“Congratulations, you are now graduates of one of the finest institutions in the world! Use the wisdom you have gained to remain curious, the connections you have made to collaborate, and the courage inspired by your experiences to take chances. You never know where you might find yourself… Tuum Est!”

Dr. Ross Dexter

MKin ’10, Athletic Trainer and Strength and Conditioning Coach

“Grads, now that you’re ready for the great leap forward, here are a few things to keep in mind:

You’re only as great as those around you, so help them be even greater.

No is not a 4 letter word, learn how to use it wisely.

Illegitimi non carborundum.

Everything is a resource if you can see how to use it to advantage.

Moderation in everything, including moderation.

We’re only here for a short period of time, don’t forget to enjoy it..”

Gerald Dragomir

MHPCTL’21, Head Coach, Racewalk West

“This Pandemic is indeed a challenge which most of have not faced in the past. My parents survived the last one over 100 years ago and you will do the same. You will be determined and resourceful as you move society into the future where artificial intelligence and virtual reality will create a new 21st century.”

Dr. Doug Clement

MD’59, Professor Emeritus in Kinesiology and Medicine

“Always be open to learning new things. Take any opportunities you can get and use these opportunities to develop yourself.”

Heather MacLean

BKin’15, Registered Nurse, 2012 Olympic Athlete

“I wish to encourage all our students to devote themselves professionally to their Field, which is very important to the health and wellbeing of all persons.”

Clyde Griffith

BPE’64, Recreation & Leisure Consultant (Retired), BC Provincial Government

“It is an honour to congratulate you on your graduation at the first virtual ceremony from the UBC School of Kinesiology. I am so proud of each of you! …You has gone through a very challenging period with COVID and we will need many of you to help those affected by, and who are recovering from, the virus to return to exercise. Each of you must stay healthy and increase your fitness to boost your immune system. You all have a lot to offer with your Kinesiology degree. Congratulations!”

Dr. Jack Taunton

MD’76, Professor Emeritus in Kinesiology and Medicine

“As you move forward in your education and careers during these unprecedented times, remember that YOU CAN control your own destiny and achieve success, even when the world seems to keep pushing back. In the words of Michael Jordan: “Some people want it to happen, some people wish it would happen, others make it happen”. Your graduation is proof of this!”

Dylan Brown

BKin’14 Director, Active Kids, UBCKin

“Congrats, you did it! As Rikki Rodgers said, ‘Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.’ Your dedication and commitment to step outside of your comfort zone has led you here and will serve you well as you continue to build your life’s work. Be kind to yourself, and don’t forget to keep in touch with the School and each other.”

Elise Le Brun

Manager, Student Engagement, Langara College

“Digital COVID friendly air high 5’s to you all! You are graduating in one of the most unusual times in history where, for many reasons, the entire world has been put on pause. That alone is a testament to your adaptability, resourcefulness, and determination to find a way through, and these skills will serve you forever. No matter what you do going forward, you will carry your experiences from university, and they will keep surprising you for years to come. Enjoy the ride, and way to go!”

Michael Averill

BHK’06 Songwriter/Wandering Minstrel

“Congratulations Kinesiology Grads. May you all become responsible stewards of health, positivity, and humanity to the communities around you as you embark on the next chapters of your lives.”

Jonathan Chung

BKin’14, Investment bank analyst & KIN Hong Kong Alumni Ambassador

“Congratulations! You’ve all overcome hurdles and challenges to get to where you are today, and you’re stronger for it. Remember the learnings from outside your classrooms as much as from inside and bring the Kin spirit with you wherever you go. Welcome to the Alumni family and good luck with your next steps, wherever they may take you!”

Emily Speidel

Student Engagement Officer

“Congratulations. You’ve graduated in unprecedented and challenging times. Let your perseverance be a reflection of your strength going forward. I hope that UBC and the School of Kinesiology have provided you with a strong foundation upon which to build for your future pursuits. I wish you all the best in your next steps.”

Romeo Chua

Professor

“Congratulations graduates, you did it! I am proud of each and every one of you, and this is just the beginning of your lifelong journey. I wish you all the very best!”

Deborah Gromer

Undergraduate Associate Academic Advisor

“Congratulations to the class of 2022. Sorry that you had to endure such a disjointed last year. It was 60 years ago that I, along with my 20+ fellow graduates, completed our B.P.E, degrees. We had no labs, had to take 15 “activity” courses worth 1/2 unit each, and the large majority went on to careers as P.E. teachers in the public school system. Such changes in those 60 years! What do you anticipate the field will be like in another 60 years? Best wishes for success in whatever you do – and keep on learning.”

