alumni UBC
Achievement
Awards

As a visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist, and environmental leader, Dr. Ross Beaty has made an extraordinary impact in British Columbia and beyond. Through leadership in mining and renewable energy, he has built globally significant enterprises that create economic opportunities while advancing more responsible resource development. Through his philanthropy and volunteerism, he has supported conservation, biodiversity, and public education through the Beaty family’s Sitka Foundation and UBC’s Beaty Biodiversity Museum. He is helping raise hundreds of millions to protect nature as Chair of BC Parks Foundation, and is providing leadership to the UBC FORWARD campaign. His efforts have advanced scientific understanding and environmental stewardship for present and future generations.

James Seabrook is a dynamic leader whose ingenuity and innovation have built Vitalis Equipment Technology into a global clean technology company. Under his stewardship, Vitalis’ highly skilled team introduced industry-leading CO2 and R744 process technologies that reduce emissions at scale, while expanding across five continents and creating skilled jobs in the Okanagan. His impact extends beyond business success through his mentorship, philanthropy, and enduring commitment to UBC and positive social change. He embodies entrepreneurial excellence by transforming bold ideas into real-world solutions and inspiring the next wave of innovators.

As a nationally respected scholar, public intellectual, and community leader, Dr. Carol Liao has helped extend UBC’s impact far beyond campus. Through her leadership of the Canada Climate Law Initiative and the UBC Centre for Climate Justice, she has translated legal research into practical action and helped connect universities, professions, and communities for collective benefit. Her work has informed public policy, strengthened governance, and engaged Canadians in conversations on climate action, equity, and accountability. Through her scholarship, board service, and advocacy, she has advanced social justice and democratic resilience across the country.

Internationally recognized physician-scientist Dr. Gina Ogilvie has transformed cervical cancer prevention for women in British Columbia and around the world. She has made life-saving care more accessible for underserved populations and helped shape public health policy through innovative work in HPV screening, vaccination, and self-collection strategies. Her leadership with the World Health Organization, health ministries, and partners in communities with limited resources has helped drive equitable, evidence-based solutions with lasting influence. Her work combines international leadership with a deep community commitment to equitable care reducing barriers to prevention and treatment.

Dr. Deborah Money is a distinguished clinician-scientist whose research has transformed women’s health across Canada and beyond. As the nation’s first dual specialist in obstetrics, gynecology, and infectious diseases, she has driven major advances in research and care related to HIV, HPV, cervical cancer prevention, and COVID-19 in pregnancy. Her work has directly shaped clinical practice, informed public health policy, improved health outcomes, and helped make care more equitable for women and infants. Her innovation, leadership, and advocacy continue to improve the lives of patients and families across generations.

Praveen Varshney is an outstanding volunteer leader whose decades of service have profoundly strengthened the UBC Sauder School of Business and communities far beyond campus. Through mentorship, collaboration, advocacy, and philanthropy, he has expanded opportunities for students and helped advance entrepreneurship and innovation at UBC. As a trusted advisor and champion of transformative initiatives, including the UBC Sauder Powerhouse Project, he has helped create opportunities for students, entrepreneurs, and communities. His service to numerous charitable and civic organizations reflects a longstanding commitment to advancing education, social innovation, and youth development.

Philanthropist and volunteer leader Hamid Eshghi has strengthened UBC and communities across British Columbia through steadfast support. Under his direction, the Mowafaghian Foundation has helped advance health and science research, cultural understanding, and student opportunity. His contributions have enriched initiatives including the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Persian studies, and student awards. As a Campaign Circle volunteer for the UBC FORWARD campaign, he has contributed time and leadership to champion UBC and encourage community engagement. His generosity and advocacy have enriched UBC’s mission and inspired others to build a better future.

Morrell Andrews is an extraordinary changemaker whose courage, intellect, and determination have made a global impact. As a public servant and international policy specialist at Global Affairs Canada, she led efforts to make United Nations peacekeeping more responsive to the needs of women personnel. Her leadership and advocacy in the public and humanitarian sphere have been pivotal in advancing significant Criminal Code reforms that gave greater voice and agency to individuals reporting sexual assault. Through her principled leadership and commitment to justice, she has helped build momentum for more just and humane systems.