See photos of what love means to faculty and staff

family love
Image credit: Terri Givens

A few weeks ago, we invited you—our valued faculty and staff—to share a glimpse of what love looks like in your lives. We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to contribute photos and heartfelt captions. Your submissions beautifully capture the moments that bring joy, connection, and meaning to our community. 

Without further ado, we invite you to take a moment to enjoy these wonderful snapshots shared by your colleagues. We hope they inspire you to reflect on the love and joy in your own life.

My partner exploring nature's beauty. Image credit: Eron Carruth Submitter: Eron Carruth, Theatre and Film, Faculty of Arts, UBC Vancouver
This hidden slot canyon in Death Valley (US) has an unassuming entrance but opens to lofty walls, surprising turns, and magical light. Stepping inside, you feel calm, connected and at one with the earth. Exploring with my spouse made it perfect. Image credit: Jen Pelletier Submitter: Jen Pelletier, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, UBC Vancouver
Self love. Image credit: Swati Mittal Submitter: Swati Mittal, Information Technology, Office of the Chief Information Officer, UBC Vancouver
I visited the Lamplaugh Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park, on an Alaska cruise during summer 2024. I was out on the deck enjoying the beauty, peace and serenity. In the frigid cold, you can hear yourself breathing and happy to experience such beauty. Image credit: Odette Rivers Submitter: Odette Rivers, Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Science, UBC Vancouver
Love means being able to share a breath and a moment outside with your best friend. Image credit: Jessica Josephson Submitter: Jessica Josephson, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, UBC Okanagan
My dog Wilma. Image credit: Henrique Castro Submitter: Henrique Castro, Customer Support, Financial Operations, VP Finance and Operations, UBC Vancouver
Lynx loves to feel our daughter move. Image credit: Caroline Benevente Submitter: Marcos Aguiar, Animal Care Services, VP Research and Innovation, UBC Vancouver
Hiking with Charlie the Border Collie x German Shepherd near Muncho Lake, BC. Image credit: Kristen Brooke Submitter: Kristen Brooke, Communications, Office of the Provost and VP, Academic, UBC Okanagan
I was drawn to share this love-inspired photo from 2024, the year I got married! Surrounded by family and friends in our hometown of Kingston, Ontario, the day couldn't have been more filled with love! Image credit: Josh Sauer photography Submitter: Anya O'Leary, Student Support & Case Management, AVP Students, UBC Okanagan
Where the sky meets the sea, love finds its calm. Image credit: Xu Zhang Submitter: Xu Zhang, Botany, Faculty of Science, UBC Vancouver
The Last Rose – this photo was taken in late November. I LOVE that because where I'm from, NOTHING blooms in November. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find anything green! Image credit: Judy Strykiwsky Submitter: Judy Strykiwsky, School of Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, UBC Okanagan
I recently returned to Japan after 15 years away and realized just how much I missed the place I call home—Kobe, Japan. Image credit: Yuka Sasagawa Submitter: Yuka Sasagawa, Brand and Marketing, VP External Relations, UBC Vancouver
Morning bliss. Image credit: Sujata Sarkar Submitter: Sujata Sarkar, Physical Therapy (Hiring Solutions), Faculty of Medicine, UBC Vancouver
In 'The Little Prince', the pilot draws him a box, and within that box is whatever the little prince imagines. To navigate his own way out of this desert of grief, did he draw himself a box, and turn it over, and find, inside, the way home? Image credit: Art & photo by Andrea Routley Submitter: Andrea Routley, UBC Press, UBC Vancouver
Painted eggs at the Egg Museum in Vama, Bucovina, Romania. Image credit: Calin Rad Submitter: Calin Rad, Procurement Services, VP Finance and Operations, UBC Vancouver
For me, love is in these innocent smiles. I find solace with children, knowing I'm the reason for their laughter. I'll stop anything just to see them smile. These smiles are love – unconditional and pure. Image credit: Divya Gandhi Submitter: Divya Gandhi, Faculty of Forestry, UBC Vancouver
Mountain magic. Image credit: Disha Khanna Submitter: Disha Khanna, Housing Immigration and Relocation Services, Human Resources, UBC Vancouver
To me, love is acceptance, connection, and an unspoken understanding. In the magic of a festival, surrounded by music and pure joy, we find our happiest place together. Image credit: Erika Lachance Submitter: Erika Lachance, Campus Planning and Infrastructure Development, VP Finance and Operations, UBC Okanagan
Anthony the cat whisperer! Bruce and Sophie absolutely love their catdad, and each other! It’s always so heartwarming for me to witness this love fest every day! 🥰😻 Image credit: Viola Cohen Submitter: Viola Cohen, Communications and Marketing, University Relations, UBC Okanagan
