2014

C E L E B R A T I N G

o f U F V

2

Foreword

Thank you for attending today’s dinner and to those of you who took the time to compile memories of your colleagues for this program booklet.

This event is a long-standing tradition at UFV, one that is purely about celebration. We come together to recognize the contributions of our colleagues, the challenges we have overcome together, the victories we have achieved, and the friendships we have formed.

As you read these stories and reminisce about the times you’ve shared with these people, it will become clear how deeply the people at this university care about each other and how special a place this is as a result.

Best of luck to the retirees. We will miss you!

Diane GriffithsAssociate Vice-PresidentHuman Resources

3

Janet Allanson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Trudy Archie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Astrid Beugeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Wendy Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Dianne Common . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Susan Fisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Paul Herman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Cheryl Isaac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Moira Kloster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Anne Koch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Shawnna Pierce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Nancy Sexton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Lesley Spier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Sybille Stegmueller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Ora Steyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Jim Strachan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Sandy Tait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Julie Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2014 ReTIReeS

4

Janet allanson

trudy archie

Janet started working at UCFV in 1991 as a bookstore clerk in Chilliwack. She moved over to the print shop in 1993 and never looked back. She soon became supervisor and then manager, quickly establishing herself as an integral contributor to the educational mission of the institution. Through her work in the print shop over the past 21 years, she has supported every department, faculty, and service area. Meeting these needs was her passion. Janet loved her time at UFV.

With her leadership (and photographic memory), Janet built up a Print Services department that grew and thrived to support a growing institution.

She lists the smooth transition of the relocation of the main print shop from Abbotsford to Chilliwack’s new campus as

one of her most rewarding achievements.

Janet has a full and eventful retirement planned with her husband, Roy. They are hitting the highway in their new motorhome to nowhere in particular and everywhere in general. Where ever the road takes them!

Janet intends on spending more time with her kids Paul, Jill, and Matt and her two grandkids (and counting) Gracie and Marley.

Thank you Janet for many years of dedication and hard work. Your contribution to UFV will be greatly missed!

Trudy has been a memorable colleague, as well as one we didn’t want to see retire. Her tenacity for a task and simply not giving up has been an inspiration to many. She manages a great sense of humor in combination with a dedication to the students, faculty, and staff of the Upgrading and University Preparation department and UFV. She is also dedicated to adult upgrading programs and served on institutional, community, and provincial committees to ensure the importance of and contributions made by these programs is never forgotten.

Trudy would never ask a fellow employee to undertake a task that she herself wouldn’t do. In fact, she worked harder than just about anyone else and we cannot recall her ever complaining.

Her dedication to indigenization is impressive — she worked to indigenize the department long before it became a major goal of the

institution. It is due to her efforts that UUP offered its first class at the Mission Friendship Centre (MFP) this fall.

The UUP department is appreciative of the strong and steady leadership that Trudy exhibited through the years. We were relieved when she took on the role of department head during some uncertain years when the university was undergoing many changes.

The department and institution have benefitted greatly from Trudy’s tireless service. We wish her great happiness in a retirement that is well deserved, but are really, really glad she agreed to come out of retirement to lead the UUP department’s ABE program review and to teach the MFP class.

5

astrid Beugeling

Wendy Burton

For 28 years, Astrid’s designs have been an indelible part of our theatre seasons, from the Fraser Valley College days to the present. I use the word “indelible” purposely, with the full intent of its meaning: “to make a mark than cannot be forgotten, that is permanent and enduring.” Astrid’s design knowledge and skills are etched into the history of UFV Theatre, and into the creative approach of a generation of students, many of whom have gone on to find success as designers, stage managers, and teachers.

It’s not just her contributions as a designer that left a mark; it’s also her commitment to students. Astrid always reminded us “we’re all about the students and about making

this the best learning experience possible.” It’s a legacy that’s deeply embedded in the department’s culture.

The one word that probably sums up Astrid best is enthusiasm. She knows how to keep everyone’s spirit up when the going gets tough, when opening night is less than a week away, and it feels like everything is falling apart. Astrid was always there, reassuring students with a positive, “you can do it” spirit. She brings her A-game to every show, and to everything she does.

