UBC News Digest

The UBC News Digest is a weekly summary of news stories about UBC
people, research, learning, community, and internationalization
initiatives. News Digest past
issues
are also available on-line.

Nov. 29, 2002


New Chancellor Installed During Fall Congregation

UBC’s new chancellor was installed during Fall Congregation ceremonies
on Nov. 27 at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.

After officially joining the UBC community, Chancellor Allan McEachern
presided over nine ceremonies where more than 2,600 students received
their degrees.

McEachern, former Chief Justice of B.C. and a graduate of UBC’s
Law school, is known as a great reformer who revolutionized court
procedure by introducing rules that made the court system more efficient
and less costly. He also brought the Canadian legal system closer
to the public, becoming the first judge in Canada to host his own
web site that invited the public to e-mail their questions about
the legal system.

His duties at Fall Congregation included presenting honorary degrees
to UBC alumnus and benefactor Irving K. (Ike) Barber and Princeton
University president Shirley Tilghman.

Born and raised in Canada, Tilghman is a leader in the field of
molecular biology. Her research has focused on mammalian genetics
and the role that genes play in the development of mammal embryos.
She is also well known for her national leadership in promoting
women in science and enriching the early careers of young scientists.

Barber graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry
in 1950. He founded Slocan Forest Products Ltd. in 1978 and built
it into one of the leading lumber producers in North America. In
addition to numerous community endeavours, Barber donated $20 million
to create the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre that will transform
UBC’s Main Library into a high-tech information centre that will
serve both the campus and the international community.

Congregation ceremonies continue until Friday, November 29. A schedule
of ceremonies and the Web broadcast can be found at www.graduation.ubc.ca.

to top


2002 UBC United Way Campaign – From Classrooms
to Communities

Students in the Faculty of Medicine will soon enjoy a revitalized
learning space thanks to a generous gift through the 2002 UBC United
Way Campaign from a committed faculty member.

Dr. G.B. John Mancini and his wife, Alexandra, will donate $10,000
over the forthcoming year to renovate Room B808B of the Instructional
Resource Centre (IRC). The gift will receive matching funds from
Land & Building Services under their new Infrastructure Improvement
Program.

"There are so many needs in our community and the United Way
Campaign is a great way to remind us all of these unmet needs,"
says Mancini, a 10-year veteran of the faculty and long-time supporter
of the United Way. "UBC is a vital component of the fabric
of this community, so it’s important for UBC to be involved in the
campaign."

The combined funding will allow for a $20,000 renovation of the
learning space including painting the walls, replacing damaged ceiling
tiles and installing new lighting, seating, carpeting, a digital
projector and audio-visual screen. Once renovated, the classroom
– which has been out of action for several years due to its poor
condition – will be used for problem-based learning and Doctor,
Patient and Society seminars.

The gift will have a lasting impact on the United Way’s goals for
a healthy community by enhancing the learning environment of tomorrow’s
doctors – doctors who will go on to take action to overcome the
very issues the United Way addresses.

Mancini says "these lower profile needs… are about as close
to the core mission of teaching as you can get" and he hopes
others will follow his lead.

If you are interested in similar opportunities for your gift, please
contact Gina Cockayne at 604.822.8630.