Message from the Dean for LFS Community Connects: June 2024
This convocation – Spring 2024 – is bittersweet as it is my final one as Dean of the Faculty of Land and Food Systems.
I’ve had the privilege of meeting many of you when you started at UBC – and for most students, this was during the pandemic. I send you my heartiest congratulations in marking this successful milestone in your academic journey. Kudos! I know that along the way, you had to overcome obstacles by finding a community of friends and supporters during an isolating time, and you realized quickly that life often doesn’t move in a straight line.
It’s important to be continue to be flexible, adaptable and open to opportunities that come your way that you maybe didn’t expect. As I always say – my career was by accident, not by design!
Remember to stay in touch with your classmates. Last year, we introduced the Young Alumni Council (YAC). Their members are active and want to engage with you by hosting professional development events as well as social activities – which we all know are important for our well-being! I encourage you to get involved with YAC events.
Also, stay in touch with UBC through the numerous events and activities that alumniUBC hosts on regular basis. These are insightful, and expand your network and your thinking.
To continue on a journey of continuous learning, this is National Indigenous History Month in Canada. It’s a chance for us to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of the many diverse cultures of Indigenous Peoples. If you want to learn more and see the events that are taking place from coast to coast, here are some good resources to get you started:
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation https://nctr.ca/records/reports/
- Government of Canada https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1466616436543/1534874922512
I hope you enjoy reading this edition of LFS Community Connects, and I always welcome hearing from our alumni so feel free to drop me a line anytime. As you may know, starting October 1, 2024, my term as Dean with UBC’s Faculty of Land and Food Systems comes to a close, and I will be moving to a new role with the University of Alberta as Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences.
It’s been a wonderful 10 years as Dean of this outstanding Faculty – in particular, seeing the trajectory of our students has been the most satisfying part of my job.
Sincerely,
Rickey Yada
Dean and Professor
lfs.dean@ubc.ca