Love is a night-owl bestie who’ll giggle and cry over life’s shenanigans without judgement - one sip of coffee at a time! Image credit: Laura Mabee Submitter: Laura Mabee, Continuing and Professional Education, Office of the Provost and VP Academic, UBC Okanagan
Love is a warm blanket and puppy snuggles. Image credit: Tiffany Fan Submitter: Tiffany Fan, Office of the University Counsel, UBC Vancouver
Fred, the Bengal cat is my sister's cat but I feel like he loves me as family too. Image credit: Jennifer Martens Submitter: Jennifer Martens, UBC Library, UBC Vancouver
Love is my animal companion. Image credit: Johannah May Black Submitter: Johannah Black, Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office, Associate Vice-President, Students, UBC Okanagan
Salt in the air, love in our hearts. Image credit: Brianna Brock Submitter: Brianna Brock , Housing, Immigration and Relocation Services, Human Resources, UBC Vancouver
On the water with friends, enjoying the sunshine. Image credit: Katie Earle Submitter: Katie Earle, Communications & Engagement, VP Finance and Operations, UBC Vancouver
Walking through nature, feeling alive with every step. Image credit: Samia Syeoti Ramim Submitter: Samia Syeoti Ramim, Civil Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, UBC Vancouver
Love is being age 5 together, inseparable till grade 8, changing social circles, reconnecting and forgiving, becoming mothers, losing ourselves and finding ourselves again. Love can be hard like getting into cold water, but to surrender is magic. Image credit: Asia Jackson Submitter: Asia Jackson , Nursing, Faculty of Applied Science, UBC Okanagan
New paths with new year sunrise over Lake Ontario. Image credit: Hari Mailvaganam Submitter: Hari Mailvaganam , Information Technology, Office of the Chief Information Officer, UBC Vancouver
Love means being yourself – wearing what you want and being unconditionally accepted. Image credit: Jennifer Xenakis Submitter: Jennifer Xenakis, Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, UBC Vancouver
My students and me on the first day of school! I love my job as Director of Concert Winds and my students! They come from diverse academic backgrounds and share a mutual love for wind band music. It brings us all together! Image credit: Meijun Chen Submitter: Meijun Chen, School of Music, Faculty of Arts, UBC Vancouver
Family love lights up my heart! Image credit: The Procter Family (self-timer) Submitter: Jen Procter, 3T MRI Research, Faculty of Medicine, UBC Vancouver
Corgi. Image credit: Mengxin Wang Submitter: Mengxin Wang, Annual Giving, Development, Development & Alumni Engagement, UBC Vancouver
Sheltie puppy enjoying the sunshine at UBC Village. Image credit: Amy Kao Submitter: Amy Kao, Information Technology, Office of the Chief Information Officer, UBC Vancouver
Afternoon coffee and pastry in Belgravia. Image credit: Mengxin Wang Submitter: Mengxin Wang, Annual Giving, Development, Development & Alumni Engagement, UBC Vancouver
"What greater gift than the love of a cat?" – Charles Dickens Image credit: Nigel Hunter Submitter: Kate Hunter, Internal Communications, VP External Relations, UBC Vancouver
Love is family! Image credit: Selfie by Terri Givens Submitter: Terri Givens, Political Science, Faculty of Arts , UBC Vancouver
Crossing landscapes, making memories. Image credit: Samia Syeoti Ramim Submitter: Samia Syeoti Ramim, Civil Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, UBC Vancouver
I have such a wonderful time with my Little Brother (of Big Bros/Little Bros). We love to do things like take my dog to the beach and explore new playgrounds. Big Brothers is in high need of people to support kids – consider being a mentor! Image credit: Geoff Webb Submitter: Geoff Webb, School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, Faculty of Arts, UBC Vancouver
My partner and I enjoying a beautiful foggy evening in the Kootenays, October 2022. Image credit: Nearby kind stranger Submitter: Karina Jarzecki, Chemistry, Faculty of Science, UBC Okanagan
On Jan. 1, 2025, our syndicated thoroughbred horse "Legend of Saint Paul" won a 1600m race in the Hong Kong Shatin Jockey Club. My family of brothers and sisters, my father and mother, all enjoy horse racing. Image credit: Photo taken by a friend at the winner circle. Submitter: Kenneth Fung, School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, UBC Vancouver
Embark in an adventure with your loved ones. Image credit: Jennifer Wong Submitter: Jennifer Wong, Innovation UBC, VP, Research & Innovation, UBC Vancouver
Refereeing is "my happy place." Wearing #149, the street number of the house I grew up in, is symbolic of my mom, who I lost to cancer while I was refereeing a game before I could go say my final goodbye, always having my back during a game. Image credit: Cindy MacDonald Submitter: Tom Vosper, Regional and Global, Development, Development & Alumni Engagement, UBC Vancouver
