Diane Loomer, a national and international figure in the music world and an alumnus of UBC School of Music, has passed away. Loomer was a UBC faculty member and received an honorary degree from UBC in May 2011. She has also received the Order of Canada and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.
Here is an excerpt of her speech from the 2011 honorary degree ceremony:
“When I was enrolled and when I taught at UBC, I was always impressed with the school’s implicit message that arts and the people who participate in them are important, that they’re good for us. Arts aren’t just a nice thing to do if one has a little time or can afford it. Arts can’t become an ‘extra part’ of our life and culture – arts have the power to challenge our thoughts and assumptions, to inspire, to connect us to each other, to make us better people.
To watch Loomer’s full citation during the 2011 ceremony, click here (start at 6:11).