Wendy joined Fraser Valley College and the Communications department in 1979. She went on to serve in many positions, including: department head; coordinator of the College Achievement Program (a transition program for Aboriginal learners); Manager, UFV Online (online learning at UFV is unimaginable without Wendy; she made us a leader in this field across BC); member of the FSA Executive; and member of the Adult Education department. She conducted dozens of Instructional Skills workshops and related programs in and/or for the following countries: Bangladesh, China, Vietnam, the Sudan, Qatar, Chile, Finland, and India.

A Teaching Excellence award winner, Wendy was most recently our inaugural Teaching and Learning director. Through the PD days, forums, and workshops she organized,

as well as the integration of educational technology into the university, Wendy had a transformative effect on UFV. She helped create a culture focused on both student learning and faculty development.

More than any other individual, Wendy was responsible for our Institutional Learning Outcomes and the inclusive, democratic process for developing them. This has given UFV a national reputation for innovation and excellence.

Wendy will always be remembered for her commitment to students, community service, Indigenous education, and social justice.

6

dianne common

susan Fisher

Dianne came to UFV in 2006. In her role as Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Dianne showed vision and leadership in a number of areas, including academic planning and organization (she created the Faculty of Professional Studies), teaching and learning and faculty development (she created the Division of Teaching and Development which, in turn, led to the creation of the position of Director of Teaching and Learning), Indigenous affairs (she created the position of Senior Advisor on Indigenous Affairs and asked the Dean of Arts to assemble a group of faculty to begin work which has since led to a proposal for a major and minor in Indigenous Studies), Enrolment Management, and the recruitment and retention of students. As a scholar in the field of higher education, she taught us a great deal about the importance for students of the first-year experience and, more generally,

engagement. Her inspiring vision for progress in these areas was always evidence-based and rooted in the scholarly literature.

Dianne was a real asset to the Teacher Education program. In her last few years here at UFV Dianne took hold of EDUC 300, a best practices in education course, and used it to explore the latest research in teaching and learning. She was excited to be able to focus her time on developing a series of “pedagogical frameworks.” These frameworks were used to examine teaching and learning from multiple viewpoints. At Dianne’s farewell department dinner she shared how wonderful it was to work with a program that she had been involved in getting started at the administrative level. In many ways her work at UFV was able to come full circle. We wish her well in her retirement from UFV.

In her stellar career at UFV Susan Fisher became so much a part of the place that it is hard to imagine her in a previous incarnation. At UBC, her reputation for integrity, tolerance, and common sense was as much a part of her then as it is now. Susan’s PhD thesis in comparative literature was widely admired among her fellow students, as was the efficiency and composure with which she completed her degree. No one was surprised when she obtained a permanent position in the English department at UCFV.

Susan has contributed greatly to the university. She was one of the first to establish a scholarly relationship with academics in Mumbai, and it was she who designed the courses in South Asian literature currently offered. She was a voice of reason at departmental meetings, a sought-after teacher and supervisor, and a helpful, sane, and reliable colleague. Susan has a particular knack for getting to the heart of the matter, whether in pedagogy, curriculum, policy, or human relationships.

Susan was the first to assume the role of Associate Dean of Students in the College of Arts. She lent both form and substance to this position and modelled a fine balance of innovation and pragmatism. On all matters, Susan contributed intelligent research and creative solutions.

One of her many legacies is the promotion of students’ undergraduate education through various forms of engaged scholarship. Before retiring, she determined to strengthen faculty leadership and oversight of integrative learning by winning a place for a UFV team to attend an AAC&U workshop on the principles and practice of an integrated liberal arts education. This now forms the basis of the work on the BA review.

Throughout her time at UFV, Susan served as mentor to both students and colleagues. All in the Dean’s office will miss her keen intelligence and wry humour.

