University Canada West celebrates 20th anniversary
On Monday 27 May, University Canada West launched the celebration of its 20th anniversary, marking a significant journey from its modest beginnings in Victoria, British Columbia, to its campuses in downtown Vancouver.
Founded in 2004, UCW is home to more than 14,000 students from over 110 countries – a sharp contrast to September 2005, when its first cohort of 19 students enrolled to study a Bachelor of Commerce in Management Technology.
Bambi Smith, an Indigenous artist, was commissioned by UCW to create a carving to commemorate the university’s 20th anniversary. The carving includes imagery of male and female salmon, the moon and a human face. Bambi Smith, who is part of the Quw’utsun (Cowichan) First Nation, described the piece as the Symbol of Life.
The carving was unveiled last week during UCW’s Spring Convocation Ceremony and will remain on permanent display at UCW’s Vancouver House Campus.
Dr Bashir Makhoul, President and Vice-Chancellor of UCW, said: “At the heart of UCW’s success lies its dedicated faculty and staff whose unwavering passion for teaching and mentorship has empowered students to reach their fullest potential.”
