Congratulations to all students who received scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Competitive Scholarships

The following students were awarded scholarships based on specific eligibility criteria and strength of their scholarship application. For information about each scholarship, visit our Scholarships page.

• Isabel Altamirano
  Archbishop Exner, OMI Scholarship
• Ajel Joshua Dale
  Archbishop J. Michael Miller Scholarship
  Prof. Georges Abi-Rached Scholarship
• Jonathan De Souza
  Philip Brocking Award
• Lindsay De Souza
  Circle of Fellows Scholarship (1st-year)
• Anthony De Lazzari
  Circle of Fellows Scholarship (2nd-year)
• Sawyer Drummond
  Circle of Fellows Scholarship (2nd-year)
• Abigail Fernandes
  Jim Bennette Entrance Award
• Julia Gatchalian
  Circle of Fellows Scholarship (1st-year)
• Samrath Gill
  Circle of Fellows Scholarship (1st-year)
• Ryan Jackson
  Fr. David Bauer, CSB Award for Athletic Excellence
• Renai Jose
  Circle of Fellows Scholarship (1st-year)
• Megan Littlejohn
  Dr. Gerald and Marian Sylvester Award in Social Justice
  Archbishop J. Michael Miller Scholarship
  Prof. Georges Abi-Rached Scholarship
• Jessica Sangalang
  Circle of Fellows Scholarship (1st-year)
• Keisha Walrond
  Circle of Fellows Scholarship (1st-year)

Academic and Merit Scholarships

The following Corpus Christi College students were awarded scholarships in recognition of their high G.P.A. and/or merit.

• Kristoff Ethan Alexander
• Lizelle Jane Lindong Cabrera
• Mateo Curak
• Regeena Rose Padilla Dayrit
• Cameron Deacon
• Benjamin Bernard Dee
• Lindsay Lucy De Souza
• Aidan Patrick Edgar
• Abigail Ann Fernandes
• Kyler Yasuo Fukushima Flores
• Owen Matthew Fitzpatrick
• Ana Carolina Garcia De Souza
• Oscar Hanke
• Anand Jangar
• Gabriel Thomas Cham Koch
• Tiffany Tsing Tsing Kwok
• Megan Elizabeth Littlejohn
• Victoria Liwen
• Sijie Long
• Nathan Valiente Manuel
• Kathleen-Anne Canita Marcelino
• Madison Antonietta Mariani
• Radovan Evza Morris
• Connor Elliott Myers
• Jake Robert O’Kennedy
• Sarah Marie Pawliuk
• Chloe Quejado
• Sahil Sandhu
• Lauren Rachel Scoten
• Ines-Anae Shebbeare
• John So
• Sebastian Kazuya Soda
• Cecilia Tzu-Yen Teng
• Oliver Vaney
• Carson Damon Bailey Wong
• Edward Wu
• Danny Yu
• Bill Zhou

INSPIRE Leadership Awards

Three students were awarded INSPIRE Leadership Certificate Program Awards, to support their participation in theINSPIRE Leadership Certificate Program at Corpus Christi College. These students were selected based on the strength of their scholarship application and leadership/service experience.

• Isabel Altamirano
• Ajel Joshua Dale
• Gabriel Dela Rosa

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Scholarship applications for the 2023-2024 Academic Year are now open. We encourage all eligible students to apply for awards. Discover our scholarships

Additionally, we are pleased to accept applications for two competitive scholarships for the Winter term (January 2023). These scholarships are open to first- and second-year students of Corpus Christi College and St. Mark’s College. The application deadline for scholarships is November 29, 2022. Apply for a Winter 2023 scholarship

The Federal Government has declared September 19 as a day of mourning in honour of Queen Elizabeth II to coincide with her funeral in London, U.K. The Province of BC has followed suit recognizing this day as a public holiday.

In recognition of the Prime Minister’s announcement and based on the direction of the Province, Corpus Christi College and St. Mark’s College, along with the University of British Columbia, will be observing this day as a national day of mourning. Classes will be cancelled and university employees will receive September 19th off.

With there already being several holiday Mondays in the Fall semester, some Monday courses may need to schedule a make-up class in order to the meet the required number of in-class teaching hours for the course. If this pertains to your course, you will be notified by the Office of the Registrar or your instructor.

To learn more about this provincial holiday, please see the statement from the Premier of BC.

We are pleased to accept applications for the following scholarships for the Winter term (January 2023). These scholarships are open to first- and second-year students of Corpus Christi College and St. Mark’s College.

The application deadline for scholarships is November 29, 2022.

Kristian Domingo Award - $1100

Eligibility

A Year 2 returning student demonstrating inspirational leadership and perseverance in overcoming adversity. (Year 2 means that you have completed at least 27 credits before the start of fall term.)

An applicant must submit:

A 250-word essay describing how they have demonstrated perseverance in adversity and how their leadership has inspired others.
One reference letter from a supervisor or community leader who can attest to your leadership qualities and perseverance in overcoming adversity. This referee must submit a confidential reference letter to [email protected] by the application deadline.

Points to consider in your essay:

• Describe in your own words what the Kristian Domingo Memorial Award means to you and why you are deserving of this award.
• How have you inspired (or been inspired by) the people around you to persevere to change an outcome or events?
• Explain or give examples of how adversity has impacted your life and how you dealt with it or are dealing with it.
• Describe your relationship with your own family and what activities you share in common.
• What activities are you involved in at your school, community, and church that you feel passionate about?
• Do you know at this time what future goals you would like to achieve upon graduation from Corpus Christi College or St. Mark's College?

Newman Association of Vancouver Scholarship Honouring John Henry Cardinal Newman - $1000

Eligibility

Year 2 returning students who exemplify true Christian virtues as demonstrated through scholarship, leadership and communication. (Year 2 means that you have completed at least 27 credits before the start of fall term.)

An applicant must submit:

A 300-word essay describing how they envision such values to be sustained upon their graduation from Corpus Christi College.
One reference letter from a leader who can comment on your Christian virtues. This referee must submit a confidential reference letter to [email protected] by the application deadline.

“Why shouldn’t I help out? I feel a sense of community and responsibility toward my country. I can make an impact. I can help.”

B.C.’s tremendously challenging 2021 wildfire season saw 1,642 wildfires, thousands of evacuated residents, nearly 8,700 sq. kms. of land burned (the third worst on record) and, for added measure, a historic “heat dome” with record-breaking temperatures.

On top of the usual pressures of fighting wildfires, staffing efforts were further complicated by the ongoing pandemic, which limited B.C.’s ability to bring in out-of-province firefighting resources and also posed health risks for everyone involved, including firefighters and evacuees.

Jonathan Tee, a Corpus Christi College alumnus and Canadian Army Reservist, raised his hand to volunteer for Operation LENTUS with the Canadian Armed Forces, answering B.C.’s call for military assistance to respond to the emergency.

Tee — “Private Tee” when on duty — was rapidly deployed with a Domestic Response Company to central B.C. Armed Forces personnel assisted wildfire service staff with holding fire lines and suppressing hot spots, in addition to transport and fire line construction.

Reflecting on his experience, Tee remembers the strength of the people he encountered, and that while days were long and tiring, the work was important. “Working next to you, you have people who are from Vernon, who are from Kelowna,” he recalls.

“There is this fire that is threatening the province and the guy who is beside you, his home will go up in flames if you don’t get the fire under control.”

Of particular interest to Tee were the Indigenous fire management techniques used. “We lit backfires, where we would intentionally light a fire to burn off all the combustible materials,” he explains. “It would create a belt free of burnable materials that the larger wildfire would have difficulty crossing. It’s an Indigenous technique used to tend and care for the land.”

Tee has a long history of lending his time and talents to community initiatives and was well regarded for his heart for service at Corpus. Not surprisingly, one of the reasons he was drawn to Corpus was its social justice programming and liberal arts focus. He credits his time in the small, supportive classrooms with giving him the confidence to engage in challenging academic conversations, especially at UBC, where he completed his degree.

Tee first considered joining the Canadian Army Reserves while he was a student. “After hearing about the work done by the military, I was sitting there thinking: Why shouldn’t I help out? I feel a sense of community and responsibility toward my country. I can make an impact. I can help.”

The move is an extension of his passion for helping, including previous volunteer work as a Program Coordinator for Couples for Christ Youth, a youth leader at St. Mary’s Parish, a volunteer with The Good Shepherd Ministry and Agape Street Ministry in the Downtown Eastside, and a Youth Committee member for Anxiety Canada.

Photos courtesy of Canadian Armed Forces Public Affairs. Photographer: Sailor First Class Victoria Ioganov

Corpus Christi College is delighted to welcome six new Junior Fellows – the largest group of Circle of Fellows scholars in the award’s history.

Junior Fellows in the Circle of Fellows scholarship program are dedicated, empathetic team players who have the vision and desire to change the world for the better.

The newest cohort of young scholars has demonstrated a particularly strong sense of character, service, and leadership in their communities, adapting to major social challenges, especially those brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to bring people together and make meaningful change in their communities. In addition to the extensive leadership and volunteer experience, every recipient demonstrated academic excellence, with each winner having an "A" admissions average.

Recipients were selected from a competitive field of high school applicants and underwent a comprehensive evaluation process including a multi-part written application and panel interviews with staff and faculty. Through the Circle of Fellows scholarship, they will benefit from a 2-year scholarship inclusive of tuition and co-curricular support, as well as personalized mentorship; guaranteed opportunities for service, leadership, and internships; and participation in a dynamic network of scholars and respected industry leaders.

Starting Fall 2022, the following students will join second-year students Anthony De Lazzari and Sawyer Drummond as Circle of Fellows Junior Fellows at Corpus Christi College.

Lindsay De Souza

St. Thomas More Collegiate
Lindsay has held leadership roles in Beyond Borders, which organizes school exchange programs, Our Lady of Mercy Youth Ministry, and the Blessed Edmund Rice Team (BERT). As a BERT leader for both junior and senior programs, she oversaw student-led initiatives like the annual Toys for Kids Drive, where students collected hundreds of toys for new immigrant families in the community, and found creative ways to boost student support for and involvement in these initiatives.

“Lindsay is an excellent academic, humanitarian and human being who shows a level of compassion and understanding not often seen at her age.”

Julia Gatchalian

Little Flower Academy
As Co-Chief Executive Officer for Good Guys Charitable Foundation, a youth-led registered non-profit organization, Julia managed an Executive Team and six school clubs across the Lower Mainland. She was also a member of her school’s Executive Student Council and Co-President of the Vancouver College Business Club. Aside from her extensive involvement in clubs and non-profit organizations, Julia is the creator of “GatchbyGatch,” a small independent custom manufacturing business through which she produces branded merchandise for school clubs.

“Julia radiates enthusiasm and compassion. She is a natural leader who has a talent for drawing the best out of other people, thus establishing a strong feeling of inclusivity.”

Samrath Gill

John Oliver Secondary School
Samrath was elected to both the John Oliver Secondary School Student Council and the Vancouver District School Council, lent his voice talents as his school’s PA announcer, and shared his passion for business and finance as the President of the John Oliver Spades Club. As a leader in his high school’s “Kindness Project” initiative, he created a collaborative school display spreading awareness about the discovery of unmarked graves of Indigenous children who were victims of the Canadian residential school system.

“Samrath balances his academic abilities with a heart for others, helping friends and classmates, both, in-class and in extracurriculars.”

Renai Jose

Little Flower Academy
Renai is the co-founder of The Giving Truck, an organization that empowers youth to spread love through random acts of kindness, including initiatives like shoreline clean-ups, menstrual hygiene product drives, and meal programs for those residing in the Downtown Eastside. Within her high school, she was Student Council President for her homeroom for several years, a leader of the One World One Heart Social Justice Conference, and a Campus Ministry Core Leader.

“What is most remarkable to me is Renai’s humility… She actively lives her faith, through both her countless volunteering endeavors and her daily compassionate interactions with her peers.”

Jessica Sangalang

St. Thomas More Collegiate
Since 2019, Jessica has been a Youth Coordinator for Vancouver’s Reaching Out Christ to Kids (ROCK) program. She helped start ROCK’s first school-based team in Canada, adapting to the constraints of the pandemic to establish the program in two elementary schools. In addition to her work with ROCK, Jessica is an ambassador for the Vancouver chapter of Girls Give Back and was Co-President of both the Mary Rice Club and the Jr. Blessed Edmund Rice Team at St. Thomas More Collegiate.

“Jessica is first and foremost a kind and gentle soul… She is highly intelligent and this intelligence is paired with a terrific work ethic.”

Keisha Walrond

McMath Secondary School
Keisha received numerous service, leadership, and academic awards throughout high school. In Grade 11, she was awarded the “Rick Hansen Difference Maker Award for Leadership” in recognition of her contributions to her community. She embraces challenges and is always eager for opportunities for self-growth. Keisha participated in the Minerva BC and Rize Girl leadership development programs in 2021, and attended the RCMP Youth Academy in Spring 2022.

“Keisha is a kind, warm, and collaborative individual who has a deep desire to make a positive impact on the world and a strong vision on how she wants to advance that.”

Read about Previous Winners

To the family members, educators, coaches and all those who helped these exceptional students, and to the donors who fund this scholarship program: thank you for supporting students as they work toward making their mark academically, socially and professionally!

At Convocation on May 14, 2022, Corpus Christi College awarded the Associate of Arts degrees and welcomed a new group into our community of alumni.

Following the ceremony, the courtyard outside St. Mark's Chapel buzzed with energy as friends and family took photos, shared smiles and laughs, and enjoyed time together. This was an especially joyous occasion, as it was the first Convocation ceremony since 2019 celebrated on campus. (Convocation was celebrated jointly in September 2021 for the Classes of 2020 and 2021 via a hybrid celebration, which took place at the Robert H Lee Alumni Centre at the University of British Columbia.)

In her Convocation Student Address, Maria Therese Dela Rosa, winner of the Inspire Leadership Award and President's Award, reminded us that the Class of 2022 began their university studies in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Our first year was spent in front of our computers, many of us alone in our bedrooms, dealing with a world in crisis."

Despite the challenging beginnings, the Class of 2022 worked hard to achieve their academic goals and, along the way, found friendship and support in the community of classmates, faculty, and staff at Corpus Christi College.

"This deep, rich, and vibrant connection, first brought about in the most challenging of times, is the reason that each of us will depart with a profound sense of resilience and dedication not only towards our peers but towards the greater good."

We are grateful to have walked alongside the Class of 2022 on their journey at Corpus Christi College, and we congratulate the graduates on their achievements!
 

Convocation Photos

launchView Convocation 2022 Photo Album
 

CONVOCATION STUDENT ADDRESS

Maria Therese Dela Rosa
Corpus Christi College, Class of 2022

Your Excellency Archbishop Miller, President Higgins, Board Director Michelle Chang, Faculty, Staff, Distinguished Guests, Friends, Family and fellow Graduates I am honoured to be standing in front of you today, presenting the valedictorian speech, as the representative for the class of 2022. To those, I have yet to introduce myself to, hi! My name is Maria Therese Dela Rosa (or simply put, Maria).

I am delighted for and could not be more proud of those who are here today. Graduates, after years of trials and tribulations, we have made it. We have found success. Success in our academics, in our careers, and simply put, in ourselves.

Pope John Paul II states “the human spirit must be cultivated in such a way that there results a growth in its ability to wonder, to understand, to contemplate, to make personal judgments, and to develop a religious, moral, and social sense.”

That, my dear friends, is what has happened to each of us upon entering and leaving St. Mark’s and Corpus Christi College. It is here that education entangles itself within the culture and humanity of every single student. We are taught to question the unknown, to challenge our beliefs, and to advocate for the issues that matter most.

How many of you have:

• frequented student life events
• been able to attend weekday mass
• enjoyed one-on-one conversations with your instructors
• booked an appointment with the Student Resource Centre
• gained first-hand experience in a practicum
• visited the Door is Open
• or attended an academic lecture hosted by the college?

We have been changed by these experiences and by these events. Being a part of this community is something that will leave a lasting effect. To every member of the community, thank you. Thank you for your service, for your passion, for putting first student wellbeing, and for acting as our primary sources of inspiration. You have played an active role in each of our own, personal development. Your work does not go unnoticed. Genuinely, thank you.

Graduates, our journey has been unique, with our degrees beginning in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our first year was spent in front of our computers, many of us alone in our bedrooms, dealing with a world in crisis. This experience, though tumultuous at times, fortified an already existing belief found deep within us: this belief in which we do not have to go through this world alone.

As students, we overcame the distance together. We overcame the challenges together. We grew side by side, both amongst our fellow classmates and alongside the college. This deep, rich, and vibrant connection, first brought about in the most challenging of times, is the reason that each of us will depart with a profound sense of resilience and dedication not only towards our peers but towards the greater good.

To put it in the wise words of the college, we went from point A to point B. Point A is who we once were, and standing here today, I can confidently say that we have reached Point B. Now, I call before you to look at point C. We still have 24 letters in the alphabet. Point A to Point B was only the beginning.

I challenge you within this next chapter of your life to instill the pillars of the college. We have gained an inexhaustible thirst and appreciation for knowledge, faith, morals, and social justice. Continue that! My desire is that this community instills in you a blazing heart that is ready to love and ready to serve.

Once again, I would like to congratulate the class of 2022. To every graduate: You have a bright future ahead of you, and I, alongside the rest of this college, cannot wait to witness the impact you’ll have on this Earth.

I love you and I will forever be grateful.

Thank you. God bless!

“What are you waiting for?” At the beginning of each year, Gabriel Pillay poses this question to students in the INSPIRE Leadership program. More than a question, it is a call to action. At the INSPIRE Leadership Celebration on April 28, students showed how they answered that call.

Throughout the year-long Leadership program, students are encouraged to “find their ‘why’”—or what motivates them to create change—and to develop a legacy project that builds on their passions and talents. They develop their mission and vision, set goals, and then take their project from idea to reality.

At the Leadership Celebration, students had the opportunity to share the culmination of a year’s work with an audience of peers, family, faculty and staff, and friends of Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s College. They talked about what motivated them, how they pivoted in the face of roadblocks, and how they plan to carry forward their projects in the future.

Here, we highlight a few of the projects from the 2022 INSPIRE Leadership class.

Yard Garden Harvest Project - Emma Fenty

Part of the Food Hub program at Little Mountain Neighbourhood House (LMNH), the Yard Garden Harvest Project provides produce, grown with organic practices in neighbourhood yards, for community members experiencing food insecurity.

Emma is passionate about growing the project’s volunteer program and played a major role in formalizing a volunteer handbook for the organization. Her work to recruit and engage volunteers for the program paid off. This year, the Yard Garden Harvest Project team engaged with over 40 volunteers, ages 13-70+, who have contributed over 500 volunteer hours, and eight volunteers embraced leadership roles. These volunteers have harvested over 200 pounds of fresh veggies that have gone to many families who are food insecure within the community.

Bossary Budget - Alua Bostanova and Saiya Nijjar

Alua and Saiya started a Corpus Christi College club called “Bossary Budget” to provide other young people with resources and reliable information to increase their financial literacy in a socially responsible way. As aspiring women in business, Alua and Saiya are driven by the following motto, taken from a Carrie Underwood quote: “Successful people have a social responsibility to make the world a better place and not just take from it.”

In addition to creating a website and connecting with other university students, Alua and Saiya have presented on their club and financial literacy at two different high schools in the community, noting that high school students were especially interested in learning about cryptocurrency.

EJAAD Canada- Reina Hara

EJAAD is a non-profit organization that partners with female artisans in Afghanistan to sell hand-stitched and hand-embroidered bags and bracelets. The funds raised support women’s monthly incomes as well as humanitarian projects, such as a workshop and learning centre in Kabul, where artisans collaborate and access literacy and computer lessons.

Reina volunteered with EJAAD while in high school in Japan and was eager to launch a Canadian chapter of the organization. After logistical challenges due to the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, Reina received her first shipment of goods in March and has since sold 29 bags and 14 bracelets, raising over $700 to support women in Afghanistan.

