Alumni profiles Archive
50 Remarkable Alumni: Stu Chahal forges leadership career in IT
Stu Chahal’s time at UFV allowed him to gain expertise and experience in both business and computing—something that has served him well. Launching his career with Cisco Systems, an IT industry giant focused mostly on networking infrastructure such as routers and switches, in 2019 he transferred his talents to Splunk, a software company focused on…50 Remarkable Alumni: From teller to the executive suite, UFV
Surround yourself with good people, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Those are the two biggest lessons Shelley Besse has learned during a 38-year career with First West Credit Union — better known in the Fraser Valley through its local brand, Envision Financial — a career that’s seen her rise from teller to…50 Remarkable Alumni: Dave Lanphear builds on his success by
Dave Lanphear has had a successful career in financial services. With nearly 25 years at Envision Financial, he climbed the ladder from working the front desk, to financial advisor, all the way to president, a role he held for nearly seven years. As a student, Dave’s aspiration was to pursue a career in law, which…50 Remarkable Alumni: Andy Thompson enjoys an enduring career in
It was in a UFV counsellor’s office at the age of 17 that Andy Thompson decided he would be an actor. Since that pivotal appointment with Dave Birkett, this alum has been following his art, and his heart. Andy’s instructors at UFV were the first to encourage his passion for acting, which still fuels his success…50 Remarkable Alumni: Darren Penner finds passion in helping others
Studying at University of the Fraser Valley helped Darren Penner prepare for a career as lawyer. It also helped shape the kind of lawyer he would be: one who puts compassion ahead of compensation. Like many students, Darren planned to complete only two years at what was then University College of the Fraser Valley before…Alumna ‘created’ a career of doing what she loves
Myrtle-Anne Rempel has long been a community leader in Abbotsford. She’s not the type who runs for office or heads a company–although she helped run her husband’s business ventures– rather, she’s the kind who shows up and is present, as an advocate for arts and culture, and charitable causes. Throughout her adult life, the UFV…50 Remarkable Alumni: Kelly Chahal continues to grow herself, and
Three-term city Councillor Kelly Chahal has a storied career in Abbotsford. In addition to her decades as a probation officer, she chairs the city’s public safety committee, participates in the Purple Lights Campaign -- part of the violence against women in relationships committee (VAWIR) -- and she is part of the Empower Goddess group which…Rose expert Brad Jalbert likes making things beautiful
What is your favourite type of rose? It’s the one question Brad Jalbert dislikes more than any other. “It’s like being asked to choose which is your favourite child,” he says with a groan. “They’re all my favourites.” And they really are like children. There are tens of thousands of varieties of roses in the…50 Remarkable Alumni: Matt Loewen brings his lifelong passion for
What a difference a decade can make. 10 short years ago, Matt Loewen was in Botswana, Africa with an organization called Kings Active Foundation, a group that leverages sports to enrich the lives of young people, while at the same time helping them to find and fulfill their potential. Today, Loewen, who was named one…50 Remarkable Alumni: Jackie Rea helped forge a path for
Of the 50,000 alumni who have graduated from a UFV program since 1974, 17,000 of those have earned a four-year bachelor’s degree. But if it weren’t for a determined group of students and community members who advocated for degree-granting status in 1991, UFV might still be a two-year college. Jackie Rea was one of the students…50 Remarkable Alumni: Decades of authentic community connections for Stacey
Stacey Irwin was a leader on day one. And she hasn’t stopped since. Irwin (BBA ’97) co-founded the UCFV Alumni Association and sat as its first chair -- a position she held until 2008 -- but her contributions didn’t end there, thanks to an incredible commitment to community, driven by three principles of success: be…UFV Distinguished Alumni 2023: Blue skies ahead for Eric Gerbrandt
Dedicated to creating and caring for a better berry, Dr. Eric Gerbrandt’s research takes him from the fields of his Yarrow farm to labs and conferences around the world. For this and more, Eric has been named UFV’s Distinguished Alumni Award winner for 2023. Eric has been leading the BC berry research portfolio as Research…Young Distinguished Alumni 2023: Eryn Braley advocates for Indigenous Peoples
Eryn Braley is thankful to have chosen a career in Indigenous public health that allows her to connect with her Indigenous identity. “I am so appreciative of the Indigenous mentors and peers who have guided me in my career and personal journey. Through teachings, connection, and ceremonies, I am connecting with who I am as…Alumnus Keenan Beavis named to BC Business 30 Under 30
