2022-23 Recipients
UBC Vancouver
Ms. Alyssa C. Reyes, BKin’14, MA’22
Kinesiology
As the physical activity manager for UBC Athletics & Recreation and UBC Wellbeing, Alyssa Reyes leads a strategy to increase physical activity across UBC’s Point Grey campus. She is passionate about promoting equitable, inclusive, and low-barrier initiatives; serving marginalized populations; and transforming physical activity research into practice.
Mr. Gary S. Wong, BASc’71
Applied Science
Gary Wong is a proud and valued alumnus. Gary is all about relationship building with all alumni, not just his Engineering Class of ’71. He is enthusiastic, energetic, dedicated, and extremely hard working on any projects he undertakes. This is reflected in his commitment to the Walter Gage Book Project and organizing reunions.
Dr. M. Reza Nouri, DMD’94, MSc’04
Dentistry
Dr. Reza Nouri is a dedicated oral health professional who runs a private practice, teaches part-time, mentors students in volunteer activities, and sponsors their social sporting events. He is a major donor, has served on multiple professional committees, holds fellowships, and has received awards from numerous societies in Canada and the U.S.
Ms. Marny Point, BEd’02, MET’04
Education
Since 2017, Marny Point has been a lecturer in the First Nations and Endangered Languages program who teaches an intermediate course level of hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, the Coast Salish traditional Musqueam language. She understands how connections to Indigenous languages provide value, honor, and a sense of identity, thereby positioning Indigenous people in place and culture.
Dr. Paul Molund, PhD’85
Land & Food Systems
For more than 12 years, Paul Molund has served as a mentor and inspiration for Land and Food Systems (LFS) students and alumni to be an active part of their community and strengthen their ties to the faculty and UBC. Paul’s generosity, compassion and insight has guided many students through critical career choices and his excellence in mentoring is activating and energizing the next generation of LFS mentors.
Mr. Reid E. Carter, BSc’79, MSc’83
Forestry
Reid Carter is a Registered Professional Forester with over 40 years of experience in global forestry. He built and led Brookfield’s Timberlands investment management organization (2003 to 2015); was president and CEO of Acadian Timber Corp. (2006 to 2015); and has held numerous board positions. With the UBC Faculty of Forestry, Reid has served as a philanthropist, community connector, and volunteer.
Ms. Lorna K. Strong, BSN’85, LLB’98
Law
Lorna Strong is an ardent and giving ambassador for the Allard School of Law. She engaged and solicited London-based alumni for the law school’s 75th anniversary, and hosted an alumni event in London in spring 2022. She is also a volunteer speaker and lecturer for the Allard School of Law and alumni UBC, a member of the Centre for Business Law’s Dean’s Advisory Committee, and a keen supporter of student financial aid.
Mr. William Yip, BMLSc’20, MASc’22
Medicine
William Yip is a community builder who champions UBC’s values. As the inaugural BMLSc alumni ambassador, William continues to be an advocate and excellent spokesperson for the BMLSc program. He is an avid supporter of the UBC community and continues to engage in meaningful conversations with current and prospective students looking to join the growing BMLSc family. As a life-long learner, William is now pursuing a Master of Business Administration and is interested in innovating solutions for a more sustainable future.
Dr. Helen Burt, PhD’80
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Dr. Helen Burt has made significant contributions as a professor, administrator, scientist, and alum. Her research, volunteerism philanthropy, and service have made a lasting impact on UBC and the Life Sciences sector in Canada.
Dr. Miguel A. Romero, PhD’90
Science
Dr. Miguel A. Romero’s advocacy and philanthropic contributions to the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science has supported subsequent generations of aspiring chemists and research excellence. Now retired from a prominent career in organic chemistry, Dr. Romero has endeavored to teach lifelong lessons in determination, kindness, creativity, and community connection.
Ms. Carmen G. Lee, BA’01
Arts
With a successful career in Market Development at Deloitte, Carmen Lee has maintained a commitment to strengthen UBC’s alumni community. Her involvement has ranged from serving on alumni UBC‘s Board of Directors to volunteering for various activities. Among her efforts, she has been a longtime mentor of the Arts Tri-Mentoring Program and provided essential regional support and guidance for events in San Francisco.
Mr. Irfhan A. Rawji, BCom’00
Sauder
Irfhan Rawji, a partner at Relay Ventures and founder of MobSquad, is an accomplished strategic consultant, senior executive, and investor who demonstrates a lifelong dedication to education. He progressed from student council executive to alumni representative, volunteer, donor, and adjunct professor at UBC Sauder. He continues to guest lecture, mentor, and inspire others to give back and build a strong alumni community.
UBC Okanagan
Dr. Taran J. Main, MD’19
Southern Medical Program
Dr. Taran Main is an addictions medicine specialist and family physician in the Okanagan and a dedicated alumnus of the Southern Medical Program and clinical instructor. He devotes his career and spare time to advocating for those experiencing homelessness, substance use, and mental illness, and he helps patients make connections within the community.
Ms. Candice Loring, BMgt’16
UBCO Faculty of Management
As Senior Advisor of Indigenous Relations and Initiatives with Mitacs, Candice Loring works to advance the national Indigenous innovation ecosystem through collaborative innovation projects. She is dedicated to several volunteer organizations, and has received several notable awards celebrating her work, including being named UBC Okanagan Woman of the Year in 2014 and a Ch’nook Scholar in 2015 for being one of Western Canada’s top Indigenous business students.
Dr. Jessica R. Van Brummelen, BASc’17
UBCO School of Engineering
High-achieving UBC Okanagan alum Jessica Van Brummelen continues to give back to her alma mater. She uses her expertise in computer science and engineering to better the lives and experiences of others.
Mr. Cole A. Mash, BA’15, MA’17 and Ms. Erin Scott, BA’11, MFA’18
UBCO Faculty of Creative & Critical Studies
Cole Mash is a poet, scholar, writer, and community arts organizer. He is the executive director of non-profit arts organization Inspired Word Café, teaches at UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College, and is a PhD candidate in SFU’s English Department.
Erin Scott is a poet/performer, artist/scholar, and Scottish/Canadian who holds an MFA in Writing and Performance from UBC Okanagan, and is a doctoral student in IGS Digital Arts and Humanities. She is a founding member of Inspired Word Café, won the John Lent Poetry/Prose Award and the Okanagan Short Story Contest, and graduated from the Banff Centre’s Writing Studio program.