It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Arnold Smith. Arnie graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor in Physical Education and a Master of Education in 1982. While at UBC Arnie played Thunderbird football under coach Frank Gnup.
Upon graduation, he embarked on a teaching and coaching career in West Vancouver. In June 1977 there was an urgent need for appropriate schooling for young children of Canadian parents working in Iran. Arnie was selected to be the principal of a school in northeast Iran, where he set out to find teachers, materials, and a suitable building for children in grades K to 12. Under difficult circumstances, Smith was successful in pulling this challenge together. However, in the fall of 1978 anti-Shah riots and strikes ravaged the country, and all Canadians were evacuated from Iran with only one bag per person. In an interview with Arnie in 2017, Arnie recalled this period of his career “an experience of a lifetime. It was …such an adventure I would never pass up . . . we had a cultural immersion and learning experience.”
With his Masters of Education, Arnie continued to teach, coach and serve as principal at West Vancouver Secondary School until his retirement. Later, while living in the Okanagan, Arnie hosted events for UBC Okanagan before he and his wife Kathryn relocated to Oshawa, Ontario to be near their daughter Karen and her growing family. Arnie is survived by his loving wife Kathryn, children Steven, Karen and Grant, son in law Brian, and grandchildren Sean, Lee and Robyn.
To read more about Arnie Smith’s life, please see:
https://kin.educ.ubc.ca/arnie-smith/
https://vancouversunandprovince.remembering.ca/obituary/arnold-smith-1082480074
Laura is graduating with a BKin in the interdisciplinary stream. After graduation, Laura plans to continue her current research and pursue a career in medicine or counseling.
“I was fortunate to have the opportunity to conduct a directed study with Dr. John Kramer. I studied the diversity of sex and age recruitment within pain neuroimaging research. I am currently working on a related project as a research assistant in the Kramer lab at ICORD.”
Laura served as the volunteer coordinator for the Parachute Brain Waves program for the past two years. “This program features presentations (often by UBC KIN students) to elementary school classes on topics neuroanatomy, concussion and delivers messages of injury prevention.” She also volunteered with the “I’m Going to UBC” mentoring program for varsity athletes, as well as for Special Olympics, Prisoners’ Legal Service, the Brain Wellness Program and Wellness Outreach Program.
Laura was also “an athletic trainer for the Women’s varsity soccer team. While doing so, I rowed on the Women’s novice rowing team and the following year, I rowed for the Women’s varsity rowing team. I still enjoy doing various activities like road biking and beach volleyball.”
Laura would like to eventually achieve her academic goal of publishing her current research, as well as take the opportunity to travel and pursue more education after she graduates.
Sherry is graduating with a BKin in the interdisciplinary stream. Upon graduation, Sherry says “I’m excited to continue working with mission driven companies to create more meaningful experiences through experiential marketing, people and culture. Down the line, I hope to build something of my own centered around connection and empathy.”
As an active member of the KIN community, Sherry served as AVP Communications on the KUS, a KPAC Coach, a Campus Kinnections Mentor, and held many more roles in the student community. Sherry also created “KINterested”, a monthly virtual social event series designed to connect new and existing UBC KIN students. “I was determined to keep the fire alive and give incoming Kiners an unforgettable first year experience despite the circumstances of COVID-19.”
Sherry recognizes Elise LeBrun as her favourite mentor in the School. “Elise took me under her wing during my time as a KPAC Coach. She nurtured my growth as a student leader, created an environment where it was okay to make mistakes, and supported me as I explored an entirely new career path – leading to my first big kid job in the community building space, which all started in UBC KIN. I would truly not be here without her and all of her invaluable support throughout the years.”
Karmen is graduating with a BKin in Physical Health and Education. After graduation, Karmen plans on enrolling in the Bachelor of Education program to become a secondary school physical education teacher.
As an active member of the KIN community, Karmen served as a member of the KUS as VP Communications for 2019-2020, “I rebranded the KUS with a new logo and brand identity and created the first ever KUS student agenda. I was also a KUS Street Team Member, KUS Sports REC Coordinator, UBC KIN Orientation Leader, UBC KIN BodSquad Imagine Day Leader, and KIN Camp Leader.” Outside of KIN, Karmen worked as a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor for UBC REC, an Active Start & Fundamentals Coach for Special Olympics BC. She was President of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and held the role of the Junior Graphic Designer for the Alma Mater Society of UBC.
Upon reflection, Karmen says “I am very grateful for KIN for allowing me to have a flexible and diverse degree with opportunities to study various disciplines of kinesiology, such as coaching and education, physiology and anatomy, and sport psychology and sociology. It has been extremely fulfilling learning how to approach kinesiology in a holistic way with the goal of promoting lifelong participation in physical activity within ourselves and others.”
