UFV’s 2011 Year in review

What a year!

In 2011, the University of the Fraser Valley continued to make significant contributions to the educational, cultural, and economic landscape of our region. This year, UFV:

Once again celebrated earning top marks in the Globe and Mail’s Canadian University Report, maintaining our lead as the top public university in British Columbia, and one of the top in Canada.

Were full to the brim in many programs.

Awarded more than 2,100 credentials to 1,944 students.

Celebrated another fantastic group of students and their success at the UFV Convocation in July, which was held for the first time at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre, as we’ve outgrown the Envision Athletic Centre.

Received more than $750,000 in donations and pledges from our generous community of donors. In addition, celebrated an anticipated partnership with the City of Mission in the amount of $500,000.

Continued work on the major renovation that will see much of our Chilliwack campus move into modern facilities at the Canada Education Park on the former CFB Chilliwack.

Launched the Faculty of Health Sciences on Chilliwack campus, bringing  together UFV’s existing programs in the areas of nursing, kinesiology, practical nursing, dental assisting, dental hygiene, and health care assisting.

Announced the Pacific Berry Resource Centre partnership, a collaboration with the British Columbia Blueberry Council (BCBC), Raspberry Industry Development Council (RIDC) and the Fraser Valley Strawberry Growers Association (FVSGA).

Formed a partnership with the district of Mission to launch a graphic design program at UFV’s Mission campus.

Strengthened our partnership ties with China, as president Mark Evered, horticulturalist Tom Baumann and UFV China liaison officer Betty Wang toured five cities to meet with partner universities.

Continued our strong relationship with post-secondary institutions in India, and signed a new
memorandum of understanding.

Teamed up with HAS Den Bosch University in the Netherlands to present a one-day symposium on the horticulture industry.

Celebrated Abbotsford’s historic Gur Sikh Temple centenary with numerous community partners.

Joined more than 50 faculties of education across Canada in signing an Accord on Indigenous Education.

Welcomed Chilliwack lawyer Larry Stinson new chair of UFV Board of Governors, as he succeeded Rod Thomson of Abbotsford.

Re-appointed Dr. Brian Minter to a second three-year term as Chancellor of UFV.

Announced Dr. Lenore Newman as the Canada Research Chair in Food Security and Environment.

Honoured kinesiologist Chris Bertram with the 2011 Teaching Excellence award.

Conducted a research project focused on kids with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder for the third year in a row, and added a new after-school video game program.

Cheered when the Cascades men’s golf team brought home the bronze from nationals in PEI, and when the women’s basketball team qualified for the national tournament.

Applauded our Dental Hygiene grads as they scored above national average.

Watched as fashion student Sabrina Breitenmoser was named one of the top five designers at the prestigious Telio competition during Montreal Fashion Week, and was later featured in Elle Canada.

Donned Abbotsford’s new tartan, created by UFV fashion student Samantha Merritt.

Attended another fantastic Absolute Style fashion show, hosted by the Fashion Design program.

Cheered on the Canucks during their playoff run with UFV grad Harrison Mooney blogging up a storm for Vancouver Sun.

Presented social worker extraordinaire Patsy George with an honorary degree from UFV, and also gave one to media personality Vicki Gabereau and aboriginal science education pioneer Madeleine MacIvor.

Congratulated MA Criminal Justice grad Brian Young as he won the UFV Governor General’s gold medal, Abbotsford’s Melissa Prachnau (BSc grad) for winning silver, Computer Information Systems student Donna Enos for receiving bronze, and agriculture grad Alicia Powell  for earning the Lieutenant Governor’s silver medal.

Applauded Abbotsford’s Elizabeth Watt and Hope’s Patricia Murakami for sharing UFV’s Betty Urquhart award.

Took pride in UFV Distinguished Alumni winner Shirzad Ahmed being recognized for human rights work.

Presented our annual season of theatre and a directors’ festival.

Hosted science camps, science fairs, electoral debates, HST forums, numerous guest speakers, conferences, micro-lecture lunch hours, a university lecture series featuring noted UFV faculty members, and a president’s lecture series featuring noted community guests.

Watched as UFV kinesiology students were Champions for Health in Antigua.

Were excited for student nurses as they travelled to Belize on a new study tour option.

Hosted training sessions for potential Making Africa Work volunteers.

Launched the UFV Today blog, which keeps students, staff, and the community up-to-date on the news, events, and overall happenings of the university and its students.

Created an online interactive video tour called ‘Get 2 Know UFV’ for new students.