“The electricians team just completed the migration of the old fire alarm systems over to a new system. It required countless hours of overtime (evenings and weekends) in order to get the job done. Stephen was a huge contributor to the success of this project. There were many weeks where he didn’t get a single day off leading up to the completion deadline – such dedication, care and commitment like this rarely exists today.

“Stephen educates and empowers family, friends and colleagues to live a more sustainable lifestyle and is always open to sharing his experiences and knowledge. He also ensures his colleagues recycle light bulbs, smoke detectors, exit signs, etc. responsibly. He often takes soft plastics to the recycling depot in Richmond for a bunch of his colleagues that would have disposed of said items in the garbage.”

— Sarah Brown, Storekeeper, Facilities and Building Services

“Sam is a humble and quick leader who garners a tremendous amount of respect from her team. She knows leadership by example is the only true way. She cares deeply for her team and works alongside them as much as possible.

“Working hard and often long hours when everyone else has gone home is a cornerstone for Sam. She will jump in, roll up her sleeves, and work alongside anyone on her team. You will often find her making pizzas at Mercante and serving coffee at Tim Hortons.

“Sam’s team leads with environmental sustainability. Leaders of the Zero Waste foodware strategy at UBC, they eliminated plastic straws long before anyone else; they started charging for single-use cups two years ahead of the City of Vancouver; they have always been leaders in Sort It Out at UBC.

“Sam’s team is also an important part of the CAP2030 plan at UBC. For example, they are piloting GHG labeling at Mercante, encouraging customers to make choices that reduce GHG emissions.

“From an economic sustainability perspective Sam and her team have done a tremendous amount of work optimizing the Retail portfolio over the last two years, taking it from a loss of almost $1M to a division that will be profitable in FY 2022/23.

“However, the one defining area of sustainability that clearly sets Sam apart is her commitment to social sustainability – too often the topic that gets the least support and attention. Sam’s sustainability leadership is focused on people, and the social sustainability that UBC and the broader community needs.”

— Colin Moore, Director, Food Services

“Sandra’s willingness to organize events…and tireless philanthropic work on behalf of youth, animals, and other marginalized groups, comes from a deep well of profound caring, which is exhibited in even her smallest interactions.

“Her many contributions include collecting socks and other warm clothing for children in need, helping people access low-cost veterinary care, organizing Halloween contests and Secret Santas through the pandemic, co-creating Métis dolls for school Reconciliation programs, offering knowledge as an elder, applying for funding for free/low-barrier yoga and fitness…collecting art supplies for youth programs, fundraising for multiple good causes, reducing food waste, and carpooling.

“Sandra has a direct impact on everyone who meets her. To know her is to be inspired by her. She is absolutely fearless and fierce in her love for other beings. She has inspired me personally to contribute more to my community – and I know the same is true for many others.”

— Elinor Morris, Buyer, UBC Bookstore