CLASS2011

In ceremonies in Vancouver and the Okanagan, more than 7,500 students celebrate and receive UBC degrees. Here are the stories of just some of them.

A class project by staff member Jeff Giffen will significantly reduce UBC’s carbon footprint. Martin Dee Photograph.

UBC adopts grad’s energy makeover project

The UBC Aquatic Centre is getting a major clean energy makeover thanks to a class project by a graduating green engineer and UBC staff member Jeff Giffin.

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Cornelius Motsa hopes to return to Africa to work as a manager of forest and logging operations. Martin Dee Photograph.

Weighing forest conservation and need

Forests of his youth drive a passion for trees

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Carly Moody calms Luciano, one of her rescue cats. Martin Dee Photograph.

Future vet champions animal welfare

Grad helped research how animals perceive their environment.

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Eugene Chien was thrilled to assist Dr. Charles Schuler with research on causes of cleft palate. Martin Dee Photograph.

Research a dental hygiene degree highlight

Program graduates first class of 15

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Fashion designer and MBA graduate Maryanne Mathias. Martin Dee Photograph.

Social enterprise meets high fashion

Ghana’s vibrant culture, colours and textiles contrast sharply with the exacting demands of high-end fashion.

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Landscape architecture grad Jingjing Sun would like to work with clients in Canada and China. Martin Dee Photograph.

A role for gardens in health care

Graduate believes nature can heal

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Law grads Laura McPheeters and Andrea Petersen (L-R) became friends while juggling families and careers at UBC. Don Erhardt Photograph.

Friends celebrate law degrees

Attending law school part time can be a tough road to travel, but for Andrea Petersen and Laura McPheeters, their friendship and the support they received from friends, family and the Faculty helped make that journey a little easier.

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Medicine graduate Miranda Kelly helped keep a homeless shelter open during her practicum in the NWT. Don Erhardt Photograph.

A passion for health care policy

Miranda Kelly doesn’t shy away from talking about her Aboriginal heritage—and modern day issues affecting the health of Aboriginal people.

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Art student leader Brian Platt spent two unforgettable weeks in Afghanistan. Eugene Lin Photograph.

From the classroom to Afghanistan

After a whirlwind undergraduate experience including an eye-opening trip to Afghanistan and the presidency of the Arts Undergraduate Society (AUS), graduating History student Brian Platt is now ready for some real excitement.

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A graduate of the Teacher Education Program, Liam Hogan hopes to work with students with disabilities. Martin Dee Photograph.

Building a career to help youth

Before Liam Hogan came to UBC to get his teacher education degree, he worked in elementary and secondary school life skills classes for youth with physical and cognitive disabilities. He felt that the school system needed far more teachers who were passionate about helping students with disabilities.

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Volleyball star Jen Hinze plans to apply to medical school, travel, volunteer and compete in the Olympics qualifiers this year. Martin Dee Photograph.

Bumping it up a level

Volleyball star Jen Hinze is aiming for the Olympics, and med school

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Fourth-year Human Kinetics student Shaun Crowell is expected to graduate at the top of the first graduating class. Jody Jacob Photograph.

Human Kinetics at UBC’s Okanagan campus graduates first cohort

The Human Kinetics program at UBC’s Okanagan campus has undergone rapid growth and change since its inception in 2007. This June, its first students will graduate.

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Max Jones' research took him to Samoa, Hawaii and Florida. Abhishek Chattopadhyay Photograph.

Max Jones makes PhD history at UBC

Max Jones is on track to make UBC history this June as the first student to complete an entire PhD at UBC’s Okanagan campus.

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Behind the scenes at graduation. Martin Dee Photograph.

Behind the scenes at graduation

The wearing of academic costume is a tradition from the Middle Ages. At UBC the undergraduate’s and Master’s gown are black. The PhD regalia consist of a maroon silk gown and sleeves with blue and gold piping.

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Recognizing contributions to the UBC community, five Vancouver staff will receive the 2011 President’s Service Award for Excellence.

President’s Service Award for Excellence

Recognizing contributions to the UBC community, five Vancouver staff will receive the 2011 President’s Service Award for Excellence.

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