SHCS Retirements: Winter 2025/26

“After 11 dedicated years with UBC Food Services, we are celebrating the retirement of Teruyuki (Ted) Kobayashi. Ted first joined us at the Commissary Bake Shop, where he helped produce some true UBC classics — the Ponderosa cake, granola bars, and the well-loved cinnamon bun. His care and consistency helped keep these favourites alive for our campus community.

“Later on, Ted brought his steady presence and reliability to the retail side, joining the team at Pacific Poke. No matter where he worked, Ted was known for his calm attitude, strong work ethic, and the pride he took in doing things right. Please join us in wishing him a happy, healthy, and well-deserved retirement. Thanks for all your hard work, Ted you’ll be missed.”

— Andy Chan, Executive Sous Chef, Food Services

“Anna starting working in Food Services in 1979 at the Pond Café and spent the first decade of her career at UBC working at Yum Yum’s, the Sub Cafeteria and Totem. Over the next 40+ years, Anna worked in almost every retail unit—often more than once. Juliana Campbell has fond memories of working with Anna at Totem back in 1989, and Betty Nielson always remembers the many break-time walks and talks all over campus.

“In recent years, Anna worked at Ike’s Café, Café Perugia, and more recently, Mercante. Anna will be remembered as a piece of almost every Food Service location on campus. She now looks forward to spending more time enjoying life with family and friends.”

— Jody Ropas, Retail Operations Manager, Food Services

“Adrian has dedicated his career to Student Housing and Community Services through many chapters of the department’s history, witnessing and contributing to its growth from a four-property operation to the dynamic organization it is today. He is widely respected for his unwavering commitment to service and for enhancing the residence experience for countless students. Known fondly within his team as the ‘Bed Bug King,’ Adrian has played a key role in managing complex cases and developing standard operating procedures to address what he humorously refers to as the ‘crimson ramblers.’

“Beyond his professional achievements, Adrian is an accomplished and versatile musician, performing throughout the Lower Mainland. As he enters a well-earned retirement, we wish Adrian every success in his next chapter and hope it is filled with great music, new adventures, and plenty of time to enjoy the passions that inspire him.”

— Lyndon Duncan, Senior Manager, Building Services

“After 24 incredible years with UBC Food Services, we are celebrating the retirement of Grace Claridad—a colleague, friend, and familiar face who has truly left her mark across campus. Throughout her career, Grace has worked in almost all of our non-retail locations. In her early years, she supported sites such as 99 Chairs, Niche, Neville’s, and Sauder, to name just a few. More recently, Grace has been a valued team member at Mercante, Arts, and Harvest, continuing to bring the same care, consistency, and warmth she’s known for.

“What truly sets Grace apart is the way she makes everyone feel like family. Guests and team members alike are greeted by name—and often with their usual order already remembered. Her kindness, attention to detail, and genuine connection with people have made every location she’s worked at feel more welcoming.

“Grace’s generosity extends beyond the workplace. Anytime there’s a celebration, she delights everyone by cooking amazing traditional foods that are always a highlight and enjoyed by all. Thank you, Grace, for 24 years of dedication, warmth, and unforgettable meals. Your impact will be felt for many years to come, and UBC Food Services will not be the same without you.”

— Jody Ropas, Retail Operations Manager, Food Services

“Betty is retiring after an incredible 35 years with UBC Food Services. She began her journey in the residence bake shop and, over the years, worked in nearly every area of Food Services. While we could list countless locations Betty has been part of, we believe Starbucks and Booster Juice may be the only places that didn’t get the pleasure of working with her.

“Known for always speaking her mind, Betty also built strong and lasting rapport with faculty, staff, and students alike. When Mercante first opened, Betty worked as a sales attendant and quickly became a familiar and welcoming presence for international students—joking with them, making them feel at home, and turning Mercante into a place they wanted to return to again and again. Many students made Mercante their regular lunch and dinner spot not only for the great food, but for the chance to chat with Betty.

“Twelve years later, Betty returned to Mercante as a supervisor, continuing to provide the same warm, family-style customer service that students and staff have come to know and love.

“As she begins her well-deserved retirement, Betty is looking forward to spending more time with her family and cheering on the BC Lions.

“Congratulations, Betty, on 35 remarkable years of dedication, connection, and care. You will be truly missed!”

— Jody Ropas, Retail Operations Manager, Food Services