As another year comes to a close, Arts celebrates the milestones of staff members who have worked at UBC for 25+ years, their deep appreciation for their colleagues, and ongoing commitment 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 worked at the university for 25+ years.
35 Year Club
Carol Mayer (she/her)
Senior Curator, Museum of Anthropology
Carol is the senior curator at the Museum of Anthropology where she is responsible for the Pacific and ceramics collections. Her position entails building relationships with communities, research, curating exhibitions, lecturing, writing, developing and working with the collections.
What is the best thing about your role?
The variety. My day may involve talking to potential donors, taking tours through the museum, delivering a talk or lecture, writing copy for an exhibition, and researching objects for potential publication. As well, I work with an amazingly creative group of colleagues.
What project, event or campaign are you most proud of?
Receiving the Independence medal in recognition of my cultural contributions to the Republic of Vanuatu. These contributions were made possible through a donation to MOA of Pacific artifacts (it’s a long story!).
Do you have any advice for new Arts staff?
Stay fit, be positive, be curious.
25 Year Club
Niroshi Sureweere (she/her)
Reception, English Language & Literatures
As the Receptionist in the Department of English Language and Literatures, Niroshi is often the first point of contact for faculty, students, and visitors. Her role entails providing the best service possible and working on varied administrative duties within the department.
What is the best thing about your role at UBC Faculty of Arts?
The people! I feel very privileged to work with an incredible group of colleagues who are supportive, encouraging and kind. The staff, faculty and students have truly enriched my life in the department, the Faculty of Arts and the university as a whole.
What project, event or campaign are you most proud of?
Twenty-four of my working years at UBC have been in the Department of English Language and Literatures and I have been in different roles during this period – the longest was as the ‘First-Year English Program Assistant and Financial Assistant’ for the department. It’s difficult to pinpoint one specific project or work achievement as I have worked on many diverse projects that were challenging yet rewarding. I have much gratitude to all the support staff, administrators, department heads, and program chairs I have worked with all these years – their confidence and trust in me have motivated me to embrace challenges and take on new tasks.
What is your fondest memory at UBC?
Among the fond memories, here are two of the sweetest: a first-year student who gave me a can of orange juice, and a parent (of a student) who brought me homemade cookies – both were to thank me for helping with registration.
Do you have any advice for new Arts staff?
Connect with others, stay engaged and never be afraid to ask for help. UBC offers a plethora of excellent resources and support geared towards mental and physical well-being. Take the opportunity to visit the Museum of Anthropology, the Nitobe Memorial Garden, and other attractions on campus during a lunch hour. Enroll in courses and workshops and, enjoy the perks such as discounts offered to UBC employees.
Nancy Bruegeman (she/her)
Collections Manager, Museum of Anthropology
Nancy worked her way up to the position of Collections Manager, starting as a Collections Intern in 1996. This was her dream job when she was a UBC student, “I’m thrilled that I’ve been able to work at MOA all these years,” she shares.
What is the best thing about your role at UBC Faculty of Arts?
The best thing about my job is being able to work with thousands of cultural objects from all over the world. I’m always learning about new people and places, along with all the amazing things they create.
What project, event or campaign are you most proud of?
I’ve worked on a lot of really interesting exhibitions, but I think the most rewarding project was the MOA Renewal Project. It was a massive amount of work for us, spanning 7 years, but the results were fabulous.
Gwilyn Timmers (she/her)
Public Services Manager, Museum of Anthropology
Gwilyn manages Event Rentals and Membership programs at the Museum of Anthropology, and oversees all MOA’s front-line Customer Service.
What is the best thing about your role at UBC Faculty of Arts?
My favourite thing about my role at MOA is working with the public as well as our incredible staff, volunteer association, and students and interns every year!
What project, event or campaign are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the development of MOA Journeys, a travel program exclusively for MOA members, which has had me plan and accompany members to Cuba, Portugal, Australia, Haida Gwaii and other places to experience world arts and cultures firsthand.
What is your fondest memory at UBC?
I have had the exquisite privilege to take part in two pole-raisings at UBC, both carved by 7idansuu James Hart, in 2000 and 2017.
Do you have any advice for new Arts staff?
UBC campus is gorgeous and diverse – don’t forget to get outside of your office and explore the wonderful features, attractions, and natural beauty the campus has to offer!