7

Paul herman

cheryl isaac

Paul is the founding member of the Philosophy department. He began working at UFV (then Fraser Valley College) in 1975 and has been a guiding force behind the growth and development of the department for the past 39 years. His early appreciation of the importance of applied philosophy has enabled the department to develop the progressive core that makes it unique in BC. Paul has been a model of reflective teaching practice and a champion of collaborative learning and critical thinking. He has been extremely generous with his UFV colleagues in sharing his carefully constructed assignments, outlines, reading lists, and well-researched teaching methods. His scholarship has been of service not only to his students

and colleagues, but also to the demands of social justice, as it has included a focus on environmental, feminist, and indigenous philosophy. Paul has always put his students first, not only in his scholarship and the construction of his courses, but also in his responses to UFV policy and in his service to the institution. The service Paul has given to UFV has been long standing and extensive. Paul is undoubtedly one of the faculty members responsible for the growth and success of UFV.

Cheryl Isaac retires from UFV after three decades of service, mostly in the Continuing Education department. Continuing Education was a natural fit for Cheryl, who loves to learn new things, meet new people, and introduce new ideas and knowledge to her communities. In anticipation of her retirement this spring, Cheryl was asked to reflect on her years of service at the university and to summarize the highlights of her career. Given the 30+ years she has devoted to this institution in varying roles, we expected a lengthy recitation of her many professional achievements…however, Cheryl’s unhesitating response was a

meager four words: “The relationships I made.” Sometimes less is more and this is certainly true of Cheryl Isaac, whose humble disposition and unequivocal belief in the worth and value of humankind has touched countless numbers of individuals in ways unbeknownst to her. Never one to spotlight her accomplishments, Cheryl’s succinct synopsis perfectly encapsulates the essence of who she is and the values she holds dear. For Cheryl, success is measured, quite simply, by the growth of those around her. We wish Cheryl endless success as she transitions to building additional relationships in her retirement.

8

Your heart, your passion

A commemorative gift can take several forms at UFV.Scholarships and bursaries create a legacy that assists current students. Consider your many opportunities. Such as:

• establishyourownnamedaward• supportaprograminanareaofyourinterest• providestate-of-the-artequipmentforstudentlearning• encourageotherstogive.

Whatwillyourlegacybe?

This is an exciting time to give. we invite you to join other leaders and make your personal impact. Your investment in the University of the Fraser Valley is an investment in our future.

Secure your investment. Secure our future.Your mark, your legacy, could be an investment in education for the next generation of professionals and tradespersons whowillcontinuetoshapethefabricofourcommunity.

Love | Honour | Pay tribute

Your gift makes a difference

Many individuals and groups make a gift to pay tribute to a friend, honour a family member or professor, or remember a loved one. others seek to express gratitude for the encouragement, instruction, and overall experience provided by their connection to UFV and its communities.

ThepowerfulandinspirationalstoriesofpeopletouchedbyUFVshinesabrightlightonourmissiontochangelivesandbuildcommunities.WhenyouthinkofUFV,pleasetakeamomenttoconsiderhowyourgiftbenefitsouryoungpeopleandhelpsourcommunitytogrow.

ufv.ca/giving ContactHilaryBeardat604-851-6326orChristopherDuffinat604-851-6335

9

“““

I have no words to describe how grateful I am for your financial help . This not only is a financial assistance, it is also a motivation and transformation . Your assistance has motivated me to work even harder . Thank you!

— Augustine Clement, 2014 Recipient of the UFV Retirees’ Bursary

The UFV Retirees’ Bursary is an opportunity for UFV employees to honour their colleagues and contribute to a bursary that provides financial assistance to students in need. Friends and family of UFV retirees are invited to participate as well.

By giving in honour of your colleague, you pay your respects and make a difference in the life of a student who ordinarily might not have ongoing access to a university education.

Thank you for your generosity.

giving@ufv.caufv.ca/giving

Getting an education is very important and for some students it is difficult because they are unable to pay for it . I am thankful for this bursary as it will help me achieve my goals . Thank you so much . This help will never be forgotten .

— Faina Ajab Noor, 2013 Recipient of the UFV Retirees’ Bursary

UFV retirees’ Bursary

“When I was told by the counsellor and the financial aid officer about the financial support I’m getting, I was at a loss for words . For me, it means I can work 30 hours instead of 50 . And I can get involved in other things again instead of just working and studying . You will help me achieve these goals!

