“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

“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. We cannot imagine a world at Vanier without Rey.”

— Kerensa Wotton, Residence Dining Manager, Food Services

“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 is 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

“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

“Edwin started off his tenure with Food Services in 1999, working the Tube Steak hot dog cart. After several years we finally allowed him to come work indoors—first at Edibles in the basement of the Scarfe building and later Yum Yums.

“Following that he worked in many of our locations, including Pizza Pizza, 99 Chairs, Pacific Spirit Place, and residence dining at Totem Park and Place Vanier. Over the past ten years, Edwin has worked as a baker at our Tim Hortons locations.

“To the staff he is know as “Papa”, and he always seems to have a smile (or a smirk!).

“In his spare time he likes to watch sports and babysit his grandkids. During his breaks at work, he’s often found playing Candy Crush—in which he’s reached level 11,024!

“After his 25 years of dedicated service, Edwin retired on July 1, 2024, and we wish him all the best.”

— Brian McLaughlin, Senior Food Service Supervisor, Food Services

“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

“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

“Brian has spent his entire career at UBC within the Vice-President, Students portfolio, dedicating most of his efforts to supporting student 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.

“He 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!”

— Andrew Parr, Associate Vice-President, SHCS

“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

“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

“Weldon joined the bookstore in 1999, working for many years as a computer sales person. 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

“Georgina is one of our dear Parking Service Centre Coordinators, and she has been a dedicated team member since July 2, 1999. If you ever visited the Parking Office to get a UBCcard, obtain a key, secure a parking permit or, most unfortunately, pay a parking ticket, odds are that Georgina has been there to help you.

“Known for her friendly nature, and light speed speaking, Georgina consistently goes above and beyond to help the campus community and her colleagues.”

“Her colleagues admire her for her hard work and lively spirit, always balancing diligence with fun. Whether it’s a golf match, pub night, bowling, betting on horses or playing bingo, Georgina never misses a team outing. As a key member of the Social Committee, she brings endless energy and creative ideas to make every event a success.”

— Roberto Albertini, Operations Manager, Parking