Holding hands with my hubby while exploring a new city for us (Copenhagen) and taking in all the sights! Image credit: Suhail Marino Submitter: Suhail Marino, Partnership for Work, Health and Safety; School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, UBC Vancouver
Sunshine and serenity at UBCO’s main courtyard, where summer vibes meet stunning views. Image credit: Maria Jose Beltran Submitter: Maria Jose Beltran, Community, Culture, and Global Studies, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, UBC Okanagan
While strolling through my neighbourhood, I stumbled upon the East Van Vodville Cinema. A Vancouver Hack Space volunteer created this whimsical theatre, curating delightful film scenes for passersby—I now bring all my loved ones to check it out! Image credit: Paul Krueger Submitter: Alpha Lam, Internal Communications, VP External Relations, UBC Vancouver
Reaching new heights, with a stunning view of the city skyline in the distance. Image credit: Dario Villafuerte Submitter: Dario Villafuerte, Chemistry, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, UBC Okanagan
Twin sisters by chance, best friends by choice. Image credit: A close friend Submitter: Rivka Parris, Internal Communications, VP External Relations, UBC Vancouver
My niece's children playing in the mid-winter waves at Chesterman Beach, Tofino, BC, in December 2024. Image credit: Alfredo Ferreira Submitter: Alfredo Ferreira, Vantage College, UBC Vancouver
Sunset serenity – where the water mirrors the sky’s light. Image credit: Arsh Khanna Submitter: Arsh Khanna, Integrated Engagement, Development & Alumni Engagement, UBC Vancouver
My mom with her book from the library where I work. Image credit: Jennifer Martens Submitter: Jennifer Martens, UBC Library, UBC Vancouver
Main ingredient: Love Image credit: Nobu Kawaguchi Submitter: Nobu Kawaguchi, Institute for Computing, Information and Cognitive Systems, Faculty of Applied Science, UBC Vancouver
This incredible woman followed me up a popular climbing route on a wonderful vacation together, with the goal of proposing to me after reaching the summit. I can't wait to be her husband, and we are both deeply excited for our future together. Image credit: Jonathan Kettle Submitter: Jonathan Kettle, Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, UBC Okanagan
Bashful. Image credit: Juzer Kakal Submitter: Juzer Kakal, Research, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UBC Vancouver
Three best friends sharing one frisbee. Image credit: Tammy Louis Submitter: Tammy Louis, Faculty Human Resources, Faculty of Medicine, UBC Vancouver
Every other Monday, my best friend and I go top-rope/lead climbing after work—challenging ourselves, unwinding, and celebrating the joy of movement together. Image credit: Brandon Stegmaier Submitter: Kristine Wong, Animal Care Services, VP Research and Innovation, UBC Vancouver
To me, love is loyalty, joy, and the bond that needs no words. With Pie by my side—whether we’re exploring trails, playing, or simply sharing a quiet moment—I’m reminded that love is unconditional and always present in the little things. Image credit: Erika Lachance Submitter: Erika Lachance, Campus Planning and Infrastructure Development, VP Finance and Operations, UBC Okanagan
What love means to me: a candid moment with my playful daughter, Sadhbh – captured by my husband – whilst we drank in the majestic sights of the Beara Peninsula, Ireland. Image credit: Daithi Condon Submitter: Meadhbh Monahan, Internal Communications, VP External Relations, UBC Vancouver
There is nothing quite like the love and joy I feel when spending time with family and friends on the slopes, taking in the splendor of our local surroundings. Image credit: Andrea Reynolds Submitter: Andrea Reynolds, Faculty of Arts, School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, UBC Vancouver
The look of Love – our foster “win” named Love in a cloud of cuddles. Image credit: Ariane Madden Submitter: Ariane Madden, Communications, VP Research & Innovation, UBC Vancouver
Clive loves boxes. Image credit: Felicia de la Parra Submitter: Felicia de la Parra, UBC Library , UBC Vancouver
An oasis of serenity amidst the bustling city Image credit: Ren Wu Submitter: Ren Wu, Finance Support, VP Students, UBC Vancouver
Rosie the farmer. Image credit: Kaitlin Sixsmith Submitter: Kaitlin Sixsmith, Biology, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, UBC Okanagan
Christmas Eve at Malibu Beach. Image credit: Ren Wu Submitter: Ren Wu, Finance Support, VP Students, UBC Vancouver
May the beauty of nature bring us love and peace this 2025! Image credit: Edith Lam Submitter: Jennifer Wong, Innovation UBC, VP Research & Innovation, UBC Vancouver
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