.

After many years as courier, Brian again identified an opportunity to shorten those travel times and reduce his monthly fuel costs. He also saw an opportunity to expand his knowledge and display his capable handyman skills. So in April 2008, Brian accepted the building maintenance worker position located at the Chilliwack Yale Road campus.

Being the sole building maintenance worker for the Chilliwack campus requires a dedicated and responsible individual and Brian meets this requirement to a “T”. He’s been instrumental in keeping the Chilliwack campus well served on building maintenance issues and maintaining the campus’ key control system. He’s currently a key part of the team, planning the phased moved to the new Canada Education Park campus. I don’t expect he’ll miss the old motel and its leaky roof!
Brian’s hobbies have included camping, hunting, fishing and travel all over B.C. His co-workers note that you always knew when he was planning hunting or fishing trips as his truck would start arriving at work with the
camper loaded several days in advance – always well prepared!

Brian also enjoys tinkering on old cars and motorcycles. His current restoration project is a vintage 1968 Triumph motorcycle that he has owned since the age of 16.

Brian’s more recent travels have lead him to various places with family and friends such as China, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska and many parts of the US.

Thank you, Brian, for your dedication and service to the university. Your efforts and personality have helped build what UFV is today. Congratulations on your 25 years of service.

Cheryl Isaac, Continuing Studies (30 years in 2011)

(Speech by Sue Brigden)

Cheryl Isaac, then known as Cheryl Pohl, started working at Fraser Valley College in 1979 as a part-time clerk .  From 1980 to 1984, she worked part time in a variety of roles, including assistant film booker and office assistant, in the Audio/Visual department of the library.

Cheryl first joined the Continuing Studies department in 1985, when she took on a temporary position as program assistant. She became acting Continuing Education coordinator in 1988 and permanent Continuing Education coordinator in 1989. After CS was down-sized due to reduced Ministry funding in 2004, Cheryl was seconded to International Education as manager of International Innovations. Then, in 2005, Cheryl joined the ESL department as an instructor where she worked for two years before returning to Continuing Studies as its director in 2007.

To say all I should about Cheryl requires much more than two minutes, so with the little time I have remaining, let me just remind you that she

• was the FSA treasurer from 1988 to 1990
• Chair of the PD committee from 1989 to 1990
• served on UCFV’s University College Council
• was a member of Valley Women’s Network
• has organized many, many events and activities, including the 1983 college-wide PD event ,  and several Women in the Valley weekends.

 

In addition, she

• LOVES Elvis,
• is close to her family and friends, and
• ADORES her grandchildren who call her Nana.

Cheryl Pohl, Isaac, Isaac Clark, Isaac has worked here for 30 years. While here, she not only helped many people continue on with their education, she also made sure she continued on with her own by completing two degrees: a BA and a master’s.

In conclusion, I want to thank Cheryl for bringing colour, creativity, and energy into our lives and for she has all done for UFV over the years.

Kathie Ramsay, ABT (marked 35 years in 2010)

(Speech by Rosetta Khalideen)

Kathie Ramsay is a faculty member in the Applied Business Technology (ABT) program. She actually started her career at UFV in Fall 1975 at what was then the Fraser Valley College. She worked in the Office Careers program and also with Continuing Education in the Dental Assisting program.

During her earlier years at UFV, Kathie was able to complete an instructor’s diploma at the University of British Columbia, which she said helped her in becoming more effective in the classroom. She was instrumental in the re-shaping of the Office Careers program, assisting in the development of new courses and in the creation of a different program model that finally evolved into the current ABT program. Kathie has not only been integral to the program, but as someone said, she has BEEN the program having nurtured and grown the program over the many years of its existence. She has taught a number of different courses and has been a versatile instructor who has received many accolades from her students. Students have described Kathie as a caring and concerned instructor who evidences much patience and resilience under challenging circumstances. Kathie’s colleagues see her as hard working, committed, student focused and a great asset to the program. “What would we do without Kathie?” they ask.

Thanks Kathie for your contributions to the ABT program, our Faculty and our University.

Astrid Beugeling, Theatre  (25 years in 2012)

(Speech given by Jacqueline Nolte)

Astrid Beugeling is the resident set designer and technical manager for the university’s Theatre department, and has designed over 50 sets for the department’s annual seasons of theatre. Her creativity and eclecticism as a designer is evident in the diverse range of styles in which she’s worked: from the detailed realism of plays like Pentecost and Death of a Salesman, to the austere minimalism of her “theatre-in-the-round” designs for Shakespeare’s tragedies King Lear and Macbeth, to the whimsical fantasy of the colourful sets she created for plays like Wind in the Willows, Alice Through the Looking Glass, and The Tempest.

