A number of employees were recognized for their outstanding service to the university at the annual Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s Fall Town Hall and Staff Awards of Excellence on September 2.
The awards were given to employees in the following categories: Enhancing the UBC Experience, Leadership, and Okanagan Campus Spirit.
This year, four employees and two teams were recognized: Joel Thiessen, Lucia Boersma, Phil Bond, Roger Wilson, as well as the International Programs & Services (IPS) and Facilities Service Worker (FSW) Team.
Senior Emerging and Digital Media Specialist Joel Thiessen was recognized for Enhancing the UBC Experience for his remarkable level of engagement, professionalism and collaborative spirit. Thiessen is lauded by his nominators for his demonstrated ability to be a role model and mentor.
Athletics and Recreation’s Assistant to the Director Lucia Boersma was also recognized for Enhancing the UBC Experience with passion to ensure all members of the campus community feel welcomed. Affectionately known as Mama Luus, Boersma was praised for her excellence in caring, inclusivity and for bringing a thoughtful approach to all of her interactions.
Senior Manager for Student Development and Advising Phil Bond was recognized with the Leadership award for providing supportive, constructive and compassionate mentorship at the Okanagan campus. Bond’s nominators praised him for leading staff through departmental changes, and for the creation of the Students Experience Office.
Director of Health and Wellness Roger Wilson was also recognized with the Leadership award for positively engaging community partners both within UBC and Kelowna, especially during the pandemic, to improve the service provided for students on and off campus. Wilson is commended for consistently going above and beyond and for fostering a culture of wellness.
The International Programs & Services team was recognized with the Okanagan Campus Spirit award for creating a more inclusive campus community by facilitating and supporting intercultural workshops and organizing panels for students of various backgrounds. The International Programs & Services team exemplifies a diverse group that genuinely cares about each other, the work they do, and the people they serve.
The Facilities Management team was also recognized for the Okanagan Campus Spirit award for continuing to work on campus and maintain operations throughout the pandemic, while adhering to evolving public health orders. Working together, the Facilities Management team has made sacrifices to ensure the campus continues to be the heart of UBCO.
Congratulations to everyone recognized this year for the significant impacts they have made to UBC Okanagan.
