As the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) wrapped up its 50th anniversary celebrations in early April, supporters who played key roles in building the institution over the decades were honoured with Legacy Awards by President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Joanne MacLean. 

The awards were presented at a special ceremony hosted by Joanne, recognizing individuals who have made a lasting impact on UFV’s growth and development. Among the honourees were former UFV presidents, chancellors, Board of Governors chairs, and Alumni Association Board chairs. 

Legacy Awards were also presented to key supporters representing each phase of UFV’s history. 

“The Legacy Award was created to celebrate UFV’s 50th anniversary and to recognize individuals whose lasting impact has profoundly shaped this institution,” Joanne said. “Each of our 50 recipients has played a pivotal role in a stage of UFV’s growth and evolution — from its beginnings as Fraser Valley College in 1974, to its transformation into the University College of the Fraser Valley in 1991, and ultimately, to becoming the University of the Fraser Valley in 2008. 

“Their work has embodied UFV’s mission of engaging learners, transforming lives, and building community. Through their dedication, they have exemplified our core values of inclusivity, integrity, excellence, and community. The university would not be what it is today without their contributions.” 

Many honourees returned to campus for the ceremony. Family members of those who have passed away attended to accept awards on their behalf. 

Those honoured included former presidents — also known as principals in the early days — the late Dr. Larry Blake (served 1974–79), the late Dr. Barry Moore (1979–87), Dr. Peter Jones (1987–97), Dr. Skip Bassford (1998–09), and Dr. Mark Evered (2009–17). Dick Bate (1998) and Jackie Hogan (2017–18) were recognized for serving as interim presidents. Dick was also honoured, along with Erling Close, for being founding deans of Fraser Valley College. Both started in 1975 when they were in their early 30s.  

Current and former chancellors who were honoured included founding chancellor Dr. Brian Minter (2008–15), who was also thanked for his service as past chair of UFV’s Board of Governors, Dr. Gwen Point (2015–18), Dr. Andy Sidhu (2018–24), and current chancellor Q’um Q’um Xiiem Dr. Jo-ann Archibald.  

Current and former board chairs honoured included founding board chair the late Doug Hamilton (1974–79), and first vice-chair Dr. Norman Crabtree (1974–77), the late Betty Meagher (1979–82), the late Ross Belsher (1982–84), the late Bill Harris (1984–87), the late John Wiens (1987–90), Dr. Brian Minter (1990–94, also honoured for his service as chancellor), the late Dr. Noel Hall (1994–99), the late Dr. Phyllis Stenson (1999–02), Dr. Rob Nicklom (2002–08), Rod Thomson (2008–11), Larry Stinson (2011–13), Barry Delaney (2013–16), John Pankratz (2016–19 and 2020–present), and interim chair Nash Gill (2020).  

Alumni Association board chairs recognized included founding chair Terry-Lynn Stone (2000–01) who served before the association was incorporated as a society, Stacey Irwin (2001–08), Tony Luck (2008–13), Jason Barnes (2013–14), Nik Venema (2015–17), Navtej Singh Bains (2017-19), Ali Siemens (2019–20), Derek Froese (2020–21), Derrick Uittenbosch (2021–23), and Tony Dhaliwal (2023–present).   

Members of the Indigenous community who fostered strong relationships between UFV and local First Nations were also honoured. These included Siyamtelot Shirley D. Leon and Dr. William Mussell, both of whom served on the Board of Governors (then called College Council) in UFV’s early years, Grand Chief Clarence (Kat) Pennier, who has advanced Reconciliation and Indigenous education across the institution, Siyamiyateliyot Dr. Elizabeth Phillips, a UFV honorary degree recipient and last fluent speaker of the Halq’eméylem language, and Chief Mark Point, who has guided UFV in Indigenization for decades.  

Community members who were instrumental in helping UFV during its early stages were also honoured. From the Fraser Valley College (FVC) era, these included the late William Day, who led the 1973 task force studying the feasibility of a college in the Fraser Valley, and the late Eric Woodroff, who served on a steering committee for the 1973 task force and became FVC’s first administrator.  

For the University College of the Fraser Valley era, UFV recognized Dr. Jaclyn Rea and Sue Gadsby — two students and single mothers who co-founded the Community Coalition in 1991 to support the University College Proposal. Their work played a crucial role in securing university-college status for Fraser Valley College, enabling the launch of bachelor’s degrees. Jaclyn and Sue were helped by the FVC Access Committee, an internal committee with a mandate to explore options for expanding post-secondary in the Fraser Valley. The late Dr. Jack Gaston, chair of that committee and longtime history faculty member, was also honoured with a legacy award.  

John Smith, former Abbotsford school board chair, council member, and Chilliwack-based banker, was recognized for helping with both the UCFV and UFV campaigns. In the 2000s he chaired the Friends of UCFV, a community group focused on gaining regional university status for UCFV. Vice-chair David Sliman was also presented with a legacy award. Two local politicians, John Les and John Jansen, were recognized for the support they provided to UFV over the years when they were serving as MLAs. Jansen also supported the university during his time as president of the Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO).  

As UFV looks ahead to its next chapter, the Legacy Award recipients stand as a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and community in shaping a university that continues to transform lives and serve the Fraser Valley with pride.