Sunday and Beyond - Sawyer Drummond and Anthony DeLazzari

When they met at Corpus Christi College, Anthony and Sawyer connected first on football and later on faith. This shared interest in their Catholic identities led them to collaborate on their legacy project, “Sunday and Beyond”. The goal of Sunday and Beyond is to educate and inspire Catholics to live out their faith as a daily practice, and not just on Sundays.

Anthony and Sawyer are excited to host their first public event on Saturday, May 7, at Corpus Christi College. Their three guest speakers – Sean O’Brien, Miriam Melzi, and Felipe Grossling – will be speaking on finding faith in family, work, and relationships. For more information, visit Eventbrite.

The Universal Connection - Maria Therese Dela Rosa

Maria is interested in listening to others and uplifting the lives of those around her. She is grateful for opportunities to share her own story and, through her legacy project, she wanted to give others the platform to do the same.

This year, Maria began working as a student intern for the Centre for Christian Engagement (CCE) at St. Mark’s College, where she has been supporting Dr. John Martens in preparing to launch a podcast. Maria was inspired by this process to create her own podcast, “The Universal Connection.” Maria has already filmed several podcast episodes and looks forward to officially launching the podcast this summer.

Peer Mentoring Club - Mercedes Salvador and Megan Cao

When they began envisioning how they planned to leave a legacy in their communities, Megan and Mercedes each dreamed of projects that would empower their peers to share their talents with others. After discovering this common vision, they teamed up to create a Peer Mentoring Club at Corpus Christi and St. Mark’s College.

The purpose of the Peer Mentoring Club is to create more leadership opportunities for students at the Colleges, and to provide a comfortable community for students to connect with each other—which was especially important as students transitioned back to fully in-person learning after being disrupted by COVID-19. Megan and Mercedes look forward to growing the Peer Mentoring Club next year.

The INSPIRE Leadership program is a year-long certificate course open to all students. Students learn how to define their leadership style and put into practice important leadership skills.

You can be one of tomorrow’s inspirational leaders!

Join the INSPIRE Leadership Certificate program in Fall 2022.

On Thursday, March 10, BC Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced a change to the face coverings order, effective Friday, March 11. Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s College announced on the Thursday that everyone should continue to wear their masks until the Colleges made a formal decision.

In line with UBC’s decision, Corpus Christi and St. Mark’s College will continue to require that all students, faculty, staff and visitors wear masks in all public indoor areas until April 30. Public indoor spaces include areas such as classrooms, labs, hallways, stairwells and elevators, libraries, and Plato’s Cave.

With just a few weeks of classes remaining before we enter the final exam period, it was decided to not change the mask requirement partway through the semester. Students, faculty and staff expressed the desire to be cautious to ensure there are no disruptions to the last few weeks of classes and final exams.

Our priority is to provide the best educational experience for all students while minimizing the risks of infection for everybody. As always, we will continue to monitor updates from Dr. Bonnie Henry and her team, and we are prepared to adjust our COVID-19 response should circumstances change.

Thank you to all in our community for your continued commitment to keeping our campus a safe place to learn and work. The support and care you show for one another everyday is one of the many things that makes our community such a special place.

Today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the end of the face coverings order effective Friday, March 11, 12:01 a.m. The latest changes indicate that individual organizations can choose to continue to require mask wearing on their premises.

With this change coming quickly, Corpus Christi-St. Mark's will continue with the current approach of having students, faculty and staff wear their masks inside the school buildings on Friday, March 11 and until further notice.

We will share a formal announcement about future mask use inside the College buildings soon.

Thank you for your continued patience and adaptability as we navigate the pandemic together.

Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s has received a one-time shipment of self-administered rapid antigen rests from the Provincial Health Services. These tests have been given to Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s to support the continuity of on-campus learning, instruction, and operations.

All in-person students, faculty and staff are eligible for one test kit. Each test kit contains five single-use rapid tests. The tests are being distributed as a proactive measure to ensure students, faculty and staff have access to tests when they need them.

These rapid tests are part of the many layers of protection, such as mask wearing, social distancing, and hand sanitizer use, that support health and well-being on campus. Vaccines remain the most effective way to reduce the risk of COVID-19. Everyone eligible is strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

How to get tests

If you are experiencing symptoms of illness, please do not come to campus to collect a test kit. Anyone experiencing symptoms should assume they are ill and stay home until their symptoms are gone or they feel well enough to resume regular activities.

Students

Collect your test kit from James or Janice at the Main Office. Tests must be collected by March 31, 2022.

Students must present a valid Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s Student ID card to receive test kits, and must be present in person. If you do not have a Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s Student ID Card, which will also be required for in-person final exams, please contact Gerard Garcia at [email protected] or visit the Student Development Office in Plato’s Cave.

Faculty and Staff

Collect your test kits from James or Janice at the Main Office. Tests must be collected by March 31, 2022.

All full and part-time employees working in person are eligible for one test kit, each kit containing five rapid tests.

When to use tests

Once you have your tests, keep and use them to confirm your COVID status when you are experiencing symptoms. Tests should be used by symptomatic individuals only, in alignment with current public health guidance. They are being distributed in advance as a proactive measure to ensure students, faculty and staff have access to tests when they need them.

Visit the BCCDC website to find instructions for at-home rapid antigen tests. Be sure to follow all test kit procedures and safety precautions carefully, and please be aware of the public advisory issued by Health Canada.

Test results

Individuals who test positive should follow the steps outlined by the BCCDC in If You Have COVID-19.

Individuals who test negative (but have symptoms) should stay home, continue to monitor their symptoms, follow public health guidance and limit contacts. Anyone experiencing symptoms should stay home until their symptoms are gone or they feel well enough to resume regular activities.

Through the INSPIRE Leadership course, I was able to be a part of the Door is Open. As a volunteer, I helped set up and distribute the food. When I first arrived I was anxious, as I didn’t know what to expect, but I have found it to be a rewarding experience. The line of people who wanted to receive the food and drinks went around the block, with over 130 people.

My favorite part of the night was interacting with the residents.

Many of them wanted to talk to us and share their stories. While interactions were limited due to COVID, simply talking to residents allowed me to get to know them and opened my eyes to how fortunate I am.

Not only was I able to interact with the residents of Downtown Eastside, but I was able to make new friends through volunteering.

Working together with other students helped me build friendships I never knew I would make.

Volunteering at The Door is Open was an opportunity for me to connect with and help others, which made me realize how I have the power to make a difference in other people’s lives.

I continue to use my privilege to serve others, as my small actions, such as volunteering for a couple of hours, can be valuable.

For more information on how to volunteer with Curbside Outreach, email [email protected].

The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in Canada (ACCUC) is both dismayed and horrified to learn of the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

This illegal invasion has already resulted in needless violence, displacement, and death. The conflict is escalating quickly resulting in further casualties and destruction. At this dire hour, the ACCUC stands with the people of Ukraine and offers our prayers for an immediate resolution to this conflict. We call upon the Russian government to cease its incursion into Ukraine and return to Russian territory forthwith. We also call upon both parties to meet at the negotiation table and discuss a peaceful solution in the spirit of good faith. It is our prayer that a resolution be achieved that will preserve human life and dignity.

In the Beatitudes, Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, taught that those who promote peace are truly the children of God. We must all be children of God by turning away from violence and war. We invoke St. Francis of Assisi by asking him to pray to God so that all people are made instruments of peace.

About Us

The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in Canada (ACCUC) is an organization of Roman Catholic postsecondary academic institutions located across Canada. The ACCUC acts as the official voice for Catholic higher learning in Canada, as it seeks to spread “the spirit of learning” throughout the country.

Sincerely,

Peter Meehan, Ed.D.
Chair, ACCUC
President and Vice-Chancellor, St. Jerome’s University, Waterloo

John Cappucci, Ph.D.
Vice-Chair, ACCUC
Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Assumption University, Windsor

Christopher Adams, Ph.D.
Immediate Past Chair, ACCUC
Rector, St. Paul’s College, Winnipeg

Chantal Beauvais, Ph.D.
Rectrice, Université Saint Paul/Saint Paul University, Ottawa

Shawn Flynn, Ph.D.
President, St. Joseph’s College, Edmonton

Lauretta Frederking, Ph.D.
President, Brescia University College, London

Sami Helewa, S.J., Ph.D.
President, Campion College, Regina

Michael Higgins, Ph.D.
Principal, St. Mark’s College, Vancouver
President, Corpus Christi College, Vancouver

Most Rev. Wayne Kirkpatrick
CCCB Liaison to ACCUC
Bishop of Antigonish

David Malloy, PhD
President, King’s University College, London

Dawn Russell, Q.C.
President and Vice-Chancellor, St. Thomas University, Fredericton

Carl Still, Ph.D.
President, St. Thomas More College, Saskatoon

David Sylvester, Ph.D.
President and Vice-Chancellor, University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto

Gerry Turcotte, Ph.D.
President and Vice-Chancellor, St. Mary’s University, Calgary

Jason West, Ph.D.
President, Newman Theological College, Edmonton

Thomas Worcester, S.J., Ph.D.
President, Regis College, Toronto

"It is clear that everyone in the community is connected, almost like a home away from home."

Annika Ramento shares what her experience as an international student has been like at Corpus Christi College. Annika is a first-year student studying courses related to business. 

As someone who finds comfort in the predictable, change has always been a little daunting to me. While I do think that I can adapt to different situations relatively well, I find solace in being in an environment that’s safe, routine, and familiar. Moving to Canada after living in the Philippines for all 21 years of my life was—and still is—tough, but after only one semester in Corpus Christi College, I can’t help but think that choosing to study in this school definitely made the transition a lot easier for me.

When I first entered the school, I thought I was prepared for what was to come. I had gone through different scenarios of how this day would go, planned for every possible outcome. But as I walked to my classroom, no amount of planning could stop the nerves from getting to me. I was opening up a whole new chapter of my life but instead of being excited, I felt a little lost.

I didn’t know anyone whom I could go to for help, to run to when the days were cloudy, and so for the first time in my life, I felt truly alone.

It didn’t take me long, however, to realize how tightly-knit the Corpus Christi community actually is. As an international student, I joined the International Peer Mentorship Program. I was given a student mentor who I could consider a friend to show me the ropes of all I could do and all I could be in this vibrant new community. This program also allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and try out new activities like the UBC Football game and other events where I got to meet even more people and make new friends.

As I started to become immersed in the school’s events and core values, it became more obvious to me that the people around me—from my classmates and professors to the different student advisers—really did care for me and pushed me to become a better version of myself.

One experience, in particular, that really made me feel that sense of comfort and community was just a few weeks into the semester when I had a short chat with one of the Enrolment Services officers. It was not something that was planned or expected; I had never even met her before but I really felt like I was catching up with a good friend. It was so heartwarming to have such a genuine and fun conversation with someone in the college and since then, I’ve come to realize that there are so many people who are just as welcoming and understanding. If I have some questions on my academic performance, I can easily set up a meeting with the Academic Advisor, and if I decide to look into some new opportunities, I can pop by the Lion’s Den for a quick chat.

Because of the college’s relatively small population in comparison to other universities, it is clear that everyone in the community is connected, almost like a home away from home.

Whether it be during class, at Plato’s Cave, or at one of the student life activities, you can easily find a friend who looks out for you and genuinely cares for you.

While I am still getting used to this new life, I have come to realize that change is okay. There may still be some challenges here and there, but I can rest easy knowing that I have found a group of people who will be there through my sunny days and cloudy ones too. The first few weeks weren’t easy, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that this community will welcome you with open arms and make you one of their own. There’s definitely no shortage of family here.

This Valentine’s Day, we celebrate the tales of romances that grew among alumni in classrooms, lunch tables and hallways. Corpus isn’t just a place where alumni have studied and graduated. For special couples, like Irene and Neil, Corpus is where they fell in love.

Irene and Neil

The first words Irene said to her future husband, Neil, after seeing him playing the bagpipes were, “I really hate the bagpipes.” 21 years later, Irene reflects that the bagpipes eventually grew on her. The two met in their first year at Corpus Christi College in the early 2000s, one of the first classes at Corpus, and began their connection with a friendship. Shortly after starting dating in second year, they knew this relationship would go the distance. “After a month, we both knew that we were each other’s people.”

During their time at Corpus, they enjoyed the close-knit community and the opportunities for activities outside the classroom, such as trips to Pemberton and Keats Island. “There were a lot of great experiences at Corpus. The teachers were phenomenal,” said Irene. “We always used to say, I’m a name, not a number.” (A phrase that is still used by today’s Corpus students!)

Fast forward and the two were married by Fr. James Hanrahan, CSB, one of their phenomenal teachers at the College. Irene remarked on the specialness of having Fr. Hanrahan officiate, “He taught us and he saw our love blossom.”

The bagpipes that sparked their first conversation continued to have a role in their lives with Neil receiving a bagpiping scholarship to Monmouth College in the US. Irene transferred to Simon Fraser University after Corpus and both Irene and Neil graduated from business programs.

Irene values Neil’s quick wit and his ongoing care for others. “He has a wicked sense of humour. He’s funny…He’s really quick on his feet. He is the most generous person you will ever meet. He’s got a big heart.” Neil similarly admires the way Irene puts others before herself and how generous she is with her time, focusing on the benefits of others.

After over two decades together, and two children together, their relationship continues to grow and blossom. “Every day we fall more in love with each other,” says Irene.

A big thanks to Irene and Neil for sharing their story with us!
Did you find love at Corpus? Our Alumni Office would love to hear from you. Connect with Jay Cruz, Alumni Relations Officer.

E: [email protected]
T: 604-827-069

Dr. Gerald and Marian Sylvester Award in Social Justice

This award is a significant legacy recognizing the many contributions Dr. Gerald and Marian Sylvester made to Corpus Christi. To say that these individuals played an instrumental role in the history of Corpus Christi College fails to reflect the magnitude of their impact. Without their leadership, there may not be a College at all.

The desire for providing undergraduate liberal arts education in the Catholic tradition was alive for the Sylvesters. They led a small group of mostly lay Catholics, meeting initially in their home, to create Corpus Christi. Dr. Gerald Sylvester is counted as a founder of Corpus Christi College and he served as Executive Director of the school.

This legacy of care is reflected in the award named in their honour, which invests in future generations, who will help transform our world. Awarded to students who demonstrate leadership in social justice within the College and the wider community, winners receive $2,000 for their second year of studies at Corpus Christi College. The award provides meaningful support to students who pursue social justice studies on the road to their futures.

Past Winner: Nicolo Whang Cruz

Nicolo Whang Cruz, the 2020-2021 recipient of the Dr. Gerald and Marian Sylvester Award in Social Justice, has a passion for social justice and a history of promoting it within the College and the wider community—and reflects the ideals that the Sylvester family and College wishes to advance.

A graduate of Vancouver College, Nicolo played badminton at the competitive level for more than 11 years. He is also active in serving the community, volunteering with food banks or seniors’ homes and helping with church activities.

This deserving student was challenged to balance post-secondary realities with a desire to serve the community and the time pressures of high-calibre sport, and found in Corpus Christi College the environment where he could reach out for needed support.

Nicolo relied on his community to not only overcome his own challenges, but to find the inner strength to show empathy, offer advice and be a positive influence with peers and teammates. He has been able to find the joy in every situation, and his contagious excitement for life and worship has been transformative. With his interest in local and global health, combined with his deep commitment to his faith and social justice, Nicolo is truly a student not only for our time, but for our future, very uncertain times.

Nicolo has his sights set on using his academic knowledge and considerable interpersonal talents to become a social worker, enrolling in studies at UBC. With a solid academic foundation and strong inner foundation, he is well prepared for any and all future situations and challenges he will encounter through this career choice.

“In the future, I hope to pursue the challenge of becoming a social worker because this scholarship has motivated me to modify society’s perception on injustice, and receiving this award fueled my determination.”
— Nicolo Whang Cruz
Recipient, 2020 Dr. Gerald and Marian Sylvester Award in Social Justice

Apply for the Scholarship

Applications for the Dr. Gerald and Marian Sylvester Award in Social Justice are open and due April 30, 2022. Learn more

St. Mark’s College and Corpus Christi College are excited to announce the Father David Bauer, CSB Award for Athletic Excellence, which supports students who are involved in athletics.

Made possible through the generosity of Rabbi Yosef Wosk, PhD, ThM, this award honours the legacy of Father David William Bauer, CSB, who was a beloved teacher and chaplain at St. Mark’s College at UBC.

Father Bauer was an accomplished hockey athlete and coach and one of the most significant contributors to Canadian amateur and international hockey. He established the Canadian men’s national ice hockey team in 1963, received a special Olympic Medal for sportsmanlike conduct while coaching in 1964, and coached national teams to bronze medals at the 1966 and 1967 World Championships as well as the 1968 Winter Olympics. Father Bauer was awarded the Order of Canada in 1967 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1989.

While his accomplishments were many, it was Father Bauer’s vision of hockey and sport that made an impact on so many people. Throughout his career, he approached sport as a means to teach important lessons about life, develop community, and promote world peace. He was also an advocate for players pursuing higher education.

In a special for The Catholic Register, Greg Oliver wrote, “Fr. Bauer was both a man of the cloth and a priest of the rink, and no matter which one was speaking, he could influence you in profound ways, inspiring you to do better for your team, your country and your faith.”

In keeping with Father Bauer’s commitment to sportsmanship and education, this $1,000 scholarship will be awarded annually to an undergraduate student at Corpus Christi or St. Mark’s College who plays on a sports team and demonstrates sportsmanship and community engagement.

More information on how to apply for this award can be found on our websites:

https://corpusold.sparkjoy.com/admissions/financial-aid-and-scholarships/discover-our-scholarships/

https://stmarkscollege.ca/admissions/scholarships-financial-aid/undergraduate/

Photo: Fr. David Bauer, CSB. Provided by the Congregation of St. Basil (Basilian Fathers) General Archives

Vancouver, BC, January 20, 2022 –The Board of Directors of Corpus Christi College and St. Mark’s College at UBC is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Gerry Turcotte as the next Principal of St. Mark’s College and President of Corpus Christi College for an initial 5-year term, beginning August 1, 2022.

An experienced post-secondary educator and administrator, Dr. Gerry Turcotte has been President and Vice-Chancellor of St. Mary’s University in Calgary for eleven years and before this was Associate Provost and Executive Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Notre Dame in Australia, both Catholic universities. He is the past Chair of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in Canada (ACCUC) and Vice-Chair of the Council of Presidents of Alberta (COPPOA). Under his leadership at St. Mary’s University, the school’s enrolment grew by over 100% leading St. Mary’s to become one of the fastest growing universities in Alberta. To support this growth, Dr. Turcotte played a major role in securing significant government and donor funding while also leading two successful strategic planning initiatives.

He is a graduate of McGill University (BA), the University of Ottawa (MA) and the University of Sydney (PhD), which he attended on a Commonwealth Fellowship. He was awarded major teaching awards in Australia, including local, state and national recognitions for excellence in teaching. He was also awarded the Governor General’s Award for Canadian Studies in 2011 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013.

“We are honoured and delighted to welcome Dr. Gerry Turcotte to Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s. He is a bold and creative administrator with an inspiring depth of experience in academia. Through his previous roles at Catholic universities, we know of his deep commitment to Catholic higher education. Dr. Turcotte is an accomplished leader who will bring a strategic perspective to the presidency while remaining connected with the strong student-focused roots that define the Colleges,” said Bruno De Vita, QC, Chair of the Presidential Search Committee.

“Corpus Christi College and St. Mark’s Colleges have long, proud histories, and I’m humbled and excited to be joining these dynamic communities,” commented Dr. Turcotte. “The Colleges are known for putting their students first, providing individualized attention and care to their stakeholders, and creating a space of energy and compassion, both inside and outside the classroom. I can’t wait to join this community and to bring what talents I have to the table.”

“The Catholic Intellectual Tradition, which has underpinned the very creation of universities in the first place, is alive and well in the Colleges and I hope to play a major part in supporting and helping to shape the next chapter in the Colleges’ exciting history,” continued Dr. Turcotte.

