Did you know that UBC has hosted a variety of famous personalities, from Nobel laureates to royalty, and even a former First Lady? As UBC students, you might have seen filming on campus or recognized it in the background of your favourite shows and movies, making UBC one of the most filmed locations in the world. Join us as we explore the intriguing history of notable figures who have visited UBC over the years.
Hannah Simone and Evangeline Lilly, Canadian Actresses
From campus halls to Hollywood, UBC has seen its fair share of star power. UBC alumnus Hannah Simone, best known for her role as Cece Parekh on “New Girl,” and Evangeline Lilly, best known for her role as Kate Austen on “Lost” and for her addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Hope Van Dyne.
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Justin Trudeau, a notable UBC alumnus, earned his Bachelor’s of Education from the university in 1998. Fast forward to 2017, he made a visit to UBC Okanagan (UBCO), where he hosted a town hall event drawing 2500 people, creating an engaging and memorable evening.
Albert Bandura, Psychologist
The brilliant mind behind Social Learning Theory earned his bachelor’s degree from UBC in 1949. His groundbreaking work revolutionised psychology, cementing his status as one of UBC’s most distinguished alumni. As a psychology major myself, I was shocked (and thrilled) to learn about this one!
Tenzin Gyatso, The 14th Dalai Lama
In the early 2000s, the Dalai Lama visited UBC to attend a conference and was awarded an honorary degree, recognizing his global humanitarian efforts and contributions to peace and compassion. It’s not every day you get to say your campus was visited by a Nobel Peace Prize laureate!
Bill Clinton and Boris Yeltsin, Former Presidents of the U.S. and Russia
In 1993, the world’s attention was turned to UBC during the visit of the US and Russian Presidents. Their visit to the Norman MacKenzie House wasn’t just a casual drop-in; it was a momentous event that symbolised a new era in post-Cold War relations. Today, two leather-back chairs at UBC serve as a reminder of this significant visit.
Rick Hansen, Canadian Track and Field Athlete
Did you know that one of the final torchbearers in the 1988 and 2010 Winter Olympics is a UBC alum? Rick Hansen, the man behind the legendary Man in Motion world tour earned his Bachelor of Education from UBC in 1986, making history as the first person with a physical disability to graduate with a degree in physical education.
The Royal Family
Did you know UBC has gotten the Royal’s seal of approval not once, but multiple times? Their first visit was in 1951, when then-Princess Elizabeth attended a UBC football game. On another visit, they took a grand tour of key campus landmarks. During the Golden Jubilee celebrations marking the Queen’s 50 years on the throne, they returned to inaugurate the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre. A twist to the royal story, years later, the 4th floor of IKB had the Queen’s Portrait stolen! Additionally, in the 1950s, UBC didn’t just roll out the red carpet; it awarded Princess Margaret an honorary degree. This royal nod further cemented the university’s regal connections and highlighted UBC’s tradition of recognizing distinguished visitors.
But enough about history—what about you? Have you ever crossed paths with someone famous at UBC? Or do you have a favourite spot on campus where you like to imagine all the incredible history that’s taken place? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below! Let’s keep the conversation going and celebrate the amazing tapestry of experiences that make UBC truly special.
References:
Anderson, S. (2023, January 18). UBC is one of the most filmed universities in the world (PHOTOS). Daily Hive Vancouver. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/ubc-filming-locations
EduRank. (2021, August 11). 100 Notable Alumni of the University of British Columbia. https://edurank.org/uni/the-university-of-british-columbia/alumni/
AlumniUBC. (2020, June 1). Famous UBC Visitors. UBC Magazine. https://magazine.alumni.ubc.ca/2020/best-of-2010-2020/features/famous-visitors
Unknown. (1958). Honorary degree recipient Princess Margaret in Congregation procession
[Photograph]. UBC Library Open Collections.
https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/arphotos/1.0141669?v=oc
UBC (2017, September 10). Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hosts Town Hall at UBCO. University
of British Columbia Okanagan Campus.
https://ok.ubc.ca/about/milestones/prime-minister-justin-trudeau-hosts-town-hall-at-u
bco/
