After working in Community Centres in Richmond and Vancouver, & GF Strong Rehab. Centre; I switched to the Computer/I.T. field (22 years now). I started at Shaughnessy Hospital as a Computer Operator then Systems Analyst. My career also includes roles such as Technical Support Analyst & Systems Engineer at various large-scale data centres incl. MDA, SFU, & Crown Packaging Ltd. My UBC Degree prepared me well for the few career changes I’ve had to make.
I was fortunate to live on campus at VST, which allowed me to enjoy the many sports-related activities I became involved in. Intramurals, the Aquatic Centre and Storm-the-Wall events were highlights for me. Too many excellent Professors and instructors to list – all very good! Sadly many that taught me have passed away recently; incl. Jack Pomfret, Bob Laycoe, and recently Dr. Richard Mosher; who all inspired me.
Originally I had planned to be a Teacher. I worked a few years in community centres in Richmond and Vancouver, but later I switched careers, studied at BCIT and have worked 22 years in the Computer/I.T. field primarily as a Technical Analyst and Systems Engineer. My education and experiences at UBC have helped me to realize my life ambitions tremendously! My Grandmother was in the first graduation class at UBC in 1916 – Grace Miller. All of my siblings and many relatives have attended UBC. The unique combination of courses I took at UBC has allowed me to seek out and obtain numerous career opportunities. I actually started my Degree in Science and then switched, graduating with a B.P.E. but kept taking science courses (Chemistry, Physics mainly) and Math for the entire duration of my five years at UBC. UBC’s outstanding reputation has always assisted me in my life goals.
My hobbies include various sports, naval history, genealogy & model building to name a few. I currently volunteer at the Museum of Anthropology as an educator for various First Nations programs. Past volunteer experience includes Vancouver Molson Indy, Sun Run, various fun runs, Vancouver Int’l Marathon to name a few.
My advice to Kinesiology students would be, supplement your studies with courses in other Faculties if you can; such as Computer Science and Science. Volunteer as much as your time allows you: e.g. Vancouver Sun Run, Vancouver Marathon, Community Centers.
Dear Members of the School,
It is with deep sorrow that I share the sad news that Emeritus, Dr. Richard (Dick) Mosher passed away on Apr 24, 2021. Dick was an Associate Professor Emeritus in the School of Kinesiology, this, in addition to his celebrated coaching career as head coach for both the UBC Thunderbirds men’s and women’s soccer programs. Dick retired from the School of Kinesiology in 2012 having been a faculty member in the School of Physical Education and Recreation (School of Kinesiology) since 1975 as a human growth and development specialist. Dick successfully balanced a scholarly research career, including providing valuable insight into ushering the School from its primary origins as a training ground for physical education teachers and coaches to a comprehensive hub of interdisciplinary learning and research that exists today.
Along with the development of a Coaching Science option, Dick integrated and cultivated the Masters in Human Kinetics (Masters in Kinesiology) program. This program has attracted students from across Canada and worldwide. The program continues to be a proven success no less to the influence and direction provided by Dick. In his early days as an undergraduate student in the School, Dick was a standout soccer player graduating in 1966 with a BPE. He spent fifty years of his life at UBC as a scholar, researcher, mentor, advisor, administrator, supervisor, leader, and renowned coach. No small feat.
Our deepest condolences to the Mosher family.
Dick will be greatly missed by all of us, friends and colleagues.
Robert Boushel
Director and Professor
UBC School of Kinesiology
To submit condolences and memories for Dr. Mosher, click here, and your memory will appear here within 24 hours.
It is with great pleasure that we announce that Dr. Bill Sheel, Professor in the School of Kinesiology, has been appointed as Distinguished University Scholar at UBC for his innovative research examining the intersection of age, sex and gender and the effects of exercise on human health.
This appointment is made to a select group of ten exceptional University faculty who have distinguished themselves as scholars in research and/or teaching and learning. The designation is conferred by the President on the recommendation of a University adjudication panel. DUS awardees receive an annual salary stipend of $20,000 and a one-time research allowance of $20,000.
Congratulations Dr. Bill Sheel on this outstanding career achievement!
The School of Kinesiology is saddened by the passing of alumnus, Harold Montgomery Engelson, BPE 1962 and three-time Thunderbirds Big Block winner in gymnastics. Monte had a long career as a highly regarded PE teacher at both elementary and secondary school levels.
Monte joined the Freemason Malahat Lodge in 1985, where he worked on community projects with lasting impacts. He was an active member, rising to the position of President in 2005, and was later appointed a Grand Steward. Monte also became active in clowning in the Cowichan Valley, which was of great enjoyment to him and to others. He later became the technology coordinator for the Cowichan School District on Vancouver Island. He wrote and published two memoirs documenting his family’s Swedish roots in BC, ‘New Kid in Town’ and ‘Letters to Mother’.
Monte passed away on April 18, 2021 in Campbell River, BC. The UBC School of Kinesiology sends its condolences to the Engelson family. He will be missed by his friends and the alumni community.