Gala 100

“We really set the bar!” Elizabeth Saewyc announced, after hosting the School of Nursing’s Centenary Gala on May 2, 2019. The sold-out event had received the generous support of the Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science, James Olson, and benefited from the gracious presence of UBC’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Santa J. Ono and other luminaries. The energy was high and bright, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver was sparkling, the plated meal was delicious, the formal program proceeded swiftly and was full of interesting and humourous content. It was all guided by the ever-entertaining Fred Lee, UBC’s Director of Alumni Engagement. In spite of the dynamic buzz at every table, Mr Lee expertly drew the attention of the delighted guests to the special video address by the Honourable Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education and Training, and to hear the letters of support from members of the Royal Family. Somehow, without slowing the pace of the evening, Dr Saewyc managed to grant a moment in the sun to each one of the honoured guests who wore the coveted Centenary Medal of Distinction.

This level of success is not easy to attain and the school cannot offer enough thanks to members of the Centenary Committee who coordinated the event. Once again we acknowledge the generous support of the Faculty of Applied Science, and send kudos to several faculty members who bought tables to offer to students. To all of these people as well as those who work in the background quietly making things splendid, we extend heartfelt thanks for an evening that truly raised the bar.

Image

Watch Video on Youtube

The School of Nursing Centenary Medal of Distinction has been created to mark the celebration of the school's 100th anniversary. The medal served to recognize individuals who have brought high honour to the School of Nursing or to the profession of nursing, and/or who have made long standing/significant contributions to advance the school's vision, mission and mandate. Any alumni, past/present faculty, staff, donors, and practice partners were eligible for nomination. Decisions were made by the Director of the School of Nursing. This year's medals were presented at the Nursing Gala on May 2, 2019.

Presentation of the award took place at the School of Nursing Gala on May 2, 2019.

Eligibility:

Anyone living as of January 1, 2019 who meets the criteria, including alumni, past and present faculty, staff, donors and practice partners.

Criteria:  

Centenary Medal of Distinction winners will have:

• Brought high honour to the school or the profession of nursing and/or
• Made long standing and major contributions to advancing the school’s vision, mission and mandate

Nomination Process:  

• Anyone might nominate a deserving candidate.
• Nomination process was online 
• Information required included name of nominator, name and contact information of the nominee, nominee’s past or present relationship to the School of Nursing, brief description of nominee’s outstanding achievements or contributions deserving of recognition.
• Additional information in support of a nomination was permitted, but not essential.
• Deadline for submission: March 1, 2019.

Adjudication:

• Decisions were made by the Director, School of Nursing
• The Director was able to elect to select a panel and/or consult with others as needed

[link to full article here]

UBC School of Nursing Centenary Gala

CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS: Established in 1919, UBC’s School of Nursing marked its 100th anniversary with a massive party at the Hotel Vancouver. As the first to offer a university degree in nursing in the whole of the Commonwealth, the school has been hosting special events, lectures, and reunions.

Celebrations recently culminated with the school’s Nursing 100 Gala staged at the historic hotel where the first UBC degrees were conferred.

Led by School of Nursing director Dr. Elizabeth Saewyc, more than 425 guests — alumni and friends, faculty, emeriti, staff and students — made the scene including UBC president Santa Ono, and Faculty of Applied Science Dean Dr. James Olson. Minister of Advanced Education Melanie Marks and even Queen Elizabeth II sent greetings to the royal luau.

In recognition, the school presented one hundred individuals with Centenary Medals of Distinction. Nursing leaders were cited for their achievements and contributions transforming the health of all in health research, health advocacy and health education.

Among the esteemed group of Centenary medallists: Tarnia Taverner, for her leadership and innovative research in pain management; Kelli Stadjuhar, for her leading role in palliative care nursing, Helen Shore, descendant of Florence Nightingale, for her advocacy in public health nursing; Alison Phinney, for her research with people living with dementia; Stephanie Ngo, for her international leadership working with the World Health Organization and Lily Lee for her philanthropic efforts to health-related causes.

“Every single recipient has brought high honour to the School of Nursing and to the faculty as a whole,” said Ono. “Their contributions and solutions to the grand challenges of our era play a critical role in our health care, global health and in making UBC and Applied Science a world leading institution.”