NOURISHING PRIDE: Kahlil Baker, Gerry Burch, Charles Laszlo, Charles Fipke, Kathryn Shoemaker, James McEwen, Nemkumar Banthia, and Dale Parker were recently feted at the 2018 alumni UBC Achievement Awards, a leading date on the University of British Columbia social calendar. Perhaps not household names, their work has benefited people not only in British Columbia and the rest of Canada, but in countries around the world.
In Nicaragua, a young alumnus named Kahlil Baker is providing economic incentive to plant trees rather than clear land. Thousands of acres have been planted as a result of his efforts, and local people are able to make a living. As a forestry student, he benefited from the work of fellow recipient, Gerry Burch, who has been leading his profession, sharing his knowledge, and supporting the work of UBC’s Faculty of Forestry for decades.
Maybe you’re wearing a hearing aid that uses technology developed by Charles Laszlo. Or you’re wearing a diamond from Canada’s first commercial diamond mine, established by Charles Fipke. Maybe your kids are reading a book illustrated by Kathryn Shoemaker that they only have access to because of her efforts to promote quality literature for children. And if you’ve had orthopedic surgery over the past three decades, you would have benefited from a medical device developed by James McEwen.
Within a few years, you may be driving along a self-repairing road made of novel concrete developed by Nemkumar Banthia. Or perhaps you rely on the services of an organization — such as the B.C. Cancer agency, or the Vancouver Police Department — that has benefited from the organizational leadership and financial acumen of Parker. Even if you didn’t know them, lives have been improved as a result of the effort and achievements of UBC’s best and brightest.
“It’s people like them who shape our world,” shared Randy Findlay, chair of UBC’s alumni association. “Rather than passively experience history in the making, they act to influence its course toward better outcomes: a more stable climate, a stronger economy, new technologies, better health care and education, and better prospects for the poor and marginalized.”
As well as honouring their achievements, Fipke announced a landmark gift of $500,00 to UBC’s Blue and Gold Campaign, to provide promising students access to a life changing education. Paying it forward, Fipke addressing the capacity crowd at the Vancouver Convention Centre, recalled the $300 given to him by then UBC president Walter Gage to complete his studies. His gift, matched by the university, would contribute to the near $1.1 million raised for student support.
Joining Professor Santa Ono and senior UBC leadership, notable alumni in attendance included Ross Beaty, Bob Lee, Jane Young, Brad Bennett and Barbara Brink. In celebrating the great accomplishments of these individuals, we are also celebrating our UBC community, said Jeff Todd, alumni UBC executive director and Associate Vice President, Alumni. The night of celebration and recognition was sponsored by Boyden and emceed by CBC’s Lien Yeung.
Liverlight gala
A DAUGHTER’S GIFT: In 2008, Arran Stephens, founder and president of Nature’s Path Organic Foods, learned he was in dire need of a liver transplant. Blood tests would reveal his daughter Gurdeep was a perfect match. Not wanting to put their daughter, a young mother of two, at risk, Arran and his wife Ratana refused their daughter’s selfless offer.
Gurdeep’s grandmother had died decades earlier due to complications of the same liver disorder. The Stephens were hoping a cadaver liver would be available. To no avail, three years later, in early 2011, as Arran’s health progressed from worse to catastrophic, he would acquiesce and accepted his daughter’s gift of life.
The family — recently feted at the Canadian Liver Foundation’s 15th annual LiveRight Gala — shared their very personal story with 700 guests who convened for the black-tie dinner and auction in support of liver research and education. One of six LiveRight events held across the country, Drs. Francis Ho and Charles Scudamore, Emily Lin, and Winnie Yen fronted the B.C. and Yukon chapter’s gala-do held at the Hotel Vancouver.
The Scotiabank-sponsored night recognized benefactors for the cause, liver specialists and those who have been affected by liver disease. The Stephen’s story compelled many to give. Philanthropists Sonny and Florence Leong — longtime gala supporters — would once again lead the way with a $100,000 gift. April LaPointe and John Harper would follow suit with a family donation of $80,000. Lorne and Melita Segal added another $15,000.
Grateful for their ‘modern medical miracle’, the Stephens further added $75,000 to the night’s tally. By evening’s end, CLF treasurer Canon Fung announced more than $735,000 was raised to fund groundbreaking research to transform the future of individuals — young and old — affected by liver disease. Reportedly, one in 10 people — almost four million Canadians — are affected by liver disease.
“I am heartened to see such generosity. The support enables the Canadian Liver Foundation to bring liver research to life for all Canadians and to promote knowledge and awareness about liver disease in the community,” says Ho.
