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2025-26 Recipients

UBC Okanagan

Erin Bryant, BSN’17, MSN’22
Faculty of Health and Social Development

Erin Bryant has been instrumental in the development and evaluation of specialty nursing pathways within Interior Health, including her collaboration with schools of nursing in the interior region. The nursing pathways are opportunities for undergraduate nursing students to complete additional specialized education, training, and student employment during their studies, and subsequently undertake graduate training in the same specialty area. Erin’s MSN thesis was an evaluation of a specialty pathway approach, finding it improved new graduate transition and nurse retention. She has published this work and presented on it at conferences, resulting in provincial support to expand nursing pathways throughout British Columbia.

James Littley, BA’12, MA’18
Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

James Littley exemplifies the spirit of UBC Okanagan—deeply rooted in his local community while making an impact far beyond it. A double UBC alumnus, he has paired academic excellence with a career defined by public service, sustainability leadership, and inclusive mentorship. As Chief Operating Officer of the Okanagan Basin Water Board, he advances environmental stewardship and innovative regional planning. James remains closely connected to UBCO, returning often to support students through mentoring, guest speaking, and engagement in campus initiatives. His lifelong commitment to learning, relationship-building, and community involvement reflects UBC’s values and strengthens the alumni community for years to come.

Jordan Coble, BA’13
Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies

Jordan Coble is an elected Councillor of Westbank First Nation and former Cultural and Operations administrator for its Sncewips Heritage Museum. Through his leadership and advocacy, Jordan is addressing the sweeping range of cultural, social, and political issues so crucial to his own community and beyond. He has brought vision and direction to the arts through his curation of diverse exhibits and his support for authentic representation, rooted in history. Beyond Westbank, his board work—including with the BC Museums Association—helps ensure that Indigenous history is recognized across cultural institutions, both locally and provincially.

Kara Ross, BA’20, BEd’22
Okanagan School of Education

Kara Ross is a transformative Syilx educator and community role model from the Okanagan Nation who is integrating Syilx knowledge and perspectives into classrooms and public education. As a teacher, she has developed culturally grounded curricula taught in the Okanagan Nsyilxcn Language and facilitated professional learning on allyship. She presents on Syilx literacy to teaching faculty and candidates and has co-authored a publication that contributes to ongoing conversations about literacy, identity, and education. Kara is not only empowering young people and educating new teachers, she is helping to ensure that future generations remain deeply connected to their culture and equipped to thrive.

Kelly Davidson, BMgt’17
Faculty of Management

Kelly Davidson has built a career grounded in thoughtful leadership, integrity, and meaningful community contribution. In her role as a Portfolio Manager at Odlum Brown, she supports individuals and families in navigating important financial decisions with clarity and care. Beyond her professional work, Kelly has spent the past decade contributing to local charities focused on health care and homelessness, helping strengthen support systems for vulnerable community members. She also serves as the inaugural Alumni Chapter President for the UBCO Faculty of Management and was recognized as one of Kelowna’s Top 40 Under 40 for her ongoing commitment to community impact and engagement.

Nick Arkle, BSF’84, and Louise Arkle, BA’82, MA’85
Office of the Principal and Deputy Vice – Chancellor

Nick and Louise Arkle are community leaders and philanthropists whose dedication has strengthened UBC Okanagan and the broader region. As CEO of Gorman Group, Nick has advanced BC’s forestry sector while providing influential leadership across the profession, championing initiatives that strengthen industry and trade. He has supported community growth through the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, United Way, and the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, while also serving on the inaugural UBC Okanagan Advisory Council. Louise is a dedicated advocate for education and community development, working to expand equity and opportunity, serving in several leadership roles for the Central Okanagan Bursary and Scholarship Society and as a volunteer for the Loran Scholars Foundation. Together, they support diverse causes to create thriving, more vibrant communities, both regionally and abroad.

