2024 alumni UBC Achievement Awards Recipients
On November 19, 2024, 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
Dr. Carol Lee, CM, OBC, BCom’81, LLD’19
Carol Lee co-founded the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, and her community-driven approach is reimagining one of Canada’s most iconic neighbourhoods. This business and community leader also has long-standing ties with UBC, and she was recently appointed chair of UBC Properties Trust.
Entrepreneurship Award
Dr. Paul Sanberg, MSc’79
Pre-eminent neuroscientist Dr. Paul Sanberg has raised the profile of academic invention and related economic stimulation by founding the National Academy of Inventors to honour researchers who patent their discoveries. He holds over 160 patents himself and is the founder of two companies.
Faculty Community Service Award
lax̌lax̌tkʷ Dr. Jeannette Armstrong, OC, LLD’06
lax̌lax̌tkʷ Dr. Jeannette Armstrong is an author, artist, educator, and elder who advocates for Indigenous peoples, languages, and cultures. A UBC associate professor and former Canada Research Chair, she led the creation of UBCO’s Bachelors of Nsyilxcn, Nɬəʔkepmx, and St’at’imc Language Fluency programs.
Global Citizenship Award
Dr. Jan Christilaw, CM, MHSc’03
Dr. Jan Christilaw is a highly respected advocate for women’s healthcare and currently directs Women’s Health for the Canadian Network of International Surgeons. She helped found International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, an organization that won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Honorary Alumni Award
The Honourable Lois Mitchell, CM, AOE
Lois Mitchell is a powerhouse advocate for amateur sport. She and late husband Doug funded endowments for UBC athletes and helped establish an ice rink for the Thunderbirds. Mitchell is president of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and former lieutenant-governor of Alberta.
Research and Innovation Award
Dr. William Cheung, PhD’07
Dr. William Cheung studies the impact of climate change on oceans, significantly advancing global insights into their future. A Canada Research Chair, UBC Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries director, and Nereus Program leader, his findings have shaped policy discussions at the United Nations.
Volunteer Leadership Award
John Montalbano, BCom’88
Demonstrating steadfast commitment to community service, business leader John Montalbano founded the UBC Sauder Philanthropy Program, co-founded the Take a Hike Foundation for at-risk youth, and is a former chair of the UBC Board of Governors, St. Paul’s Foundation, and Vancouver Police Foundation.
Young Alumni Award
Marina Melanidis, BSc(Nat Res Cons)’18, MSc’22
Marina Melanidis is a Canadian Climate Champion, Top 25 Environmentalist Under 25, and Nature-based Solutions trail-blazer who centres youth and Indigenous voices in her advocacy. She launched Youth4Nature, has led youth delegations to high-level climate conferences, and serves on the board of Global Witness.
