“Jose is one of the kindest, most caring and devoted colleagues I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. In all my time at UBC, I’ve never seen Jose get angry, he’s never got a bad thing to say about anyone: he is focussed on the positive, not the politics.

“Jose shows ups every day (snow, rain or blasting sunshine) and gives 100% to UBC, his colleagues and most importantly his team. These ethics show no signs of abating after over 35 years; such is the measure of the person I am very, very pleased to call my friend.”

— Brian Jones, Director, Bookstore, Campus Mail and Parking

Congratulations Jose!

“Anna began her career in Food Services in 1979 at the Pond Café. During her first decade at UBC, she also worked at Yum Yum’s, the Sub Cafeteria and Totem.

“Over the following 30 years, Anna’s dedication took her to nearly every retail unit, often more than once. Outside of work, Anna loves spending quality time with her family and friends.”

— Jody Ropas, Retail Operation Manager, Food Services

Congratulations Anna!

“Juliana Campbell, officially know as “Jules”, started working at UBC in 1989 as a supervisor at Totem Park. Since that time, she has worked at almost every Food Services location, in Communications and Marketing, and now as our Community and Administration Coordinator.

“She continues to play a key role in many of our signature campus events, such as Blueberry Festival, Meet Your Maker and more. She can always be identified and quickly located by her infectious and energetic laugh.

“Outside of work Jules is a highly competitive Dragon Boat athlete and is mom to two talented daughters, Samantha and Kimberley.

“If you ask Jules what her favourite travel destination is, she would say any beach! Hawaii is her go to destination, but her bucket list includes Greece, Italy, Bali and Costa Rica.

“In addition to being our events champion, Jules is also a sustainability guru—and she goes above and beyond at work to ensure we are all good stewards of the planet and our community.”

— Colin Moore, Director, Food Services

“In June 2024, Jules started working at Sage Catering as our Community and Administration Coordinator, where her role includes a variety of administrative tasks, along with instrumental support for all of the community events organized by Sage Catering, including but not limited to Blueberry Fest, the Welcome Back BBQ, the Learning Exchange BBQ, Harvest Feastival, Apple Festival and the UBC United Way campaign.

“Jules’s positive attitude, smile and attention to detail has already made a difference at the University Centre; it’s a pleasure working and interacting with Jules on a daily basis.”

— Levi Semadeni, General Manager, Catering and Restaurants, Food Services

Congratulations Juliana!

“Shirley began her career with Food Services in 1989, starting at The Bus Stop, where the Triple O’s is now located. Over her 35 years with Food Services, she has worked at numerous other locations, including IRC Subway, Bread Garden, Harvest and Law Café. In fact, there’s hardly a location on campus where Shirley hasn’t worked.

“Her connection to UBC is also a family affair, as two of her sisters have also spent many years working with Food Services. In her spare time, Shirley enjoys babysitting her granddaughter, dancing and singing. She also loves traveling the world and often goes on long walks, which she humorously refers to as hikes.”

— Jody Ropas, Retail Manager, Food Services

Congratulations Shirley!

“Andrea began working at the UBC Bookstore at the age of 19 in Accounts Payable (AP). She has taken on a number of positions in the department, but always returns to AP.

“Andrea has two children who are very active in sports—especially her son who plays high level hockey. Outside of work, Andrea enjoys wine tours in the Okanagan.”

— Margaret Tough, Director, Finance

Congratulations Andrea!

“Rob began his journey at UBC as a part-time casual employee at the Conferences and Accommodation (C&A) front desk and as a Residence Advisor while in school. Since then, Rob has held positions in C&A Administration and SHCS Finance.

“Outside of work, Rob enjoys skiing, golfing, hiking and spending time with family and friends. His future plans include travelling in Italy and the UK.”

— Brian Heathcote, Financial Director, VP Students and Chief Financial Officer, SHCS

Congratulations Rob!

“To chat with Efrain you’d never guess that he’s a 30 year employee: he simply oozes enthusiasm, loves his job and loves UBC. He is simply effervescent.

“A compassionate, caring colleague who helps new staff with their training and provides established staff with fresh ideas and perspectives, Efrain is a cornerstone of the department for whom no job is too small. A wonderful person we’re very happy to call our friend.

“Congratulations on 30 years of working at UBC Efrain!”

— Brian Jones, Director, Bookstore, Campus Mail and Parking

Congratulations Efrain!