Venedict Tamondong, BASc’21
School of Engineering

Throughout his studies at UBC Okanagan, Venedict Tamondong was an exceptionally engaged volunteer and an active, inspiring member of the campus community. He leads with integrity and compassion, and his engineering practice is firmly rooted in values that prioritize community, responsibility, and service. A dedicated champion for equity, diversity and inclusion, his impact is evident across UBC and now within industry, where he continues to advocate for meaningful change. Venedict remains deeply connected to UBCO, helping to welcome, support, and celebrate future engineers through events such as Convocation and the UBC Applied Science Engineering Mentorship Program.

UBC Vancouver

Angelo Graffos, BKin’16, MSc’19, Dip(Ed)’21, BEd’22
School of Kinesiology

Angelo Graffos is a committed community leader and mentor. Recipient of the VCHRI Rising Star Award, he has spent nine years mentoring Kinesiology students and guest lecturing. While earning two UBC degrees, Angelo worked at Canucks Autism Network and volunteered with healthcare providers, including Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Clinic. Teaching became his passion, leading him to complete a Bachelor of Education. Since graduating in 2022, he has been an educator in the Coquitlam School District and a literacy advocate, continuing to support students and UBC’s School of Kinesiology.

Bob Mehr, BSc(Pharm)’95
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

An award-winning pharmacist, established community leader, and an innovator in the healthcare industry, Bob Mehr is a prime example of how UBC alumni are contributing to their professions, communities, and alma mater. Since 1999, he has served as president and CEO of Pure Integrative Pharmacy, expanding it to 26 locations across Greater Vancouver and BC. Now Senior Vice President of Pharmaceutical Distribution & Specialty Pharmacies at Pattison Food Group, Bob continues advancing Pure’s future. A dedicated UBC supporter, he hires Pharm Sci graduates, mentors alumni, and provides experiential learning opportunities. As a lead donor to the Pharm Sci Building campaign, his contributions are honored with the “Pure Integrative Pharmacy Seminar Room,” reflecting his lasting commitment to UBC.

Devon Thompson, MBA’12
UBC Sauder School of Business

Throughout her relationship with UBC Sauder, Devon Thompson has been a deeply engaged leader and connector. As a student, she was VP Academic for both the MBA Student Society and the FTMBA Council, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence and student advocacy. As an alum, she volunteers her time across multiple school initiatives, including keynote speaking and coaching. In her role as VP of Business Markets at RBC, she actively champions UBC Sauder by regularly hiring from the graduate pool and fostering industry-university collaborations. Devon, a regular donor to the school, has helped UBC Sauder connect with other alumni, further strengthening its network and impact and demonstrating her invaluable dedication to building community.

Emilie Adin, BA’96, MA(Planning)’00
Faculty of Applied Science

Since graduating, Adin has helped shape modern-day Metro Vancouver as a planning director in both New Westminster and North Vancouver and was named by BIV Magazine as one of the 500 most influential leaders in BC. Her record of volunteering ranges from service on local boards to helping out at a polling station. She’s also helped SCARP students gain volunteer experience in the planning profession and has spoken at student-led events. As president of the Planning Institute of BC, she mentored aspiring planners as they earned their certification and has proven an effective advocate for her profession in Canada.

Dr. Hamed Umedaly, BSc’81, MD’86
Faculty of Medicine

Dr. Hamed Umedaly has shown exceptional commitment to UBC and the medical community through decades of volunteerism, philanthropy, and global health service. A clinical professor and long-serving anesthesiologist at VGH and UBC hospitals, he led VGH’s Anesthesiology Department and earned multiple UBC teaching awards. His involvement spans from supporting the Medical Student and Alumni Centre to nearly a decade on the UBC Medical Alumni Association Board, where he served as treasurer and later president. Internationally, his 20-year effort advancing anesthesiology training in Uganda through a UBC-led program with international universities reflects his lifelong dedication to improving global health care.

Dr. James Taylor, DMD’84, BSc’01
Faculty of Dentistry

Dr. James Taylor, Chief Dental Officer of Canada, has devoted his career to advancing oral health through care, research, education, and leadership. He previously served in the Royal Canadian Dental Corps in clinical and senior leadership roles, including Chief Dental Officer, and held leadership positions in national and international professional associations. In his current role, he provides national and international leadership for the Government of Canada in the advancement of oral health and oral health care for Canadians. A proud alum, James remains connected to UBC Dentistry through regional events.

