If things had turned out a little differently, Naxaxalhts’i Albert ‘Sonny’ McHalsie might have been one of B.C.’s top mechanics rather than a highly valued interpreter of Stó:lō people’s culture and traditions. And much vital knowledge about the culture and history of Indigenous Coast Salish history would have been lost. Because he chose a different…

Sometimes it takes one defining moment to change life’s trajectory. For Dr. Judith Soon, it was in Grade 12 when she and four other classmates toured the inner workings of a pharmacy building.  From this experience, Soon knew she wanted to pursue a career in pharmacy and so far, it has been extremely rewarding for…

  Gerry Eggert is defying age stereotypes and inspiring students of all generations with his persistent pursuit of education at the age of 82. With five or six semesters left before he earns his degree, Gerry is proving that it is never too late to chase your dreams and inspire others along the way. While…

A student would have to be really outstanding to be the first-ever winner of the UFV Alumni Association’s Outstanding Student Leader award.  Manjot Benning fits the bill, and then some!  She’s graduating this June with top marks in her Bachelor of Science degree program, with sights set on medical school applications in the future. She’s…

UFV will present honorary degrees to four leaders who have had a significant impact on society and their communities at its Convocation ceremonies in June. They include Dr. Bonnie Henry, who led British Columbia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic; Naxaxalhts’i Sonny McHalsie, one of the most distinguished interpreters of the Stó:lō cultural tradition and history;…

Congratulations to the following recently retired long-term faculty members, each of whom received professor emeritus status. They were honoured at the service excellence dinner along with employees marking service milestones and the employee excellence award winners. UFV grants the honourable designations of Professor and Librarian Emeritus in recognition of long service and contributions to the…

Employees who have been around for a decade or more -- including Cameron Roy, who hit the 35-year mark -- were celebrated in person on May 11 at a dinner event at the Clarion Inn. For the first time, sessional instructors were included in the celebration. More than 50 sessional instructors who have taught at…

  As she reflects on 27 years of teaching at the University of the Fraser Valley, Dr. Christine Slavik sees more than just a number: she sees a body of work that aligns with her core values.   Whether it is leading her team through a pandemic with mindfulness, creating safe digital spaces to discuss concerns,…

What began as a temporary posting in the auxiliary pool in 1999 has led to a fulfilling professional career in human resources for Tara Rozenek, this year’s recipient of the UFV Staff Excellence award. Like many UFV staff members, Tara is a graduate of the Applied Business Technology certificate (called Office Careers back in her…

If there’s one phrase that sums up the attitude of members of the Research and Graduate Studies team, it’s “how can I help?”   The entire team lives by this phrase every working day.  For Martha Dow, Director of Community Health and Social Innovation (CHASI) Hub, the choice was obvious when it came time to nominate…

Dr. Edward Akuffo first encountered Canadian foreign policy in the late 1990s when he was completing his undergraduate education in Ghana. After seeing the work that the now defunct Canadian International Development Agency was doing under the leadership of John R. Schram (the retired diplomat and former Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana), his curiosity was…

A passion for studying the elements led Steven Marsh to his life’s work as a geography professor. Now, generations of students have benefited from the knowledge and skills he shared and are on the frontlines of resource management and academic research in climate-related disciplines. For his dedication to his profession and influence on students, Marsh…