2025 alumni UBC Achievement Awards Recipients
On November 6, 2025, we honoured nine 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 nine 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. Michael Audain, OC, OBC, BA’62, BSW’63, MSW’65, LLD’14
Dr. Michael Audain, chairman of Polygon Homes, is a business leader with a lifelong commitment to affordable housing and the arts. He was instrumental in boosting social housing in BC and is the founder of the Audain Foundation, enriching communities through support of the visual arts.
Young alumni award
Dr. Zongjie (Daniel) Wang, MASc’16
Dr. Zongjie (Daniel) Wang developed a groundbreaking microfluidic technology that enables the non-invasive collection of cancer-fighting cells for use in immunotherapy. Dr. Wang heads an initiative focused on understanding inflammation at the molecular level and inspires future scientists through outreach and education.
Entrepreneurship award
Rian Gauvreau, MBA’11
Rian Gauvreau co-founded Clio in 2008, a cloud-based legal practice platform used by over 150,000 professionals across 90 countries. An advocate and philanthropist, he fostered a progressive workplace culture that earned Clio top employer honours and directed $20 million in support for global pro-bono legal work through Clio Gives.
Research and innovation award
Dr. Poul Sorensen, OBC, BSc’80, MD’84, PhD’90
Dr. Poul Sorensen’s research has revolutionized cancer diagnostics and treatment. His discovery of a type of gene fusion involved in the development of cancer led to therapies now used to treat over 25 types of the disease. Dr. Sorensen’s visionary leadership continues to narrow the gap between scientific discovery and lifesaving applications.
Global citizenship award
Dr. Shelina Babul, BSc’91, PhD’01
Dr. Shelina Babul is an expert on concussion and its prevention. She created the Concussion Awareness Training Tool, an online resource used globally to minimize the risk of head injury. She has influenced national policy in Canada, and works to support underserved communities worldwide and promote global standards in concussion care.
Faculty community service award
Dr. Lori Daniels, MSc’94
Forestry professor Dr. Lori Daniels is an expert in wildfire resilience and co-founder of the Centre for Wildfire Coexistence. She works with Indigenous and rural communities to develop scientific, culturally informed solutions. Through her outreach, Dr. Daniels has promoted wildfire preparedness, influenced policies, and supported Indigenous stewardship.
Volunteer leadership award
Dr. Anthony Yurkovich, BSc(Agr)’51, MD’55, and Nancy Yurkovich, BSN’84, BCom’88
Dr. Anthony and Nancy Yurkovich are philanthropists and advocates who are dedicated to advancing healthcare and education. At UBC, they support research in sustainability and optimization of patient-clinician relationships. Their involvement in establishing the Rotary Hospice House in Richmond has transformed the city’s healthcare landscape.
Honorary alumni award
Tom Johnson
Tom Johnson coached UBC’s swim team from 1990 to 2005 and helped elevate the program to international prominence. Mr. Johnson led the Thunderbirds to win 35 national and regional titles, and encouraged academic excellence in his students, helping them succeed in all areas of life.
See photos of the 2025 alumni UBC Achievement Awards reception and dinner.
Know a UBC alum who is doing extraordinary work? Nominate them for the 2026 alumni UBC Achievement Awards!
