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2024-25 Recipients

UBC Vancouver

Joseph Alexis, BHK’05 
School of Kinesiology 

A proud ambassador for the UBC School of Kinesiology, Joey Alexis is a highly successful professional and model alumni mentor. As a UBC student, he learned about resilience, the importance of lifelong fitness, understanding the human body, and how to think critically. His journey from a varsity rugby player to becoming a firefighter highlights the transformative power of his education and experiences. As a volunteer for the UBC School of Kinesiology’s mentorship program, he has devoted a decade to helping students with career connections and professional growth. His ongoing involvement in this program reflects his dedication to giving back to the community. 

Michael Anderson, BSc’08, MSc’11  
Faculty of Land and Food Systems 

As climate change disrupts the agriculture sector, winemaker and viticulturist Mike Anderson stands out as a changemaker and leader in his field. As a dedicated advocate for the BC wine industry, his championing of sustainable farming practices aligns with the mission of UBC Land and Food Systems. Year after year, he focuses on nurturing soil health and vineyard ecology while striving to maintain balance with nature. Recognizing the power of collaboration, he emphasizes the vital role that UBC and industry partnerships can play in developing solutions to address some of the greatest challenges to our planetary health.  

Giovanna Boniface, BSc’92, BSc(Occ Ther)’97, MRSc’ 19   
Faculty of Medicine 

Since graduating in 1997, Giovanna Boniface has been a devoted contributor to the UBC Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy and has become a leader in provincial, national, and international communities. In the 2000s, she and her partner pioneered private practice fieldwork placements for UBC students, inspiring others to do the same. As a guest instructor, preceptor, and capstone research partner, she bridged academic theory with practical experience — she thereby enriched the curriculum and prepared students for real-world challenges. Her contributions to UBC and her field have helped to empower the next generation of professionals in their careers. 

Derek Fung, BA’99, BA’00, Dip(Ed)’00 
Faculty of Arts 

Derek Fung demonstrates pride in his alma mater through his unwavering dedication to volunteering for UBC and its Faculty of Arts. While being a seasoned technology consultant with over 15 years of experience in startups and national and multinational companies, he has supported UBC by taking on almost every volunteer role available. From helping students through the Arts Tri-Mentoring Program and engaging with those attending career events to participating in classroom-based initiatives and serving on the alumni UBC Advisory Council, his enthusiastic involvement reflects his deep commitment to enriching the UBC student and alumni experience.  

Howe Gu, MBA’11  
UBC Sauder School of Business 

As an alum, volunteer, and donor, Howe Gu is a devoted community builder and connector for the UBC Sauder School of Business. His extensive volunteering includes serving on the Faculty Advisory Board, mentoring in the Strategy Consulting Management Program, coaching students, guest lecturing, event speaking, and more. He forged strong connections between UBC Sauder and various industries through introductions and joint teaching projects. An early donor to the Powerhouse Project, he models to peers the value of philanthropy and supporting future business leaders. He also helps UBC Sauder identify alumni to consider for volunteer and philanthropic engagement, and encourages fellow alumni to build connections and networks.  

Peter Jackson, BSc’80   
Athletics and Recreation

For over 25 years, Peter Jackson has passionately supported generations of Thunderbird student-athletes and their teams pursuing their potential. His enthusiastic involvement with UBC alumni organizations, including the Thunderbird Alumni Council, significantly helped champion and boost fundraising for varsity athletics. Recently inducted into UBC’s Sports Hall of Fame as part of the “Gold for Life” rowing committee, he was instrumental in increasing operational supports and endowments for rowing scholarships and awards. He also helped establish a permanent home for the program — the John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse. His steadfast commitment helped the UBC rowing program flourish to become one of the best in the country.  

