SHCS retirements: Summer 2023

“Just a couple of days short of her twelfth year with UBC Student Housing and Community Services, Lofina Tarce retires on July 31, 2023.

“Born in 1955 in Manila, Philippines, Lofina—who went by the nickname Ying Ying—continued to live in Manila until 2012, when she and her husband Arsenio moved to Vancouver and she joined the team here in SHCS.

“Lofina and Arsenio have four children: Grace Kelly, Katryn, Della and Jane Ann (who also used to work for us at UBC!). They also have three grandchildren and like to travel to Manila to visit them.

“Lofina tells us that she liked working at UBC because it was a physical job and also that she enjoyed working with many of her coworkers.

“Thank you, Lofina, for your years of service; we wish you all the best in your retirement.”

— Randy Gvora, Building Services Manager, Facilities and Building Services

“An avid sports fan and memorabilia collector with a real passion for baseball, Gary is willing to bend anyone’s ear about yesterday’s game broadcast. Gary’s ever changing ball caps are an indicator of who is playing today or which playoff team he is rooting for.

“Where once upon a time Gary’s evenings and weekends were spent coaching his son on the baseball diamond or driving his daughter to ballet, he is now able to sit back and enjoy a glass or two of his favourite red wine—and share his insightful “Delta Wino” wine reviews on Facebook.

“A recent trip to Italy whet Gary’s appetite for travel. As he begins retirement, there will be plenty of time to see the sights and sample great food and wine while he and his wife continue their explorations in Europe.”

— Rene Atkinson, Manager, Totem Park Dining and Summer Conferences

“Asanto Foster came to us at UBC in 1975, and along this road she has stamped her legacy on the Food Services, Retail family, and like family she has helped us grow and succeed in all our endeavours throughout her nearly 50 years at UBC. Through her day-to-day interactions with colleagues and customers at retail locations, and more recently her daily presence at Starbucks, Asanto has inspired many positive changes, in addition to the many students, faculty and staff she has helped.

“Asanto, we wish you good health, happiness and success as you move forward! May this next chapter of your life be everything you want it to be, and may it bring you happiness and fulfillment. Thank you for your ever-present passion and many contributions to UBC and our SHCS family.”

— Connie Lay, Retail Rood Services Manager

“Judy Medley dedicated over four decades to Student Housing. She worked on the Student Housing assignments team when housing offers were sent out via mail and when students used to line up to receive a room assignment. During her time here, Judy has seen the student housing inventory grow by 10,000 beds.

“For all those years, you couldn’t come into the Student Housing Main Office without hearing a greeting, dry quip or story from Judy. She has a unique sense of humor that is well known to staff across the department—and a laugh that is nothing short of infectious. If you were early to arrive at the office, Judy was likely the first person to say good morning and provide you with your first laugh of the day.

“In her role as Winter Session Housing coordinator, Judy was known for her immense amount of historical knowledge and always had the best stories to tell of “the good ol’ days”. As a friend and colleague, Judy is fiercely loyal and always cared immensely for her team. Her sense of humor and unique personality will truly be missed by all of us on the Admissions and Administration team.

“Judy, we thank you for your service and all you have given to this department and our team. Thank you for bringing your one of a kind personality to us each day. We wish you all the best in this exciting next chapter of your life!”

— Natalie Tole, Associate Director, Admissions and Administration, Residence Life and Administration

Don’t miss Judy’s appearance in this archival CBC news segment from 1981 about student housing at UBC! Judy speaks at the 1:28 mark.