featured Archive
Inspirational Leadership 2023: Christine Slavik creates an environment of acceptance,
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,…Faculty Service Excellence 2023: Stefania Pizzirani infuses service into teaching,
For Dr. Stefania Pizzirani, her duties as an assistant professor at UFV don’t fall into strict silos of teaching, research, and service. They all blend together. Her teaching includes service components. Her research is often based on grassroots community needs. And her service activities feed off her teaching, her research, and her relationships with students,…Staff Excellence 2023: Tara Rozenek committed to providing top service
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…Teamwork Excellence 2023: Research and Graduate Studies exemplifies collaboration
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…UFV Indigenization and Reconciliation excellence 2023: Lorna Andrews helps colleagues
Lorna Andrews doesn’t have an easy job, but she has an important one. As UFV’s Teaching and Learning Specialist with a focus on Indigenization, she helps faculty and staff understand issues regarding colonial impacts on Indigenous people and the need to work towards reconciliation in Canada. For her efforts, she is being recognized as the…Research Excellence 2023: Dr. Edward Akuffo finds joy in balancing
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…Teaching Excellence 2023: Steven Marsh’s love of climate studies has
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…Inspirational Leadership award 2023: Whitney Fordham follows ‘authentic’ model in
Whitney Fordham has been drawn to leadership roles for her whole life. Through Girl Guides and 4-H and serving as a goalkeeper on various soccer teams, she has emerged as someone who can keep her eye on the big picture and guide her teammates or colleagues through their challenges. As Director of Alumni Relations, Fordham…UFV takes two wins at international business case competition in
Four students majoring in human resources management from UFV’s School of Business earned first place in two categories at the International Business Ethics and Sustainability Case Competition (IBESCC) held in Los Angeles April 12–14. Chad Charest, Monisha Kingra, Amandeep Rai, and Rebecca Whitmell succeeded against formidable U.S. business schools, including Pennsylvania State University, the University…On this day in 2008: UCFV became UFV
UFV marked a quiet milestone on April 21, 2023: 15 years since Premier Gordon Campbell visited campus to announce that the University College of the Fraser Valley would now become the University of the Fraser Valley. “The new University of the Fraser Valley will build on its international reputation for criminology and criminal justice programs,…D3 renovation results in bright, innovative workspace
Significant renovations have led to a bright, collaborative space on the third floor of Abbotsford’s Building D (D3). With a modern design intended to maximize natural light and interpersonal connection (see photos here), D3 features a mix of private and shared areas divided into four sections — each servicing a strategic cluster of departments. The…Community collaboration transforms Chilliwack campus space
It’s not every day that your school’s walls become a canvas for your creativity. For students in Visual Arts 390: Community Arts Practice, it’s the tangible results of their learnings this semester. This collaborative project couldn’t have come at a better time either, noted Cindy Schultz, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, “We…Students benefit from resounding success of UFV Giving Day 2023
UFV Giving Day was a resounding success. Held Tuesday, April 4, UFV Giving Day welcomed $69,150 in generous gifts, celebrating the power of collective giving, and enriching the lives of students in the Fraser Valley and beyond. Donors were able to support one or more of their preferred causes: Student Awards; Student Emergency Funds; or…Sociology and nursing students work together to examine social determinants
When it comes to health issues, a person’s postal code can have as much or more influence than their genetic code. Inequities, including lack of access to resources, and discrimination based on race, gender, and economic status an all affect how a person interacts with the health-care system. A recent interdisciplinary project at UFV saw…Interpret Creative and Performing Arts Festival — April 28
Celebrate emerging talent at Interpret, a Creative and Performing Arts Festival. This year marks the fourth annual Interpret festival, hosted by the UFV School of Creative Arts (SoCA) with Graphic + Digital Design on April 28, 2023, from 4-9 pm. Everyone is welcome to join the festivities! Explore art exhibitions by Visual Arts graduates, Film…Women of Steel: Forging Forward program comes to UFV
The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is excited to announce that they will be one of 14 hosts across Canada for CWB Welding Foundation’s initiative: The Women of Steel™: Forging Forward program. The program provides learning opportunities that foster education, personal growth, confidence, and experiential learning for women interested in exploring welding and other…Chef’s Table gives culinary students chance to shine
The Professional Cook 2 culinary students have reached a significant milestone in their culinary education as they recently concluded their Capstone project — the Chef's Table. Each chef was tasked with designing a three-course tasting menu that authentically represented their culinary passions, experiences, new skills, and personal favorites, providing guests with a glimpse of their…Outstanding Student Leadership award — Manjot Benning leads by example
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 to grant honorary degrees to Bonnie Henry, Naxaxalhts’i Sonny
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;…UFV seeking nominations for Betty Urquhart Community Service award
Do you know an unsung hero? You know the type: they work hard making our community a better place through their volunteerism, with little or no recognition. And they’re not expecting any. But wouldn’t it be nice to give them some? Consider nominating them for the UFV Betty Urquhart Community Service award. Every year, the…UFV’s IT department concludes Phase 1 of major enterprise network
UFV’s digital network, online security, and cloud integration have all vastly improved — and more upgrades are coming thanks to a multi-year effort to strengthen the university’s IT systems. Phase 1 of the Network Modernization Project — which began with an in-depth network analysis in April, 2020 — was completed Saturday, Feb 25 when more…Five retiring faculty members receive professor emeritus status
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…2023 long-service employees celebrated
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…Enactus UFV reaches national semifinals
The UFV Enactus team, led by its faculty advisor Dr. Saeed Rahman and student president Michael Amirani, participated in the 2023 Enactus Canada National Exposition held May 1-3 in Montreal. The team showcased three of their ongoing projects through a 12-minute video presentation highlighting their accomplishments since the launch and over the past year. The…Inspirational Leadership 2023: Christine Slavik creates an environment of acceptance,
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,…Faculty Service Excellence 2023: Stefania Pizzirani infuses service into teaching,
For Dr. Stefania Pizzirani, her duties as an assistant professor at UFV don’t fall into strict silos of teaching, research, and service. They all blend together. Her teaching includes service components. Her research is often based on grassroots community needs. And her service activities feed off her teaching, her research, and her relationships with students,…Staff Excellence 2023: Tara Rozenek committed to providing top service
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…