Messages from the President, Chancellor, and Alumni Association

This year, more than any other, I’m thrilled to see UFV graduates crossing the stage. The restrictions imposed by the pandemic meant that we did not have the opportunity to celebrate in person for two years. Although we marked the achievements of our students in other ways, there is a wonderful and tangible joy in seeing you all in person. For UFV graduands, Convocation is the culmination of one or more years of study. For UFV faculty, staff, and our community, these ceremonies create moments of pride in your achievements. I hope today is an occasion you will remember fondly for the rest of your life.

UFV’s coat of arms features the Halq’eméylem word Íyáqáwtxw, which means “House of Transformation”. I hope you have found your time at UFV to be transformative. The knowledge you have gained will certainly transform your world. Education helps us understand the world and provides solutions towards a better global community and a better future for us all. These past years have been challenging for Canadians. The far-reaching effects of the pandemic and catastrophic natural disasters close to our home here in the Fraser Valley have been difficult, but history has proven that knowledge gained through education and research will solve many of the world’s most pressing issues.

Congratulations on your hard work, your determination, and on joining the community of UFV alumni.

The achievement of a university credential is seldom managed without the support of family, friends, parents, and partners. Today is a celebration for these people too, so please take time to thank and honour them for their role in your success.

Take confidence in the knowledge, skills, and experience you have gained at UFV. You have persevered and you can gather satisfaction from your efforts and in the knowledge that your greatest success in life is still to come. We hope you remember an education goes beyond classrooms and textbooks, and that lifelong learning enables continued progression and success, for you, for your family, and for society.

On behalf of everyone at the university, enjoy today and I wish you every success in life. Congratulations!

Dr. Joanne C. MacLean President & Vice-Chancellor

It is good to be back and to see you all in person at Convocation. Thank you for joining UFV to celebrate the achievements of a remarkable and diverse group of people. In four ceremonies, UFV will award credentials to graduates from a wide variety of academic, applied, and professional programs. I applaud your talent, your hard work, and your success. You have earned our respect and the respect of your colleagues and mentors by overcoming challenges along the way. We are confident your acquired knowledge will benefit you, your family, and your community. I also know you have had unconditional support from family, friends, faculty, staff, and many others during your journey. Please take a moment to thank your support team and contemplate how you might “pay it forward” to others who may need your help. At UFV we engage learners, transform lives, and build community. The university is fortunate to have many volunteers, community leaders, alumni, and benefactors helping us accomplish this mission. Thank you for taking on the work of building a strong educational community. The university is grateful for this support from these close friends. Thank you for sharing UFV’s belief that education is one of the best investments in our students, in our future, and in our society. Congratulations, I wish you all the best in the next chapter of your life.

Dr. Andy Sidhu Chancellor Messages 6

On behalf of the UFV Alumni Association Board of Directors, congratulations Class of 2022 and welcome to the UFV Alumni Association! Upon graduation, you automatically become a member and stand among an engaged community of extraordinary people. Graduates, you’ve made it! Today, you are crossing the stage and joining a network of over 47,000 alumni living around the world. I hope you know that the skills, tools, and theories you have learned are going to position you well as you embark on your next journey. The UFV alumni community is made up of people who make a difference. We are everywhere, and we bring extraordinary energy and expertise to the task of transforming our communities. You are surrounded by people who are changing what tomorrow looks like and we are excited to watch and celebrate the successes along the way. We are proud of you and cannot wait to see what you do next.

Derrick Uittenbosch, BA Crim ’13 Board Chair, UFV Alumni AssociationAlumni Association