Dr. Turcotte succeeds Dr. Michael W. Higgins, who is retiring from academic administration in August following an inspiring career as a post-secondary leader. Higgins will continue his highly-regarded work as an author, scholar, educator and columnist.

“On behalf of the Colleges, I wish to thank Dr. Higgins for his contribution to the Colleges,” said Celso Boscariol, QC, Board Chair. “Dr. Higgins stewarded us through a tumultuous pandemic, led a sizable redevelopment of the campus buildings and laid the invaluable foundation for many initiatives that will advance the Colleges.”

“The appointment of Dr. Turcotte marks a new era of development for the Colleges,” continued Boscariol. “We are confident in his ability to fulfill our mission as a community of faith and learning, inspire faculty and staff, and prepare our students to take on the intellectual, professional, and social challenges of our times.”

About St. Mark’s College
St. Mark's College is the affiliated Catholic theological college of the University of British Columbia (UBC).

The College offers a variety of programs including a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Culture, and Master’s degrees and certificates in Religious Education, Theological Studies, Pastoral Studies and Catholic Educational Leadership. The College also provides the academic component of the Archdiocese of Vancouver’s program of formation for the permanent diaconate. Open to students from all faith backgrounds, the College’s academic programs are rooted in the long-standing and academically rigorous Catholic intellectual tradition.

About Corpus Christi College
Corpus Christi College is a Catholic liberal arts college located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, offering Associate of Arts degree programs and university-transfer courses in arts, business, and science. Along with small classes and a supportive learning community, the College offers inspirational leadership opportunities, integrated student life and social justice programs. Open to students from all faith backgrounds, the College’s academic programs are rooted in the long-standing and academically rigorous Catholic intellectual tradition.

Media Contact
Christina Dumont (Director, Communications)
[email protected]
604-230-6355

Dear Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s undergraduate students,

As we announced in December, the Colleges will resume in-person undergraduate classes starting Monday, January 24. We are looking forward to safely welcoming you back to campus next week.

As always, we will continue to monitor updates from Dr. Bonnie Henry, the Provincial Health Officer, and her team. Public Health Leadership has worked with post-secondary institutions to provide guidance, support and assistance and have advised that it is safe for post-secondary students to return to in-person classes.

During this time of transition, you might have some mixed emotions – excitement to see friends and classmates in person once again, comfort in finding community on campus, and thoughts about staying safe and healthy.

Campus Safety Measures

We will continue to support your wellbeing this term. Throughout the Fall 2021 semester, there were no cases of COVID-19 transmission found in the Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s learning settings. Our safety plans, which included layers of protection for students, faculty, and staff, worked. During the Winter 2022 term, we will continue to have safety measures in place, such as requiring masks indoors and monitoring course enrolment so no classroom space will be at full capacity.

Student Services

Our staff are working hard to prepare for your return to campus and ensure that you have the strong support and community which led many of you to choose Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s College. Keep an eye out in the student newsletters for information about events and opportunities both on campus and online, including:

• Academic skills workshops from the Student Resource Centre (SRC)
• Campus tours for new students
• Opportunities to order branded sweatshirts
• New board games and Nintendo Switch games in Plato’s Cave
• Group volunteer opportunities

Through your membership in the Alma Mater Society (AMS) of UBC, you can continue to access a variety of health and wellness resources and join student clubs and organizations.

Thank you all for your continued dedication towards creating and maintaining an excellent academic and student experience that complies with COVID-19 regulations and protects the community. Your presence makes Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s College a joyful place to be, and we can’t wait to see you soon.

Transitioning to virtual, synchronous delivery until January 24

This measure will help support the health and safety of our community.

Dear Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s undergraduate students,

Due to concerns with rising cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, and in step with UBC’s recent announcement about January classes, Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s will transition undergraduate courses to virtual delivery until January 24, 2022. This is an interim and proactive measure to support the health and safety of the students, faculty, staff and wider community.

Undergraduate classes will begin as scheduled on January 10, 2022. Courses that were previously scheduled to be in-person will have the first two weeks taught as virtual, synchronous (live) classes. These classes will occur in their currently scheduled time block. In early January, students will receive access to Canvas and Zoom for each of their classes.

We recognize that these changes will impact the lives of our students and every student has different considerations in regards to their physical space, mental health and learning. Campus will remain open for students who wish to use it as a separate study space. Services for students will still be accessible and the main office will have in-person staffing. Staff members are always ready to help with your questions and there is a specialized Services for Students directory.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and we are hopeful that this short period of virtual learning will allow us to safely hold in-person classes. Thank you to everyone for continuing to support a safe learning environment. We wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy Christmas break.

Sincerely,
Your COVID-19 Response Team

There is snow in the forecast. Students are advised to plan accordingly. Exercise caution and give yourself extra time as you make your way to campuses.

When the Colleges are open, classes and exams will take place and exams are expected to begin on time.

Closure notification
If the school is closed, a decision will be made before 6:30 a.m. of a work day, including Saturdays when classes or exams are scheduled, and posted on the school website. In severe weather, all members of the College community are to consult the websites of Corpus Christi College and St. Mark’s College.

If the Colleges are open, exams will take place. Exams are expected to begin on time. If a majority of students are not in attendance, the instructor can use their discretion to decide whether the exam can begin 30 minutes later and the exam end time will extend accordingly. Once the exam begins all students are to remain in the exam room for at least 1.5 hours during which time students arriving late can enter the exam. Instructors must maintain the security of the exam and will not allow students to start writing the exam if other students have already finished and exited the exam room. Those who enter late, within the 1.5 hour block, due to weather can have the full amount of time for the exam. Those who do not arrive for the exam due to weather are to write an alternate exam during the conflict days.

Are you a Grade 12 student thinking of applying to the Circle of Fellows scholarship program?

Applying to a prestigious scholarship program with so much at stake – two years of full tuition, opportunities for leadership development, personalized mentorship, and more – can be intimidating. But rest assured, the scholarship committee just wants to get to know you through your application.

Our current and previous Junior Fellows have been in your shoes and experienced it all – from brainstorming what to write about in their leadership essays to stepping into their panel interview to saying “yes” to Corpus Christi College and to this scholarship program. We asked previous winners to share one piece of advice with Grade 12 students who are working on their Circle of Fellows applications. Here are their insider tips to make your application shine.

• Focus on being authentic rather than the "perfect applicant." Share your strengths, weaknesses, passions and goals. – Emma
• Review everything you have done throughout high school, pick the things that made the most impact in your community and talk about those. It's your story and no one can tell it better than you. – Anthony
• Don’t undermine any of your experiences when listing them in your application. Mention anything and everything that has shaped you into the person you are today, regardless of how big or small the opportunity. – Agam
• Instead of writing to sound impressive, I wrote more towards what matters to me. I chose to prove why my acts of service (or leadership) are valuable to me and why I’m passionate about them. When you write in a way that shows not only what you love to do but why, it’s easy for the people reading your application to read through the lines and discover who you are as a person, as well as your character. My tip is this: don’t just show the opportunities you’ve been given, show what they’ve meant to you and why they are so meaningful. Use your application as a chance to display who you are. – Sawyer
• Share your beautiful self. I shared my story and my love of service in the scholarship application then was invited for an interview. The panel members were so caring and I already felt very comfortable. The interview was more of an engaging conversation with them. – Raisa
• One tip I would recommend is connecting your experiences. Rather than listing everything, choose certain activities that have impacted you and explain how you've grown into and can be a capable leader. – Maria Therese
• When writing your application, really focus on how your experiences have shaped who you are today, whether that be academically, or through extra-curriculars or volunteer positions. Write about what you did, what you learned and how this will help you be a leader at Corpus through the COF program. Best of luck to all the applicants, I am so excited for you all! – Lauren

Our Junior Fellows are rooting for your success and are eager for you to join them next fall. Apply by February 1!

launchApply now

By Derrick Mow

Do you ever find yourself lacking in motivation or energy, trying to find a groove in your daily routines and responsibilities? This feeling of “languishing” - a term coined in an article from The New York Times - is a sense of stagnation, a "blah" feeling, as if we are going through the motions of our daily lives without a sense of purpose. 

Whether you are taking classes in-person or virtually, it can be tough to stay motivated. Here are a few tips and tricks on how to find motivation in college, and how to use that energy towards being the best that you can be. 

1) Think About the "Why"

When we think of motivation, we often think of two different types: extrinsic motivation, which is guided by external factors like money or fame, and intrinsic motivation, which is guided by internal factors like personal growth. When talking about higher education, an example of this might be the difference between taking a class because your friends are in it and taking a class because you enjoy and are inspired by the material. While taking a class with your friends might be fun, it might also be frustrating if you find yourself losing interest in the material. Developing an internal reason as to why you are doing what you are doing enables you to clarify your intentions, making it easier to push yourself in whatever it is you wish to do. 

2) Use Inspiration As a Motivator 

Human beings are naturally motivated by things we are interested in. Making time for the things we love enables us to find pleasure and motivation in our lives, and it gives us space to reflect and find meaning. When it comes to studies, this could mean taking courses in things you are inspired by or curious about. Exploring subjects that inspire you may add depth and meaning to your life, making classwork, exams and assignments seem less like a chore and more like part of an intellectual journey. 

3) Be Organized

College can be messy. From upcoming deadlines to financial responsibilities to the latest dorm-hall gossip, it can be hard to stay on top of your purpose and find meaning in the college experience. By staying organized and limiting procrastination as much as possible, you can bypass the stressful all-nighters which often occur at the end of a semester. You will also gain a better sense of direction and purpose if you have things in order, saving you time and supporting your overall wellbeing. 

4) Surround Yourself With Motivated People

Surrounding yourself with friends who are similarly motivated to succeed academically will enable you to feel less tempted to falter on your goals. You won’t be tempted to neglect your studies on nights that require your academic attention, and you will feel secure doing so. Remember, you are the average of the five people that you spend the most time with. Surround yourself with friends who challenge you to reach your goals, instead of friends who may tempt you to do other things, such as skipping class and partying on nights when you have exams and tests coming up. You can also try getting to know your professors during office hours. Your professors are always there to guide you in your academic journey, and inspire you to do your best. Pro tip: professors can be a valuable source of wisdom during your college years!

College is a time for self-exploration, intellectual growth, and lifelong friendships. However, it can be hard to find the proper motivation and inspiration to find your passion and to hopefully make a career out of it. While life as a university student may be tough, remember to apply these four tips to help you stay motivated and inspired to learn throughout your Corpus Christi-St. Mark's College journey and beyond. 

Derrick Mow is a former student at Corpus Christi College who studied courses in Screenwriting, Film Production, Literature and the Visual Arts. He is now in his third year of undergraduate studies at University of British Columbia, where he is completing his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and minor in Philosophy.

November 4, 2021. The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in Canada (ACCUC) is pleased to learn of Pope Francis’ decision to visit Canada with the goal of reconciliation with the Indigenous communities of this land.

This past June, the ACCUC published a statement requesting that Pope Francis formally apologize to Canada’s Indigenous communities for the role that the Church played in operating over 60% of the nation’s residential schools. It is our hope that the pope will use this opportunity to offer a sincere apology to the victims, survivors, and descendants of survivors. We also expect that the pope will seek forgiveness in light of the discovery of the unmarked mass graves of school children found near several former residential schools.

While we recognize that a papal visit and apology will not undo the abuse, suffering, and trauma endured at the residential schools, we do feel that this important gesture, one specifically called for by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, will be an important step on the path to reconciliation, forgiveness, and healing.

ABOUT US

The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in Canada (ACCUC) is an organization of twenty postsecondary academic institutions located across all parts of Canada. ACCUC acts as the official voice for Catholic higher learning in Canada, as it seeks to spread “the spirit of learning” throughout the country.

Sincerely,

Peter Meehan, Ed.D.
Chair, ACCUC
President and Vice-Chancellor, St. Jerome’s University, Waterloo

John Cappucci, Ph.D.
Vice-Chair, ACCUC
Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Assumption University, Windsor

Christopher Adams, Ph.D.
Immediate Past Chair, ACCUC
Rector, St. Paul’s College, Winnipeg

Chantal Beauvais, Ph.D.
Rectrice, Université Saint Paul/Saint Paul University, Ottawa

Shawn Flynn, Ph.D.
President, St. Joseph’s College, Edmonton

Lauretta Frederking, Ph.D.
President, Brescia University College, London

Rob Harasymchuk, M.B.A.
President and Vice-Chancellor, St. Peter’s College, Muenster

Sami Helewa, S.J., Ph.D.
President, Campion College, Regina

Michael Higgins, Ph.D.
Principal, St. Mark’s College, Vancouver
President, Corpus Christi College, Vancouver

David Malloy, PhD
President, King’s University College, London

Dawn Russell, Q.C.
President and Vice-Chancellor, St. Thomas University, Fredericton

Brigitte Quintal, BCL
President, College Universitaire Dominicain, Ottawa

Carl Still, Ph.D.
President, St. Thomas More College, Saskatoon

David Sylvester, Ph.D.
President and Vice-Chancellor, University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto

Gerry Turcotte, Ph.D.
President and Vice-Chancellor, St. Mary’s University, Calgary

Jason West, Ph.D.
President, Newman Theological College, Edmonton

Thomas Worcester, S.J., Ph.D.
President, Regis College, Toronto

The fall term is in full swing, and that means exams to take, essays to write, and group projects to get done. While we love the study nooks around our own campus, sometimes a change of scenery is good for the brain!

Our student interns rounded up some of their favorite study spots around the UBC campus, just steps away from Corpus Christi College.

Great Dane Coffee
6011 Walter Gage Road (Beside Vancouver School of Theology)
More info

Located right beside the Vancouver School of Theology (VST) and less than a five-minute walk from Corpus Christi College, Great Dane Coffee provides a quiet and relaxing atmosphere for studying. Take a bite from its large variety of delicious scones and a sip from one of its renowned coffee and tea beverages as you catch up on your coursework. The seating area is outside but is covered and includes heaters and a cozy fireplace.

Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
1961 E Mall
More info

The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre provides ample study space for students. You can choose to study openly on any of the three floors, or study at one of its quiet rooms. You can even book a private room to yourself in the basement, or take advantage of the vast research resources that its library offers.

Loafe Cafe
6163 University Blvd.
More info

Located on the main floor of the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre, Loafe Cafe offers a great study spot for students. Surrounded by lush greenery and boasting an open patio, Loafe is the perfect study spot for Saturday mornings, with a great selection of coffees and snacks. Loafe also offers a great proximity to other locations on campus, as well as a great view of the hustle and bustle of campus since it's just a few minutes from the UBC Bus Loop.

Asian Library
1871 West Mall (By Place Vanier)
More info

The Asian Library at UBC is really a hidden gem. Located on West Mall, the Asian Library can be only accessed from a concrete path, which makes it more secluded than the other spots on campus. Only relatively known to UBC Asian Studies students, the Asian Library offers a sense of calm that can be found in few other places.

Law Library at Allard Hall
Allard Hall, 1822 E Mall (2nd floor of law school)
More info

Located on the second floor of the UBC Allard School of Law, the Law Library is one of the most elaborate libraries on campus. It offers great views of the Burrard Inlet and the North Shore Mountains, and has great amenities such as computers and study desks. Also, the added bonus of being around hard-working law students might just motivate you to achieve your own academic goals.

Bonus: Wreck Beach - just not for rainy days!
Where: 6572 NW Marine Drive (Take Trail 6 to get down)
More info

Believe it or not, the infamous clothing-optional beach at UBC offers a sense of peace hard to find anywhere else around campus. Simply sit on one of the logs, peer into the calm waves, and contemplate. Perhaps you are thinking of what to write for your philosophy paper, or trying to come up with a speech for your political science class. Low and behold, Wreck Beach offers the perfect place for contemplation - just be sure to respect the privacy of others on the beach!

Will you be trying out one of these spots for your next study session?

Earlier this year, the discovery of unmarked burial sites at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School and other former residential schools throughout Canada brought renewed attention to the legacy of residential schools, and to the shameful recognition that we must do better in our communities to work toward Truth and Reconciliation.

On June 1, Dr. Michael W. Higgins, President and Vice-Chancellor of Corpus Christi College and St. Mark’s College, pledged that we would take concrete actions as a community to listen, attend, act and repair. “St. Mark’s and Corpus Christi Colleges are Roman Catholic institutions of higher learning and it is our job to listen and to act. The Gospel demands that we do, Catholic Social Teaching provides the way, and our collective conscience the imperative,” said Dr. Higgins.

In support of this pledge of action, the Colleges formed Listening, Learning and Leading: Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Working Group, which is comprised of staff and faculty with guidance from local Elders and Knowledge Keepers. The group meets regularly to help guide the Colleges toward four goals: 1) to listen (and learn); 2) to learn and keep learning (a continuous cycle); 3) to build relationships; and 4) to move forward together.

To keep you informed of how we are working toward these goals, the group will periodically provide updates on our actions and initiatives as a community.

Listening, Learning and Leading: Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Working Group

insert_drive_fileFall 2021 Update

If you are interested in learning more or have questions, please reach out to the co-chairs of Listening, Learning and Leading: Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Working Group:

• Jo-Anne Nykilchyk, Director of Development and Alumni Relations: [email protected]
• Gabriel Pillay, Dean of Students and Executive Director, Strategy and Planning & Part Time Studies/Continuing Education: [email protected]

Congratulations to the following students who received scholarships for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Competitive scholarships

The following students were awarded scholarships based on specific eligibility criteria and strength of their scholarship application. For information about each scholarship, visit our Scholarships page.

Denzel Bongco
Archbishop J. Michael Miller Scholarship
Archbishop Exner, OMI Scholarship

Maria Therese Dela Rosa
Circle of Fellows Scholarship

Anthony De Lazzari
Circle of Fellows Scholarship

Sawyer Drummond
Circle of Fellows Scholarship

Emma Fenty
Circle of Fellows Scholarship

Reina Hara
Philip L. Brocking Award

Megan Littlejohn
Blessed Marie Blondin Scholarship
Prof. Georges Abi-Rached Scholarship
Archbishop J. Michael Miller Scholarship

Joshua Lum-Tong
Prof. Georges Abi-Rached Scholarship

Mercedes Salvador
Kristian Domingo Award
Dr. Gerald and Marian Sylvester Award in Social Justice

Dylan Villarroel
Newman Association of Vancouver Scholarship

Academic Scholarships

The following Corpus Christi College students were awarded academic scholarships in recognition of their high G.P.A.

• Carter Atmore
• Navjeet Badyal
• Brendan Marqués Batista
• Nathaniel Bugtai
• Katelyn Wai Ling Choo
• Jaskirt Kaur Dhindsa
• Zixun Fang
• Seneca Amihan Forster
• Elissa Leduc
• Cassidy Lee
• Maya McKay
• Saiya Nijjar
• Demetri Patterson
• Sebastian Randall
• Sahil Sandhu
• Nikolas Savanovic
• Luke Schumann
• Ethan Wilke
• Patricia Wong

Scholarship applications for the 2022-2023 Academic Year are now open. We encourage all eligible students to apply for awards. Discover our scholarships

Congratulations to our newest alumni of the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 who we honoured at Convocation this past September.

And thank you to all who joined us in person and via livestream to celebrate this long-awaited occasion.

This year’s Convocation ceremony was truly unique and one that will be remembered for years to come. For many graduating students, Convocation was the first time since March 2020 they were able to come together in person with classmates, instructors, and friends. As María José Cillóniz said in her Convocation Student Address, “[they] were able to overcome nothing less than a pandemic and remain strong, generous, faithful, and supportive.”

While this year graduates wore masks in addition to their caps and gowns, it is their smiling eyes that stand out in photos and remind us of the warmth, friendship, and love that make the community of Corpus Christi and St. Mark’s College truly special.

Congrats, grads – you did it!
 

