Alumni Spotlight – Congratulations to the Home Economics Class of 1970!
To celebrate the 50 year milestone of their class, alumnae Pamela Byers and Adrianne Dale share a few highlights from their time at UBC and also their top-tips to current and newly graduated students.
Pam Byers, BHE 1970
What is your favourite memory of studying at UBC?
Cinnamon Buns! [Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the UBC cinnamon bun recipe and ‘how-to-make’ video].
How has your job changed since you graduated from UBC?
I took my chances when I graduated from UBC, and after working in a local school district with single parent women, I realized my strength was in working with people. My home economics degree gave me a solid background in nutrition, psychology, sociology and decision making. These skills still apply today, and are applicable in many types of work. It is wonderful to hear that UBC has Home Economics education programs.
What is something that you are proud of in your work and career?
I spent many years in government work. Developing my skills in communication and in the understanding of human relationships at UBC has enabled me to pursue a career that involves conflict resolution.
What do you do to stay updated with your field of study?
The research skills I learned in studying home economics has enabled me to critically evaluate and find credible sources of online information, which keep me up to date.
What is one message you would like to share with students about how they can prepare for the world of work?
Don’t be afraid of continuing your education. Be open minded to new opportunities and be confident in the skills you are learning, they are transferable, use them to your best advantage.
Adrianne Dale, BHE 1970
What is your favourite memory of studying at UBC?
My favourite memory is the camaraderie that I felt while studying and living with my peers in Home Economics. We supported each other throughout our time at UBC and have continued that connection, 50 years later!
How has your job changed since you graduated from UBC?
I taught home economics for 6 years, in junior high schools, in Surrey and Chilliwack. Although I enjoyed teaching, I felt drawn to another field of endeavor and returned to education, obtaining an associate’s degree in Interior Design from Douglas College. I worked in the design studio of the Hudson Bay Company in Vancouver, before moving to the Seattle area, and opening my design studio in 1983.
I see a natural progression from Home Economics to Interior Design, as my time at UBC taught me about family structures, sociology and psychology, textiles and business.
What is something that you are proud of in your work and career?
One of my proudest accomplishments was membership in the American Society of Interior Design, rising to great heights on their National Board of Directors and achieving fellowship status. This opened up new and exciting opportunities for me to travel and to meet outstanding professionals in the field.
What do you do to stay updated with your field of study?
I receive the Faculty of Land and Food Systems monthly newsletter (ReachOut twice a year, and LFS Community Connects, 10 issues a year). These are wonderful sources of information, and it is always exciting to read about the research, education and community engagement that the Faculty, alumni and students pursue.
In semi-retirement, I have enjoyed being a substitute teacher in family food science and life skills, as well as the occasional French class (there aren’t many French speakers in the US!)
What is one message you would like to share with students about how they can prepare for the world of work?
Be open to all opportunities that use your skills. Incorporating all that you learn at UBC can enrich your life and give you nourishment in many fields of work, especially those that may not be your first choice.
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UBC Cinnamon Bun Recipe
The UBC Cinnamon Bun recipe was first perfected by Hungarian Baker, Grace Hasz in 1954 at the old UBC Bake Shop. Within a few years she went from baking two dozen to a staggering 120 dozen per day as the bun grew in popularity.
For bakers of all ages and experience, here’s a link to the recipe used by today’s UBC campus bakery, plus a helpful how-to video made by the Alumni UBC team! https://food.ubc.ca/ubc-cinnamon-bun-recipe/