2020-21 Recipients (alphabetically by last name)
Moozhan Ahmadzadegan, BFA’19
Moozhan is very involved with the local arts community promoting emerging artists through various positions in art organizations as well as the co-founder of the Laundry Room Collective, where their mission is to foster the arts, creativity, culture, and community.
Alixandra Bacon, BSc’07, BMw’12
Alix has provided strong leadership and commitment to education in the Midwifery profession at UBC as Clinical Faculty, in Canada and across the world. She is currently the President of the Canadian Association of Midwives after finishing her term as the President of the Midwifery Association of BC.
Valerie Casselton, BA’77
Over the past 20 years, Valerie Casselton has demonstrated a dedication to strengthening the UBC community. An active volunteer, she served on alumni UBC’s Board of Directors and Advisory Council, and has been a longstanding Faculty of Arts speaker and mentor, having a meaningful impact on students and young alumni.
Paul Chernikhowsky, BASc’94
Paul is the Director of Regulatory Projects and Resource Planning at Fortis BC. In that role, he has played a vital role in establishing new research initiatives with UBC Okanagan’s School of Engineering. Through his advocacy, FortisBC is providing important research HQP opportunities at UBC.
Michelle Collens, BA’02
A Thunderbird volleyball alumna, Michelle is a dedicated municipal government professional who builds community through the sport tourism industry; bringing Olympic Qualifiers and Rugby 7s to the city. During this unique year, she transitioned from sport hosting to assist the City of Vancouver COVID-19 response team and the Give-A-Hand program.
Sarah Common, BSc’09
Sarah Common is a community leader who connects people with nature through urban beekeeping. Co-founder of Hives for Humanity in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, her remarkable leadership has created unique places for people to access education in nature, community-based support, and personal mentorship by experiencing the art of beekeeping.
Dr. Andrew Davies, BSc’94
In recognition for the value of his contributions to the UBC Earth Sciences Community and for his passionate advocacy for geoscience education in British Columbia.
Dr. Jan Hare, PhD’01
A powerful influencer of change for the UBC Indigenous student community and Indigenous communities across Canada. Her contributions have elevated the Faculty of Education’s international reputation for leadership in building a more equitable and just world.
Yvonne Ho, LLB’89
Together this team of alumni have built the Allard School of Law’s alumni community in Hong Kong, demonstrating an outstanding spirit of commitment and level of generosity to their alma mater.
Katherine U, BA’87, LLB’90
Together this team of alumni have built the Allard School of Law’s alumni community in Hong Kong, demonstrating an outstanding spirit of commitment and level of generosity to their alma mater.
Sara Hodson, BHK’02
Sara is president of the Live Well Exercise Clinics. She is a celebrated professional in exercise health prescription and successful entrepreneur. Sara has served as a mentor to Kinesiology students, provided co-op opportunities, served as an esteemed keynote speaker, is a valued donor and served on the alumni UBC Advisory Council.
Dr. Jim Huang, MSc’11, MD’15
Dr. Huang has left impactful contributions on the UBC Southern Medical Program community during his time as a student by organizing the SMP golf tournament that continues to support local charities. He has continued dedication to this program and students as a Hospitalist and a Clinical Instructor in Kelowna.
Domenico Iannidinardo, BSF’01
For his outstanding contributions to the field of forestry. Domenico is a distinguished leader in forest management with a long record of service within the forestry community. He has provided continued support to the UBC Faculty of Forestry and its students.
Dr. Mona Kwong, BSc(Pharm)’97, MSc’02
Dr. Kwong is being recognized for being a distinguished leader, innovator in pharmacy practice, and an outstanding volunteer to the pharmacy profession and the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Dr. Noelannah Neubauer, BKin’12, MSc’14
A star athlete, researcher, and professional who is impacting geriatric health research, policy, and practice. Whether it is as a national dragon boat champion or co-founder of the International Consortium on Dementia and Wayfinding, Dr. Noelannah Neubauer is making waves in her community.
Dr. Thomas E. O’Brien, BASc’70, MASc’74, DMD’78
Dr. O’Brien’s life and career have been illuminated by his passion for volunteerism, both within and outside of his chosen profession of dentistry. Numerous accolades celebrate his dedication to improving the lives of young people through mentorship, and his tireless advocacy work on behalf of the profession of dentistry.
Colin Pritchard, BCom’62, LLB’63
Colin is the inaugural recipient of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s Alumni Builder Award for his deep commitment to UBC Okanagan as an advocate, philanthropist, and partnership builder. His longstanding contributions have helped UBC Okanagan grow and thrive, moving the young campus forward in its goals for medical and health education and research.
Belinda C. Wong, BCom’92
For her relentless support of UBC Sauder through her invaluable advice via the Faculty Advisory Board, sharing expertise and knowledge with our alumni and students through memorable speaking engagements, donations to the School, and for always making time to connect with the UBC community at events or in intimate mentorship sessions.
Dr. Glennis Zilm, BSN’58
Glennis Zilm is recognized and respected across Canada for her extensive work as a writer, editor, journalist and speaker on the history of nursing. A former registered nurse, and founding member of the BC History of Nursing Society, Glennis’s invaluable texts are widely used today by historians and nursing students.
