St. John’s
six years of success

Founding Principal reflects on memories
and moments spent with residents

In April 1997, St. John’s College Five months later, in September
at UBC was merely a construction 1997, the College’s first buildings

site. Most people who passed opened to 32 pioneering Junior
by the chain link safety fences Fellows. Almost immediately, this
and the skeletal, half built resi- unique group began to form
dences knew little —if anything— an environment where everyone
of what the site would become. could take part in the exchange
The exception was Grant Ingram, of ideas and knowledge, and
who, five months later took promote flexible thinking.

his place as the College’s first lt might seem like yesterday, but
Principal for a six-year term. now six years have passed:

Construction of all buildings is
“| remember clearly my first view

complete, the College is home
of the College in the spring =
to 160 residents hailing from
of 1997. | wandered down Lower
over 35 countries, and Principal
Mall and saw the unfinished
ne Ingram has completed his
buildings on the east side of the
term and handed over the reins
courtyard. There wasn’t much eS
is to Acting Principal Shel Cherry,
to see, but | had a vision of what
who will prepare staff and
it could be, nonetheless.
residents to welcome a new

“I came to St. John’s College Principal in 2004.

with a number of goals in mind. gi bigs eu
For Principal Ingram, it is his
More than anything, | wanted
memory of time spent with the
foster a sense of belonging for all |
residents that stands out most.

who would become part of

the College. | wanted to create an “St. John’s College is all about
environment that would facilitate its residents. | have so many

the development of links and memories of brilliant, generous,
partnerships, within and outside _creative and talented Junior

of the UBC campus, and | Fellows who contributed greatly
wanted to provide a home for to the success of the College
reasoned debate and research community by putting on coffee
on issues ranging from local houses, presenting plays and

to global importance,” recalls concerts, organizing the interna-
Principal Ingram. tional choir or a sports team,

giving talks, or coming into my
office because they were con-
cerned about a fellow resident.
Continued on page 3

iOllege celebrates

St. John’s College Social Lounge under

construction, April 1997.

Aerial view of the spectacular College

courtyard, April 2003.

UBC President Martha Piper with

St. John’s University Johanneans in

Shanghai, China, 1997.