Under a canopy of twinkling lights on September 26, the Fraser Valley community came together to celebrate leaders who make the world a little brighter. 

The University of the Fraser Valley’s picturesque Chilliwack campus hosted St’elt’elawtexw: a Celebration of Community. More than 250 friends and partners gathered round for an evening of food, fun and celebration with UFV President Dr. Joanne MacLean thanking attendees for their continued support of UFV and its students. 

As UFV celebrates its 50th anniversary, MacLean said the university wouldn’t be the wonderful place of learning that it’s become without them.

“Community is who and what we are, and what makes community is people,” Joanne said. “Our community helps us, and pushes us, to live up to our core values of inclusivity, integrity, excellence, and community. Our community’s generosity helps us provide opportunities for students to learn and to grow, to discover and to open their minds to new ideas, to new perspectives, and to new ways of knowing.”

“Every day I hear inspiring stories about the commitment and ingenuity across all our campuses. We want to recognize the contributions of our valued community partners and many supporters who helped make these inspiring stories possible.”  

The program showcased some of UFV’s most treasured community-driven initiatives, many of which were chronicled in the newly published St’elt’elawtexw Community Report. Students, faculty, staff, and community partners hosted a range of immersive showcases at the celebration, offering attendees a window into the impactful work that’s being done at the university.  

“I hope these stories and showcases will remind you of what wonderful things we’re capable of when we draw on each other’s strengths and evoke all the warmth and support that is woven throughout our diverse community – here in Chilliwack, throughout the Fraser Valley and, indeed, beyond,” said Susan Mide Kiss, Vice President, Community Engagement.  

Susan announced three new partnerships at the celebration. 

Auguston Town Developments Inc. recently pledged $80,000 to fund agriculture research, and student and community engagement opportunities through UFV’s Food and Agriculture Institute. 

 Coast Capital’s gift of $125,000 will support an inclusion and equity strategy that addresses the needs of non-traditional students in the trades. 

 And Prospera Credit Union and the Prospera Foundation are investing $500,000 into student wellness programming over the next three years, ensuring that peer support is more available than ever. 

 Longtime partners and supporters were also recognized with commemorative paddles at the UFV Ripple Makers reception. Loyalty paddles recognize people and organizations with over 15 years of giving. Recipients this year include UFV’s Dr. Garry Fehr, Associate Vice President, Research and Graduate Studies along with wife Sandra Fehr; Dr. Alisa Webb, Vice President Students; Baker Newby Lawyers LLP; Quantum Properties; and the Credit Union Foundation of B.C. 

“I’d like to express my gratitude for all our partners who help make UFV all that it can be,” Susan said. “I’m very excited to see where the next 50 years will bring us, and the strides we’ll take as a community to inspire and foster connection and pride in place.  

“UFV is making its mark, and we are thrilled to celebrate the incredible accomplishments we’ve achieved together.” 

 UFV also celebrated a wonderful community leader with the Betty Urquhart Community Service Award. This year’s award went to The Free Store Chilliwack, which partners with local farms to ensure that food waste is minimized. UFV alumna Raylene Mumford (Dip ’98) and a community of volunteers make sure surplus produce, meat, dairy, bread, and non-perishables are provided to more than 100 families in need each weekend at no charge, and with no questions or judgements.   

The UFV Alumni Association presented three awards at the celebration. 

 Adam Currie (BBA ’12) received the Distinguished Alumni award, recognizing his support of B.C.’s healthcare system as Director of Executive and Senior Leadership Acquisition at Fraser Health. 

Keenan Beavis (BBA ’19), received the Young Distinguished Alumni award, recognizing the tremendous success of Longhouse Media, a marketing company he founded in 2017 that has supported the growth of more than 500 businesses. 

And Jada McIntyre (BSW ’24) was recognized with the Outstanding Student Leader Award. Jada has committed herself to creating inclusive environments and led the development of a peer case management program that is being used at universities across North America. 

With UFV’s 50th anniversary events ongoing through April 2025, St’elt’elawtexw: a Celebration of Community offered a chance to reflect on where the university has come from, where it is, and where it’s going.  

“Through our shared vision and collective effort, the road ahead promises to be extraordinary,” Susan said. “We hope you will join us in co-creating the next chapter in UFV’s story – and help build community 50 years forward.” 

See pictures from St’elt’elawtexw: a Celebration of Community here and see pictures from the Ripple Makers reception here.