Convocation Photos

launchView Convocation Photo Album
 

Corpus Christi College award winners

Amy Dwyer, Communitas Award
Ishgun Matta, Communitas Award
Raisa Jose, Honourable Raymond J. Perrault Award
María José Cillóniz, President's Award
Priya Bagri, Inspire Leadership Award
 

St. Mark’s College award winners

John Kilburn Cooper, Chancellor Award
John Kilburn Cooper, Theology Program Award
Peter Nobes, Thesis Award
Carlos Gustavo Leon Guevara, Pastoral Studies Award
Samuel James Koverola Stagliano, Communitas Award
Rachel Marie De Souza, Honourable Raymond J. Perrault Award
John Marwin Sangalang, Principal's Award

Convocation Student Address

María José Cillóniz
Corpus Christi College, Class of 2021

Dear Your Excellency Archbishop Miller, President Higgins, Vice-Chair of the Board Michelle Chang, faculty, staff, distinguished guests, friends, family, and fellow graduates:

For those I have not had the pleasure of meeting, my name is María José Cilloniz, and it is an honour for me to represent the classes of 2020 and 2021. Today is a day of celebration. Not just ours, as graduates, but for every person who helped us create our story here.

Around each of us, there is someone to be grateful for. A friend who understood us. A family member who took care of us. A teacher who encouraged us. A donor who helped us. A member of staff who advised us. Or a God who listened to us.

On behalf of myself and my fellow graduates, I would like to start by thanking you. Two words cannot contain the gratitude we feel today. And where we have arrived today, we could not have done it alone.

We are infinitely fortunate, not only for the opportunity to receive an education but to have received it here. In all of us, we have St. Marks and Corpus Christi College: where community meets personal growth, personal growth meets learning, and learning meets service.

It is in the small details that the DNA of our schools´ community becomes evident. In the more subtle things, we see how our experience here has been shaped by the values of the schools and the imprint they leave.

It is in the "Hey, do I know you from Corpus or St. Mark’s? and the ability to recognize the majority of students. It is in the countless number of hours where we can review a thesis statement, over and over again, with the Student Resource Centre. It is in the one-on-one interaction with professors and their genuine desire to learn how to pronounce some of our complicated first or last names. It is in the availability and willingness to help, from those behind the scenes, like the admissions staff and financial aid officers, the administrative and enrolment team, and everyone who makes up these institutions' backbone. It is in the opportunity to seek calm and refuge from our worries and sorrows in the chapel and always be welcome, no matter what religious background we come from.

In giving this speech, I must challenge the graduating class as they enter the next phase of their journey. However, the college has already done so. I will only reflect on what I have learned, since a lesson learned should be a lesson shared.

In the years I have spent here, I have understood the importance of creating a community wherever you are, wherever you go, whatever you do.

Sounds simple. It sounds like joining a book club or participating in activities that take place at school, work, or in your neighborhood. But it goes much further than just showing up.

Creating a community starts with yourself. It begins with our one-on-one relationship with others and being aware of how we make others feel about themselves.

Maya Angelou once said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel".

And if there is something you can do from now on, in whatever you decide to do next, it is to make others feel at home when they are with you. Because St. Marks and Corpus did it for us, more than once, and now we owe it to them.

Congratulations, Graduates of 2020 and 2021! You were able to overcome nothing less than a pandemic and remain strong, generous, faithful, and supportive. Let this be your essence; let this be your legacy. Like God's fellowship, let this be our fellowship. And with that, may God be praised.

Until this month, it had been a while since we had stepped foot into the classroom, and many of us are still getting used to life on campus. If you're taking classes in person, you've probably noticed by now that getting ready in the morning takes a bit more planning when you have to leave your bedroom to go to school.

To help make your mornings easier, our student interns put together a list of the campus essentials that keep them feeling productive, energized, and comfy, even on the busiest of days.

Keep an eye on our Instagram page throughout the year. We'll be offering a number of giveaways where you can win some of these items and more!

1. Water bottle

Staying hydrated is important for your overall health, and a good insulated water bottle that fits in your bag will help you meet your daily water needs while keeping your drink cool throughout a long day of classes and extracurricular activities. Plus, in the long run, you'll save money and help the environment by investing in a sturdy, reusable water bottle rather than buying water on campus.

2. Slim wallet

A good cardholder to keep your cards organized is a must for every college student. As a college student, you'll have to keep track of many cards - your student ID card, UBC affiliate card, Compass card, library card, and more. A good cardholder with an ergonomic design will fit comfortably in your pocket for easy access and ensure that your cards are in place.

3. Agenda or notebook 

Some of us rely on the calendar apps on our phones to schedule our lives, but for those who wish to minimize screen time, investing in an agenda is a great alternative to keep your life organized.

Likewise, a good notebook is essential for writing down notes during class or organizing your thoughts before writing an essay. Pick a notebook with high-quality, thick pages, which will ensure your writing will not bleed through.

4. Headphones

Whether you're on a long bus ride or working out at the gym, a good pair of headphones to listen to your favorite music and audiobooks will help you pass the time or keep you more focused. Choose a pair with noise-reducing capabilities to tune out excess noise (and your noisy roommate).

5. Dorm Art

If you live in campus housing or just moved into your first apartment, make your room feel like home by investing in some personalized dorm art. Dorm rooms are known for their drab furnishings, so make your room unique to you by investing in interesting decorations which reveal your personality.

6. Hoodie

We all know that feeling when you wake up later than expected and have less than half an hour to get ready for school. For some, picking out outfits in a rush can be a hassle. That’s why it is important to invest in a good hoodie. Pair one with a pair of jeans to go to class, or a pair of sweatpants for the gym.

7. Sweater

If a hoodie isn't your style, a good sweater is the ultimate piece of clothing for the fall season. Not too casual and not too dressed-up, a sweater can be worn in a variety of ways depending on the occasion and is bound to keep you warm and cozy during the fall and winter months.

8. Jogger pants

Jogger pants, which are slim-cut and made of sweat-wicking material, are a great addition to any college student’s wardrobe. These pants are highly versatile and can be worn in the gym or in the classroom. Jogger pants are perfect for when you feel too lazy to pick an outfit but still want to look good.

9. Dad hat

The dad hat is a go-to clothing item for when you are in a rush to do your hair in the morning. Pick a hat in a neutral colour, such as black or navy, to pair with a variety of outfits.

10. Waterproof boots

Vancouver is called “Rain City” for a reason. Especially if you're commuting, invest in a pair of waterproof boots in order to ensure your feet are dry during the wettest months of the year.

Many universities offer orientations and campus tours but if you are looking for a different kind of welcome, look no further than Chester, the animal ambassador at Corpus Christi College.

Chester welcomes students, parents, and staff with a wag of his tail and deep brown doe eyes that reflect the warmth of Corpus Christi. Affectionately known as the Canine Executive Officer (CEO), Chester’s CEO duties involve lounging in sun spots, staring at students while they eat, and bringing joy wherever he goes. Chester loves to sprawl outside the Welcome Centre and greet every visitor to the campus.

Spending time with our furry friend Chester can do wonders for your mood while writing a never-ending essay or during a tough exam period. If you are interested in rewarding Chester for a job well done, he accepts approved treats and tummy rubs as payment.

Check out the @corpusvancouver Instagram account where Chester updates students on his work at the College and receives fan mail.

The fall semester is upon us, and for many Corpus students, that means transitioning from virtual learning to in-person learning. No longer can you simply wake up, brush your teeth, and log into your Zoom class. This semester will actually require you to show up to class in more than pajama pants. (Well, technically you could). With this transition back to in-person learning, there are a few questions that you might have unanswered. How should I get to school? Should I transit? Should I drive? Or should I live on campus? After two years of studying at the greater UBC campus, I’ve concluded that there are pros and cons to each option.

The Pros and Cons of Driving

By driving to class, you will have greater freedom in your college experience while still living at home or off-campus. You can stay after class to hang out with your friends and engage in extracurricular activities, such as intramural events and late-night studying, without having to worry about transit schedules. However, the price of a car can be expensive, along with the additional fees of maintenance, gas, parking, and insurance. There is no free parking for students on the Corpus Christi-St. Mark's College campus, and parking at UBC costs at least several hundred dollars per term . Nonetheless, you will save on commute time, as you are in full control of your own transportation. For instance, an average commute via bus and Skytrain from Richmond to UBC takes roughly an hour and fifteen minutes. The average drive takes around half an hour. For students who value efficiency and the ability to engage in more extracurricular activities, driving to school can be a pricey, albeit efficient mode of transportation.

In addition, more and more students are delaying getting their driver’s licenses, as they rely on public transportation. Although you can rely on public transportation as a means of getting around, getting a driver’s license is important, as driving is a key skill to have as an adult. Plus, driving is fun—you can drive your friends around!

The Pros and Cons of Transiting

There is nothing more satisfying than taking a nap on the bus, only to wake up from the final screech at the UBC Bus Loop. While transiting to class offers the flexibility of being able to catch up on sleep and to study on the bus, having a long daily commute can also be stressful and tiring. You might also miss out on various extracurricular activities, as you might not be able to stay for long after class if you have a bus to catch. An important tip if you are transiting to school is to schedule your classes packed together and on specific days, in order to save on commute time. Though taking transit might be more tiring than driving to school or living on campus, it does offer the benefit of frugality, as your transit fees are subsidized by the UBC U-Pass.

Taking transit is the most cost-efficient mode of transportation for college students.

The Pros and Cons of Living on Campus

Another popular option is simply living on campus. Corpus Christi and St. Mark’s College students have the option of living at St. Andrew’s Hall, a residence directly across from the Vancouver School of Theology, or the Carey Centre, which is just across the street from our main campus building. Living on campus allows for greater flexibility and independence, as you are responsible for your own needs and lifestyle. Since you do not have to commute each morning, you have more time in your day to study, exercise, or to simply relax. Though living on campus can be expensive, it offers both convenience and the typical collegiate lifestyle, as you can engage in more extracurricular activities and get to know your roommates. Personally, I would recommend living on campus and experiencing dorm life for at least one year during your time at college.

So what’s it going to be? Are you going to drive, transit, or live on campus? Though the choices and the opportunities which come with each option are vast, I can assure you that you will enjoy your time at Corpus Christi College regardless of your living situation. The memories from your time here won’t necessarily be from the time spent in the car, on the bus, or in your dorm room. The memories that will last will come from your experiences with your friends, instructors, and your fellow classmates. Still, each option has its own pros and cons—pros and cons which you might want to consider when planning for this school year or the next.

This post was written by Derrick Mow. Derrick is a former student at Corpus Christi College who studied courses in Screenwriting, Film Production, Literature and the Visual Arts. He is now in his third year of undergraduate studies at University of British Columbia, where he is completing his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and minor in Philosophy.

Dear Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s community,

Our planning for the return to campus this fall continues to be informed by a commitment to protecting the health, safety and well-being of the campus community while remaining mindful of the importance of adaptability as conditions change. In recent weeks, BC has experienced a steady increase in COVID-19 case counts, and there are continued concerns about cases surging, especially in light of the variants.

Below we have outlined information related to the start of classes that have been put into place with thoughtful consideration about how we can best ensure a return to campus that supports the well-being of all who gather together in our community. We understand that navigating changing restrictions and policies can be challenging, and we thank you for your patience and understanding as we strive to maintain a high level of education, sense of community, and safe work and learning environment.

Masks

Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s enacted a mask mandate for our buildings on August 23 and were very welcoming of the BC government’s mask mandate announced on August 25. In alignment with this new mandate, masks must be worn by students, faculty, staff and visitors in all public indoor areas, including:
• Classrooms
• Labs
• Lobbies and hallways
• Stairwells and elevators

If you would like to discuss an accommodation, students are to email the Dean of Students Office ([email protected]). Staff and Faculty are to contact the Human Resources Office ([email protected]).

Vaccinations

At this time, the BC government is not requiring proof of vaccination to attend post-secondary classes, seminars or tutorials. Please note that while vaccinations are not required to be in class at this time, without a vaccination there will be areas of campus that will not be accessible to you.

Students wishing to attend UBC activities such as indoor ticketed concerts and sporting events; conferences; and indoor high intensity group exercise and use UBC facilities such as restaurants, pubs and bars; movie theatres; gyms and pools; and recreation facilities will be required to show proof of vaccination using the BC Vaccine Card.

Classroom Logistics

Although the Provincial Health Officer has indicated that there are no limits on the number of participants for in-class educational activities (e.g. a classroom with 30 seats can be scheduled with 30 students; a lecture theatre with 150 seats can be scheduled with 150 students), Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s has decided to not schedule in-person classes with 100% capacity.

With the recent campus renovations, many of our classrooms now accommodate 55+ students but the College will continue to cap in-person classes at 35 students.

We strongly encourage everyone in our community to continue to follow all public health measures, including vaccination, hand hygiene, and daily self-administered health checks. Our priority is to continue to provide an optimal educational experience for all students while minimizing risks of infection for everybody.

As we see the increased resumption of in-person teaching, learning, and activity this fall, we are excited to see the vibrancy return to our campus.

Sincerely,
Your COVID-19 Response Team

By Derrick Mow

The fall semester is coming, and at Corpus Christi College, this means many of you are looking ahead to your courses and thinking about what subjects you might like to explore.

I had the opportunity to interview Kenton MacDonald-Lin, a film and media studies instructor here at Corpus Christi College, about his perspectives on the discipline and how engaging in filmmaking and film critique has influenced his life for the better.

Kenton is sitting in his backyard on a cool morning in his home in North Vancouver, where he has lived for the past ten years or so. He is wearing a breezy short-sleeve floral shirt, paying homage to his Hawaiian roots. Cool, calm, and collected, his demeanour is exactly what you would expect from a film instructor. Introspective. Rational. Precise. Kenton credits film as not only a means of entertainment, but also a means of constructive storytelling.

Kenton: “The pandemic has forced people to realize the true value of media. We are dependent on good stories, which enrich our lives. We want to learn life lessons, but we do not want to experience the consequences which may come forth by doing so. Thus, we turn to film and storytelling.”

To Kenton, the elements of filmmaking can all be found in the nuances of life. Elements such as acting can arise out of instances of courage. The element of storytelling can be found when we reenact scenes from our lives, or when we tell our friends and family the silly anecdotes from our day-to-day lives. Through his courses and work, Kenton wishes to empower people to have stewardship over storytelling—to own and to care for one’s own unique experiences. People often think that their experiences are irrelevant, that their lives are not exciting. That is the biggest misbelief one can have—even the most seemingly irrelevant of stories can have the ability to inspire, to invoke awe, and to add flavour to one’s life.

Kenton: “You know, this is a weird story, but when I was in high school I ran for student body president and I won. What’s even weirder was the fact that I beat the prom queen.”

Derrick: “Sort of like Napoleon Dynamite?”

Kenton: [Chuckles] “Exactly like Napoleon Dynamite. I was this geeky kid in high school and there I was, winning student body president. Long before the elections, I volunteered to lead the committee for our school spirit week. I rallied friends for a week of events and together we put on a memorable talent show. I was invigorated, and thanks to a friend of mine, I got the idea of making my election speech dressed like “The Godfather.” There I was, up on the stage looking like Don Corleone, talking about my anecdotes and stories as a student. And that’s when I realized the power of storytelling—the fact that it has the ability to connect human beings, regardless of differences.”

Derrick: "That really is true. Stories are the one thing that can unite people, even if they are from different backgrounds or different lifestyles. What do you think a student can learn from one of your classes?”

Kenton: “That really depends on the course. In my FILM 100 course (Intro to Film), they can learn how to truly appreciate the medium of film. Think of a foodie who is interested in food and the culinary arts. They may enjoy eating food but they may not know the ins and outs of cooking, the various combinations of flavours which make good food, and the basics of cuisine. Everyone in their life has watched films, but this course will really teach you the things to look for in a good film. This course will teach you how to critique films, and the basic compositions of filmmaking—the lighting, the sound, the editing, the cinematography, etc. What I love about this course is when we get to explore “Meaning in Film,” and when students appreciate how filmmakers do this. Also, students learn to engage the various themes and concepts in film while growing in their ability to reflect critically in the process. FILM 100 is a good stepping-stone for other liberal arts courses such as philosophy, sociology, and psychology."

Derrick: “What about the other courses you teach?”

Kenton: “In my FILM 283 course (Intro to Screenwriting), students will learn how to incorporate their own personal experiences into shorts and full-length feature films and learn about story structure at the same time. It is a special course in which students will be able to write their very own full-length screenplay.

In my FILM 233 course (Intro to Film Production), students will learn how to create their own short films while learning about the film and media industry. This course is perfect for those who want to learn about “content creation” for film and for marketing. Students are also equipped to make shorts that can be delivered for YouTube while learning to use the tools they already have or with minimal equipment.

Finally, an acting course, FINA 101 (Intro to Theatre), is being offered this year after many years on hiatus. Students will learn theory, practice the theatre arts, and analyze plays from the past to present in the contexts they were created for. I am excited as we get to dissect Kim’s Convenience in both its theatrical form and its TV sitcom form in one of our classes together. The course is an in-person course and there are no prerequisites—I am excited to see the students grow in their acting skills for this course as well as for their own personal projects."

So there you have it. Taking a course in film will not only strengthen your ability to critique films, but it will also enable you to develop critical thinking skills and an appreciation for storytelling. It will enable you to look at situations from different perspectives, and give value to your own lived experiences. And all of this can be found in the vast variety of film and media courses taught here at Corpus Christi College, by our very own Kenton MacDonald-Lin.

Kenton MacDonald-Lin is a filmmaker, screenwriter, and instructor of film and media studies at Corpus Christi College. You can check out some of his work on his website, https://www.kentonmediaproductions.com. This fall, he will be teaching FILM 100, FILM 233, FILM 283, and FINA 101.

Derrick Mow is a former student at Corpus Christi College who studied courses in Screenwriting, Film Production, Literature and the Visual Arts. He is now in his third year of undergraduate studies at University of British Columbia, where he is completing his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and minor in Philosophy.

Earlier this year, the federal government passed legislation to mark September 30 as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Province of BC has moved to recognize this as a new annual statutory day, and a day of commemoration. As noted by the BC Government in their news release about this legislation:

“In recent years, Sept. 30 has been known as Orange Shirt Day, so called because of the residential school experiences of the campaign’s founder, Phyllis Webstad. It is a day when we honour the children who suffered in the residential school system, and many residential school survivors and supporters have advocated for this to become a national day of commemoration, to respond to one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.”

St. Mark’s and Corpus Christi Colleges will also observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. The College will be closed on this day. Classes will not be held, and College staff and faculty will receive this day off.

We encourage all in our community to take time to reflect, educate, and build awareness as we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Here are some ways you can begin learning now:

• Read “What you need to know about studying on Musqueam territory”, an article from the UBC Life Blog that offers a starting point for understanding the significance of Musqueam culture and history around the greater UBC campus, where we are situated.
• Explore the X̱wi7x̱wa Library, a centre for academic and community Indigenous scholarship at UBC. Its collections and services reflect Aboriginal approaches to teaching, learning, and research, and privilege Indigenous perspectives.
• Visit the Indigenous Foundations website, an information resource on key topics relating to the histories, politics, and cultures of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada, developed by the First Nations Studies Program at the University of British Columbia.

Corpus Christi College is pleased to announce the newest Circle of Fellows Scholarship recipients: Anthony De Lazzari (St. Thomas More Collegiate) and Sawyer Drummond (Vancouver College).

Chosen from a competitive field of high school applicants, Anthony and Sawyer are the fourth class of “Junior Fellows” - dedicated, empathetic leaders who have the vision and desire to change the world for the better.

Junior Fellows are passionate and determined students. Through the Circle of Fellows Scholarship, they benefit not only from a 2-year scholarship inclusive of tuition and co-curricular support, but also from personalized mentorship; guaranteed opportunities for service, leadership, and internships; and participation in a dynamic network of scholars and respected industry leaders. Find out more about the Circle of Fellows.

Scholarship winners underwent a comprehensive evaluation process including written applications and panel interviews. Faculty, staff and alumni assessed applicants based on their academic achievements, character strengths, leadership experience, and service contributions.

Starting Fall 2021, Anthony and Sawyer will attend Corpus Christi College, joining second-year students Maria Therese Dela Rosa and Emma Fenty as Junior Fellows. Read about current and former Circle of Fellows recipients.