Robert Schutz

Ph.D, Professor and Director Emeritus, UBC School of Kinesiology

“Congratulations, you’ve now taken the first step in the path towards the rest of your career! Take time to celebrate, however, remember that the rest of the path is yet to be discovered! I share with you a quote that pulled me through my first years out of undergrad by Henry David Thoreau, “A single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.” I would like to add to this and advise you to have thoughts of growth but with humility, being a life-long learner, and to have the courage to fail forward. Best of luck grads!”

Sanaah Dodhia

BKin’15, Change Leader in Access, Care and Transitions, Fraser Health

“First, celebrate! It’s a big deal to graduate, so enjoy it. Acknowledge that you are graduating in uncertain times. Get involved however you can in what interests you. The people you will meet are often the ones who will offer you a job, or have important contacts or advice for you. If you don’t know what you want to do, don’t stress. You’ll figure it out by trying things out. If you can’t start yet on what you want, be patient, trust it’ll come together with you staying focused on it.”

Jennifer Dowdeswell

BHK’01, Organizational Development & Learning Manager, UBC

“Congratulations Graduates on your Well-Deserved achievement!
You’ve worked extremely hard to reach this milestone and now you’re on your way to embrace your dreams. There will be many opportunities and challenges as you continue on your journey through life. Be bold, courageous and remember to seize those moments to believe in yourself and follow your heart. This is your time to find your passion and do what you love”

Daisy Chin

BRec’87, Director of Recreation, Vancouver Parks Board

“Congratulations! You’ve not only earned your degree by working consistently but also adapting gracefully. Life is an adventure, so experience it. I’ve agonized over weeks on what’s the right first job post-grad only to realize that there is no right choice, only learning. No matter what paths you choose, I hope you choose consistency and grace, for these are the qualities that will carry you far.”

Yingying Zhao

BKin’19, MM’20, Clinic Support Associate, Babylon Health
past KIN Young Alum Lead

“Being in a vast health field with multiple opportunities, you’ll come across many roadblocks and forks in the road ahead. From experience, learn to set goals, focus on taking action, and remember that the obstacle is the way; you can turn adversity into success by focusing on your perception, action, and will.”

Janelle Iglesias

BHK’13

“Work hard!
Stay strong, spiritually, mentally, physically!
Choose joy!
Life is a gift!”

Kathy Manson

Executive Coordinator & Program Administrator, UBCKin

“Congratulations on this fantastic achievement. The world is throwing a lot at you right now but I hope that you are managing as best you can and will come out of this with great resolve and a determination to be a vocal leader in your community.”

Evan Dunfee

BKin’14 Team Canada Athlete, Run-Walk

“Strive to reach forward and challenge yourself. Support those around you to be and do their best. Always remind yourself of where you came from, so uplift, inspire and mentor the next generation of grads. You always have something to learn and something to give.”

Sara Hodson

BHK’12, President Live Well Clinics

“As Kin students, chances are you have great enthusiasm for all you do, and as UBC graduates, a tremendous work ethic has been instilled within you – in a program filled with winners, my advice would be to remember to shoot your shot – dream job, further study, opportunity or anything your ambition desires, just as you have always done – give it your absolute best.”

Jasmine Mander

BKIN’18 , MPT, UBC Prospects Academy Coach – Whitecaps FC

“Congratulations to you all on your graduation! It’s been a pleasure to play some part in your education here at UBC. It has been a tough year but renewed enthusiasm for health and science has swept the globe! It’s time for you to shine in whatever path you take after your graduation. I wish you the very best of luck.”

Emma McCrudden

Lecturer, Sport Dietitian Athletics & Recreation

“Congratulations KIN Class! A chapter closed and another one begins…The old world is crumbling and nobody knows what the new world will be like, so make up your own world. Create the reality you want for yourself. And if opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”

Maria Gallo

Associate Professor of Teaching

“Congratulations Grads! You made it, and most impressive, you made it during a pandemic! You should be proud of your hard work, perseverance, and resiliency. Continue to shape this world for the better and keep moving your bodies and minds!”

Eli Puterman

Associate Professor, Canada Research Chair Tier 2 in Physical Activity and Health

“Hello KIN grads of 2022!
Congratulations for making it to this defining point of your academic journeys, for keeping your cool during these potentially stressful and uncertain times, and for not complaining too much about your professors’ technical ineptitudes. Sending heartfelt best wishes as you embark on the next phase of your life and wishing you good fortune in navigating and securing one of the many career choices which have opened up to you as a result of your BKin. Stay positive, continue learning, challenging yourself and reflecting on all you’ve learned during your time in KIN at UBC. We all wish you the best of luck and success. Be kind to others and BeKIN kind to yourself!”