Keenan Beavis was already going places as an entrepreneur before he hit elementary school. But the Bachelor of Business Administration alumnus (BBA '18) gives credit to his UFV experience for helping him along the way. Five years out of university, Beavis has been named one of BC Business magazine’s 30 Under 30, a list that…Painting a pleasurable pastime for 2023 alumni wine artist Danielle
For Danielle Deschamps (Cert ABT ’15), painting with watercolours is an escape into paradise. “I’ll put on some music, maybe have a glass of wine, and paint. It’s a great way to escape from all my worries for a while,” she notes. Although not formally trained as an artist, Danielle has honed her craft under…50 Remarkable Alumni: Stu Chahal forges leadership career in IT
Stu Chahal’s time at UFV allowed him to gain expertise and experience in both business and computing—something that has served him well. Launching his career with Cisco Systems, an IT industry giant focused mostly on networking infrastructure such as routers and switches, in 2019 he transferred his talents to Splunk, a software company focused on…50 Remarkable Alumni: From teller to the executive suite, UFV
Surround yourself with good people, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Those are the two biggest lessons Shelley Besse has learned during a 38-year career with First West Credit Union — better known in the Fraser Valley through its local brand, Envision Financial — a career that’s seen her rise from teller to…50 Remarkable Alumni: Dave Lanphear builds on his success by
Dave Lanphear has had a successful career in financial services. With nearly 25 years at Envision Financial, he climbed the ladder from working the front desk, to financial advisor, all the way to president, a role he held for nearly seven years. As a student, Dave’s aspiration was to pursue a career in law, which…50 Remarkable Alumni: Andy Thompson enjoys an enduring career in
It was in a UFV counsellor’s office at the age of 17 that Andy Thompson decided he would be an actor. Since that pivotal appointment with Dave Birkett, this alum has been following his art, and his heart. Andy’s instructors at UFV were the first to encourage his passion for acting, which still fuels his success…50 Remarkable Alumni: Darren Penner finds passion in helping others
Studying at University of the Fraser Valley helped Darren Penner prepare for a career as lawyer. It also helped shape the kind of lawyer he would be: one who puts compassion ahead of compensation. Like many students, Darren planned to complete only two years at what was then University College of the Fraser Valley before…Alumna ‘created’ a career of doing what she loves
Myrtle-Anne Rempel has long been a community leader in Abbotsford. She’s not the type who runs for office or heads a company–although she helped run her husband’s business ventures– rather, she’s the kind who shows up and is present, as an advocate for arts and culture, and charitable causes. Throughout her adult life, the UFV…50 Remarkable Alumni: Kelly Chahal continues to grow herself, and
Three-term city Councillor Kelly Chahal has a storied career in Abbotsford. In addition to her decades as a probation officer, she chairs the city’s public safety committee, participates in the Purple Lights Campaign -- part of the violence against women in relationships committee (VAWIR) -- and she is part of the Empower Goddess group which…Rose expert Brad Jalbert likes making things beautiful
What is your favourite type of rose? It’s the one question Brad Jalbert dislikes more than any other. “It’s like being asked to choose which is your favourite child,” he says with a groan. “They’re all my favourites.” And they really are like children. There are tens of thousands of varieties of roses in the…50 Remarkable Alumni: Matt Loewen brings his lifelong passion for
What a difference a decade can make. 10 short years ago, Matt Loewen was in Botswana, Africa with an organization called Kings Active Foundation, a group that leverages sports to enrich the lives of young people, while at the same time helping them to find and fulfill their potential. Today, Loewen, who was named one…50 Remarkable Alumni: Jackie Rea helped forge a path for
Of the 50,000 alumni who have graduated from a UFV program since 1974, 17,000 of those have earned a four-year bachelor’s degree. But if it weren’t for a determined group of students and community members who advocated for degree-granting status in 1991, UFV might still be a two-year college. Jackie Rea was one of the students…50 Remarkable Alumni: Decades of authentic community connections for Stacey
Stacey Irwin was a leader on day one. And she hasn’t stopped since. Irwin (BBA ’97) co-founded the UCFV Alumni Association and sat as its first chair -- a position she held until 2008 -- but her contributions didn’t end there, thanks to an incredible commitment to community, driven by three principles of success: be…UFV Distinguished Alumni 2023: Blue skies ahead for Eric Gerbrandt
Dedicated to creating and caring for a better berry, Dr. Eric Gerbrandt’s research takes him from the fields of his Yarrow farm to labs and conferences around the world. For this and more, Eric has been named UFV’s Distinguished Alumni Award winner for 2023. Eric has been leading the BC berry research portfolio as Research…