UBC News Digest

The UBC News Digest is a weekly summary of news stories about UBC people, research, learning, community, and internationalization initiatives. News Digest past issues are also available on-line.

Nov. 29, 2002

• New Chancellor Installed During Fall Congregation
• 2002 UBC United Way Campaign - From Classrooms to Communities

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New Chancellor Installed During Fall Congregation

UBC's new chancellor was installed during Fall Congregation ceremonies on Nov. 27 at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.

After officially joining the UBC community, Chancellor Allan McEachern presided over nine ceremonies where more than 2,600 students received their degrees.

McEachern, former Chief Justice of B.C. and a graduate of UBC's Law school, is known as a great reformer who revolutionized court procedure by introducing rules that made the court system more efficient and less costly. He also brought the Canadian legal system closer to the public, becoming the first judge in Canada to host his own web site that invited the public to e-mail their questions about the legal system.

His duties at Fall Congregation included presenting honorary degrees to UBC alumnus and benefactor Irving K. (Ike) Barber and Princeton University president Shirley Tilghman.

Born and raised in Canada, Tilghman is a leader in the field of molecular biology. Her research has focused on mammalian genetics and the role that genes play in the development of mammal embryos. She is also well known for her national leadership in promoting women in science and enriching the early careers of young scientists.

Barber graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry in 1950. He founded Slocan Forest Products Ltd. in 1978 and built it into one of the leading lumber producers in North America. In addition to numerous community endeavours, Barber donated $20 million to create the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre that will transform UBC's Main Library into a high-tech information centre that will serve both the campus and the international community.

Congregation ceremonies continue until Friday, November 29. A schedule of ceremonies and the Web broadcast can be found at www.graduation.ubc.ca.

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2002 UBC United Way Campaign - From Classrooms to Communities

Students in the Faculty of Medicine will soon enjoy a revitalized learning space thanks to a generous gift through the 2002 UBC United Way Campaign from a committed faculty member.

Dr. G.B. John Mancini and his wife, Alexandra, will donate $10,000 over the forthcoming year to renovate Room B808B of the Instructional Resource Centre (IRC). The gift will receive matching funds from Land & Building Services under their new Infrastructure Improvement Program.

"There are so many needs in our community and the United Way Campaign is a great way to remind us all of these unmet needs," says Mancini, a 10-year veteran of the faculty and long-time supporter of the United Way. "UBC is a vital component of the fabric of this community, so it's important for UBC to be involved in the campaign."

The combined funding will allow for a $20,000 renovation of the learning space including painting the walls, replacing damaged ceiling tiles and installing new lighting, seating, carpeting, a digital projector and audio-visual screen. Once renovated, the classroom - which has been out of action for several years due to its poor condition - will be used for problem-based learning and Doctor, Patient and Society seminars.

The gift will have a lasting impact on the United Way's goals for a healthy community by enhancing the learning environment of tomorrow's doctors - doctors who will go on to take action to overcome the very issues the United Way addresses.

Mancini says "these lower profile needs... are about as close to the core mission of teaching as you can get" and he hopes others will follow his lead.

If you are interested in similar opportunities for your gift, please contact Gina Cockayne at 604.822.8630.

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