2023 alumni UBC Achievement Awards Recipients
On November 14, 2023, we honoured eight inspiring members of the UBC community.
UBC alumni are committed to an exceptional UBC and a better world. This November, at the annual alumni UBC Achievement Awards, presented by Boyden, we honoured eight inspiring members of our global alumni community, whose extraordinary endeavours are helping to advance UBC's commitment to healthy lives, a healthy planet, and healthy societies.
Congratulations to this year's recipients!
alumni award of distinction
Parmjit Bains, BSc(Agr)’79
Parmjit Bains co-founded Westberry Farms in 1997 and developed it into a leading blueberry operation. His passion for farming innovation and knack for collaboration have helped advance BC’s agri-food industry and strengthen its climate resilience.
entrepreneurship award
Dr. David Brand, PhD’85
Dr. David Brand launched New Forests in 2005, which has grown into one of the world’s largest forestry investment firms. This certified B Corporation has initiated carbon projects and investment programs in forestry plantations, conservation areas, and timber processing.
faculty community service award
Dr. Linda Warren, OBC, MD’68
Dr. Linda Warren is the principal clinical architect and founding executive director of the Screening Mammography Program of BC, which launched in 1988 and is largely responsible for reducing breast cancer mortality in BC to Canada’s lowest rate.
global citizenship award
Judith Fairholm, BSN’72, MEd’96
A champion of violence prevention, child protection, and gender equality, Judi Fairholm directs the Canadian Red Cross’ RespectEd program, addressing child abuse, neglect, bullying, harassment, and violence. She has supported similar efforts in more than 30 other countries.
honorary alumni award
Dr. Chit Chan Gunn, CM, OBC, MD, FRCP
After discovering a groundbreaking approach for addressing chronic musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain in the 1970s, Dr. Chit Chan Gunn developed the Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) treatment. This dry needling technique unites Western medicine and traditional Chinese acupuncture.
research and innovation award
Dr. Steven Narod, BSc’75, MD’79
Dr. Steven Narod co-discovered BRCA1 and BRCA2, the hereditary genes that lead to breast and ovarian cancer. His focus on early detection, diagnosis, and treatment has contributed to the current standard care for hereditary breast cancers and saved thousands of lives.
volunteer leadership award
Lindsay Gordon, BA’73, MBA’76, LLD’23
Lindsay Gordon is one of UBC’s most valued and longtime supporters. As chancellor, he helped lead major fundraising campaigns and co-established the Centennial Indigenous Scholars Award. His many social contributions include co-founding the Children with Intestinal and Liver Disorders (CH.I.L.D.) Foundation.
young alumni award
Dr. Laura Yvonne Bulk, MOT’14, PhD’21
Dr. Laura Yvonne Bulk draws upon her experiences as a blind scholar, educator, and advocate to advance the inclusion of disabled healthcare professionals. This has included co-founding the Occupational Therapy in Low Vision and Blindness Network within the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.
Know a UBC alum who is doing extraordinary work? Nominate them for the 2024 alumni UBC Achievement Awards! Learn more.