Anthony De Lazzari

A talented musician and student athlete, Anthony is drawn to opportunities to develop as a person and as a leader and help others do the same. Anthony was the starting quarterback for his high school’s Junior Varsity and Varsity football teams, helping lead his team to an undefeated season and an Eastern Conference Championship in Grade 11. He was also a drummer in his high school’s jazz band and jazz choir, and a member of the Chamber Choir, which was recognized as the best U19 choir in British Columbia for two years straight. Before beginning his studies at Corpus Christi College, Anthony looks forward to completing a summer internship with the Peter Szeto Investment Group at BMO.

“My environment at St. Thomas More enabled me to use my time and talents to make a meaningful impact on those in my community. I look forward to being able to continue helping others through my service and leadership.”

Sawyer Drummond

Sawyer has a heart for service and is dedicated to uplifting others through his compassionate leadership. Sawyer has been described as a “cheerleader for those around him” and a “friend to all.” In high school, he served as a leader of spiritual retreats and was captain of JV Irish lacrosse and Irish football teams. Sawyer is especially passionate about his work in respite care, where he facilitates activities that provide individuals with special needs the opportunity to develop important social skills, as well as a strong sense of self-confidence and true friendship.

“I am so grateful to be a Circle of Fellows recipient. I look forward to preparing for my future while being part of a great community based on and encouraged by our Catholic faith.”

To Our Donors: Thank You for Inspiring Students to Reach Their Goals!

Established in 2018, the Circle of Fellows is a community of young scholars, thought leaders and visionaries committed to changing the world for the better.

Through the Circle of Fellows Scholarship, students benefit from a 2-year scholarship inclusive of tuition and co-curricular support, as well as from personalized mentorship; guaranteed opportunities for service, leadership, and internships; and participation in a dynamic network of scholars and respected industry leaders. Find out more about the Circle of Fellows.

In September 2019, Priya Bagri, Aubrey Djauhari, Agam Gill, and Sean Ryan entered Corpus Christi College as the second group of Circle of Fellows scholarship winners. Despite the ongoing challenges and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their post-secondary experience, these Junior Fellows have continued to demonstrate a commitment to service and leadership in their communities.

As our Junior Fellows wrap up their studies at Corpus Christi College, we look forward to seeing how they live out their potential as changemakers in their communities going forward. Learn more about our Junior Fellows past and present.

Sean, Priya, Aubrey, and Agam at a celebration in 2019.

Priya Bagri

Priya continues to enjoy helping others and hones her leadership skills through volunteer activities and participation in student clubs. She joined Junior Fellow peers to create the Corpus Rec Society, and actively took part in Student Life activities. Once at Corpus, Priya joined the UBC Psychology Association, volunteered at the Door is Open and L’Arche, and provided student leadership at student recruitment and preview nights, where she played an integral role in encouraging prospective students to enrol at Corpus Christi College.

Priya hopes to pursue a career in child development, inspired by her part-time and volunteer work with children who have mental disabilities.

Aubrey Djauhari

During her time at the Colleges, Aubrey was a member of the Education Council and Presidential Selection Committee for the Colleges. In her final semester at Corpus, Aubrey interned as a Student Life Assistant, through which she was able to make use of and develop her skills in social media marketing, content creation, and video editing. Her behind-the-scenes work on the Student Life Instagram page was especially valuable during a time when all College activities were taking place virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aubrey is currently working on developing her own fashion brand and enjoys collaborating with other brands as a social media influencer. Aubrey will continue her education at Ryerson University, where she plans to study business and work toward a career in the fashion industry.

Agam Gill

Along with her Circle of Fellows peers, Agam created the Corpus Rec Society to encourage school spirit and enhance student life for students at our college. She represented the Colleges as an orientation leader and on the Alma Mater Society (AMS) Council at UBC, where she was elected as the Student Life Committee Chair and sat on six other committees. Agam was voted “Most Positive Councillor” by her AMS peers.

Agam has enjoyed her coursework in Social Justice and Peace Studies, Communications, and Journalism at Corpus Christi College, and is excited to continue exploring these areas in her future studies. She will continue her education at the University of British Columbia, where she plans to pursue International Relations with the goal of working in journalism or politics.

Sean Ryan

During his time at Corpus Christi College, Sean worked with peers to develop the Corpus Rec Society, which encourages students to take part in UBC intramural activities. He also served as the Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s College representative to the AMS (UBC Student Council). Sean was the only first-year student on the Corpus team competing in the University of Oxford’s Map the System global challenge, joining peers in the second class of the Circle of Fellows to study youth homelessness. He maintained this focus with the Giving Truck, helping to develop a successful proposal to the Push for Change Foundation which resulted in a $5,000 grant to Covenant House.

Sean is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts – International Relations program at the University of Calgary. He plans to continue on to graduate studies and to become a lawyer in order to take a leadership role in Global Affairs Canada or the United Nations, with a longer-term goal of running his own conflict resolution negotiation and foreign affairs consulting firm.

Thank you to the donors who have made scholarships for our Junior Fellows possible. Your support ensures that students are able to have an enriching post-secondary experience at Corpus Christi College and the opportunity to pursue experiences and projects that take them closer to their personal and professional goals.

This is a wretched moment in time. The province, the nation, are roiled by the discovery of the 215 bodies of Indigenous children buried on the grounds of Kamloops Indian Residential School. Shame is mixed with remorse, anger and moral outrage.

But it is not enough to shout j’accuse. That is too easy. We have known for some time, or we should have known, about this latest atrocity. We could have responded earlier with a policy of reparation built on the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report, and most importantly we could have simply listened, been respectfully attentive when told the stories by family members, stories whispered, stories held in memory, stories encased in grief.

We must listen, attend, act and repair.

St. Mark’s and Corpus Christi Colleges are Roman Catholic institutions of higher learning and it is our job to listen and to act.  The Gospel demands that we do, Catholic Social Teaching provides the way, and our collective conscience the imperative.

This is our statement of principle. We have concrete actions we are working on and we will inform you about them soon. This is our pledge for action.

Michael W. Higgins

President and Vice-Chancellor

Corpus Christi College and St. Mark’s College

Dear Students,

This fall marks the first time since March 2020 that courses will be delivered in-person, on-campus. The prospect of returning to campus is exciting and the return will be undertaken cautiously and safely. At every step, we will be working under the guidance of the Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and government direction to ensure the right measures are in place.

As the pandemic develops, the vaccination programs progress, and the government guidelines are released, we anticipate all plans will need to be flexible and could be subject to change. With countries around the world, including Canada, still working to contain the outbreak of COVID-19, the course schedule and delivery models were developed in a way that ensures the safety of everyone involved.

Blended delivery
A majority of courses will be offered in a blended delivery model. For blended delivery courses, there will be on-campus, in-person classes and asynchronous online course components.

Students in blended delivery courses can expect to have one on-campus class per week and online course work.

Fully in-person delivery
Depending on factors such as course timing, learning outcomes and degree requirements, select courses will be delivered fully in-person, on-campus.

Virtual (Synchronous)

Students attend scheduled class via Zoom. There is no requirement for students in virtual classes to visit campus.

Online delivery (Asynchronous)
Select courses will be completely online and asynchronous. There will be no requirement for students in online courses to visit campus.

Course delivery options will be noted in MyLION so students are aware of the delivery model when they register.

Students can pre-register/waitlist for courses beginning in late April and formal registration opens in May. To ensure the safety of students in on-campus courses, all classes are currently capped to keep class sizes small. With class sizes being smaller, you are encouraged to pre-register/waitlist to secure your spot.

If you have questions about which courses to take, please contact the Academic Advising Office. For registration support through MyLION, please contact Enrolment Services. Working together, staff are excited to help you prepare for the Fall 2021 semester.

We look forward to welcoming new and familiar faces this September, making our campus vibrant once more.

Sincerely,
Dr. Michael W. Higgins

President, Corpus Christi College
Principal, St. Mark’s College

*Edited Monday, April 19, 2021 due to registration changes -The opening of the Fall 2021 waitlist period has been postponed to late April due to course scheduling conflicts. 

*Edited Thursday, April 29, 2021 to add "Virtual" as a course delivery model.

When students, faculty and staff eventually return to campus, they will be seeing big changes.

In March 2020, and continuing now, all Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s College classes were transitioned to virtual delivery, staff and faculty began working from home, and onsite events were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This left the buildings unoccupied.

With the incredible growth at Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s College over recent years, it was rare there was ever a time when the buildings were empty. Now was the opportunity to undertake multiple phases of an important construction plan.

A multi-stage renovation plan had been proposed in Fall of 2019, which was to see the redevelopment of classroom space, student learning space, student activity space, and faculty and advising offices. The initial plan was to take approximately three years, using only summer months to complete the project to minimize class disruption.

With campus now unoccupied, however, the construction plans were modified and a full-time renovation schedule was launched.

Big changes begin – Demolition and Infrastructure

The basement has been emptied and largely demolished to address infrastructure issues such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC and seismic needs. The second floor is being cleared out and reframed. Electricians finished the full upgrade of the electrical room. Trenches were dug in the basement concrete floors and new underground plumbing has been run throughout.

Seismic forming has been completed. The crew is currently working on running new lines for the heating and HVAC units in the basement. The engineers have finished their design of the boiler room and all HVAC and electrical drawings have been completed. A/V and security upgrades are underway.

Looking ahead – Huge improvements for student spaces

Beyond the critical infrastructure upgrades, spaces are being renovated to benefit student experience, learning and collaboration, including:

• More space for students in classrooms, including handicapped seating;
• New student workspaces throughout the building;
• New washrooms, including accessible washrooms;
• Multiple breakout and meeting areas;
• Expansions to the Student Resource Centre; and
• Implementation of a technology plan for modernized classrooms.

It’s an exciting time for the Colleges. Tremendous progress has been made and the construction will be complete this summer. We will update our community as the renovation journey continues.

Dear Students,

This week, Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, informed B.C. post-secondary institutions they can plan for a return to on-campus activity this fall.

The news follows the government’s work to increase vaccinations so all eligible British Columbians are expected to have access to COVID-19 vaccinations this summer.

Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s welcomes this announcement and we are well-positioned to return to campus in September.

The prospect of returning to campus is exciting and the return will be undertaken cautiously and safely. At every step, we will be working under the guidance of Dr. Henry and government direction to ensure the right measures are in place to keep our community safe.

There is much work to do as we prepare for September. We will be sharing updates about our planning and any relevant changes as time unfolds.

Thank you to all our students, faculty and staff for your perseverance as we continue to navigate COVID-19 and its impact on our daily lives. We look forward to seeing familiar faces return, making our campuses vibrant once more. Working together, we are eager to welcome you back.

Sincerely,
Dr. Michael W. Higgins

President, Corpus Christi College
Principal, St. Mark’s College

Dear students,

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the colleges are committed to continue our work as a vibrant centre of intellectual life while ensuring the safety of our students, faculty, staff and community.

We are following the government’s guidelines for post-secondary institutions and have made the following decisions for the Summer I and Summer II terms:

1. All classes will continue to be delivered through remote methods.
This will allow access to learning for all students regardless of their health risks or physical access to campus. There will be no requirement for students to physically visit campus during the Summer I and Summer II terms. We anticipate it may be possible to reintroduce in-person offerings, in a measured way, in the Summer II term. Any news of in-person offerings will be communicated as soon as these decisions are made.

2. Due to health and safety concerns and in order to avoid the spread of the virus, extracurricular activities and events will not take place in-person and will occur virtually.

3. Our campuses are closed. Please do not come to campus, as both campuses are closed due to COVID-19 and ongoing construction.

4. We will continue to ensure our remote learning and teaching provides a high-quality experience.

5. We will continue to deliver student supports, academic resources and services remotely. Please visit our website to access student services.

Going forward, we will continue to follow the recommendations of the BC Public Health Officer and the BC Centre for Disease Control.

Although a lot is still uncertain regarding COVID-19 and vaccine distributions, please be assured we will communicate any decisions as soon as we can and welcome you back to campus as soon as it is safe to do so.

Thank you for your understanding as we navigate this challenging time as a community. Although we’re not physically together, please know our staff and faculty are available to you digitally. We are here to help. If you have any questions at any time, please email [email protected] and they will connect you with the best office to address your concern.

Sincerely,
Dr. Michael W. Higgins

President, Corpus Christi College
Principal, St. Mark’s College

Dear students,

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the colleges are committed to continuing our work as a vibrant centre of intellectual life while ensuring the safety of our students, faculty, staff and community.

As we head towards the end of 2020, we are pleased to announce that, in line with the University of British Columbia, we will be delaying the start of classes for the Winter 2021 term to January 11, 2021.

The pandemic has impacted everyone in a variety of ways. Students have expressed they are experiencing new challenges this semester, in all facets of their lives. The hope is that by allowing a delayed start to classes, we can help our students, faculty and staff to better prepare for Winter Semester and allow them to enjoy a well-deserved break.

Please see below for the revised Winter 2021 dates.

Corpus Christi College students

First day of classes: January 11, 2021

Reading week: February 15-19, 2021

Last day of classes: April 16, 2021

Final exams: April 20-30, 2021

St. Mark’s College Bachelor of Arts students

First day of classes: January 11, 2021

Reading week: February 15-19, 2021

Last day of classes: April 16, 2021

Final exams: April 20-30, 2021

St. Mark’s College graduate students

First day of classes: January 11, 2021

Last day of classes: April 3, 2021

There will be no reading week break for St. Mark’s College graduate students.

Key reminders

1. All classes will continue to be delivered through remote methods.

This will allow access to learning for all students regardless of their health risks or physical access to campus. There will be no requirement for students to physically visit campus during the Winter 2021 term.

2. Due to health and safety concerns and in order to avoid the spread of the virus, extracurricular activities and events will not take place in person and will occur virtually.

3. Our campuses are closed. Please do not come to campus, as both campuses are closed due to COVID-19 and ongoing construction.

4. We will continue to ensure that our remote learning and teaching provide a high-quality experience.

5. We will continue to deliver student supports, academic resources and services remotely. Please visit the Corpus Christi College and St. Mark's College websites to access student services.

Going forward, we will continue to follow the recommendations of the BC Public Health Officer and the BC Centre for Disease Control.

Thank you for your understanding as we navigate this challenging time as a community. Although we’re not physically together, please know that our staff and faculty are available to you digitally. We are here to help. If you have any questions at any time, please email [email protected] and they will connect you with the best office to address your concern.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael W. Higgins

President, Corpus Christi College

Principal, St. Mark’s College

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the colleges are committed to continuing our work as a vibrant centre of intellectual life while ensuring the safety of our students, faculty, staff and community.

We are following the public health guidelines for post-secondary institutions and all classes will be delivered remotely for the Winter 2021 term. All extracurricular activities and events will not take place in person and will occur virtually. Our campuses are currently closed.

Although our campuses are physically closed, our staff and faculty continue to work remotely and are online and ready to support you. Please feel free to contact our staff, using our directory.

Resources

Academic Advising

Activities and Academic Calendar

Class and Exam Schedules

Health and Wellness

Library

Preparation Guide for Study in Canada

We at Corpus Christi College are grateful for the openness, compassion and strength we have seen as we navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic while striving to maintain a high level of education and sense of community.

Going forward, we will continue to follow the recommendations of the BC Public Health Officer and the BC Centre for Disease Control in planning for a phased return to campus whenever it is safe to do so.

For information about Corpus Christi College’s operational and health and safety plans moving forward, please read our Go Forward Plan and our WorkSafe BC COVID Safety Plan.

Thank you for your understanding as we navigate this challenging time as a community. If you have any questions at any time, please email or call our Welcome Centre – Information Desk at [email protected] or by calling 604-822-6862 Ext. 111.

Dear students,

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the colleges are committed to continue our work as a vibrant centre of intellectual life while ensuring the safety of our students, faculty, staff and community.

We are following the government’s guidelines for post-secondary institutions and have made the following decisions for the Winter 2021 term:

1. All classes will continue to be delivered through remote methods.

This will allow access to learning for all students regardless of their health risks or physical access to campus. There will be no requirement for students to physically visit campus during the Winter 2021 term.

2. Due to health and safety concerns and in order to avoid the spread of the virus, extracurricular activities and events will not take place in person and will occur virtually.

3. Our campuses are closed. Please do not come to campus, as both campuses are closed due to COVID-19 and ongoing construction.

4. We will continue to ensure that our remote learning and teaching provides a high-quality experience.

5. We will continue to deliver student supports, academic resources and services remotely. Please visit our website to access student services.

Going forward, we will continue to follow the recommendations of the BC Public Health Officer and the BC Centre for Disease Control.

We at St. Mark’s and Corpus Christi are grateful for the openness, compassion and strength we have seen as we navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic while striving to maintain a high level of education and sense of community.

This academic year looks different. We have adapted and are ready—welcoming the new realities and rising to meet new challenges. Working together, we are eager to welcome you back to campus when safe to do so.

Thank you for your understanding as we navigate this challenging time as a community. Although we’re not physically together, please know that our staff and faculty are available to you digitally. We are here to help. If you have any questions at any time, please email [email protected] and they will connect you with the best office to address your concern.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael W. Higgins

President, Corpus Christi College

Principal, St. Mark’s College

We are pleased to announce a five-year endorsement agreement has been signed between the Jesuits of Canada and Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

“This endorsement from the Jesuits of Canada is yet another important and exciting stage for Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s. Building on the charism of the Basilian Fathers, who founded St. Mark's College here at the University of British Columbia in 1956, this alignment with the Jesuits will enable our mission in Catholic higher education in Vancouver and British Columbia by emphasizing the important work of forming women and men for others,” said Dr. Peter Meehan, President and Vice-Chancellor of Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s.

The endorsement agreement will allow the colleges to deepen links with Canadian Jesuit communities and the global network of some 200 Jesuit colleges and universities, including 27 Jesuit universities in the United States.

The colleges are committed to the development of an Ignatian mission and vision, and to building strong relationships with institutions and other partners in the Jesuit Province of Canada, with the Jesuit Forum, with Canadian Jesuits International and other bodies within the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States.

Since 2007, the Jesuits have shown a strong commitment to the Community of St. Mark’s at UBC, providing full-time pastoral leadership for St. Mark’s Parish, including duties as Catholic chaplains to the university and its hospital system. The Society has also missioned six Jesuit priests and three Jesuit scholastics to these works, as well as additional support from the local Jesuit community, the Jesuit Spiritual Apostolate in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, and the Christian Life Community at St. Mark’s Parish.

As an institution that now breathes with the spirit of the Jesuit tradition, Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s College seeks to be guided and inspired by the various characteristics and charisms marking Jesuit higher education around the world.

The collaborative relationships that have developed between the Community of St. Mark’s at UBC, the Jesuits and their Ignatian partners currently support a wide range of opportunities for spiritual and intellectual formation, both here at the university and throughout the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

About the Community of St. Mark’s at UBC

The Community of St. Mark’s at UBC includes St. Mark’s College, Corpus Christi College, and St. Mark’s Parish, administered by the Jesuit Fathers. Together, they serve as the integrated Catholic centre of the university. Through the offering of undergraduate and graduate degrees and continuing education programs, the Colleges engage students in an experience of discovery, growth and integration in the gifts of faith and reason, leading them to think rigorously, act justly and serve faithfully.

CONTACT

Kerilee Falloon, Communications, St. Mark’s College at UBC
[email protected]

St. Mark’s College at UBC is pleased to announce Dr. Paul Burns — Professor Emeritus and an academic leader whose commitment to his students and to the lifelong pursuit of learning has made him an inspiration to all — will be awarded the institution’s highest honour, the degree Doctor of Sacred Letters, honoris causa.

The degree will be conferred by the Most Reverend J. Michael Miller, CSB, Archbishop of Vancouver and Chancellor of St. Mark’s College, at the College’s rescheduled 2020 Convocation, which has been postponed due to COVID-19.

