The 2023 Volunteer Recognition Ceremony – an event which recognizes AIBC Volunteers for their contributions to further the public interest mandate of the AIBC – took place on November 23, 2023. It was an inaugural event, with the AIBC having refreshed the Recognition Program this past year, after transferring the Professional Service Awards to the Architecture Foundation of BC. The AIBC Recognition Program now solely focuses on recognizing the tremendous efforts and contributions of the AIBC’s volunteers. The AIBC was delighted to be able invite all volunteers to attend the event, which took place at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre. Nearly 100 individuals were in attendance, including Volunteer Recognition recipients, their friends and family, and nominators.
The 2023 Ceremony began with an address from Board Chair Marguerite Laquinte Francis Architect AIBC, who was also the emcee for the evening. She shared some AIBC volunteering highlights: there are currently more than 20 AIBC Committees, advisory groups, and task forces, which are comprised of nearly 200 volunteers. This group of individuals has donated over 8500 hours cumulatively at the AIBC over the past year – which was particularly critical with the transition to the Professional Governance Act. Marguerite concluded with a personal reflection on her own experience volunteering with the Institute, and then led the crowd in applause to recognize the efforts of all AIBC volunteers.
The evening was also about recognizing several volunteers who were receiving “AIBC Volunteer Recognitions”. Volunteer Recognitions were handed out in three categories, and all the recipients were nominated by the AIBC’s staff. The Recognitions formally recognize individuals who have made exceptional contributions towards fulfilling the mandate of the AIBC and contributing to the organization’s success:
- The inaugural AIBC Emerging Volunteer Recognition was presented to Himanshu Chopra Architect AIBC by Carla Taylor, AIBC Registration Lead.
- The first AIBC Recognition of Exceptional Volunteer Service was presented to Baldwin Hum Architect AIBC by Jenelyn Torres, AIBC Director of Registration and Licensing.
- The second AIBC Recognition of Exceptional Volunteer Service was presented to ‘Gret Sutherland Architect AIBC by Tatiana Perez Velez, AIBC Professional Conduct Officer.
- And finally, the AIBC Recognition for Lifetime Volunteer Achievement was presented to Teddy Lai Architect AIBC, CP, MRAIC by Mark Vernon, AIBC CEO.
Thank you to all AIBC volunteers for your contributions to the Institute, and congratulations to the 2023 AIBC Volunteer Recognition recipients.
View Photos from the 2023 Volunteer Recognition Ceremony