John Mohammed, BSc(ForSci)’91
Faculty of Forestry

John Mohammed is president of A&A Trading, a BC-based family forestry company. With deep industry roots and experience across logging, timber valuation, and trading, he is a respected leader in the sector. John actively hires UBC graduates and co-leads an annual exercise in negotiation that equips students with essential career skills, an initiative now adopted and being used in other areas of the faculty. John’s dedication to mentorship and education has made a lasting impact on the next generation of forestry professionals. As a board member of the BC Council of Forest Industries, he continues to champion leadership and learning.

Kinji Bourchier, BA’96, LLB’99
Peter A. Allard School of Law

Kinji Bourchier, KC, served as the president of the Allard Law Alumni Association for 10 years. A leader in every sense, Kinji volunteered countless hours in support of the Allard Law community. While he championed diversity on the Board of Directors, transformed the Alumni Association’s awards program, and provided invaluable guidance to the Allard Law Dean throughout his tenure, his most significant contribution was deepening alumni-student engagement. Kinji sought out and supported creative programming that assists students and puts them in contact with alumni, transforming the way that future generations of alumni will connect with the law school.

Laszlo Hollander, BSc’02
Faculty of Science

Laszlo Hollander has dedicated almost quarter of a century to supporting and guiding Science undergraduates as they navigate their academic and career journeys. Not only is Laszlo the longest-serving mentor in the Department of Computer Science’s tri-mentoring program, but he also often takes on additional volunteer roles, including that of panelist, speaker, and technical interviewer. He is a passionate advocate and plays a vital role in expanding the program’s reach by recruiting colleagues and fellow CS alumni to join as mentors. His unwavering dedication, leadership, and advocacy have helped improve the program, turning it into an asset for all who participate.

Parimal Rana, BSc’91, BSc(Agr)’94
Faculty of Land and Food Systems

For more than 20 years, Parimal Rana has been a dedicated volunteer with UBC’s Faculty of Land and Food Systems, serving as one of its longest-standing student mentors. His guidance not only empowers students but also inspires them to carry forward a culture of support and engagement within LFS. Alongside his volunteer service, Parimal has built a distinguished career in the food manufacturing industry. With deep expertise in the plant-based food sector and proven leadership in operations, he shares invaluable knowledge that enriches the academic and professional journeys of students, making him an exceptional role model and mentor.

Patricia M. Mohr, BA’68, MA’70
Faculty of Arts

Patricia Mohr’s dedication to UBC extends to both the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Applied Science. An internationally respected economist, Patricia has served on the alumni UBC Board of Directors and the Applied Science Dean’s Advisory Council. She is generous with her time, directly engaging with students from Engineering and the Vancouver School of Economics. Committed to student success, Patricia has established two student awards in International Economics and Engineering, creating opportunities for future leaders. She also played a key role in the university’s start an evolution campaign (2008-2015) as a member of the Toronto Leadership Circle, helping to build crucial regional support for UBC.

Peter Bull, BCom’77
Athletics and Recreation

A former UBC Varsity Men’s Rugby player, Peter Bull has been a catalyst for change in UBC Athletics, spearheading major fundraising for facilities like the Gerald McGavin UBC Rugby Centre and establishing crucial student-athlete scholarships. His advocacy secured the retention of varsity sports and full-time coaches, and he championed equitable funding for women’s sports, turning the Women’s Rugby team into a national powerhouse. Peter also serves the Forward UBC Campaign Circle and supports St. Mark’s and Corpus Christi colleges. His visionary civic leadership includes his work on the new St. Paul’s Hospital and the groundbreaking Road to Recovery Initiative.

Dr. Rita Irwin, EdD’88
Faculty of Education

Dr. Rita Irwin is a renowned scholar and artist-educator who has made transformative contributions to arts education and community engagement at UBC and beyond. Through her pioneering work, she has bridged art, research, and teaching to create inclusive spaces that empower underrepresented communities. Locally, she has partnered with schools and arts organizations to expand access to arts education, while nationally and internationally she has led initiatives to foster cultural exchange and collaboration. Her mentorship, leadership, and innovation exemplify UBC’s commitment to service.