As a staple of the St. Mark’s College community for more than 45 years, Paul’s tenure honoured the College’s charter through his teaching of historical theology. These included courses in Theology and Spirituality of significant people such as Origen, Athanasius, Hilary of Poitiers, Augustine of Hippo, Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa. Paul was also Principal of St. Mark’s College on three separate occasions: from 1974 to 1980, from 1984 until 1990 and from 2013 to 2014. During the latter term, he also served as President of Corpus Christi College. At the time of his retirement in 2019, Paul was the Dean of Liberal Arts at Corpus Christi College, where he oversaw a curriculum emphasizing the liberal arts grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition.

“Over the course of his more than forty-five years of association with St. Mark’s and, later, Corpus Christi College, Dr. Paul Burns has embodied the very highest values of the Colleges. As a scholar, a teacher and an administrator, he has led with the motto of the Congregation of St. Basil as his guide, ‘Teach me goodness, discipline and knowledge’ from the Book of Proverbs. And in that same Basilian higher educational tradition, he has been able to adapt to the changing circumstances of the ‘Catholic centre’ of the UBC, moving with the times in order to offer both the university and the Colleges what they needed, when it needed it. Honouring Paul with an honorary doctorate is not only a good thing to do, it is the right thing to do, and we as a college community join with Paul and his wife Maureen Lyons in joyful celebration of this well deserved honour,” said Dr. Peter Meehan, President and Vice Chancellor, Corpus Christi - St. Mark’s College at UBC.

Paul’s storied career included major contributions to UBC, where he taught World Religions and the History of Christian Thought for 15 years, culminating with him earning UBC’s University Teaching Prize in 1995. In his time at UBC, he started a BA Majors program devoted to Religion, Literature and the Arts.

For 17 years, Paul was involved with the Arts One Program at UBC. In two terms as Chair, he steered Arts One through two external reviews. He argued for three streams: a) the traditional Great Books of Western culture; b) Comparative Study of Western culture with one of Indigenous or one of the Asian cultures; and c) Dialogues between the Arts and Sciences.
Paul holds multiple degrees including a Ph.D. in Classics from the University of Toronto, a B. Litt. in History of Christian Thought from Oxford, a S.T.B. in Theology from the University of St. Michael’s College, a M.A. in Classics from the University of Toronto and a B.A. (Honors) in Classics from the University of Toronto.

ABOUT ST. MARK’S COLLEGE AT UBC
St. Mark's College is a member of the Community of St. Mark's at UBC, which comprises St. Mark's College, Corpus Christi College, and St. Mark's Parish. As the affiliated Catholic Theological College of the University of British Columbia (UBC), St. Mark's College offers a variety of academic programs and continuing education opportunities for Catholics and non-Catholics. Together with Corpus Christi College, St. Mark's College is a centre of excellence for undergraduate and graduate Catholic education in British Columbia.

St. Mark's is committed to promoting an authentic Christian humanism, marked by the pursuit of academic excellence and animated by the joy of searching for, discovering, and communicating truth in every field of knowledge. The College prepares graduates who continually strive to integrate and synthesize faith and reason so that they will serve society charged with a commitment to think rigorously, to act justly and to serve faithfully.

The College offers programs that are grounded in the Catholic intellectual and moral tradition, including a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Culture for aspiring Catholic teachers; Master's degrees in Religious Education, Theological Studies, Pastoral Studies and Catholic Leadership; and engaging public lectures and professional development opportunities addressing faith leading to understanding.

CONTACT
Kerilee Falloon, Communications, St. Mark’s College at UBC
[email protected]

Dear students,

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the colleges are committed to continue our work as a vibrant centre of intellectual life while ensuring the safety of our students, faculty, staff and community.

We cannot control the full trajectory of this pandemic, so we must accept the unknowns and be ready to adapt. We do have control over doing our part to limit the spread of COVID-19 and we will do this by following the government’s guidelines for post-secondary institutions. Accordingly, we have developed a phased return-to-campus plan and have made the following decisions for the fall 2020 term:

1. All classes will be delivered through remote methods.
This will allow access to learning for all students regardless of their health risks or physical access to campus. There will be no requirement for students to physically visit campus during the fall 2020 term.

2. Our hope is to begin optional in-person tutorials as soon as we are allowed by government and health authorities and we are able to adhere to public health and safety guidelines. To avoid having an unsafe number of people on campus, we will limit the number of in-person tutorials. Working with staff, faculty and health and safety experts, we will identify which in-person tutorials and activities will be allowed, and we will share that information as soon as we can. Any on-campus tutorials that are offered will be optional as no student will be required to visit campus if they feel unsafe doing so.

3. Due to the limited number of people we can have on campus, extracurricular activities and events will not take place in person and will occur virtually.

4. We will continue to ensure that our remote learning and teaching provides a high-quality experience.

5. We will continue to deliver student supports, academic resources and services remotely, with some services being offered in-person, subject to health and safety guidelines.

We are implementing a number of new processes and protections to offer enhanced personal safety, with further updates to come. Going forward, we will continue to follow the recommendations of the BC Public Health Officer and the BC Centre for Disease Control.

We at St. Mark’s and Corpus Christi are grateful for the openness, compassion and strength we have seen as we navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic while striving to maintain the high level of education and sense of community.

The fall semester looks different. We will adapt and be ready—welcoming the new realities and rising to meet new challenges. Working together, we are eager to welcome you back to campus when safe to do so.

Sincerely, Dr. Emil Canlas

Registrar, Corpus Christi College and St. Mark's College at UBC

Dear Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s College Community,

I write to you today deeply upset by the racial injustices that have sparked outrage, protests and many overdue and important discussions in America.

The inequality and injustices we are seeing in the U.S. are patterns caused by systemic racism that is also very much present in Canada today and throughout our country’s history.

At the Colleges, we strive to create an inclusive environment with respect for all. In the coming weeks, we will be sharing various educational resources highlighting actions that can be taken to combat racism. This is a learning process for us as well and each one of us has the responsibility to listen and be better.

Let’s do that together.

Sincerely, Dr. Peter Meehan
President, Corpus Christi-St. Mark's

It is with great sadness the Community of St. Mark's at UBC — Corpus Christi College, St. Mark's College, and St. Mark's Parish — shares the passing Dr. Gerald (Gerry) Sylvester on May 19, 2020 at the age of 90.

Along with his wife Marian Sylvester, Gerry was a passionate supporter of Catholic higher education and a visionary founder of Corpus Christi College.

In the early 1980s, when the long-time dream to launch a Catholic liberal arts university in Vancouver began gathering steam, retired educators and supporters of Catholic education began attending planning meetings. These 'kitchen table' gatherings soon became a regular occurrence at the Sylvester home and sparked the creation of Corpus Christi College.

This group incorporated themselves as The Advancement of Higher Education in the Catholic Tradition Society with their explicit purpose to found a liberal arts college to be called “Corpus Christi.” In 1999, the vision was fully realized and Corpus Christi College opened its doors to students. Gerry served on the College's first Board, and soon became its first Executive Director.

In recognition of his life-long commitment to Catholic education, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from St. Mark’s College in 2006 and in 2017 he, along with Marian, was awarded the papal Cross Pro Ecclesiae et Pontifice by Pope Francis. Both Gerry and Marian remained unflagging supporters of the College throughout their lives.

Prior to the founding of Corpus Christi, Gerry had a long career in post-secondary education working at Langara College, Vancouver Community College, Notre Dame University College and serving as one of the first Presidents of Malaspina College, now Vancouver Island University.

“Gerry created an incredible legacy that will continue to have a profound impact for generations to come,” remarks Dr. Peter Meehan, President of Corpus Christi College. “This community of faith and learning would not exist without his dedication to Catholic education and to the good of humanity.”

To honour and recognize their parents' passion for Catholic higher education and their tireless support of Corpus Christi College, the Sylvester siblings endowed a scholarship fund in their parents' names in 2013.

The siblings are requesting that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Marian and Gerry Sylvester Scholarship fund at Corpus Christi College.

Funeral plans will be private and a public memorial will take place when permitted by public health guidelines.

View full obituary for Dr. Gerald Sylvester

The Board of Directors at Corpus Christi College-St. Mark’s College at UBC is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Michael W. Higgins as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of the colleges, commencing July 15, 2020. Dr. Higgins brings to the position an extensive and distinguished background as an experienced academic leader, celebrated author and lecturer.

Dr. Higgins, a native Torontonian, is a biographer, author, columnist and scholar. He is currently the Distinguished Professor of Catholic Thought at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut and has previously held positions as President and Vice-Chancellor of St. Jerome’s University at the University of Waterloo and St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Among his numerous authored and co-authored books are: The Jesuit Mystique; Power and Peril: the Catholic Church at the Crossroads; Heretic Blood: the Spiritual Geography of Thomas Merton; The Muted Voice: Religion and the Media; Stalking the Holy: In Pursuit of Saint-Making; Suffer the Children unto Me: An Open Inquiry into the Clerical Sex Abuse Scandal; Genius Born of Anguish: the Life and Legacy of Henri Nouwen; Thomas Merton: Faithful Visionary; The Unquiet Monk: Thomas Merton’s Questing Faith; Jean Vanier: Logician of the Heart; and Impressively Free: Henri Nouwen as a Model for a Reformed Priesthood.

Many of these books have been translated into German, Italian, French and Norwegian and have won national and international status as bestsellers.

Dr. Higgins is a regular contributor to The Globe and Mail, Commonweal, The Tablet, and the Literary Review of Canada and he is a frequent commentator for both the CBC and CTV networks.

His Ideas series, “Genius Born of Anguish” with producer Kevin Burns and executive producer Bernie Lucht, won the 2013 Gold Medal for International Radio Documentaries awarded by the New York Festivals.

Dr. Higgins is a Senior Fellow of Massey College at the University of Toronto, an International Fellow of the Chester Ronning Centre for Religion and Public Life at the University of Alberta, and an Affiliate Graduate Professor at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas.

He is married to Krystyna, a liturgical musician and spiritual writer, and they have four adult children.

Dr. Higgins is excited to join the Catholic colleges at UBC.

"I am leaving an institution--Sacred Heart University--defined by its focused energy and new visioning to go to an institution defined by its focused energy and new visioning. Corpus Christi College-St. Mark’s College has securely established a foundation for growth, societal interconnection, student enrichment and spiritual flourishing,” Dr. Higgins says.

“Strengthening the local and national profile, enhancing the relationship with the University of British Columbia, and furthering the collegiality and catholicity of Corpus Christi College-St. Mark’s College are clear priorities for me."

Dr. Peter Meehan will continue to serve as President until Dr. Higgins assumes his duties in July. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Dr. Higgins to the colleges.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Kerilee Falloon, Communications, St. Mark’s College at UBC
[email protected]

Map the System–Oxford Global Challenge, is a unique and prestigious competition by Oxford University where students tackle problems to pressing social issues.

After impressively choosing to continue in the competition through the COVID-19 pandemic, Team Rise Above from Corpus has advanced through two rounds and won a spot to represent Canada at the global competition.

Schools who also placed to represent Canada include UBC, University of Waterloo, Ryerson and Mount Royal.

Congratulations to team members Gabrielle Alvarez, Raisa Jose, and Sean Ryan.

Congratulations to the 6 teams that will be representing Canada in the virtual global @mapthesystem final!
⁰@SI_Ryerson @RyersonU@CPMRU @MountRoyal4U@CorpusVancouver @StMarksUBC@memorialU @MUNSocialEnt@UWaterloo @GrebelCPA@UBC @SauderS3i pic.twitter.com/Cq7lPmp7Ag

— Map The System Canada (@mapthesystemCAD) May 8, 2020

About Team Rise Above’s Project

YOUTH HOMELESSNESS IN THE DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE

Watch Team Rise Above's Video

Monday, September 28, 2020 - 4:03 p.m. Academic Plan for Winter 2021 Dear students, As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the colleges are committed to continue our work as a vibrant centre of intellectual life while ensuring the safety of our students, faculty, staff and community. We are following the government’s guidelines for post-secondary institutions and have made the following decisions for the Winter 2021 term: 1. All classes will continue to be delivered through remote methods. This will allow access to learning for all students regardless of their health risks or physical access to campus. There will be no requirement for students to physically visit campus during the Winter 2021 term. 2. Due to health and safety concerns and in order to avoid the spread of the virus, extracurricular activities and events will not take place in person and will occur virtually. 3. Our campuses are closed. Please do not come to campus, as both campuses are closed due to COVID-19 and ongoing construction. 4. We will continue to ensure that our remote learning and teaching provides a high-quality experience. 5. We will continue to deliver student supports, academic resources and services remotely. Please visit our website to access student services. Going forward, we will continue to follow the recommendations of the BC Public Health Officer and the BC Centre for Disease Control. We at St. Mark’s and Corpus Christi are grateful for the openness, compassion and strength we have seen as we navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic while striving to maintain a high level of education and sense of community. This academic year looks different. We have adapted and are ready—welcoming the new realities and rising to meet new challenges. Working together, we are eager to welcome you back to campus when safe to do so. Thank you for your understanding as we navigate this challenging time as a community. Although we’re not physically together, please know that our staff and faculty are available to you digitally. We are here to help. If you have any questions at any time, please email [email protected] and they will connect you with the best office to address your concern. Sincerely, Dr. Michael W. Higgins President, Corpus Christi College Principal, St. Mark’s College   July 3, 2020 Academic Plan for Fall 2020 Dear students, As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the colleges are committed to continue our work as a vibrant centre of intellectual life while ensuring the safety of our students, faculty, staff and community. We cannot control the full trajectory of this pandemic, so we must accept the unknowns and be ready to adapt. We do have control over doing our part to limit the spread of COVID-19 and we will do this by following the government’s guidelines for post-secondary institutions. Continue reading   April 17, 2020 - 3:45 p.m. Academic Plan for Summer II Dear students, As you know, the situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve with new developments on a daily basis. We are closely monitoring the situation and continue to update you whenever there is new information available. Summer II Semester We previously announced the Summer I semester (May 11-June 26, 2020) will take place online. While clearly recognizing that plans may still continue to change, I am announcing the Summer II semester (July 6-August 28) will also take place online. Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s, similar to other schools including UBC, have made this decision to offer Summer II online to ensure the health and safety of our community. Fall Semester As we continue to navigate the challenges associated with COVID-19, we are actively planning for the Fall semester and the possibility that it may take place online. We will make an announcement regarding the Fall semester as more information becomes available. We are 100% committed to offering Summer and Fall courses, whether they are online or onsite, to ensure your learning can continue. Thank you for your understanding as we navigate this challenging time as a community. Although we’re not physically together, please know that our staff and faculty are available to you digitally. We are here to help. If you have any questions at any time, please email [email protected] and they will connect you with the best office to address your concern. Sincerely, Dr. Peter Meehan President, Corpus Christi College Principal, St. Mark's College   Additional information on COVID-19 is available on the BC Centre for Disease Control website   April 9, 2020 - 5:30 p.m. Information and Resources for International Students Dear students, The COVID-19 pandemic and related global changes means we are all adapting to this new reality. As international students, you may have recently dealt with difficult decisions or have these decisions ahead. There is no playbook for this unique situation in which you find yourself, and every student has different options to consider. It is important to remember, however, that you are not alone. Corpus Christi is committed to having a supportive community for all students and we will always stand by you. We will continue to bring you the personal academic advising, specialized programs and high-quality Canadian education that is globally recognized. These are undoubtedly difficult times, but we are all working to ensure our community of students, faculty and staff will get through this together. Below, we have outlined relevant information and resources specifically for international students. If you have any questions or need guidance, please contact [email protected]. What should I do if I am staying in Canada? All international students currently residing in Canada should check with their respective embassies, consulates general or high commission offices to determine if they are required to register with the government for assistance in the event of an emergency. International students may be eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). Students living in Canada who have lost a job due to COVID-19 should refer to the CERB website for application details. My study permit will expire soon and I am currently in Canada. I’m not able to go home. What should I do? Temporary residents who are currently in Canada are able to apply to extend their status online if they need to extend their status. You must submit your study permit extension application before your study permit becomes invalid. Read more about study permits and how to keep a valid study permit. You will have “implied status” if you’ve applied for a new study permit but it won’t arrive before your current study permit expires. In this case, you’ll be able to remain in Canada until a decision is made on your new application. I want to go home. Can I leave Canada and continue my classes online? International students who are leaving Canada should be able to return to their home country by air or land. Summer II classes will be completely online and you can continue your classes online. How will leaving Canada impact my Post-Graduate work permit? As classes were moved online because of COVID-19, the Canadian government has stated your eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program won’t be affected. International students may take classes while outside Canada and may complete up to 50% of their program while outside Canada if they cannot travel to Canada sooner. If I am abroad, can I return to Canada? International students who have a valid study permit or were approved for a study permit on or before March 18, 2020 are exempt from the travel restrictions. Upon arriving in Canada, incoming international students will be subjected to the Canadian health screening protocols at the border and are required to self-isolate for 14 days. Review the Immigration, Refugees and Citizens Canada (IRCC) website for detailed information. At Corpus Christi, we will always be a community of individuals who care deeply. Please know that we are here for you. In the coming weeks, I will send out other communications that may be helpful to you. Please do be in touch if you have any questions or thoughts that you would like to share to [email protected]. Sincerely, Gabriel Pillay Dean of Students For quick reference, listed below are the emails where you can reach staff for help. Academic Advising (Jimmy Lam and Rikki Liu): [email protected] Student Resource Centre (Angus Chan): [email protected] Library (Susan Millar): [email protected] Campus Ministry (Fr. Nick Meisl and Vea Coronado): [email protected] Enrolment Services (Dannie Xiao): [email protected] Financial Aid (FT Okunubi): [email protected] Student Life (Gerard Garcia): [email protected] Welcome Centre (Janice Siddall): [email protected] Dean of Students (Gabe Pillay): [email protected] Dean of Theology (Lynda Robitaille): [email protected] Academic Dean (Paul Allen): [email protected] General questions or inquiries (Kerilee Raven and Christina Dumont): [email protected] April 2, 2020 - 4:30 p.m. Dear students, The global situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) is evolving quickly, and the last few weeks have transformed all our lives in ways we could never have imagined. With that in mind, I want you to know that we are all in this together. Below I have outlined some key updates that will be important to you. Convocation We have made the difficult decision to postpone Convocation. This will not impact your ability to graduate. One of my greatest joys as President is giving out degrees to our graduates as they celebrate their impressive accomplishments with classmates, friends and family. Please understand Convocation is not cancelled and will take place at a later date to ensure your hard work is recognized. Summer Semesters As previously announced, Summer I will take place online. There are no updates on Summer II at this time, but please know that preparations are underway for the semester to take place online if needed. We want to hear from you You’ll receive a quick survey through email shortly. We want to hear from you about how you are feeling and how we can support you during this ever-changing time. Please take a few minutes to fill it out and let us know what help you need, as your feedback will guide our outreach and communication. Thank you for your determination, resilience and understanding as we navigate this situation together.   If you have any questions or concerns, contact [email protected].   Sincerely,   Dr. Peter Meehan President, Corpus Christi College Principal, St. Mark's College   March 26, 2020 - 4:30 p.m.   Dear students, As you know, the situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve with new developments on a daily basis. Many in our community are asking what the status of our summer terms and convocation will be in light of these uncertain times. Summer Semester To help our students, faculty and staff as they plan, while clearly recognizing that plans may still continue to change, I am announcing the Summer I semester (starting May 11, 2020) will take place online. Planning is also underway for the possibility that Summer II may need to go online. We will update our community as soon as we determine the final status of Summer II. Convocation We’re exploring the option to postpone our graduation ceremony, currently scheduled for May 30, 2020. This will not impact your ability to graduate and we are looking at extending the deadline to apply for graduation. Please understand convocation would only be postponed, not cancelled, and will take place at a later date to ensure your hard work is recognized and celebrated. An announcement about convocation will be made in the coming weeks. Thank you for your understanding as we navigate this challenging time as a community. Although we’re not physically together, please know that our staff and faculty are available to you digitally. We’re here to help. If you have any questions at any time, please email [email protected] and they will connect you with the best office to address your concern. Sincerely, Dr. Peter Meehan President, Corpus Christi College Principal, St. Mark's College   Additional information on COVID-19 is available on the BC Centre for Disease Control website March 20, 2020 - 4:30 p.m. The following announcement is for undergraduate students only   Dear students,   As your professors work exceptionally hard to make course adjustments that will allow you to continue and complete this term online, your learning continues to be our top priority. This was not the semester anyone expected - thank you for the kindness and appreciation you have shown for their work.   Below is a summary of important changes.   Winter Semester   The Winter Semester has been extended by one week to accommodate these recent changes and will now officially end on May 1, 2020. This extension is applicable for classes and final exams and gives everyone more flexiblilty to meet learning outcomes and reschedule final exams or deadlines.   Your professors are making course-by-course decisions to best serve you and your learning outcomes. Professors will directly provide you with specific details about the remainder of the semester and final evaluations.   Final exams   Final exams will take place online. No final exams will take place in person and final exams will now follow different dates or parameters. All final exams will be complete by May 1, 2020.   Over the remaining weeks of the term, your professors will be working to make this change possible. Each course is unique and the specific requirements for final exams and/or final assignments will be assessed on a course-by-course basis. Exact details for each course will be released over the coming weeks directly by your professor.   Students who would like to return home can do so with full confidence that they can take their final exams online. If you do choose to travel, please notify your professor of your travel plans so they can extend their support and continued communication in case there would be an interruption of your access to the course on Canvas.   Summer Semester   An announcement about the Summer I semester will be made next week.   Thank you for your patience as we navigate this challenging time together. In times like this, everyone needs support and understanding. Whatever category your requests fall into – academic, mental health, financial support – please email [email protected] and they will work with you to find a solution.   Sincerely,     Dr. Peter Meehan President, Corpus Christi College Principal, St. Mark's College     Additional information on COVID-19 is available on the BC Centre for Disease Control website March 17, 2020 - 1:05 p.m. Dear students, I’m writing to provide an important update regarding Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s response to COVID-19 (coronavirus). The COVID-19 outbreak has presented an unprecedented situation for schools. With the health and safety of our community being a top priority, we will be following the Federal Government's recommendation that everyone should stay home as much as possible. Just like UBC, all of our classes and exams will take place online. Effective today, Tuesday, March 17, 2020, all classes and exams will take place online for the next, at minimum, three weeks. All students, staff and faculty are asked to remain offsite for the next three weeks (Tuesday, March 17 to Friday, April 3, 2020).   Faculty and staff members will continue their work. All staff will continue to be available to students, faculty and staff during regular business hours. Staff members who are working remotely will be accessible via email, phone or video conferencing.   Online instruction will continue and final exams will NOT take place in person. You will be provided details on arrangements and timing for exams and course schedules through your instructors, as soon as possible.   In light of the growing national response to COVID-19, all students planning to travel home may now do so.   All discretionary events on campus currently scheduled until May 1, 2020 are being cancelled, postponed or offered virtually.   We appreciate these are extremely challenging times for our students, and our faculty are working exceptionally hard to adjust courses that will allow you to continue and complete your studies this term. This series of events is unprecedented and rest assured we will provide you with information as we receive it.   If you have any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected]. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.     Sincerely,   Dr. Peter Meehan President, Corpus Christi College Principal, St. Mark's College   Additional information on COVID-19 is available on the BC Centre for Disease Control

