UBC’s global alumni community includes thousands of accomplished people whose collective contributions are making the world a better place. Some stars, however, rise higher, shine brighter and earn the admiration of all around them.

2012 Award Recipients

The 2012 Alumni Achievement Awards were held on Wednesday, November 14th, 2012 at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Memory Elvin-Lewis, BA’52, PhD, DSc’12

Alumni Award of Distinction

Memory Elvin-Lewis is a microbiologist and ethnobotanist renowned for her research into the traditional plant-based medical and dental practices of indigenous peoples.

Douglas Mitchell, CM, AOE, QC, LLB’62

Alumni Award of Distinction

Doug Mitchell is a distinguished lawyer who is well known for his support of amateur sport in Canada, and university athletes in particular.

Garry E. Merkel

Honorary Alumnus Award

Gary Merkel has worked closely with UBC’s Faculty of Forestry to engage the Aboriginal community and increase its presence and influence in both university and industry settings.

Nolan Watson, BCom’01

Outstanding Young Alumnus

Nolan Watson is a successful entrepreneur in the mining industry known for his philanthropy and humanitarian efforts in Africa.

Julia Fan Li, BCom’06

Outstanding Young Alumnus

Julia Fan Li is a social entrepreneur with a passion for using innovative financing to promote global health.

Alia Dharamsi, BSc’10, (MD’14)

Outstanding Future Alumnus Award

Alia Dharamsi is an outstanding medical student who is committed to empowering and enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable and marginalized populations.

The Hon. Alfred Scow, CM, OBC, LLB’61, LLD’97

Blythe Eagles Volunteer Leadership Award

Alfred Scow was the first Aboriginal person to graduate from a BC Law School and went on to become a Provincial Court judge.

Paul Mitchell, QC, BCom’78, LLB’79

Blythe Eagles Volunteer Leadership Award

Born and raised in Kelowna, Paul Mitchell has played an integral part in his hometown’s remarkable growth over the last few decades, including the establishment of UBC Okanagan.

Peter Nemetz, BA’66, PhD

Outstanding Faculty Community Service Award

Professor of commerce Peter Nemetz has built connections between the university and the wider community through his 22-year commitment to the highly respected Vancouver Institute lecture series.

Haile Debas, MD, DSc’01

Global Citizenship Award

Haile Debas is the founding director of Global Health Sciences at the University of California SF, and has established extensive partnership networks to build healthcare capacity worldwide.

2012 Sponsors