Dr. Abbas Jessani, MSc’14, PhD’19 
Faculty of Dentistry  

Now living and teaching in Ontario, Dr. Abbas Jessani remains deeply connected to his alma mater while inspiring students through his passion for learning and personal growth. While attending UBC, he won many awards and scholarships and developed his love of community and global service. His journey is a testament to courage and authenticity, as his public embrace of his personal identity has often challenged the norms of his cultural background. He was recently featured as part of the Faculty of Dentistry’s 60th anniversary series “In Conversation,” and his dedication is inspiring new generations of professionals to follow in his footsteps.   

Eleonore Leclerc, MArch’13 
Faculty of Applied Science

As a longtime mentor, Eleonore Leclerc has consistently nurtured the next wave of architects from the UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). She regularly engages with mentees, provides feedback to graduates, and participates in professional development events. Since graduating, she has returned on numerous occasions as a guest critic for graduate project and studio reviews, offering valuable insights delivered with respect and care. Her contributions have benefitted hundreds of students in SALA’s graduate and undergraduate programs. Her repeated invitations to return reflect the depth of her expertise and the positive impact she has on the community. 

Dan Macmaster, MSFM’13  
Faculty of Forestry 

An exceptionally dedicated volunteer with the Master of Sustainable Forest Management Program, Dan Macmaster has consistently gone above and beyond in advancing the education of future forest managers. His extensive contributions range from serving on the Master of Sustainable Forest Management Advisory Committee and guest lecturing to volunteering at field camps and organizing multi-day field activities for students. His outstanding commitment is exemplified by the time, effort, and significant travel he undertakes to ensure he can always provide support. His devotion has made a profound impact on the program and the development of forthcoming generations of forestry professionals.  

Bradley Menard, MEd’20  
Faculty of Education 

For over five years, Bradley Menard has been a staunch supporter of CampOUT!, contributing financially as well as volunteering his time and energy. His passionate commitment to the program reflects his belief in its mission and its transformative impact upon participants. In addition, he readily assists with the UBC Faculty of Education’s various priorities, demonstrating his dedication to the broader educational community. A lifelong learner, he embraces professional development opportunities offered by the Faculty of Education to enrich his own journey while inspiring those around him. He exemplifies what it means to be an engaged and supportive member of the education community. 

Steven Ngo, BSc’08, JD ’14  
Peter A. Allard School of Law 

As an inspiring community leader and advocate committed to combatting racism and improving mental health, Steven Ngo is dedicated to building equity, diversity, and inclusion into the Peter A. Allard School of Law community and beyond. He is the co-founder of the Western Chapter of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers and the donor behind the Allard Law award for students of East and/or Southeast Asian heritage. A self-described social entrepreneur, this thoughtful mentor and motivating speaker devotes countless volunteer hours to Allard Law and motivates law students to champion justice and compassion in the world. 

Barry Price, BSc’65, MSc’72   
Faculty of Science 

Barry Price has demonstrated an enduring commitment to supporting enriched earth sciences education and fostering opportunities for future generations of mining professionals. A key advocate for the revitalization of the UBC Teck Geological Field Station, he championed the project from inception to completion, and his efforts helped to establish a lasting legacy. His academic roots and fond memories of UBC student life in the 1960s and ’70s influenced his successful career as a geologist in the resource sector. Even into his retirement, those experiences continue to sustain his unwavering enthusiasm for his alma mater. 

Kirby Smith, MSc’17 
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences  

Kirby Smith has been a pivotal ambassador for the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science’s Health Outcomes Program. As an integral contributor to the creation and development of the Future Leaders in Health Outcomes graduate training program, he has facilitated partnerships with numerous industry leaders. This initiative secured significant funding to support trainees and enhanced capacity building in the field. His leadership has advanced health outcomes research at UBC. In addition, his fostering of university and industry collaborations have led to the joint production of world-class, impactful research that is improving the health of Canadians and the future of pharmaceutical science. 

UBC Okanagan

Rob Bennett, BEd’19  
Okanagan School of Education 

Rob Bennett has cultivated an impressive record of accomplishments as a compassionate and exemplary educator with the Central Okanagan School District. In his exceptional work with the Indigenous Academy at Kelowna Secondary School, he has prioritized building trust and relationships with students and colleagues. Deeply committed to justice, inclusivity, and equity, he continually strives to ensure all students can find belonging, acceptance, and opportunities for growth at the academy. In recognition of his transformational influence upon students, he received a Premier’s Award for Excellence in Education as an Outstanding New Teacher in 2023. 