As Technical Manager, Astrid has successfully guided students and production staff through close to one hundred theatre productions over twenty-five years, most of which involved large casts and backstage crews, together with complex technical operations that could include everything from flying scenery – and actors – to multi-media projections and pyrotechnics. In theatre, you have to be prepared for just about anything, and be ready to take on the unexpected. You have to have a spirit of adventure, and the perseverance needed to find ways to make the impossible possible. Two things shine out about Astrid: first is her remarkable ability to find elegant, effective solutions to seemingly impossible challenges, such as making a long forgotten Renaissance fresco emerge from under a stone wall, only to be exploded (literally) in the climactic scene of David Edgar’s Pentecost – a feat she accomplished brilliantly, with the simplest of devices, and without any elaborate machinery or technology. And second is Astrid’s always cheerful and positive approach to people and tasks. She is an exemplary manager, skilled at bringing people together to collaborate and persevere in a spirit of cooperation and adventure until the solution is found and the job is done. The testament to Astrid’s dedication as a designer, teacher and mentor is perhaps most tellingly seen in the fact that, today, many of her students now work as professional stage managers, production technicians, and designers in the theatre and entertainment industry.

Submitted by Bruce Kirkley

Rick Mawson, Theatre (25 years  in 2012)

Rick Mawson has served as the publicity and box office manager for the Theatre department for 25 years, during which time he has produced publicity materials for over 100 shows and events, and has sold over $1.7 million worth of tickets for the department’s annual seasons of theatre. With Rick’s inestimable contributions in publicity and promotion, UFV Theatre now boasts one of (if not the) best attendance records of any post-secondary institution in the province, surpassing even much larger programs such as UBC’s and SFU’s. This would be achievement enough for many, but the creative drive runs much stronger in Rick. Indeed, Rick’s real claim to fame — and his share of immortality — is his work as a writer, actor, and director. Rick has published several articles, poems, short stories and plays, and has produced his work at UFV Theatre, the Vancouver Fringe Festival, and the Harrison Festival of the Arts. He’s also performed a number of memorable roles for UFV Theatre, including a truly hilarious portrayal of Stephano, the drunken butler in Shakespeare’s The Tempest; a deeply intelligent and truthful portrayal of Lear in Shakespeare’s tragic masterpiece, King Lear; and — ever the humble actor — he even took the role of God in the department’s production of The Mysteries. Rick has also directed several plays for UFV Theatre, including Anne of Green Gables, which sold out every performance during its three-week run, and a much celebrated production of The Rez Sisters by Canadian First Nations playwright Tomson Highway.

Submitted by Bruce Kirkley

Ron Laye, Psychology ( 35 years in 2012)

Ron Laye is currently the longest standing member of the Psychology department. His early work set the foundation for the student-focused department we are today.

Ron very much enjoys mentoring students on research projects, and has recently completed some very interesting research about Facebook. He has introduced many students to the discipline of psychology over the decades, and they appreciate his clear and humorous approach!

His kindness, integrity, and calm manner are much appreciated by all in the department.

Submitted by Zoe Dennison

Alan Cameron, Modern Languages  (37 years in 2012)

Alan has been the pillar of the Modern Languages program at UFV for the last 37 years.  As our resident polyglot, he has developed both the Russian and French programs. He created his own textbook for Beginner Russian and is presently putting the finishing touches on a new textbook for beginner French, called Bonjour le Canada, which will be published shortly by Pearson. He has also written the textbook for Fr. 330, our French Linguistics course, and is a fervent and enthusiastic champion of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL).  He has done extensive authoring of tests and on-line exercises on the Can8 computerized language-learning system.  His love for teaching has not diminished over the years, as is reflected in the innumerable hours of marking and meeting with students which he provides so conscientiously.  Students praise his energy, knowledge and patience, as well as his ability to push students to succeed.

Alan’s steadfast, vocal and persistent support for the Modern Languages program, at various committee levels throughout the years, has been crucial in keeping the eight languages we teach within MOLA alive, in spite of the vicissitudes of changing institutional priorities and budgetary restrictions.

It is particularly heartwarming to celebrate Alan’s 37 years at UFV in light of his recent tough battle with cancer, which he fought with all the tenacity and determination for which he is well known, and it is a delight to see him back in the classroom, his energy and enthusiasm undiminished.  He also has encyclopedic knowledge of Canadian football and hockey statistics. The enthusiasm he brings to teaching is only slightly dwarfed by his devotion to his family, and to the Vancouver Canucks.

Submitted by Betty-Joan Traverse

Paul Herman, Philosophy (37 years in 2012)

Submitted by Glen Baier

I will start frankly by stating that I would not be a philosopher if it were not for Paul Herman. He was my first philosophy instructor and the first to give me a chance as a teacher. Although I must admit, as well, that I almost did not become a philosopher because of Paul. When I went from Fraser Valley College to UBC, I decided to major in anything but philosophy. The reason was not that I did not like philosophy. I loved it, but I thought that all philosophers would be as intelligent and as quick as Paul and I did not think I could keep up. This misconception was quickly erased and I decided to major in philosophy. However, I experienced another problem. No one at UBC could teach philosophy as well as Paul. Paul is truly an innovative and dedicated teacher. For example, he started a summer weeknight discussion group for us as students so that we could read material unavailable in FVC courses. Moreover, he was years ahead of others in the movement toward cooperative education and online instruction. Since I have had the pleasure of being his colleague, I have discovered, as well, that his commitment to ideals of fairness and openness have made him a loyal and earnest protector of the members of our department. Without his efforts, most of us would not enjoy the opportunities that we have had. Now all we need to do is figure out a way of keeping him for another 35 years.

