(FWC President’s Welcome Speech at the UBC New Faculty Welcome Barbeque, 2023)
Greetings! A warm welcome to each and every one of you, our members, faculty, staff, spouses and partners, and members of the UBC community to this beautiful Cecil Green Park House, which is the home of our vibrant club.
I would like to tell you a bit about the Faculty Women’s Club. It was founded in 1917 to assist women students, under the visionary guidance of UBC’s first President, Dr. Wesbrook, and the Board of Governors. It holds the honor of being the oldest and most enduring service organization on the UBC campus. For over a century, we have fostered a spirit of community and support, and it’s our honor to continue that legacy today.
One of the core mainstays of our club’s mission is our commitment to nurturing the growth of our students. Through the years, we have passionately championed this cause by offering annually now, over 15 awards in scholarships and bursaries and accumulating over one million in endowed funds. Our funding comes from a tapestry of club activities, including our memorable annual fundraising events, along with the incredible generosity of bequests. Just recently, in early 2023, we endowed the Childcare Bursary Fund, which is an initiative close to our hearts dedicated to supporting UBC student parents on their academic journey. In the past few years, because of the student food insecurity concerns on campus, our members have actively donated and volunteered regularly at the student foodbank of the Alma Mater Society (AMS) on campus. We are now acknowledged on their donor wall.
From the testimonials we have received from our past recipients, we recognize that our awards, donations and volunteer services on campus have truly made a difference in many students lives.
Beyond our commitment to students, the Faculty Women’s Club thrives on the passion for the personal development of our members. We regularly invite distinguished speakers and have sixteen diverse interest groups that serve as the essence of our organization. To note a few of our interest groups, they include Climate Change Solutions, Art Appreciation, Heritage Tours, Handicrafts, Travel, Current Events Discussions, Hiking and Snowshoeing. These interest groups truly encourage connections, intellectual growth, and a sense of community belonging. We believe that engaging with our passions can be a gateway to forming lifelong friendships and inspiring conversations.
So, whether you are a UBC faculty woman, a staff member, a Postdoc, a Visiting Scholar, or their partners, I encourage you to consider joining the Faculty Women’s Club. You’ll find waiting for you, not just an organization, but a vibrant tapestry of experiences. We would like to invite you to become a part of our unique and spirited community.
Welcome to the UBC family, and welcome to our extended community.
Thank you.
Joy Lin Salzberg, FWC Co-President