John Sayre
John Sayre has been an outstanding colleague, friend and ambassador for Capilano University ever since his appointment in 1968. He has demonstrated excellence in all aspects of academic career.
For more than 37 years, Sayre's teaching motivated and challenged thousands of students, inspiring them to develop a wide range of interests. He was equally at ease teaching introductory courses to business students as teaching the complexities of intermediate microeconomics to commerce students. The students all shared a common respect and admiration for Sayre as a teacher and a friend.
Sayre co-authored four textbooks all currently in use at Capilano University. The two principles of economics texts have been adopted by universities and colleges throughout Canada and have built a reputation as the most readable economics texts published in North America. They are now in their eighth editions.
Sayre has had an enormous influence on the Social Science division as both division chair and budget coordinator. He was responsible for setting up its Commerce and Labour Studies programs.
Sayre's contribution to the University community has been equally inspiring. He was instrumental in the formation of the Faculty Association, as well as its first president. He has been a guest speaker on campus on several occasions. Sayre has left an enormous legacy. Without him, Capilano University would not be the outstanding institution that it has become.
Dr. Brian White
Brian White founded the School of Tourism Management and the School of Outdoor Recreation Management. His inspired leadership created a dynamic, connected and respected array of tourism and outdoor recreation programming integral to Capilano University to this day.
From 1972, when he created and taught the first class of the outdoor recreation department, until his retirement in 2008, White led the formation of at least eight successful programs including the Bachelor of Tourism Management in 1995–one of the first baccalaureate degrees offered from Capilano then-College.
White is regarded as a pre-eminent leader of tourism and hospitality education in British Columbia and Canada. He was recognized as the Canadian tourism industry's Educator of the Year in 2004 and was awarded the BC Tourism Industry's 2009 William Van Horne Visionary Award for leadership in educational programming and commitment to innovative teaching.
He was also the senior human resource policy advisor for the World Travel and Tourism Council and housed a resource centre at Capilano College, and has conducted numerous international tourism-related projects.
In addition to his wide array of accomplishments, Brian always has time for people and is a true teacher and inspiration. He cultivates loyalty and demonstrates a constant and inspired caring for students and for his colleagues that transcends institutions or boundaries.