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Vancouver, BC – March 13, 2020. On behalf of the Board of Directors at Corpus Christi College-St. Mark's College at UBC, we are writing to inform you that Dr. Peter Meehan has announced his resignation as President and Vice-Chancellor. After almost six years at the Catholic colleges at UBC, he will depart at the end of June to become the President and Vice-Chancellor at St. Jerome’s University at the University of Waterloo in Ontario.

Peter joined the colleges in August 2014 and has been an agent of growth and a wonderful asset to our institution. During his tenure, Peter has worked with the board, staff and faculty to realize our strategic plan, Be at the Centre, and its goals, including:

• creating our new identity as the Community of St. Mark's at UBC, including Corpus Christi, St. Mark's and St. Mark's Parish, as the "vibrant Catholic centre of the UBC", meeting students "where they are" in their academic and faith journeys;
• increasing our student body to more than 1,000 full- and part-time students (from about 150 students in 2014);
• developing a close working relationship with the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Fathers) as we pursue an Ignatian Endorsement Agreement for the Colleges; and

Peter has expressed leaving the colleges as being bittersweet.

“My time at the colleges has presented me with some of the greatest challenges and the greatest joys of my professional life. I have had the privilege of knowing and working with so many good people who believe in and support our mission. After being founded by the Basilian Fathers more than 60 years ago, this community has been through so much. But here we are in 2020, stronger than ever,” he said.

“I have always been inspired by important work. It connects us in ways both small and large with the unfolding of God's plan. From the day I arrived in 2014, I have been deeply aware that God has been with this community, and that put the Holy Spirit at our back, inspiring us to overcome our challenges and to reach for new heights!"

Peter wishes to share his gratitude.

"I am profoundly grateful to so many I have come to know here as colleagues, as Board members and donors and friends. Corpus Christi/St. Mark's has been and will continue to be a community that works together towards the realization of its mission here at UBC and in the Archdiocese of Vancouver,” he said.

“I am particularly grateful to Archbishop Miller, whose friendship and support has been unwavering, and to the Sisters of St. Ann, whose generosity and vision made possible our first endowed chair, the Marie Anne Blondin Chair in Theology. I’m thankful for the St. Mark's Leadership Circle, including Peter Bull, Angus Reid, Andy Szocs and the Archdiocese of Vancouver who have shown such a remarkable commitment to the Colleges, and made possible the creation of the St. Mark's Centre for Christian Engagement, which strives to respond to Pope Francis' call for a new spirit of encounter and engagement with the world. It’s also been a pleasure working with the Vancouver School of Theology to continue to advance the important roles that the affiliated theological colleges have to play at UBC."

The Board will conduct a search for the next leader of Corpus Christi College-St. Mark's College at UBC. During this time of transition, we count on your continued support so that the young people we serve can count on us. Please join us in thanking Peter for his dedication and in wishing him continued success in his new career.

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Status: Friday, January 17, 2020 - 6:13 a.m. -The College is open. 

The college is open and classes are proceeding as normal. 

When the Colleges remain open during inclement weather, Operations will ensure that the building is opened on time and classrooms are accessible for classes and exams to take place.

Students, faculty and staff are also reminded that individual circumstances vary widely and, when the Colleges remain open, those who judge that it may be unsafe to come to campus should contact the appropriate offices.

• Faculty who are not able to reach the campus should inform the Dean’s Office immediately.
• Students who do not arrive for the classes due to weather are to send an email to their instructor.

When the  Colleges are open, classes and exams will take place and exams are expected to begin on time.

Until the decision to “close” is announced, the Colleges are to be considered open. A decision to "close", made before 6:30 a.m. of a work day, including Saturdays when classes or exams are scheduled, would be posted on this webpage. Unless otherwise specified, the closing continues from that hour until 6:30 a.m. the next day.

In severe weather, all members of the College community are to consult the websites of Corpus Christi College and St. Mark’s College.

TRANSIT

Information on transit service is here: http://www.translink.ca/en/Schedules-and-Maps/Alerts.aspx

Transit strike update – December 9, 2019

Please see below for an important update on the Metro Vancouver SkyTrain strike.

Due to job action, the Expo and Millennium SkyTrain Lines are scheduled for a full shutdown on December 10, 11 and 12.
All other transit modes are operating, but will be busier than usual.

We recognize this shutdown will cause disruption for students, faculty and staff and we appreciate your concerns. Just like UBC, the colleges will operate as normal.
Exams are proceeding and staff and faculty are expected to attend work.

You are advised to plan ahead and make other transportation plans if necessary.

Further updates will be posted here and shared over social media in the coming days. Please bookmark this page and check it regularly for updates.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

•     Exams will continue as scheduled.
•     You are expected to attend school and work as scheduled.
•     Plan ahead to ensure you have transportation.
•     Recommended transportation options include: UBC’s carpooling service, carpooling apps or cycling to campus.
•     In the event this strike escalates further or lasts longer than the planned three days, further announcements will be made.
•     If for some reason you are not able to make it to your exam, contact your instructor with your name, the class that will be missed and the reason why. You can find your instructor’s email address on the course syllabus or by logging into MyLion.

November 27, 2019 Transit Update

The transit strike has been called off. A full scale bus and SeaBus shutdown has been averted as a tentative deal was reached early Wednesday between the union representing 5,000 bus and SeaBus workers and Coast Mountain Bus Company.

If there are any further updates, we will post them here.

November 21:

Coast Mountain Bus Company transit workers and SeaBus operators have escalated job action. The union announced it will initiate a complete bus and SeaBus system shutdown across Metro Vancouver on November 27, 28 and 29.

We recognize this shutdown will cause disruption for students, faculty and staff and we appreciate your concerns. Just like UBC and SFU, the colleges will operate as normal. Classes are proceeding and staff and faculty are expected to attend work.

You are advised to plan ahead, prepare for next week and make other transportation plans if necessary.

Further updates will be posted here and shared over social media in the coming days. Please bookmark this page and check it regularly for updates.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

•     Classes will continue as scheduled.
•     You are expected to attend school and work as scheduled.
•     Plan ahead for next week to ensure you have transportation.
•     Recommended transportation options include: UBC’s carpooling service, carpooling apps or cycling to campus.
•     In the event this strike escalates further or lasts longer than the planned three days, further announcements will be made.
•     If for some reason you are not able to make it to class, contact your instructor with your name, the class that will be missed and the reason why. You can find your instructor’s email address on the course syllabus or by logging into MyLion.

HELPFUL LINKS

For parking on the UBC campus:

https://parking.ubc.ca/

For updates from Translink:

https://www.translink.ca/

Maps and carpooling sign-up sheets:

https://planning.ubc.ca/vancouver/transportation-planning/transportation-options/automobiles/car-vanpooling

Carpooling apps:

https://www.gobyride.com/Public/Home.aspx

https://www.poparide.com/ubc?c=ubc.default

FAQS – HELPING YOU PREPARE DURING TRANSIT STRIKE ACTION

What is the latest on the transit strike?

Strike activity is often not communicated in advance. However, where possible, updates regarding the level of possible action are posted to this page. We encourage students, faculty and staff to bookmark this website or follow our social media channels for updates.

Why don’t you cancel classes?

The colleges remain open, regardless of the level of strike action. Not only do we need to continue classes, but we also need to maintain key services for the many students, faculty and staff who work on our campus. Cancelling classes or exams is not a solution, as doing so could cause longer-term issues for students who may be forced to make up the classes or even repeat the academic year.

What if I can’t get to class because there is no bus service?

Students are encouraged to check their syllabus and contact their instructor if they are concerned about potentially arriving late for classes or missing classes.

Will I be penalized for missing a class or exam?

Students are strongly advised to begin conversations with their instructors around the strike action and how it might impact them.

Are faculty and staff expected to come to campus in the event of disruption?

Yes. The colleges will operate as normal, regardless of the level of strike action. Classes will proceed and faculty and staff are expected to attend work, as normally scheduled.

Campus notification from UBC

You may be aware that the union representing Coast Mountain Bus Company transit workers and SeaBus operators held a vote, in which the majority of its members voted in favour of strike action.

Although negotiations have been taking place, the Joint Union Bargaining Committee has now issued a 72-hour strike notice and have a set a strike deadline for 12:01 a.m. on Friday, November 1, 2019.

It is also possible that the matter may be resolved before any strike action takes place.

If a resolution is not found and a strike proceeds: All classes and normal business operations will continue as scheduled.

Updates will be provided if a strike proceeds.

The President's Office is looking for original Christmas artwork to feature.

This contest is open to all students, faculty, alumni, and staff at Corpus Christi College and St. Mark’s College.

We look forward to your submissions and highlighting the phenomenal creativity of our community.

ART EVENT

Join other students to create your art. An on-campus event will be hosted with art supplies and snacks provided.
When: Wednesday, September 25, 12:00-1:00
Where: Plato's Cave

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Forms of two dimensional art are welcome. Drawing, print, pastel, painting, digital design and photography. Artwork can be submitted as a digital file, high resolution scan or physical piece.

Submit your artwork to [email protected] or the President/Principal mailbox via the Main Office

Deadline: Monday, September 30, 2019
Prize: $30.00 gift card

QUESTIONS?

Please contact Yujin Han
e: [email protected] t: 604 822 5358

It began as an idea - a way to mobilize youth and drive change in her community.

Raisa Jose, a first year student and Circle of Fellows Scholarship recipient, founded The Giving Truck to support people in need around the lower mainland. As a scholarship recipient, Raisa received training in the Leadership Class and seed funding to launch this ambitious project.

Interested in a career in social work, Raisa aspired to “build genuine human connection with vulnerable and marginalized individuals in society”. The Giving Truck is a vehicle that hands out material donations such as food, clothing, inspirational cards, and toys. It also serves as the home base to offer free services such as haircuts, sports activities, pet therapy, crafts, and childcare.

After a busy year hosting inaugural events for The Giving Truck, Raisa already has projects planned for next year. Future events include celebrating Mother’s Day with women at Union Gospel Mission, offering free haircuts at the Men’s Hostel in Vancouver, providing leadership training for high school students, and trick-or-treating with the children at the Pacific Autism Family Network.

When asked about her decision to attend Corpus Christi, Raisa shared “Corpus Christi was the best decision I made. The friendships come naturally in this faith-based community. It feels like I am part of a family”.

Dear Your Excellency Archbishop Miller, President Meehan, Board Chairman Boscariol, Faculty, Staff, Distinguished Guests, Friends, Family and fellow Graduates:

It is an honour and a privilege to stand before you today to represent the class of 2019: a class made up of diverse individuals from all walks of life, spanning different programs and degrees, each with their own hopes, each with their own story. The road here has been long and arduous full of many ups and downs. Dear graduates, take a deep breath: you are here, you are alive, you are loved.

When reflecting upon the collective experience of our diverse class, I found myself drawn to
an old African proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” The image expresses a fundamental reality of the human person: that none of us grow in isolation. And what a fitting image of our time here at the Colleges.

Today is a celebration of academic achievement, yes! But even more so, I believe today is an opportunity for us to recognize that our success is due in large to the love and care of those who have accompanied us on our journey. Today, I cannot help but acknowledge that I am a product of community. And that in community, I have learned what it means to be human.

Perhaps this is where our diverse class finds its common ground. My dear graduates:

• How many times have we found ourselves relying on each other to get through the semester?
• How many times have we found ourselves graced with opportunities to go out into the field and build networks with real working professionals?
• How many times have we found ourselves nourished by the generosity of those who leave us coffee and snacks in Plato’s Cave?
• How many times have we found ourselves in the office of our professors being met with humility and patience as we helplessly rambled about the infinite number of directions our research paper could go?
• How many times, in our brokenness, have we found ourselves held by the embrace of our peers?
• How many times have we found ourselves running to the chapel for refuge and peace, no matter what faith tradition we may come from?
• How many times have we found ourselves affirmed in our humanity when faculty and staff alike called us by name?

When we take a moment to reflect upon our time, I hope we can recognize the difference this community has made in our formation not only as students and future professionals, but as human beings. Dear graduates, look before you at those who have molded you intellectually. Now turn around and behold those who have rallied behind you.

Today, the entire St. Mark’s and Corpus Christi community acknowledges and celebrates your achievement. All our efforts have led to this moment; now it is time to be sent.

To my fellow Associate of Arts students, wherever we move to next, let us continue to be lifelong learners who “will take on the intellectual, professional, and social challenges of our times.”

To the Bachelor of Arts students, may you strive to be educators who care for every child. May your contemplative model of teaching transform your students and leave lasting legacies.

To the Graduate students, may your studies grounded in the Gospel of Jesus now move you to fervently and faithfully serve those you will minister. For it is when we live in right relationship with God and neighbour that all will know the truth, goodness and beauty of our faith.

We are St. Mark’s and Corpus Christi College.

Formed by community and affirmed in our humanity, let us go guided by the horizon of love to wherever we are called next.

Formed by community and affirmed in our humanity, let us carry solidarity into a world marred by crippling competition and rampant individualism.

Formed by community and affirmed in our humanity, let us leave the Colleges with a commitment to think rigorously, to act justly and to serve faithfully.

Congratulations, graduates of 2019.
Thank you all for your love and support.
And with that may God be glorified.

-John Sangalang, Convocation Student Speaker

After many years as an integral part of the community, Dr. Paul Burns, our valued Dean of Arts, will be stepping down from his position. Paul’s leadership within the school helped build numerous connections with UBC and his talent for teaching continually engaged students in the synthesis of faith and reason.

Paul Burns has been involved in the St. Mark’s College community for over 45 years, including serving as principal starting in the fall of 1974. He continued in this role until 1980 and had two return engagements from 1984 to 1990 and 2013- 14 (also served as President of Corpus Christi College from 2013 to 2014.)

For 15 years, Paul was responsible for teaching World Religions and the History of Christian Thought at UBC. In 1995, he won UBC’s University Teaching Prize for these two courses. He honoured the College’s charter by his teaching of courses in historical theology including courses in Theology and Spirituality of major figures such as Origen, Athanasius, Hilary of Poitiers, Augustine of Hippo, Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa. With the encouragement of colleagues in Religious Studies and in other departments, he started a new BA Majors program at UBC devoted to Religion, Literature and the Arts.

As the head of the Liberal Arts program at Corpus Christi College, Paul is responsible for developing and integrating the curriculum around a contemporary version of the liberal arts grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition.

With his 80th birthday on the horizon, Paul says it’s time to hand over these roles to younger people. He hopes to remain in touch as a mentor for a graduate students and to return to his writing.

On behalf of alumni, students, members of the Board, faculty and staff we extend a sincere thank you to all of Paul’s many contributions to both Colleges and UBC over the years. He has had a positive impact on many over the years. Students will remember him fondly as a great teacher.

Paul, an academic leader whose commitment to his students and to the lifelong pursuit of learning has made him an inspiration to all, was honoured for his 45 years of teaching excellence by being named Professor Emeritus at this year’s Convocation.

Vancouver, B.C. – May 16, 2019. Following a lengthy search, Corpus Christi College is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Paul Allen as Academic Dean. Currently a professor at Concordia University in Montreal, Dr. Allen has accepted the College’s offer and will start at Corpus Christi College on August 15, 2019.

Born in Vancouver, Dr. Allen received his Ph.D. from the University of Ottawa (Saint-Paul) in 2001. From 2002 until the present, he was a professor at Concordia University, reaching the rank of Full Professor in 2016. He has taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels and has served as an undergraduate program advisor. His scholarly research centers on the science-theology dialogue, theological anthropology, and systematic theology.

He has written Ernan McMullin and Critical Realism in the Science-Theology Dialogue (Routledge), Theological Method: A Guide for the Perplexed (T&T Clark) and co-written Catholicism and Science (Greenwood). In addition, he has written numerous book chapters and journal articles.

He is currently working on a three-part theological anthropology, the first of which is titled Creaturehood: Sin and Evolution in Theological Anthropology. The second volume will address Christian interpretations of governance and natural theology. He is subject editor for the Prolegomena section of the forthcoming T&T Clark Encyclopedia of Christian Theology and editor of a forthcoming volume, Saint Augustine and Contemporary Social Issues.

“I am very pleased to be welcoming Dr. Paul Allen to Corpus Christi College as its new Academic Dean. Paul brings a wealth of scholarly and teaching experience to his new role, as well as a strong commitment to the Catholic intellectual tradition. I know that he will be a strong addition to our community as Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s continues to expand its mission to serve the need for Catholic higher education at UBC and in the Archdiocese of Vancouver.” said Dr. Peter Meehan, President and Principal of Corpus Christi College.

