As the year comes to a close, Arts recognizes the milestones of staff members who’ve been in the university for 25+ years, their compassion for their colleagues and dedication to the UBC community.
The UBC 25 Year Club was established in 1971 by President Walter Gage to recognize the contributions of non-faculty staff who have been at the university for 25+ years.
40 Year Club
Sandy Lapsky (she/her)
Administrator, Department of Geography
Sandy has been an administrator in the Department of Geography since 1989. She encapsulates her 40 years of experience saying “This is the best job ever and every day I’m able to say ‘I love my job’.”
What is the best thing about your role at UBC Faculty of Arts?
I really wanted a job where I would be working with people and being of service. As administrator and working with wonderful Heads, I felt I was given the autonomy and confidence to do my job and make the department a great place to work.
What project, event or campaign are you most proud of?
The project that I have the fondest memory of and where I remembered I had so much fun was in 1992 when Geography hosted the CAG conference (Canadian Association of Geographers) attended by about 500 people. We had a fantastic organizing committee of hard working and creative people and we did everything ourselves. We handled the registration, recruited volunteers, had beautiful T-shirts made, organized all the activities, went out and bought donuts for the coffee breaks, and we had karaoke at the conference dinner. So fun!
Do you have any advice for new Arts staff?
Everyone has their own style and personality and we all have to find our way. As a manager, I would say look for strengths in other people and give lots of encouragement.
35 Year Club
Ginger Dharmait (she/her)
Manager of Expense Services, Arts Service Centre
Ginger is the Manager of Expense Services in the newly created Arts Service Centre. In this role, Ginger oversees a team of 10 who support the Faculty of Arts’ departments, schools, institutes, programs and cultural venues.
What is the best thing about your role at UBC Faculty of Arts?
The best thing about working in Arts is the laughter. I’ve been in the Faculty of Arts Dean’s Office/Finance for 19 years and have had fun the whole time. Since I’ve joined Arts, I’ve moved offices quite often—I’m on my 6th move now, the latest being to the Old Admin Building. There are so many opportunities to purge old stuff!
What project, event or campaign are you most proud of?
I’m proud of the Arts Expense Services Team that was created out of thin air and virtually during COVID-19. It was daunting, but in the end we got a great group that work well together and with their departments. I’m excited to finally be able to work with them in person.
Do you have any advice for new Arts staff?
Get out and enjoy the campus and all that it has to offer (and Arts has a lot) because before you know it, it’ll be 35 years later and you’ll be scrambling to try to get in all the sights before you retire.
Tina Marandola (she/her)
Undergraduate Program Officer, Vancouver School of Economics
Tina works as the Undergraduate Program Officer in the Vancouver School of Economics (VSE). She provides guidance and advice to prospective and current students on admission policies and procedures. Tina’s focus is to provide students with a positive environment and encourage them to make the most of their time at UBC.
What is the best thing about your role at UBC Faculty of Arts?
The most rewarding part of my work is building relationships with the students and seeing them fulfill their dreams in addition to working with faculty, staff and the UBC community.
What project, event or campaign are you most proud of?
Consistent record-keeping over the years has provided valuable input into the growth of the undergraduate programs and course selection.
Do you have any advice for new Arts staff?
UBC is a little paradise in the heart of Vancouver City and the university offers employees the opportunity for growth and well-being.
25 Year Club
Margaret Tom-Wing (she/her)
Manager of Promotion & Tenure, Dean’s Office
Margaret provides support for a wide range of faculty-related processes in connection with promotion and tenure reviews, progress through the ranks, retention, retirements, and leaves.
What is the best thing about your role at UBC Faculty of Arts?
Helping others by providing sound advice and information to make sense of relevant procedures and policies.
What project, event or campaign are you most proud of?
There’s no project in particular; rather, I value simply knowing that I’ve done my best in support of the work we do on behalf of our faculty. I also find it rewarding to be able to work with like-minded colleagues to puzzle through scenarios and arrive at solutions.
Do you have any advice for new Arts staff?
Ask questions, be curious, consider the context; each case is unique.
David Steele (he/his)
Preparator, Belkin Art Gallery
As a member of the Belkin Art Gallery, David is known in the museum industry as a “Preparator”. He is a technician that installs and de-installs various shows and exhibits.
What is the best thing about your role at UBC Faculty of Arts?
The best thing about my work is the talented and kind people I work with and the variety of tasks in my work.
What project, event or campaign are you most proud of?
I have worked on many amazing and rewarding shows and projects but one of my favourites was Thrown: B.C. Apprentices of Bernard Leach and their contemporaries. He was a great British potter and my uncle Ian Steele was one of the potters that went to England in the early 1960’s to study under him. It was a privilege to be part of installing that show.