Kwame Boateng, BMgt’13 
Faculty of Management 

Kwame Boateng’s exceptional dedication and leadership has profoundly impacted UBC Okanagan and beyond. As a Faculty of Management student, he demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to building community, enriching the student experience, and fostering a vibrant, inclusive campus environment. His extensive involvement with various non-profit organizations and invaluable contributions to CFA Society Okanagan expanded his impact locally and nationally. His willingness to invest significant time and energy into various causes underscores his genuine desire to effect positive change in the world. His continued efforts will serve as an enduring source of inspiration and motivation for future generations of students and alumni alike. 

Skylar Bown, BHK’20, MPT’22 
Faculty of Health and Social Development   

The co-founder and co-operator of Remote Rehab, Skylar Bown is a compassionate and dedicated physiotherapist committed to delivering accessible and personalized healthcare solutions to underserved populations. Drawing upon her education and expertise, she focuses on ensuring that Indigenous, Northern, and rural communities have equitable access to care. Beyond her clinical practice, she actively promotes sports as a means for reconciliation and healing. She also serves as a mentor and motivator through her role as a track-and-field coach, and chairs KidSport Kelowna, where she leads efforts to dismantle barriers that prevent youth from participating in sports.

Shola Fashanu, BASc’22 
School of Engineering 

Throughout her time at UBC Okanagan, Shola Fashanu distinguished herself as a committed volunteer and student ambassador for numerous organizations, groups, and causes. Notably, she served as an executive member for both Women in Engineering and the Engineering Society. As a recent alum, she delivered an impactful address at the school’s 14 Not Forgotten Ceremony, where she shared her personal story and championed greater inclusivity of women-identifying students in engineering. Now thriving as a development coordinator in the local industry, she remains a dedicated alum and passionate advocate for UBCO’s School of Engineering. 

Avi Gill, BSc’12, BSc(Pharm)’16 
Office of the Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor 

A shining example of creating opportunities amid constraints, Avi Gill has made a significant impact in business by focusing on sustainability and innovation — while also contributing to community. With two UBC Bachelor of Science degrees, he combined his scientific knowledge with his entrepreneurial spirit to co-create the sustainable agriculture operation Farming Karma. This multi-generational family business is united by a core philosophy of “Do good.” Committed to social responsibility and community engagement, both Farming Karma and Avi Gill are driving reinvigoration within the local agricultural sector while providing support for schools, businesses, and beyond. 

Mateen Hessami, MSc’22  
Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science 

Mateen Hessami is a Master of Science in Biology graduate who has dedicated his academic and professional career to wildlife ecology. At UBC, he helped establish a conservation and wild-food student club called Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. After graduation, he joined the UBC–affiliated Wildlife Science Centre at Biodiversity Pathways. As a community-based wildlife ecologist, he supports Indigenous governments in the recovery, management, and monitoring of culturally significant species. A member of the Wyandotte Nation, he received the Mitacs Award for Outstanding Innovation – Indigenous for his work with the Splatsin First Nation to recover the endangered caribou population in their traditional territory.   

Dr. Shirley Hutchinson, BSc’11, MA’13, PhD’17 
Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences 

Dr. Shirley Hutchinson has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to education. As a member of the board of directors for Project Literacy since 2016, she was pivotal in shaping the organization’s direction and impact and bolstering connections between university education and the community. For her excellence in teaching and commitment to accessibility, she received UBC’s Disability Resource Centre’s “I Am Accessible Award” (2018) and the Golden Apple Award for “Delivering the Material Effectively” (2019), and was celebrated through UBC’s “Thank a Prof” program (2020, 2022). She remains grateful to work alongside dedicated colleagues and students, whose support and collaboration inspire her work and amplify its impact.