"I am looking forward to working with President Meehan and all the faculty and staff at the college. I am excited to serve an excellent Catholic Liberal Arts institution in order to help it grow smartly, to develop programmes and curricula that provide our students with an advantageous edge. I am keen to bring my energy and skills in order to support excellent academic work at the college. I want to contribute to the college's reputation as a welcoming, faithful community of character." remarked Dr. Paul Allen.

ABOUT CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE AT UBC

Corpus Christi College is a member of the Community of St. Mark’s at UBC, which is comprised of St. Mark’s College, Corpus Christi College, and St. Mark’s Parish. Founded in 1990, Corpus Christi College is a Catholic post-secondary institution located in Vancouver, B.C., on the University of British Columbia (UBC) campus.  Corpus Christi College provides students with excellent academic programming, a nurturing community, leadership skills, and service-learning opportunities. Together with St. Mark’s College, Corpus Christi College desires to become the centre of excellence for undergraduate and graduate Catholic education in British Columbia.

Corpus Christi College welcomes students from all faith backgrounds. The inclusive community of learning shares a rich 2000-year-old intellectual tradition with Catholic institutions around the globe.

As a Catholic college, Corpus Christi strives to be an incomparable center of creativity and dissemination of knowledge for the good of humanity, dedicated to research, teaching, and the education of students who freely associate with their teachers in a common thirst for knowledge. Along with every other university and college, Corpus shares the endeavour of searching for, discovering, and communicating truth in every field of knowledge.

CONTACT:

Kerilee Falloon, Communications, St. Mark’s College at UBC
[email protected]

Corpus Christi is pleased to announce the first recipients of our inaugural Circle of Fellows Scholarship program.

Chosen from a competitive field of high school applicants, the new “Junior Fellows” are dedicated, empathetic leaders who have the vision and desire to change the world for the better.

Scholarship winners underwent a comprehensive evaluation process including nominations, written applications and panel interviews. Faculty, staff and alumni assessed applicants based on their academic achievements, character strengths, leadership experience, and service contributions.

An innovative scholarship program for passionate and determined students, the Circle of Fellows Scholarship is a 2-year scholarship inclusive of tuition and co-curricular support. Recipients benefit from personalized mentorship; guaranteed opportunities for service, leadership, and internships; and participation in a dynamic network of scholars and respected industry leaders. Find out more about the Circle of Fellows.

GABRIELLA ALVAREZ ARAYA

Gabriella is currently a student athlete and is involved with volleyball, basketball, and track and field teams. Dedicated to service, Gabrielle volunteers every weekend with Bumpin Bakery, providing food and fellowship on the Downtown Eastside. She is also active as a Counsellor for St. Augustine’s Outdoor Education Camp and an Office Assistant for Evergreen Nursing. She has performed in theatre productions, and has been a Learning Buddies Tutor and Encounter Leader. She aspires to study Psychology and become a Counsellor.

“Gabriella has been a dedicated, helpful and cheerful volunteer who consistently comes to help bake and has joined us on the DTES for service every Sunday for almost a year.”

RAISA JOSE

Raisa is a three-time “Student of the Year” winner, Honours Society member, and Peer Mediator. Dedicated to social activism, Raisa participates in the Social Justice Club, Youth in Action, and Community Care and Reverence for Life events.

An accomplished performer, Raisa lends her talents to “Right Here, Write Now,” a fundraising musical that has successfully generated over $200, 000 for local and international charities.

“Raisa comes from a family that creates and puts on fundraising musicals to help less fortunate people in third-world countries. They even took the show on the road to California ... This shows that she has a vision for change-making and social awareness.”

LAUREN RADOSEVIC

Lauren is a long-time camp counsellor for Camp Qwanoes Step Out Leadership Program and CIT. She has also served as a youth ministry leader at Christ the Redeemer Parish, and was an active member of the Model UN team and Graduation Committee. She participated in both mathematics and computing contests, including the Cayley Contest and Galois Contest. She works as a lifeguard, and aspires to become a pediatric nurse.

“As a Youth Ministry leader, Lauren is committed to being a positive and passionate role model for the youth she serves.”

GRACE VANEE

Grace has volunteered extensively as a track coach for track club youth and the Run Jump Throw program, as well as a school concert organizer and tutor, and as part of the Decisive Leaders program. She plans to embark on a career in international relations, hoping to bring a Christian perspective to government.

“Grace remained an astute critical thinker and writer, driven by strong interests for justice and equity. She has strong gifts for being able to present advanced thoughts, both orally and in written form.”

To Our Donors: Thank You for Inspiring Students to Reach Their Goals!

DONOR SUPPORT FOR CIRCLE OF FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM GAINS MOMENTUM

Circle of Fellows Scholarships are sponsored by donors who are change-makers with a keen interest in the potential of students as future entrepreneurs, teachers, lawyers, policy makers, environmental advocates, healthcare professionals, and many more impactful professions.

We wish to thank the many donors who sponsored our first four scholars, and share the great news that ten more donors have stepped up to sponsor more Circle of Fellowship Scholarships for 2019-2020!

As one of six Killam institutions, UBC offers awards from the Killam Endowment Fund to faculty and teaching assistants who show excellence in teaching.

Congratulations to Bronwyn Malloy, instructor at Corpus Christi College, for winning a Killam Graduate Teaching Assistant Award at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

In addition to being a doctoral candidate in the Department of English Language & Literatures at UBC, Bronwyn teaches English at Corpus Christi College.

Corpus Christi College student feedback reflects positively on teaching abilities that are recognized by the UBC award. "I really enjoyed my time in [her] class! Bronwyn made the course incredibly interesting and enjoyable." and "Ms. Malloy was fun and very energetic. Really enjoyed the selected poetry and songs."

Also speaking highly of her teaching skills, Dr. Paul Burns, Dean of Arts at Corpus Christi College, says "Bronwyn Malloy clearly cares for her students and takes considerable time and effort to address each of their concerns".

Every year UBC awards only 16 Killam Graduate Teaching Assistant Awards to candidates who have demonstrated skills, abilities, and contributions that result in a high level of respect from undergraduate students and academic or course supervisors.

CONGRATULATIONS BRONWYN!

Passionate about social justice, Megan Delfin is one of many Corpus Chisti College students who volunteer their time with Curbside Outreach, a monthly food and fellowship program coordinated by Corpus Christi College at The Door Is Open.

“Going to The Door Is Open is my favourite thing to do on a Friday evening,” says Megan.

A critical drop-in centre on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, The Door Is Open serves local residents, including some who struggle with difficulties such as drug and alcohol addiction, physical and mental health issues, and the compounding consequences of poverty. Operated by the Archdiocese of Vancouver with the Missionaries of Charity, the facility is a base for Corpus Christi College students to host the Curbside Outreach program and has even become a satellite classroom for select social justice courses offered by the College.

Through engaging with residents of the Downtown Eastside, students are able to begin conversations and develop friendships with those who lead difficult lives. Meaningful encounters are promoted through food and fellowship with students preparing dinner and the ever-popular hot chocolate with whipped cream for 100 to 200 guests.

“I have learned many things, most importantly that everyone has a story to tell. Through Curbside, I was able to thoroughly embrace this,” reflects Katherine Figueiredo, a Corpus Christi College alumna who currently attends UBC and continues to participate in Curbside.

After connecting with a Door Is Open guest named Glenn, Megan was inspired by his ability to stay positive after experiencing fear and loneliness.

“Glenn told me how he was able to stand strong and move forward, and his story inspired me to push through my own struggles too. One thing I’ll remember from that conversation was him telling me to ‘keep smiling, because it’s the one thing that’s always free’”.

This upcoming school year, Megan will be overseeing Curbside Outreach as the student Faith and Outreach Officer of the Catholic Colleges’ Student Union. She looks forward to launching themed cuisines for each month and a special Curbside Christmas event.

INTERESTED IN JOINING CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE FOR CURBSIDE OUTREACH?

Students of all faiths are welcome. Contact Megan Delfin, Faith and Outreach Officer or Alexandria Fung, Director of Campus Life and Ministry.

Check out some new courses being offered this fall -

Courses in Digital Media and Communications
Are you interested in a career in marketing, communications, or media?

• COMM 205 Introduction to Communications for Non-Profits
• COMM 210 Digital Media Design, Development and Usability

Find out more here.

GEOL 114   Earth's Natural Disasters
This will be taught by Dileep Athaide M.Sc. This course transfers to UBC as EOSC 114, which will fulfill a Science requirement when transferring to other programs.

RELG 201   Themes in Scripture
An invitation from Professor Shawn Flynn Ph.D.: "How is meaning made of sacred texts? Is there a tension between history, the claims of ancient literature, and how people of faith approach these questions. Through archaeology, history, and themes across the Old and New Testaments, explore the questions that give rise to the acceptance or rejection of these sacred texts. Engage the critical perspective to sacred literature and allow that to open new and exciting questions."

Want to get ahead this summer?

Pick up some elective credits, or accelerate your undergraduate studies by taking summer courses at Corpus Christi College. With a variety of start dates, course lengths, and delivery options, you're sure to find a study option that's flexible and works with your travel plans.

CURRENT STUDENTS

Please log-in to MyLION to see the full course listing.
Speak to your Advisor if you have questions or need any assistance.

NEW STUDENTS

Apply online through MyLION.
Contact our Recruitment team if you have any questions.

SUBJECT AREAS OFFERED INCLUDE

Business, English, Math, Philosophy, Social Justice, Astronomy, and Film.

Flexible Study Options

WE OFFER COURSES YEAR-ROUND

- Our summer courses can start in either May, July, or August
- Take courses of different lengths (2-, 3-, 6-, 13-weeks)
- Enjoy different modes of delivery (On-campus, Online, Experiential)

ADMISSIONS DEADLINES

REGISTER TODAY TO HOLD YOUR SEAT!

APPLY NOW

For applicants to UBC:
- Please note that your admission GPA is calculated based on the most recent 30 credits completed by April 2016. Completed summer courses will not impact your admissions GPA.
- If you currently have less than 60 transferrable credits, any summer courses you take will transfer over to UBC.

Corpus Christi College Student-led Workshops

On February 24, 2016, join the Corpus Christi College community as we welcome guests of all ages to our annual student-led symposium on social justice. This year's Voices of Hope features student speakers discussing a vast range of issues on dignity and justice, spanning from the local to the global.

Meet these exceptional leaders, hear what they have to say, and join the discussion. Who knows – you may even be inspired to leave and start your own research or project on an important topic that matters to you! For more information on Voices of Hope, click here.

Check out our roster of 2016 presenters:

EDUCATION: OPENING WORLDS OF POSSIBILITY

By Katherine Figueiredo
What does New York City’s Bronx and Canada’s Northwest Territories have in common? Katherine, though young in age, is known at Corpus Christi College for her hope-filled view and mature regard of communities that often are perceived to be surviving the most hopeless circumstances. She has seen and learned first-hand of the great benefits of the creative use of formal education, after school programming, and community activities, that support young persons in humanity’s common quest to discover purpose, meaning, and success in life.

FACES OF THE DOWNTOWN EAST SIDE

By Jessica Mayne and Megan Joseph
As active volunteers of CCC’s “Culture of Encounter” program, facilitated monthly in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side, Jessica and Megan will give a voice to the otherwise, often, voiceless. This gallery of photos and stories told from the lives of persons living in the Downtown Eastside, is sure to challenge the common disregard of our neighbours.

"DIGNITY IN INFIRMITY"? "UNSAFE AT ANY SPEED"?

By Lise Johnston
The dangers we face as a culture from euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, especially in regards to the vulnerable people in our society – the elderly and mentally or physically impaired – are great causes for concern. What is worse? We live in a society, in a world even, that is divided about this cause. “The idea that humans are just another animal in the forest makes personhood and human dignity dependent on what we can do, making us human doings rather than human beings” (Dr. Margaret Somerville). One year since the Supreme Court of Canada’s legalization of euthanasia and in consideration of the many lives taken since then, the time has come to discuss the truth of this claim.

BRIDGES

By Jasmin Bermejo
Time and again the testimony is told by persons who have participated in outreach activities to support outcast groups that they instead have received great support from those they have gone to serve. More recently, this is the experience of young persons engaged in service to the elderly; accept that research confirms that both groups benefit from these exchanges. Bridges is a visual arts presentation of the experiences and takeaways of being involved in “bridge building” and social justice activities with outcast and elderly persons.

IS IT ME?

By Winnie Sandhu
Winnie is an international student in her second year of studies in Corpus Christi College’s Associate of Arts program; this is also her second year presenting at the annual Voices of Hope Student Symposium. Winnie’s presentation is a personal testimony, a poem, about choosing to overcome pain when life is painful: choosing to love with a broken heart, and choosing forgiveness when bullied. It is in these most painful experiences that beauty is realized most abundantly also.

THEOGONY

By David Lewis
Different in form but similar in content, this spoken word presentation – told from a mythical lens, and using poetry, etiology, and storytelling – will critically examine the great challenge of defining- and developing oneself that is a personal process only achievable alongside others. This is a dialogue about the necessity of empathy in all human encounters.

MIRROR, MIRROR

By Isabella Bonato
All persons are familiar with mirrors: reflective surfaces typically made of glass and metal, which reflect a clear image of what stands in front of them. But for many persons, particularly and increasingly for young women who are growing up in an era that reflects so many – often unrealistic – forms about what they can and should expect ahead, the message is not always clear. This interactive presentation engages participants in dialogue about positive self-image, both physically and mentally.

WORTHY

By: Mikey Jose
In this sung presentation, Corpus Christi College student Mikey will share his musical talent through performing a song that he wrote about how all persons are called to be faces of hope and justice. Similar to Isabella Bonato’s artistic presentation Mirror, Mirror, Mikey will speak from a male perspective of his experience of the struggles that men endure of developing their own self-image, and promoting their own human dignity, in a world that often communicates negative messages about personal worth.

RADICAL BUSINESS

By Matthew Ebert and Emanuel Narciso
Rarely is the hard work of individuals and groups laboring at the ‘bottom of the pyramid’ recognized by those fewer individuals and groups at the ‘top of the pyramid.’ The economic divisions of work and wealth distribution, common to human experiences, are a large injustice of the modern world that receives little attention. In this presentation, Matthew and Emanuel, Corpus Christi College Associate of Arts (Business Stream) students, will facilitate discussion about those factors that sustain uneven economic positions.

INDIA: POLITICS OVER RELIGION?

By Gursewak Bains
“The victor writes the history books;” this reality is known all too well by minority groups, particularly when those groups find themselves in developing countries. In the circumstance of developing countries, even less is known about the difficulties experienced by minority groups; still, less is understood about the religious beliefs, practices, and lifestyles, which belong to them. This ‘look into India’s political-religious divide’ is a compilation of academic research and the personal experience of the tension between these entities.

REGISTER FOR VOH
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Modern Catholic Social Teaching

EXPLORING FOUR MAIN THEMES IN THE PAPAL ENCYCLICALS

This brand-new course was approved in less than 14 days by the BC Transfer system, with schools like UBC, SFU, UNBC, UVic and others recognizing it as both a Social Justice and Peace course and a Religious Studies course. And there's no wonder why: with such a comprehensive and relevant syllabus, SJPS 200 is sure to become a popular course for undergraduate students.

This course will deal with the historical contexts, competing analytical approaches, and foundational Catholic documents on the impacts of industrialization, colonialism, twentieth century warfare and environmental degradation on the poor and the marginalized people of the world.

We begin with Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum novarum on the rights of the worker then follow with the teaching on the Just War theory and the objective of peace in encyclicals by Pope John XIII. We follow that with some examples from Pope VI and Pope John Paul II on globalization and poverty and conclude with Pope Francis on environment.

WHY SHOULD YOU TAKE THIS COURSE?

• Learn how to integrate the many fields of inquiry: from history, economics, politics, physical and life sciences and theological reflection.
• Gain understanding of key concepts: Human dignity, rights of the worker, living wage, human development, limits of just war, climate change.
• Grasp the limitations of: Marxist analysis, class conflict, and exploitation of resources and people.
• Develop the ability to express these issues in written and in oral presentations.

For more information on this course, talk to your academic advisor today!

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Engaged Observers: Seeing as Social Justice

THE PHOTOJOURNALISM OF SEBASTIÃO SALGADO

Sebastião Salgado, one of the most famous social documentary photographers in the world, captures the hardships of oppressed, dislocated, and marginalized peoples in various parts of the world in stark and stunning black-and-white photography.

In this seminar, we will be viewing some of his photography and excerpts from his documentary, SALT OF THE EARTH, in order to consider whether photography has power to raise awareness about social injustices and human crisis or whether it simply functions to gaze on the injustices and suffering got others from a position of distance and power.

Seminar Date: January 19, 2016 | 12:15-1:15 pm in Room 101.

The LION Seminar Series follows a theme throughout the year, with opportunities for students, faculty and staff to engage in discussion on social justice issues in the media, history, and world culture. Seminars take place at Corpus Christi College, and are open to students and members of the community of Saint Mark's.

For more information on this seminar or the LION Seminar Series, contact Dr. Bettina Stumm at [email protected].

Photo source.

A Course Celebrating Language and Culture (and Burritos!)

Instructor Laura Levera teaches Corpus Christi’s very popular Spanish classes. Her approach is to guide students through the fascinating world of learning a new language in a friendly environment. Students work as a team, helping each other and contributing to the class with each of their unique talents.

“We include cultural celebrations such as The Day of the Dead, Our Lady of Guadalupe, The Three Kings, Easter, replicating traditions and food prepared for the special celebrations in Mexico and other countries,” explains Laura.

Often such celebrations involve making delicious recipes - burritos, flautas, quesadillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, and more.

“I aim to create an environment where learning Spanish goes beyond the academic level, and also includes the rich cultural aspects of the language in a fun, engaging way,” says Levera.

¡Qué divertido!

EXPLORE ALL OF OUR COURSES

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Students shine a light on social justice issues

Child Slavery in the Cocoa Industry, Equal Access to Education, and Inspirational Difference-Makers Among Topics Tackled at Student-Led Conference. Everyone can make a difference in the world, no matter how small. That was the message from this year’s Voices of Hope, Corpus Christi’s student-led Social Justice and Leadership Symposium.

Topics ranged from how we can all play a part in stopping child slavery by eating ‘fair trade’ chocolate to why we all have a stake in equal access to education for females. Students also profiled individuals who have inspired them to make a difference in the world – by giving them the tools to advocate for issues they care deeply about. A highlight of the academic year, the student-organized event is guided by the central pillars of Catholic social teaching and gives students an opportunity to explore social, political, cultural, religious, and environmental challenges from all angles.

The theme of this past year’s symposium was “finding meaning”, based on Eboo Patel’s book, Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, in the Struggle for the Soul of a Generation. Patel was heavily influenced by Dorothy Day’s Catholic Worker movement in inner city Chicago, and underwent a conversion experience that lead him on a spiritual journey to combine social justice and interfaith dialogue. Voices of Hope is open to all Corpus Christi and Saint Mark’s students, their families, Saint Mark’s College and Parish Community members, alumni, UBC students, invited grade 11 or 12 high school students, and other invited guests.

This past June, a group of Corpus Christi College students and faculty traveled to the Northwest Territories on a second, annual mission of friendship and encounter with local First Nations groups. This unique service learning trip is an optional field-study component of a Corpus Christi credit course called “Social Justice and Peace Studies: Aboriginal Faith and Culture”.

"What stayed with us were memories of the lives we touched and the unique people we encountered."

Lasting two intense weeks, the trip featured long road trips since many of the villages are scattered hours away from each other. Along with visiting and encountering several First Nations communities, students undertook service projects such as painting the outside of a local church and helping out at the “Side Door Ministry”, a youth centre in downtown Yellowknife. “We had to quickly adjust to the climate and protect ourselves from swarms of mosquitoes and horse flies, but, apart from a few bug-bites, what stayed with us were memories of the lives we touched and the unique people we encountered,” said Brenna Maduro, one of the participating students. “Although we discovered more about ourselves, we also came back with a better understanding about aboriginal faith and culture and what’s at the heart of service – that it’s not just about serving people, but serving with people,” said Brenna.

Photo from mfsdiocese.org