Santa Ono officially installed as UBC's 15th president

This morning, distinguished guests and members of the UBC community gathered at the Chan Centre for the official installation of Dr. Santa J. Ono as the 15th president and vice-chancellor of UBC. 

In his installation address, Ono spoke of his strategic plan to bring the university from excellence to eminence.

“No one person holds the keys to an organization. No powerful dean, no board chair, no renowned professor, no enthusiastic AMS president and certainly no president and vice-chancellor holds the keys on his or her own,” said Ono. “The truth is that we all hold the keys in trust, to preserve, strengthen and ultimately to leave this beautiful institution to the next generation in a better place than it once was left to us.”

The installation ceremony was the first of various events to celebrate UBC’s 15th President, including an afternoon forum with speakers from the academic community and a celebration concert at the Chan Centre later this evening.

Ono received official greetings from the Musqueam First Nation, the Okanagan Nation Alliance, the Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia and the City of Vancouver via representatives who spoke at the ceremony. 

The ceremony included an oath of office performed by The Honourable Judith Guichon, lieutenant governor of British Columbia, and an official robing performed by Stuart Belkin, the chair of the Board of Governors.

Speakers at the event such as Guichon and Dr. Marianne Legault, an associate professor of French at UBCO, commented on Ono's proficiency as a leader and his ability to connect with students.

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“UBC, you have honoured me greatly by calling upon me to serve as your president,” said Ono. “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for returning this Vancouver-born boy back home.”

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