The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is opening an Experiential Learning Lab (ELL) on its Chilliwack campus, a flexible learning space with a layout and technology that mimic a health-care clinical environment.   Historically, nursing students have benefited from experiential learning in hospitals, clinics, and laboratory settings. But with nursing shortages and more patients…

Anna Delooff knew she had done well in her studies at the University of the Fraser Valley, but she got a pleasant surprise when she found out that her marks had earned her the Governor General’s Silver Medal, awarded annually to the student with the highest grade point average in a bachelor’s degree program. Anna’s…

Kiyah Price has a strong interest in building inclusive, accessible, and meaningful community spaces, and she found the perfect fit for her passion in UFV’s College of Arts, where she recently completed a Bachelor of Arts in sociology along with a Bachelor of Regional and Community Planning.  For her dedication and efforts, UFV has awarded…

Miranda Rosehill put her trust in the University of the Fraser Valley when it came time to choose a university for her Master of Social Work degree. Two years later, she’s glad she made that decision.  Miranda is the 2026 recipient of the Governor General’s Gold Medal at UFV, after achieving a grade point average of 4.27.  Granted to students…

Ryan Caswell spent years building cabinets before deciding it was time to build something new for himself. The recipient of UFV’s 2026 Governor General’s Bronze Medal, awarded to the diploma student with the highest academic standing, Ryan returned to post-secondary education more than 20 years after first attending BCIT. Now completing UFV’s Computer Information Systems…

Language is more than just words; the late Koyalemót  Mary Stewart taught this every day. It’s also identity, culture, history, and memory. The Modern Languages professor devoted her life to preserving the Halq’eméylem language and sharing it with others, and has been posthumously honoured with the 2026 UFV Indigenization and Reconciliation Award.   “Koyalemot's teaching of the language was the growth of…

Women face barriers as search and rescue (SAR) volunteers, but there are easy fixes that can create a more welcoming environment. That’s one takeaway from Jelena Brcic’s research project, which she’ll be discussed at a national webinar from 5:30 to 6:30 pm on Monday, June 22.  In the first year of a two-year project backed by Public Safety Canada’s Search and…

When the University of the Fraser Valley transitioned to a modern learning management system (LMS) in 2025, the Brightspace Implementation Team played a key role in making it happen.  The team took on a complex project with energy and enthusiasm, helping advance UFV’s goal of providing accessible, high-quality education. In addition to being able to take…

There was no classroom, no curriculum, and no formal training — just a seven-year-old Brianna Strumm, a stack of homemade worksheets, and a group of stuffed animals ready to learn.  Though she began her career in social work, Brianna now sees those early moments as the start of her path to teaching.  “I was teaching my two…

“I’m one of those lucky people who have known most of their life what they wanted to do,” says Priscilla Ang. She knew she wanted to help people and chose her path as a counsellor at the young age of 15. She didn’t waver — for the last 15 years, Priscilla has supported the well-being of students at the University of the Fraser Valley. In recognition…

In Dr. Lolehawk Laura Buker’s first semester as an education major at the University of British Columbia, she was so unsure she’d make it that she called home in tears. 40 years later, she’s been awarded the West Coast Teaching Excellence Award for her commitment to student engagement and her reflective, intentional approach to teaching…

Many of us experience various types of group dynamics while working in teams: some positive and some negative. But at the end of the day, we can go home to our families or blow off steam through fitness, hobbies, or relaxation.  What if you were living and working alongside your workmates 24/7 for days or…