The University of British Columbia completed a major step in its
promise to forge strong links with the community with the opening
today of its new downtown campus, UBC at Robson Square.
Members of the public as well as representatives from business,
labour, education, community and cultural groups joined UBC President
Martha Piper and B.C. Lt. Gov. Iona Campagnola at the opening.
“This is a defining moment in the history of UBC and this province,”
said Piper. “Building on the tradition of the Great Trek in 1922,
UBC at Robson Square renews the university’s commitment to lifelong
learning as a means to advance the social and economic interests
of our region and province.”
In 1922, a march by UBC students and faculty from downtown to
Point Grey convinced the provincial government to finish construction
of the university’s Point Grey campus. Members of the UBC community
made a historic 12-kilometre walk from UBC to UBC at Robson Square
for the opening.
The opening kicked off a two-day open house featuring some of
the best of UBC, including presentations by Lloyd Axworthy, director
and chief executive officer of UBC’s Liu Centre for the Study of
Global Issues, Commerce Dean Daniel Muzyka and AIDS researchers
Dr. Michael O’Shaughnessy and Dr. Martin Schechter.
In addition to career-based, life-long learning opportunities
such as high-tech training and management development seminars,
UBC at Robson Square offers arts and public affairs lectures and
a variety of services, including the UBC Bookstore, the UBC Library,
and the community-based Women’s Resources Centre.
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