featured Archive
Emphasis on kindness and support equals success for UFV Teaching
To do Dr. Linda Pardy’s Teaching Excellence award justice, you need a rainy Saturday morning. That’s how long it takes to go through the binder of recommendation letters collected on behalf of the Abbotsford-based UFV communications instructor for the nomination process. Pardy’s nomination was supported by countless students from a range of disciplines who have…David McGuire new head of UFV International
David McGuire joined the University of the Fraser Valley in the position of executive director of UFV International, effective June 1, 2013. McGuire brings a breadth of experience in international education to UFV. His early career includes over 10 years living and working in Korea, first as a college and university instructor and then expanding…UFV wins Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Award for reflective workforce
The University of the Fraser Valley was proud to receive the 2013 Reflective Workforce Award at Abbotsford Community Services' Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards in March. The event featured guest speaker The Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and recognized five award-winners in different categories. Diane Griffiths, associate vice-president of human resources, accepted…UFV’s best and brightest honoured at research awards
From seawater toxicity to music on The Simpsons, UFV’s most impressive student research was recognized recently at Abbotsford’s Ramada Plaza & Conference Centre. Twenty-three UFV undergraduates were awarded more than $16,000 during the special dinner presentation at the university’s Undergraduate Research Excellence Awards Presentation (full gallery here). The invite-only affair brought high praise from UFV…Go-to Telford looks back on B.C. election
As B.C.’s political gears ground towards May’s provincial election, one man was as ubiquitous as Twitter’s pervasive #bcpoli hashtag. And no, we don’t mean Adrian Dix. UFV political science instructor Hamish Telford was seemingly everywhere leading up to this year’s election, fielding nearly a dozen calls weekly from media looking for insight. But as he…Penny Park’s mission to enhance science awareness nets honorary degree
Saying Penny Park’s work is sometimes out of this world might seem cliched. But it’s true — and Canada’s better because of it. As a child, Park wanted to be either a journalist or veterinarian. After studying linguistics at the University of New Brunswick (and taking a turn at the university’s radio station), the world…Cree artist George Littlechild to receive honorary degree from UFV
Prolific and colourful. Vibrant artworks infused with Aboriginal influence but with his own contemporary twist. When you see George Littlechild’s work you won’t soon forget it. The Cree artist, originally from Alberta but now living in British Columbia, has built both a strong reputation and a huge catalog of work over the 25 years he’s…UFV to grant honorary doctorate to Canadian rocker Bif Naked
Dr. Mark Evered had a surprise for Canadian rocker and motivational speaker Bif Naked when she visited the University of the Fraser Valley on International Women’s Day on March 8. Naked, who was there to speak at a union-sponsored event, met with UFV president Evered before her talk and he asked her if she would…Sign your kids up now for popular UFV summer camps
If you’re a parent looking for a way to prevent the chorus of ‘I’m borrrrrrred’ in your house this coming summer, consider giving your childa week to remember at the University of the Fraser Valley. Science Rocks! Back by popular demand, UFV’s Science Rocks! summer day camps are designed for local students going into Grades…New UFV grads to receive one-year membership to Mission Chamber
What’s the number one priority for new university grads? Often it is to find a job in one’s field. And networking with established professionals is one of the best ways to make the connections needed in order to land that all-important first job. A new partnership between the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce and the…Champions for Health receive government kudos in Antigua
Once again a group of UFV students are having the experience of a lifetime by spending several weeks interacting with school children in Antigua through the Champions for Health Promoting Schools project. Led by Dr. Joanna Sheppard of the Kinesiology and Physical Education department, the group is comprised mostly of KPE students, but this year…Top young math minds compete for $14,400 in UFV scholarships
The region’s best and brightest young mathematical minds set to work at the University of the Fraser Valley’s annual B.C. Secondary Schools Math Contest recently. More than $14,000 in scholarship money was up for grabs, with 146 students representing 26 schools — an increase over last year’s 108 students from 19 schools. When the eraser…Too Many Big Paintings for such a small space
After four semesters together, UFV's Painting IV class invites you to an evening of large art in a rather small gallery. Each painting is 4x5 feet in size. The works vary in theme and artistic vision, including a range of subjects from porcelain kitten figurines to rappers of the ‘80s. The students invite you to…UFV hosts its first ever post-doctoral fellows