— Nikki Dionne, 2012 Recipient of the UFV Retirees’ Bursary

10

moira Kloster

anne Koch

As a founding member of the Philosophy department, Moira played a key role in shaping its programs. An innovative teacher, Moira has published textbooks, written manuals, and given scholarly presentations in her area of specialization: critical thinking. She’s applied her scholarship to contexts as diverse as professional kitchens and African prisons. Moira’s understanding of the applicability of philosophy was put to good use as a champion of the rights of students (particularly students with disabilities) and employees, and as an advocate for justice in disputes that others shied away from.

In recognition of her outstanding service to the union, she was recently declared an honorary lifetime member of the Faculty and Staff Association.

Moira has a knack for underestimating the amount of work (and turmoil) involved in some projects and tasks she has undertaken for UFV,

but cheerfully shoulders the work anyway. Colleagues love people like Moira. Unabashedly, she declared her interest in meetings (and committees). Institutions love people like Moira — if there are others like her.

As incoming department chair, she came to tell me she probably wouldn’t be a very good chair, carefully citing the reasons why. As suspected, she was excellent. So much for that careful reasoning when applied to her own abilities!

In her impressively long service to the FSA, she championed the rights of colleagues and guarded demands on their workload like a hawk. But in those roles she remained a bastion of calm reason when irrationality swirled around her. She modeled critical thinking, and helped to shape UFV. I don’t think we can overestimate the debt of gratitude we owe her.

Anne came to UFV in November 1998. She was hired as a financial analyst, but it wasn’t long before the depth of her capabilities became apparent and over the years, she wore numerous hats. As Payroll and Reporting manager, Anne’s leadership shone through during the implementation of the Human Resource/Payroll module with the integrated ERP system. With her strong technical ability and her deep understanding of accounting and databases, Anne led the design of interfacing this module to the financial general ledger.

Along with her exceptional abilities, Anne was disciplined and principled. She was intentional and focused in her work, achieving a balance in meeting critical deadlines while consistently delivering excellent work. Each

year, Anne played a central role in compiling the financial statements with an exceptional level of review.

While Anne practicised great administrative talents, her enduring legacy is the relationships she fostered in the department. Anne valued her workplace relationships and in return is respected and loved by the Finance department. She lives what she believes and her choices and actions reflect her deep values.

Anne, thank you for your contribution to UFV, for your mentorship, and for your friendship over the years. We wish you well in your retirement.

11

shaWnna Pierce

nancy sexton

Shawnna Pierce chose libraries as her second career, graduating from UFV’s Library and Information Technology program in 1997. She started working in the UFV library as a student, and after some time as a casual library technician, she was hired to a permanent position in Chilliwack in early 1999. In 2001, Shawnna became the reserves technician in Abbotsford, and in 2008, she was appointed as the Mission library technician. Upon the closure of the Mission Library in 2013, Shawnna rejoined her colleagues in Abbotsford and was the serials technician until her retirement in early 2014. Shawnna has the distinction of being one of the few library staff members who have worked in all three campus libraries.

Shawnna has always had a rich and full life outside of her career. She also tells a great story. Many times over the years gales of laughter could be heard emanating from library

offices and staff rooms as Shawnna described her latest adventure. Or misadventure. Like the time Abbotsford library staff decided to dress up as biker “chicks” for Halloween, and Shawnna was shopping to find something she could wear as a helmet. She was busy trying on stainless steel bowls – on her head – when she realized that a male customer was watching her and sidling away in concern. Shawnna eventually decided to get serious about being a biker, so she got her own motorcycle (and a real helmet) and in 2009 biked across the continent, solo.

Shawnna’s many interests and talents will keep her happily occupied in her retirement, but coffee breaks in the library will never be quite the same. Her library colleagues wish her all the very best.

Nancy leaves UFV to join her husband Paul in retirement. Like many retired folks, they are likely to be busier than ever. Paul and Nancy have always shared a wide range of interests from book clubs to boating, but it is family that has always been the centrepoint of their lives together. Striking a balance between work and home is a familiar conundrum for many, but with her disciplined work ethic, great organizational skills, and common sense approach to all things, Nancy probably did this better than most of us.