Lana is graduating this Spring, 2021 with a BKin from the interdisciplinary stream. After graduation, she plans to apply to the British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists to be certified as a Registered Kinesiologist. Eventually, Lana would like to move back to the United States to become an Exercise Physiologist and work with athletes.
Upon reflection, Lana says that UBC KIN “exceeded my wants and expectations in terms of course material and sense of community. I think everyone agrees that what truly makes the program special is its size and spirit, since it is made up of driven individuals who truly love what they are studying. The most important thing I have learned throughout my degree is how important support systems are to mental and physical health. You can work through and accomplish almost anything with the right people in your corner.”
Lana was a research assistant for Alison Williams in the Lam Lab at ICORD, where she “assisted people who had cervical spine injuries use exoskeleton walking devices to test differences in quality of life. It was an incredible opportunity to learn more about Anatomy and Physiology and to see what graduate research looks like in my field.” Lana also served as the Director of Community Service for Alpha Pi UBC, where she set up new volunteer opportunities in local community centers and organized a team to raise money through the Run For The Cure Canadian Cancer Society.
Sage is graduating this Spring, 2021 with a BKin in the interdisciplinary stream. After graduation, Sage plans to become a strength and conditioning coach to help people achieve their fitness goals. “Whether it is rehab after surgery or someone looking to improve their marathon time, I hope I can help them with my knowledge and education.” Sage says, “I have a goal of starting out my own coaching business to help younger athletes (middle/high school) with their strength and conditioning for sport and recreation. The vision is to empower these kids to live active lifestyles while enjoying the benefits of a training program.” Sage also hopes to celebrate this milestone by safely traveling to Europe with his friends once the COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted.
When asked what drew him to UBC KIN, Sage says, “I have done weightlifting, sports, and training all my life. When given an opportunity to study exercise science, UBC KIN was a no brainer.” Sage reflects on the most important thing he learned in KIN: “How to expand your social circle and talk to new people. I have met so many cool people from KIN that I still stay in touch with. You never know how your network can help you secure a new job, volunteer opportunity, or connect you to another person that may help guide you in your professional and personal life.”
“I hope that I can impact people’s lives in a positive way and inspire them to be better every day! Fitness and coaching is one aspect of doing that in my career goals. I want to leave a legacy where I chase after the goals that make me happy and fulfilled and life.”
Karen is graduating this Spring with a BKin in the interdisciplinary stream. She states why she was drawn to the KIN program, “I am very interested in human physiology, anatomy, and biomechanics.” Karen played on the varsity swimming team during her undergraduate degree, and hopes to attend the Olympics in Tokyo after graduation.
Ford is graduating this Spring with a BKin in the interdisciplinary stream. Upon graduation, Ford plans to practice prehospital care as a paramedic or physician.
When asked why he decided to join UBC KIN, Ford says, “I was drawn to the program as it was well regarded. KIN has a great community feel and a definite focus on combining academics with practical skills.” Ford believes that “it’s important to also have fun outside of the classroom – making friends and having novel experiences is what university is all about.” Ford was also a member of the KUS in his first and second years.
Presently, Ford conducts research with BC Emergency Health Services and the St. Paul’s Emergency Department under Dr. Brian Grunau. “I am currently working on publications in paramedic assessment of ECMO candidates and pediatric out of hospital cardiac arrest.”
“I learned to facilitate discussions that relate to all aspects of health care.”
Aisha is graduating on June 2, 2021 from the Interdisciplinary stream. She says that she
“loved how KIN professors have such diverse backgrounds and that when subjects were brought up, we were able to discuss the multitude of topics with kinesiology that are applicable. KIN is a smaller community, so it’s easier to get to know each other, make connections and become a community in itself.” Upon reflection, Aisha says that the most important thing she learned in KIN was “how to facilitate discussions that relate to all aspects of health care.”
After graduation, Aisha plans to complete my Masters of Occupational Therapy right here at UBC! She was involved with the KUS as a street team member, senior orientation leader, orientation leader and most recently as a BIPOC committee member! She states that her “goals are to be involved in health care that incorporates both physical and mental health by involving practices that provide patient advocacy. I want to work with other healthcare professionals to facilitate discussions that empower patients to become more knowledgeable about their own health and give them the confidence to achieve any goal they set; having a focus that accounts for physical and mental health and their interconnections.
Felman Faria graduates with a BKin in the Health Sciences Stream. He states that he “loves being active and being able to help others live active lives.”