“Gordon is a long-time member of the Food Services culinary team. A popular cook, he brings a classic old school approach to kitchens. He loves to train new cooks and has a soft spot for anyone he thinks has an ounce of passion for cooking. In fact, he enjoys scouring second-hand book stores and garage sales for cook books and giving or sharing them with anyone he thinks will be interested.

“While he follows well-known chefs in the Vancouver scene, I don’t think he’s ever eaten in any of the “fancier” restaurants. A family-oriented person, Gordon lives in the family home with his mom.”

— David Speight, Executive Chef and Culinary Director, Food Services

Congratulations Gordon!

“Alia has been providing outstanding customer service at the bookstore since 1999. Working at our departmental sales desk Alia has formed a network of regular customers from a wide variety of departments. She often makes a personal connection and has formed many friendships. Alia is not stationary in her knowledge of stationery, and she continually updates her knowledge base of new and interesting products.

“Alia has recently become a bookstore shop steward and takes pride in being a reference point of information and support for her coworkers. She also loves cooking and everyone enjoys sampling her culinary delights, and she is a passionate advocate for Palestinian rights and a proud member of her community.

“With strong family bonds, she is an auntie to two energetic nephews and a teenage niece. Coworkers are regularly entertained with stories of their antics.”

— Shane Gopaulsingh, Store Manager, UBC Bookstore

Congratulations Alia!

​”Reynante, known as Rey to everyone, started at UBC in Food Services on August 31, 1999.

“If you were a UBC student living in residence from 1999 to 2024 you know who Rey is. He’s Mr. Vanier! In 2014, Huffpost.com published 37 Signs You Went to UBC. And Rey made the list! A true UBC icon, he has been featured in other publications, as well—interviewed and spotlighted. And rightly so, since he can remember all students names from current to students who were in residence more than 20 years ago.

“Rey is so personable and kind with our students. He has forged longstanding relationships with many, some now lawyers and doctors. Rey has often being invited to Homecoming, varsity games and special events by students.

“Outside of work, Rey is an avid tennis player and instructor who used to play competitively “Not only is he loved by students, Rey is very diligent about his work, dependable, always offering to do more and a supportive coworker. Thank you for 25 years of service—and congratulations on your recent retirement. We cannot imagine a world at Vanier without Rey.”

— Kerensa Wotton, Residence Dining Manager, Food Services

Congratulations Rey!

“On Thursday September 2, 1999, a spry Curtis Bender started his illustrious career with UBC in Food Services. Did he know then that 25 years later, he’d still be here? Unlikely.

“Curtis has worked in a few UBC kitchens over the years, and during his time he’s chopped 1,248 cases of onions, made 49,920 litres of butter chicken and stirred 128,000 pots. His contributions to the kitchen are enormous. His co-workers tell us:

• “‘He’s a machine; his production list is always done.’
• “‘I don’t see him take all of his breaks.’
• “‘He’s always cracking jokes and making staff laugh.’

“During his personal time, Curtis loves watching sports, especially the NFL. Some might refer to him as an armchair sports fanatic. He may occasionally like a hop-based beverage while watching his sports.

“It has been a pleasure working with Curtis. He’s hard working, always willing to help and creates a fun work environment. Thank you for 25 years of service.”

— Kerensa Wotton, Residence Dining Manager, Food Services

Congratulations Curtis!

“Travis Bourque started his career at UBC Bookstore in 1998. In 2004, he moved to the marketing and communications team, where he developed and honed his skills, excelling in print materials and community events, which involved countless UBC departments and student groups. In fact, the weekly UBC Farm Market at the Bookstore was his idea, in coordination with the University Neighbourhoods Association.

“Since 2022, he has worked as a course materials buyer, where he excels at building relationships with faculty and departmental staff alike. (Another area in which he excels is pranking his co-workers!)

“Travis is a lifelong learner and has completed numerous programs while working at UBC, including Multimedia and Web Development, Web Analytics, Social Media, Digital Content and Communications, and a Project Management Certificate though Sauder.”

— Shane Gopaulsingh, Store Manager, UBC Bookstore

Congratulations Travis!

“Erin is a Program Manager at UBC Child Care where she oversees between six and eight child care settings. Her strong leadership abilities led her from a part-time Early Childhood Educator position to becoming a Senior Educator and now a Program Manager.

“However, Child Care was not Erin’s first job at UBC. While enrolled as a student in a BFA program at UBC, Erin worked as a cleaner at Housing and Conferences.