Nancy began teaching ESL at UFV when it was still Fraser Valley College. She served on countless department committees and was instrumental in shaping the curriculum and credentials offered by the ESL department

today. Nancy was also a member of a number of UFV committees such as the Undergraduate Program Advisory Committee, the Awards committee, and the Academic Standards committee.

For many years, Nancy shared office space with as many as six other department members at the same time. Kitty corner to this office was another with four (sometimes five) department instructors. Nancy acted as “den mother” to all, generously assisting, advising, and mentoring. We will miss her patience and practicality, but most of all we wish her the very best as she and Paul embark on this next stage of life.

12

lesley sPier

syBille stegmueller

Lesley has been around for over 35 years at UFV. She came from the UK where she received a BSc and an MSc from the University of Aston in Birmingham in 1974 and 1976 respectively. She came to what was then Fraser Valley College in 1979 as a part-time instructor, and became full time in 1993. While a full-time faculty member, she completed a PhD in Science Education from UBC in 2006. Lesley was an award winner for the National Association for Science Technology and Society Paper Contest, and received a UBC graduate award.

Lesley was interested in pedagogical research and has published several articles relating to chemical education, and has developed a number of new courses. Lesley is a quiet individual whose students describe her as a “very sweet lady” but she is also full of energy and spunk. Her partner and colleague, Dr.

Nigel Dance, states that “Lesley’s interests include ballroom dancing, watercolour painting, playing pickleball and travelling” and for those of you who have never heard of pickleball, this is one highly energetic sport combining badminton, tennis and ping-pong.

Jane Webb, a chemistry lab instructor, relates the following about her spirit in the Forensic Science Chem 150 course she taught: “Lesley turned me into a thief! That was for one of her forensic labs many years ago. She made me appear rather swiftly in the lab, steal a computer in front of students and had them describe who the thief was from the brief exposure they had of me.”

In this, her last year at UFV, she is still teaching Chem 150. Your energy and smile will be missed. Have a wonderful retirement Lesley!

Sybille Stegmueller began her career at Fraser Valley College on December 3, 1979. Her first job was as receptionist in Student Services. This was when the FVC campus was still located at Yale and Airport Roads in downtown Chilliwack.

Throughout her time as Student Services receptionist, admissions advisor, and finally educational advisor, Sybille continued to study, eventually taking a sabbatical from September 2005 until April 2006, at which point she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Adult Education.

Sybille’s dedication to students is absolute. She is passionate about ethics and the responsibility of post-secondary institutions and their employees to act in

the best interest of students and the greater community. Her colleagues from OReg say that she is an outstanding listener and you know you can always count on her to follow through when she says she is will to do something.

Sybille celebrated 35 years of service earlier this year. Her retirement plans will include using her enviable talent as a jewelry designer and applying her remarkable silver-smithing skills. Her family, her dog, her garden, and her island home are calling.

13

ora steyn

Jim strachan

Ora is a smart and creative woman who, having lived through the apartheid era in South Africa, wants to make sure that inequality boundaries disappear. She has worked hard with aboriginal children as well as with female youth to bring computers to their realms and make science accessible to all. She made UFV her medium to mold and showcase and leaves a vacuum difficult to fill. When Ora arrived as a contract instructor in 2001, she brought lots of new ideas to infuse into our institution, and in the 13 years she has been with us, she achieved quite a lot of milestones. While working as a full time instructor in Computer Information Systems, she earned an MSc in Information Systems in 2006, and when she became department head of CIS in 2007 to 2010, she attended to not only academic and administrative matters, but brought new ideas to enhance women’s involvement with computers.

She believed in community outreach, and when she became acting dean of Science from 2010 to 2012, Ora established several programs aimed at children and the underprivileged. These included Super Science Club and Science Rocks, which are successful science events involving students of all ages including aboriginal children.

Ora will be missed by the many students she taught while a CIS instructor, by her colleagues at UFV and the community at large. Her endless energy and student-centered ways garnered respect from all.

