Message from the President: Congratulations and thank you for everything you do

A message from Benoit-Antoine Bacon, President and Vice-Chancellor

Hello everyone,

It is that time of year again! We are in the midst of our graduation ceremonies, and this spring, we are celebrating 10,380 graduates at UBC Vancouver and 2,618 graduates at UBC Okanagan. To each and every one of you—congratulations! We are incredibly proud of you and excited to see you on your way to a successful and self-determined life.

As the 2024-25 academic year comes to a close, I also want to offer my heartfelt congratulations and sincere thanks to every member of the UBC community for another strong year under what remain challenging circumstances. You make UBC great and your work is deeply appreciated.

There is no question that the year unfolded in a world that continues to be complex and at times unsettling. From geopolitical conflicts and tensions, to challenges within higher education and the very real pressures unfolding in our own communities—these are times that call for a clear sense of purpose. In that context, the role of a great university becomes even more important, in championing education and research with a commitment to academic excellence and academic freedom that reflects who we are and what we stand for.

UBC, like all universities in Canada, also navigated significant financial constraints this year. The impact of changes to international student policies, combined with inflationary cost pressures and a shifting global economy, are impacting the entire sector. In response, we have taken a disciplined and prudent approach to financial planning. Our academic and operational units continue to work thoughtfully and carefully to manage our resources, while staying focused on long-term sustainability and our core academic mission.

Thanks to these collective efforts, we were able to present a balanced operating budget for 2025-26, which was approved by the UBC Board of Governors in March. That is no small accomplishment, and it speaks volumes about the dedication and stewardship across our community. I also want to acknowledge our partners in government, industry and non-profit organizations, as well as our great alumni and donors for their continued support of UBC’s mission and operations. 

Read the full message