Terry Anderson, Criminology and Criminal Justice (37 years in 2012) 

I’ve been asked to write a few words on behalf of Terry Anderson’s 35 years at UFV. Here they are:

In his 35 years, Dr. Terry Anderson has entrenched the notion of student success deeply into the ethos of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. His commitment to student success is demonstrated by his continued passion for teaching our academic and professional development course, our problem management skills for criminal justice interventions course, and our leadership in groups and organization course. What all of these courses have in common is a focus on developing more than just a set of academic skills in students. These courses focus on developing and demonstrating skills that make students better individuals, better employees, and better citizens. Dr. Anderson’s commitment to his students and their successes beyond the classroom have consistently defined his contributions to our school and the university, and can be seen throughout the criminal justice system. Congratulations on your 35 years at UFV.

Submitted by Irwin Cohen

 

Rachelle Trudeau – 25 years of service

Rachelle is being recognized for 25-years of service at UFV.

Rachelle’s UFV journey began as a part-time employee in the Trades department back in 1987. After her time in Trades, she spent a year in payroll on a secondment, and was then hired full-time into Print Services in December 1988. For several years she managed the print services operation for the university and was the friendly face for many faculty dropping off last minute exams that needed printing — immediately!!

Rachelle has many fond and funny memories of her days in Print Services — her favorites having to do with a huge old 9900 copy machine. Apparently this machine “died” often. After one particularly frustrating breakdown (again) the print services staff decided they may as well go with the theme.

They made a tombstone with a “Rest in Peace (RIP)” label and topped the machine with the tombstone, hoping that it wouldn’t be resurrected — ever. But that was not to be. In fact, a renovation of space meant this huge old machine would need to be moved. The renovation, complete with fresh paint, trim and doors was finally complete and the day came to move the old machine to its new home. However, the machine being as obstinate as ever, was too big for the new doors, so they had to cut a hole in the wall to get it into its new space. It eventually was moved to its new home and lived a long life!!

In 1993, Rachelle joined the Business Office and is currently the receptionist that greets you as you enter the Financial Services area. Always there to answer your questions, Rachelle is an indispensable member of the Finance team. She’s certainly seen lots of changes at UFV since she first started. From typewriters, DOS based computer programs, to wireless and  web-based technology. But she says the highlight for her has been the number of great people she has worked with and met through the years at UFV.

When not at UFV, Rachelle keeps busy looking after her two loves, her puppies — 8-year old Panda, and 6-month old Poppy. She tells me she often has to break them up because Poppy wants Panda to play but Panda just wants a rest!

Congratulations Rachelle, on 25 years of service.

Alan Stokes – 37 years of service

Alan is being recognized for 37 years of service at UFV!

Let’s go back in time… 1975 (the ‘70s) – FVC just opened a new campus in Chilliwack, bell bottoms and tie-dye were in, Pierre Trudeau was Prime Minister, Bill Bennett became Premier of BC … and Alan Stokes started at Fraser Valley College. Seems times change but wait long enough and it seems to all come back again. Alan’s been at UFV long enough to see many changes and he’s here to see UFV move to another new campus in Chilliwack!

His first employment was as a driver, earning $5.67/hour. It was the start of a long and successful career…

As one of the founding employees of the new Fraser Valley College, Alan became indispensable because of his knowledge of the campus buildings and systems; he learnt to adapt and respond to opportunities and challenges that came over time.

He served as shipper/receiver for several years from 1979 to 1983, when he was promoted to Facilities Supervisor. No-one knows the buildings, systems and grounds like Alan does. He’s lived through major renovations and building commissioning, system outages, burst pipes, re-roofing jobs, and he may be the only one here who knows how the post-tension cable system works to hold up Building B!

In 1999, Alan became assistant facilities director and was the go-to guy for getting things done. Managing multiple campuses and many buildings, Alan put in countless hours ensuring ‘his’ facilities were clean, safe and running smoothly. One of his responsibilities during this time was to conduct monthly emergency evacuation drills of the UFV daycare. He’s remembered as always taking care to plan the drills around nap-time and ensure his team didn’t frighten the little ones that had to be ‘evacuated’. Apparently the kids looked forward to these exciting drills! It’s this caring attitude and attention to detail that has served UFV so well over the years.

In 2010, when the director of facilities position was vacant, there was no-one more suited to take on the role than Alan.

Although Alan takes his UFV responsibilities very seriously, his main focus is his family – his wife Peggy (who’s here with him tonight), and children James, Cathy and Lisa and their growing number of grandchildren – 6 now with another on the way! He loves spending time with Peggy on the west coast of Vancouver Island – Tofino and long beach, is a favourite spot. He’s an avid photographer and has some amazing pictures of wildlife and west-coast nature. He’s very proud of his children, including son James, who’s currently training in Fort Worth, Texas as part of the Canadian Air-force training program – a great honour.

Alan, you’re a very well-respected individual who has time and again exceeded expectations. Your knowledge, experience and dedication to UFV are second-to-none.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to UFV over the past 35-years.