Ian Cull, Senior Advisor on Indigenous Affairs for UBC Okanagan.
Dear colleagues,
At the end of June, we are saying farewell to one of the architects of our extraordinary university community, as Ian Cull pursues a most well-earned retirement.
Arriving at UBC Okanagan prior to the official opening in 2005, Ian established the Associate Vice-President, Students portfolio for our young campus. At that time, enrolment was about 3,500 students and over the years he developed a remarkable team and a substantial array of vital services that today serve the needs of nearly 11,000 students.
As we have grown and evolved as a campus, so too has the need for enhanced services for students. From engaging events and activities that create a dynamic campus learning and living environment to student development and financial advising, health and wellness, athletics and recreational programs and so many more services, Ian and his team ensured students have rewarding experiences and opportunities.
A member of the Dokis First Nation in Ontario, Ian’s vision from the beginning was to build truly innovative programs to support Indigenous culture, history, language, philosophy and knowledge on campus. He brought that vision to reality, and we are among Canada’s leaders in educating Indigenous students.
Since January, Ian has served as UBC Okanagan’s Senior Advisor on Indigenous Affairs, helping guide our campus in honouring our enduring relationships with Indigenous community partners in education, and upholding our commitments to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation process.
An announcement about our next Senior Advisor on Indigenous Affairs will be made soon.
Ian’s dedication to students and their needs, and to the Indigenous communities we serve, has been exemplary. We are grateful for all that he has contributed to the development of our campus, to UBC and our community over the past 15 years.
Ian, I hope you will soon enjoy a lot more golf and fewer meetings. On behalf of all of us who have worked with you, and the students and alumni who have benefited from your compassionate leadership and vision since our campus opened, I offer heartfelt thanks and very best wishes in your retirement.
Prof. Deborah Buszard
UBC Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Principal, UBC Okanagan
On behalf of UBC Okanagan, at the Aboriginal Advisory Council meeting on June 8,
Laura Cull presented husband Ian Cull with a commemorative Creation Turtle blanket.