Although, Ora is retiring from academia, she will continue her creative streak and community giving as a pottery enthusiast and supporter of Empty Bowls project. She’ll be “mostly hanging out making pots” in her basement studio at Hope, and also tending her gardens.

Jim started with UFV in 1986 at the Chilliwack campus as part of our janitorial team. He was a very capable, dedicated and well respected member of the Facilities department. Jim was very well known for his happy demeanor and his warm laugh that filled the halls. It has not been the same without him. Not only did Jim bring his housekeeping abilities and expertise to our institution, but also his artistic talents. Jim has assisted the theatre department on numerous occasions by producing promotional artwork for various productions and has had his own paintings displayed in a number of local galleries. His love for the

arts and theatre led him to his life partner Jody, a retired member UFV’s theatre staff. Jim and Jody have travelled many parts of the world together and plan to visit as many Canadian towns as they can in the years to come.

Thank you for your 27 years of service Jim, and congratulations on a well-deserved retirement. We wish you happy and safe travels.

14

sandy tait

Julie Williams

The job of a theatre production manager is all about money, time, and people. And as we all know, nothing causes more stress than money, time — and well, people. The production manager’s job is to remove as much stress as possible from the process of producing a show — organizing schedules, tracking revenues and expenses, recruiting students and volunteers, and keeping production teams (often several at once) on budget and on task — so that everyone involved, especially students, can focus their energies on creativity and learning.

It’s a huge job, and it requires a very special kind of person. Someone who’s good with people, who communicates clearly, who can keep track of the smallest details while

never losing sight of the bigger picture, who can support, encourage and inspire students when they need reassurance, and at the same time, centre and focus those whose flights of fancy may have taken them to places somewhere … you know, somewhere out there, we’re not really sure where...

It takes someone with a solid core, a deeply grounded centre, yet tremendous flexibility, a yoga master, and someone with a heart of gold. It takes a Sandy.

Julie Williams started her career with UFV in 1982 at Fraser Valley College in the Agassiz Centre, and in 1985 started in Student Services (East), relocated with the unit to the new Chilliwack campus at Canada Education Park, where she remained as an assistant until her retirement on April 30 this year. Throughout Julie’s 32 years of service she helped numerous students and always with a touch of good humour, made many friendships, and, in her own words, worked with some amazing colleagues, all of which gave her a great sense of satisfaction in what she did.

We’re told that Julie is a creature of routine: she enjoyed her morning “walks to get the mail” at the old Chilliwack campus, where

she would connect daily with colleagues and catch up on the latest news; her soup and sandwich for lunch; and her famous broccoli salad which arrived at every potluck and was always delicious.

Julie was also very dedicated to on-campus exercise classes. This helped her keep fit to enjoy her weekly cycling trips with friends and family, which took her all over the lower mainland and Vancouver Island. Family photos on her bulletin boards in reception spoke to her love of her adorable grandchildren, and her love of her beautifully maintained and nurtured garden and home.

UFV+You 40th ad

UFV + YouChanging lives, building community.

ufv.ca/40

In 2014, UFV turns 40. As we celebrate our history, we also dream of growing innovation locally and beyond. We can only do this together with you.

No matter how long you worked at UFV (or UCFV or FVC), chances are you attended at least one Convocation ceremony. Students are lauded for their accomplishments and then sent out into the world as alumni in pursuit of their dreams. As you move into retirement, consider yourselves UFV employee alumni. Pursue your dreams, enjoy what life has to offer, and come back to our hallways with stories to tell.

You have left a legacy here, through the ideas you have tabled, the processes you have established, and the memories you have shared. You have helped to weave the very fabric of this institution and make it the special place that it is today. Those who remain are indebted to you.

We want you to know that you are, and will remain, a vital part of the UFV community. And as we mature as a university with four decades behind us now, we can point with pride to the many contributions of our employees as proof of the powerful impact of UFV, both locally and beyond.

We hope you enjoy celebrating our 40 years of success at tonight’s event. We truly have changed lives and built communities, and we couldn’t have done it without you.

THANK YOU and BeST WISHeS!