Related Links

• President's Office
• Trek 2000: UBC's Vision

University is at its best when
engaging students
with their world

Last spring, a group of UBC students gathered to discuss their week of community service in a variety of settings -- a transition home, a youth drop-in centre, and two elementary schools. Some shared what they had learned about themselves. Others talked about how our fortunes are interconnected.

Having come face to face with homelessness and poverty, these students were engaged -- actively working through their place in the world. Influencing the process were outstanding faculty and staff, who were guiding, teaching and inspiring.

This is university at its best. These pages are filled with stories of faculty and staff who, through their inspiring vision, teaching and research contributions, are passing on to a new generation a fresh understanding of what it means to be vigorous participants in civil society.

Their stories resonate, particularly following events in the past year that have further undermined global security. The ongoing threat of terrorism, war in Iraq, a worldwide SARS epidemic and environmental instability have tested our confidence, trust and mutual respect -- foundations of a strong society.

To be sure, UBC research, second to none, is helping advance real solutions. Just as important, I believe, is this: in classrooms, in the community and around the world, UBC students are gaining a new understanding of humanity, global interdependence and their own capacity to make a difference. And our world will be better for it.

- Martha C. Piper, President and Vice Chancellor, The University of British Columbia

Home Page: UBC Students Christopher Zappavigna, Leyla Tafreshi and John Park are TREK Volunteer Leaders in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.