Province Recognizes UBC Science Alumni for Community Service

Two young UBC Science alumni have received 2011 BC Community Achievement Awards--the second year in a row the Faculty's graduates have been recognized for their contributions to community service across the province.

Alia Dharamsi, a graduate of UBC's Integrated Sciences program, was recognized for volunteer service at Canuck Place, tutoring and mentoring high school students, and developing a wellness conference for inner city youth. Dharamsi also served as president of UBC's Meal Exchange program, which sources contributions to local food banks.

June Lam, an honours pharmacology alumnus, was cited for leadership, initiative, attention to detail and enthusiasm. Lam engaged in outreach work with the Faculty of Science's peer coaching team and the Let's Talk Science program, and co-chaired the 2010 UBC Student Leadership Conference.

Both are among 36 recipients of the eighth annual BC Community Achievement Awards, presented this week by the Premier Christy Clark and Keith Mitchell, chair of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation.

"Each of these people has a remarkable record of enhancing the quality of life of residents throughout the province," said Premier Clark. "And each truly deserves to be singled out and recognized by all British Columbians for their contributions."

Both Dharamsi and Lam are currently pursuing medical degrees at UBC.

"These individuals work diligently all year round and their contributions yield concrete and lasting benefits for all of us," said Mitchell. "Their work stands as a beacon to selfless community service, and our lives are richer for it."

Award recipients will be recognized in a formal presentation at Government House in Victoria on April 20, 2011. Each receives a certificate and a medallion designed by British Columbia artist Robert Davidson.

2010 Rhodes Scholar and UBC honours chemistry student Kayli Johnson received a BC Community Achievement award last year.