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Centenary Gala

A Special Evening for Special People

Elder Roberta Price, Medal of Distinction Awardee. Photos by Martin Dee.

 

The Honourable Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education and Training

“We really set the bar!” Elizabeth Saewyc announced, after hosting the School of Nursing’s Centenary Gala on May 2, 2019. The sold-out event had received the generous support of the Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science, James Olson, and benefited from the enthusiastic presence of UBC’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Santa J. Ono and other luminaries. The energy was high, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver was sparkling, the plated meal was delicious, the formal program proceeded swiftly and was full of interesting and humourous content. It was all guided by the ever-entertaining Fred Lee, UBC’s Director of Alumni Engagement. In spite of the dynamic buzz at every table, Mr Lee expertly drew the attention of the delighted guests to view the special video address by the Honourable Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education and Training, and to hear the letters from members of the Royal Family. Somehow, without slowing the pace of the evening, Dr Saewyc managed to grant a moment in the sun to each one of the honoured guests who wore the coveted Centenary Medal of Distinction (see list to read their short biographies).

Dr James Olson, Dean of Applied Science

President Santa Ono takes a selfie

This level of success is not easy to attain and the school cannot offer enough thanks to members of the Centenary Committee who coordinated the event, especially those at Applied Science Alumni Engagement. Once again we acknowledge the generous support of the Faculty of Applied Science, and send kudos to several faculty members who sponsored tables for student attendees. To all of these people as well as those who work in the background quietly making things splendid, we extend heartfelt thanks for an evening that truly raised the bar.

For more memories, visit https://nursing.ubc.ca/gala-100