Office of the President and Vice-Chancellor
Office of the President and Vice-Chancellor
The President’s Leadership Lecture Series was established in 2011 with the intent to bring to UFV inspirational leaders to share their ideas with us, challenge us, and perhaps even provoke us.
In keeping with UFV's strategic goals, these lectures focus on issues relevant to social, cultural, economic, and environmentally responsible development in the Fraser Valley. The events are free and members of the public are encouraged to attend.
I hope you join us for these unique opportunities to build awareness, dialogue, and engagement on topics of interest to us all.
– Dr. Mark Evered, President and Vice-Chancellor
May 1, 2016
We welcomed back UFV Honorary degree recipient, Margo Kane. Movement and expression have defined Margo Kane for more than 40 years during an accomplished professional performance career. Kane is an Aboriginal storyteller, dancer, singer, animator, video and installation artist, producer, director, writer, and teacher who has been active on the Canadian cultural scene for more than four decades.
Mar 30, 2016
We welcomed back to UFV our 2015 honorary doctorate recipient Catherine Hickson. Dr. Hickson was an eyewitness to the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens, in the state of Washington a half-day drive from UFV’s Abbotsford campus. This devastating, almost instantaneous destruction of a vast area focused Hickson’s attention on understanding the destructive forces of volcanoes. Dr. Hickson lead an audience of faculty, staff, students, and community members on an exciting exploration of the destructive regions of our planet.
Mar 9, 2016
Understanding the new peacebuilding in an age of violence and terror
UFV proudly welcomed Dr. George Lopez to the Abbotsford campus. Dr. Lopez is a writer and lecturer who has been a leader in developing the peace studies field for more than 30 years. Many pundits and professional politicians suggest global violence, and especially terrorism, is worse than ever, making lasting peace a fantasy. This presentation challenged both claims to demonstrate that there are new pathways to building peace. Pathways requiring the involvement of ‘average’ citizens more than the actions of pundits or politicians in the fight against violence.
Mar 1, 2016
The Power of Storytelling
We welcomed Terry O'Reilly to a sold-out event on the Abbotsford campus. Terry is an award-winning writer, director, marketer, and radio host. He has worked with such notable actors as Alec Baldwin, Ellen Degeneres, Martin Short, and Drew Carey. Terry taught students, faculty, staff, and guests to UFV how to build stroies and gave them the tools to start using storytelling to boost their business. Listen to Terry's show, Under the Influence, on CBC Radio One.
Oct 14, 2015
We welcomed back to UFV our 2015 honorary doctorate recipient Dr. Ginny Dennehy. This mental health advocate overcame the personal tragedy of her son Kelty’s battle with depression and suicide in 2001, followed by the loss of her daughter Riley in 2009. Out of her son’s death came the Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation, with a mandate of preventing depression-related suicide in young people. Dr. Dennehy’s personal story is one of turning tragedy into hope and support for others, and of the ongoing importance of education and research into mental health issues for youth.
Feb 2, 2015
Dr. George Siemens returned to UFV to share his insights on the future of post secondary education in the rapidly changing digital environment.
This theorist and researcher on knowledge networks, learning and knowing in the digital age is recognised as a pioneer of open-access online courses. Dr. Siemens will share his insights on the future of education.
Oct 20, 2014
Prolific and colourful Cree artist, writer and UFV honourary degree recipient Dr. George Littlechild returned to UFV to share his reflections on connecting aboriginal culture and spirit through art.
Learn more about this colourful Cree artist and his commitment to reviving Indian culture and traditions through his art.
Oct 6, 2014
UFV honorary degree recipient Charllotte Kwon returned to campus to share her wisdom and experience. Charllotte has combined skills as an entrepreneur, humanitarian, and artist to build Maiwa Handprints, a successful retail business, and support the preservation of traditional textile crafts through the Maiwa Foundation.
Apr 1, 2014
Journalist, producer, science educator and 2013 recipient of a UFV honorary degree returns to campus to talk about the Science Media Centre: where science meets the headlines. View Penny Park Poster.
Mar 26, 2014
Canadian rocker, singer-song writer, actress, motivational speaker and UFV honorary degree recipient returns to campus to talk about positivity and leadership.
Oct 2, 2013
Sleeping with al Qaeda
Robert R (Bob) Fowler is uniquely qualified to discuss al Qaeda threats to Africa and the Western World and implications for Canadian Foreign policy. Fowler was a career diplomat working for the UN as Special Envoy to Niger when he was kidnapped and held hostage for 130 days by al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. Following his release he published a biographical account of the kidnapping ordeal: A Season in Hell: My 130 Days in the Sahara with al Qaeda.
April 9, 2013
Red Robinson is returning to the University of the Fraser Valley in April, this time in Mission. UFV president Mark Evered, partnering with the Mission Chamber of Commerce, welcomes the legendary Robinson to the Clarke Theatre adjacent to UFV’s Mission campus at Heritage Park Centre, on Tuesday, April 9, at 7 pm. Read more here.
March 12, 2013
Educating the Heart
Not too many people are best known for being a close friend of the Dalai Lama, but Victor Chan can claim that distinction. The Vancouver-based author, visionary, and peace leader is a trustee and founding director of the Dalai Lama Centre for Peace and Education. Based in Vancouver, the centre “educates the heart and fosters... [READ MORE]
Feb 27, 2013
Sheldon Kennedy returned to UFV to bring his personal message of empowering individuals to stand up to bullying and abuse on Pink Shirt day. The... [READ MORE]
Jan 28, 2013
The value of a degree
Although not as famous as Alvin Toffler, Herb O’Heron is Canada’s own educational futurist. Working with the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), as Director of Research and Policy Analysis, he analyzes statistics and trends in education and makes predictions for the future of post-secondary education in Canada. O’Heron will be providing his... [READ MORE]
Go to previous years' President's Leadership Lecture Series
For more information, contact betsy.terpsma@ufv.ca