Denver Nixon and Christina Neudorf are UFV pioneers. The duo, who both recently earned their PhDs (aka doctorates), are the first post-doctoral research fellows to work at UFV. Both working under the supervision of Geography professors at UFV, Nixon with Dr. Lenore Newman and Neudorf with Dr. Olav Lian. A post-doctoral fellow is an individual…New tests prove UFV’s a sound choice for future plumbers
As far as working relationships go, you could say UFV’s connection to Ipex is as solid as a cast iron pipe. Or better yet, XFR. Don’t worry if you don’t know the latter, it’s still new in the plumbing world — but it could be coming into walls and floors around you following a study…Leading in the true spirit of reconciliation
Canada needs to move from "apology to action" according to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The University of the Fraser Valley and like-minded educational institutions will be key leaders in this spirit of true reconciliation. Stó:lō Elder Siyamiateliyot translated reconciliation into Halq’emeylem, as "xwla yetotelo:met qas ye slilekwel" or working towards understanding and…Empowering students nourishes UFV Teaching Excellence winner Jan Lashbrook Green
The term ‘born to teach’ applies to few educators as accurately as it does to Jan Lashbrook Green, this year’s recipient of the University of the Fraser Valley’s Teaching Excellence Award. The honour arrives just in time for Lashbrook Green, who retires this spring after dedicating the last four decades to the field of education.…Newman’s unique approach to studying agriculture on the edge garners
Academia, applied research, and activism are all connected in the eyes of Dr. Lenore Newman. When she accepted the role of Canada Research Chair in Food Security in the Environment at the University of the Fraser Valley, she knew she’d be focusing on research that is extremely relevant to the UFV region, and on topics…UFV Top 40: Patti MacAhonic — A leader in many
Patti MacAhonic’s life has taken some unexpected turns. Married young and widowed young in 1988, she was inspired into activism by injustices she encountered after her husband’s death following a severe workplace injury. Currently executive director at Ann Davis Transition Society in Chilliwack. Patti has applied her skills and talents in many volunteer and paid…New Advising Centre location emphasizes focus on students
A new focus for student advising is coinciding with the opening of the new Student Union Building (SUB) on the Abbotsford campus. UFV has used part of its portion of the new SUB to bring Arts, Science, and Student Services academic advisors together into one area on the Abbotsford campus. This move to a shared…UFV Top 40: Jason Lum — Student of everything finds
Jason Lum adhered to the “follow your interests” school of education when he was a UCFV student in the late 1990s and early 2000s. While enrolled he took a little of everything, from theatre and sociology to First Nations studies, anthropology, and medieval history. He initially planned to be a teacher, so took a wide…Shirzad Ahmed, Ginny Dennehy, Dr. Catherine Hickson, and Margo Kane
The University of the Fraser Valley will confer four honorary doctorates this year, recognizing Canadians who have made outstanding contributions to their field. Shirzad Ahmed, Ginny Dennehy, Dr. Catherine Hickson, and Margo Kane will each attend one of UFV’s four Convocation ceremonies to receive an honorary degree. The ceremonies will be held June 11 and…UFV Top 40: Dave Lanphear — Local boy makes good…
David Lanphear loves a good run, whether along the streets near his Eagle Mountain home in Abbotsford, or down Whistler’s winding slopes. But when it comes to work, his feet dig in until the job’s complete and clients are exceptionally satisfied. As Vice-President, Banking and Insurance Services, Dave is responsible for the financial performance, leadership…Having fun, helping students at UFV’s 35th Employee Charity Golf
Great weather and an even better cause welcomed dozens of duffers to last weekend’s UFV Employee Charity Golf Tournament at Abbotsford’s Fraserglen Golf Course. (See photos here) Over its 35-year history, the event has become a seasonal favourite for UFV employees. Leading the charge once again was UFV's Faculty and Staff Association and Human Resources…UFV Top 40 Alumni: Matt Loewen — Applying management skills
Matt Loewen applied the management skills he acquired by taking a UFV Bachelor of Business Administration degree (with a human resources focus) to humanitarian work in Africa. Matt was hired by the King’s Foundation in 2005 to initiate and provide a permanent presence for the organization in Botswana. Starting from a modest presence in…Soft opening for Student Union Building as first groups move
UFV Student Union Society President Thomas Davies is like a proud new homeowner as he leads people through the brand new Student Union Building at UFV. He shows off the entrance way (a massive atrium), the entertainment room (a huge conference space that can be divided into three meeting rooms), and the dining room (a…UFV in photos — art shows, fashion show, visiting vice
UFV is a busy place in springtime, with a flurry of end-of-semester shows and activities, special conferences, visiting delegations, and other events. UFV photographers Darren McDonald, Louise Rousseau, and Anne Russell from University Relations were busy capturing some of the excitement. Here are links to some of the events they covered. BFA grad show Every…