Nicola Hodges

Professor

“Congratulations grads! Reflecting on what I would have told myself 10 years ago when I was in your same shoes, I would say:

1) Control the controllables, enjoy the enjoyables

2) Life is rich in more ways than one. You are more than your career

3) Stay KIN-nected

My heart is so excited for you all! I look forward to keeping in touch over the years ahead.”

Jasmin Ma

Assistant Professor of Teaching

“Congratulations to all of you – you made it! What a journey it has been seeing you progress through your degree and watching you grow. Don’t forget to enjoy this moment and everything that comes after it, and just as you did during your degree, look to turn every challenge into a learning opportunity. There are so many possibilities for the road ahead, and I can’t wait to see the great things you go off to do!”

Chanel Flores

Undergraduate Associate Academic Advisor

“Be flexible in your career and do a good job of the job you’ve got. The next opportunity will present itself to you when the time is right and you will be ready.”

Serena Lusk

BHK’97, General Manager of Community Services, City of Richmond

“Congratulations! You should all be extremely proud of this accomplishment as you are one step closer on your career trajectory. Because a new chapter of your life is starting, I encourage you to be proactive by taking charge of your goals, and new opportunities will end up presenting themselves. Showing initiative and being persistent go a long way. Welcome to the alumni family and good luck with your future endeavors!”

Angelo Graffos

BKin ’16, MSc ’19 (Rehab. Sciences), past Young Alumni Co-Lead

“Congratulations to all on being a part of the 100th graduating class at UBC! It isn’t what you expected, but that’s what will make it memorable. No other grad class will be remembered like you, for your resilience and adaptability. The last few years have proven the importance of staying connected with your peers, and now with your fellow alumni. Know that you’re always welcomed back at UBC and that the #KINmmunity persists beyond your student years in the School of Kinesiology. See you in the real world, really soon!”

Sarah Richter

BKin’17, Student, Master of Public Health

“Congratulations class! The campus is in full bloom right now but it seems very quiet without you and the antics of the #KINmmunity. It was a pleasure to be a part of your time here at UBC but I’m looking forward to the next stage even more – this is when I get to watch what you do with your education and how you put your knowledge to use. I can’t wait to see what you do next.”

Andrea Bundon

MA’08, PhD ’14 Assistant Professor, UBCKin

“Congratulations! What a Herculean accomplishment in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic. Your UBC degree is an imposing calling card to potential employers; but, in all likelihood, it will be your personality, in combination with your degree, that will secure you the position you’re applying for… Follow your moral compass and your passion. Be consistent. Be kind. Be a team player. Good luck in following your passion!”

Don Cunnings

BPE’62, Retired Director, Parks & Recreation, Coquitlam

“It is an honour to congratulate all of you on your graduation from the UBC School of Kinesiology. Leaving campus does not mean an end to learning, rather, it’s just the beginning. Enjoy it! As alumni we are very happy to help, please feel free to reach out and ask!”

Mark Bi

MKin’05, Founder & President, Tydo Startup Incubator

“Congratulations! The pandemic has just been a bump in the road that lies ahead but will build resilience amongst all of you. It will challenge and change the way of thinking as you move forward. Now is the time to think outside the box. Perseverance, hard work and determination will be the keys to success. I wish you all the very best on this next chapter of your lives. Remember this quote by Ray Bradbury, Love what you do and do what you love. Don’t listen to anyone else who tells you not to do it. You do what you want, what you love…“

Shelina Babul

PhD’01, Associate Director, Sports Injury Specialist, BCIRPU, BC Children’s Hospital

“Congratulations on this wonderful accomplishment! For those who I had the opportunity to work with in UBC Kinesiology, it was a pleasure and privilege. To all KIN graduates, be sure to enjoy the moment! I wish you all the very best into the future.”

Brian Wilson

Professor, Director of the Centre for Sport and Sustainability (CSS)

“Dear graduating students, Many congratulations to all of you on this well-earned achievement. It is a special credit to have managed so successfully to complete your various programs during these difficult years. You deserve a very special accolade for reaching your goal of graduating, and I wish you good fortune and the best of times in the future.”

Patricia Vertinsky

Professor, Distinguished University Scholar

“Congratulations on completing your BKin degree. You should all be very proud of your accomplishments. Now your next life adventure begins, enjoy the journey. All the best to all of you.”

Fran Harrison

Undergraduate Academic Advisor, Program Administrator

“Congratulations! As you venture on into the next chapter in your life, find what brings you happiness and purpose because it’s you that experiences your story. This milestone is just the beginning. I wish you all the best in whatever you choose to pursue!”

Kimberly Truong

Active Kids Program Coordinator

Moss Norman

Assistant Professor