“Erin and her husband Markian are avid urban gardeners and, in addition to various flowers and vegetables, they have also raised two children. Currently, Erin is completing a Master of Early Childhood Education degree through UBC. Although busy as program manager, mother, gardener and student, Erin also sews. Periodically, she arrives at work in a fabulous new garment that she whipped up over the weekend between doing assignments.”

— Karen Vaughan, Director, Child Care

Congratulations Erin!

“After joining the department in 1999 as a programmer analyst, Rosanna rose through the ranks with several mergers and promotions to her current position. She has been instrumental in bringing the department into the digital age, converting many manual processes into online ones through the years. The SHCS IT group has been recognized several times by UBC IT for our innovative solutions under her leadership.

“In her spare time, Rosanna loves to play the harp. She took a year off work to study performance at the New England Conservatory in Boston in 2013 and currently enjoys teaching students at all ages. She also currently serves as the VP of the American Harp Society and actively plays with several regional orchestras.”

— Chris Yong, Director, IT, SHCS

Congratulations Rosanna!

“Silvana is a dedicated Parking Compliance Officer who has been with UBC since August 31, 1999. Known for her sharp eye and thorough knowledge of every car hiding spot on campus, Silvana is the one to watch out for if you’re trying to dodge a parking ticket.

“For Silvana, writing parking tickets is practically a sport, and if issuing them were an Olympic sport, she’d surely be on the podium. Beyond her impressive work ethic, Silvana is a spirited, yet beloved friend to the team who makes our meetings way more engaging and entertaining, and never misses a dance night.”

— Roberto Albertini, Operations Manager, Parking

Congratulations Silvana!

“Brian has spent his entire career at UBC within the Vice President Student’s portfolio, dedicating most of his efforts to supporting students’ success through the effective and efficient use of limited financial resources. Among his many accomplishments, he has been directly involved in the development of over 8,000 student housing beds on the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.

“Brian brings a unique, smart, creative and often bold perspective to the workplace, significantly and positively impacting strategy and decision-making throughout the VPS portfolio.

“In his personal life, Brian enjoys spending time with his partner, Lesley, who also works at UBC. They share a love of travel, which has taken them to some special destinations, with many more planned. Good food, good wine, good conversation and a good round of golf are some of the things that make Brian happy!

“Please join me in congratulating and thanking Brian on achieving 25 years of service at UBC.”

— Andrew Parr, Associate Vice-President, SHCS

Congratulations Brian!

“Kelly is an Early Childhood Educator at our Raven child care setting. She was hired in 1999 in a part-time position and quickly transitioned to a permanent full-time position by early 2000 at what was then called Little Raven.

“At that time, Kelly was identified by her supervisor as committed to early year learning and supporting children and families with kindness, care and respect. Her passion for Early Childhood Care and Education is evident in the pedagogy and focus on relationships woven throughout Raven’s rich curriculum.

“When not connecting and collaborating with children, families and colleagues at UBC Child Care, Kelly enjoys time with her husband Shayne and adult son Andrew (a UBC Child Care alumnus!). She enjoys the outdoors, camping in particular. A recent family purchase of a trailer has expanded her family’s camping outlook and adventures on Vancouver Island.”

— Erin Bowman, Program Manager, Child Care

Congratulations Kelly!

“Kanman joined the bookstore in 1999. He worked for many years as a sales person in the bookstore computer shop. He made many connections across campus and a variety of departments. Kanman then transitioned into a position as a bookstore assistant in the corner store, and he currently supports our front cash and clothing departments.

“He has also been a vital member of the Bookstore’s Saturday team for many years now, and he is always ready to help wherever he can and loves going that extra mile for customers.

“He is also a keen follower of politics and has been very involved with local committees at different levels of government. He is now a proud grandfather and has been happily married for many years. Besides enjoying time with his family, he loves international travel.”

— Shane Gopaulsingh, Store Manager, UBC Bookstore

Congratulations Kanman!

“Weldon joined the bookstore in 1999, working for many years as a computer salesperson. After many dedicated years working there, he moved to the book department, where he specialized in medical books and supported textbooks and other trade books. Most recently, he has become a vital member of our online store team and runs a communications team to support students at the start of each term.

“Weldon also helped to keep his colleagues safe for years on the Bookstore safety committee. Now, he also helps to keep spirits up by volunteering with the SHCS OWC and Bookstore social committee—at one event even entertaining Bookstore staff playing his saxophone. In addition to these volunteer positions within SHCS, he also spent a year as a UBC United Way representative.”

— Shane Gopaulsingh, Store Manager, UBC Bookstore

Congratulations Weldon!