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…

The University of the Fraser Valley faced one of its most significant financial challenges in its history during the 2025/26 academic year. As international student applications declined rapidly due to external factors, UFV, like many post-secondary institutions in Canada, had to make some hard decisions. It was not an easy budget development environment, but it…

Have you ever dressed up for Halloween at UFV? Taken part in a festive holiday sweater contest? Enjoyed meeting up with colleagues and friends at the annual employee barbecue? Played in the employee golf tournament? Participated in the Fitness Challenge (now known as Strive to Thrive)?   It’s activities like those that help foster community spirit…

Community Engagement Perspectives, by Susan Mide Kiss, Vice-President, UFV Community Engagement Over the past several weeks, I have had the opportunity to participate in a number of conversations across British Columbia, including UFV's Grounded Innovation 3.0 Summit, the RBC Community Partner Event in Vancouver, and the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade's Education for…

Former University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) president Dr. Joanne MacLean has received the Austin-Matthews Award from U SPORTS, recognizing her outstanding leadership and lifelong contributions to Canadian university sport. The award was presented during the 2026 U SPORTS Honours Awards luncheon held June 3 in St. John’s, Newfoundland. MacLean’s career in university athletics and…

Life is a carnival to Bob Hauser. In fact, he grew up on the midway. In the outdoor amusement industry, you’re “in it” if you’re committed to working the carnival circuit, and “for it” if you love the lifestyle that accompanies it. As the longtime leader of West Coast Amusements, Bob is definitely “for it.”…