In his first year at UFV, student Hayden Koppes just wanted an easier way to meet people. Today, the program he built to solve that problem is bringing an entire building together and gaining recognition across Western Canada.  Baker Battles has surpassed Hayden’s expectations, uniting students in the Lá:lem te Baker residence on the Abbotsford campus. Recently, it earned him individual recognition at the annual LEAD…

Quick actions by two members of the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) Safety and Security team may have saved the life of a man at the Abbotsford campus last summer. Their efforts earned them recognition from the Canadian Security Lifesaver Association (CSLA).  CSLA created an award to recognize exceptional people working in frontline security…

  Five researchers from the University of the Fraser Valley have been recognized on the 2025 Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientists list, a global ranking of the world’s most influential researchers.   Honourees include Drs. Lauren Erland, Javad Hadian, Michael Hitch, Faisal Naeem, and Christophe Schinckus — recognized for their outstanding citation impact and contributions in their…

Greg Elford led efforts to revitalize a historic building in downtown Mission, turning it into a vibrant community-oriented space. In the process, he helped breathe new life into the heart of the city. The Hougen Block Project is a case study in community building and collaboration, and it’s a big reason why UFV has recognized…

A trailblazer in the legal and business communities, Sam Varing has shown a deep commitment to equity and youth empowerment, and the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) has played a significant role in her journey.  Sam, the recipient of UFV’s 2025 Young Distinguished Alumni Award (YDAA), graduated from UFV in 2014.  “I had the…

Kamaldeep (Kam) Singh Sandhu is using his talent for business development, improving the economic outlook for BC Indigenous communities.    The 2025 recipient of the University of the Fraser Valley’s Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA) is a graduate of UFV’s Bachelor of Business Administration program (2012). A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Aboriginal Finance Manager…

There’s a question echoing across kitchen tables and boardrooms in Canada: Is a university education really worth it today? As costs rise and artificial intelligence promises instant answers 24/7, many Canadians are wrestling with doubts. In fact, a recent Ipsos poll found that less than half of Canadians believe a university or college credential offers…

A University of the Fraser Valley alumna is blazing a trail in a traditionally male-dominated field  and helping other women find their way.  Cassandra Shewchuk (BSc Honours Physical Geography, 2020) graduated from UFV just five years ago but is already viewed as a leader and role model. She was recently elected to the board of…

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…

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…

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…

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…