
University Canada West presents Honorary Doctorates to William McCarthy and George C. Reifel
Vancouver, BC – May 26, 2025 – University Canada West is thrilled to announce it will present Honorary Doctorates to William McCarthy and George C. Reifel at its Spring 2025 Convocation ceremonies on May 27 and 29.
William McCarthy's journey to becoming one of British Columbia’s most impactful philanthropists has been guided by three principles taught by his grandfather John Jambor – work hard, live well, give back.
Mr. McCarthy is a private developer and consultant who devotes approximately one-third of his time to pro bono real estate and business consulting, leveraging his expertise to support community and healthcare initiatives across BC, particularly in his home city of Burnaby
His transformative contributions to the BC Cancer and Burnaby Hospital Foundations have revolutionized healthcare in the region. Mr. McCarthy’s historic $21.4 million Jambor-McCarthy Legacy, at the time the largest single-beneficiary bequest in BC’s history, alongside his donations and advocacy, has profoundly advanced cancer research and patient care throughout the entire province.
In recognition of this and continued giving and support, the new BC Cancer–Burnaby McCarthy Centre will bear his name, the first such honour for a donor. Mr. McCarthy’s community engagement and leadership have been pivotal, including most recently chairing the Burnaby Regional Hospital redevelopment Capital Campaign.
A long-standing First Nations art and culture supporter, Mr. McCarthy empowers artists and fosters reconciliation through frequent commissions and gift plans. A world-renowned real estate expert and practitioner, he has continuously strengthened local communities through his work in real estate and philanthropy.
Mr. McCarthy currently holds nine university degrees, 10 professional designations and was appointed to the Order of British Columbia in 2024. He has been peer-elected to lead real estate organizations from the local to the international level.
“We are delighted to bestow an Honorary Doctorate on William McCarthy in recognition of his unwavering commitment to giving back to his community and the province of British Columbia,” said UCW President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Bashir Makhoul. “His tireless support of numerous community initiatives, both big and small, has undoubtedly improved countless lives, making this province a better place for generations to come.”
George C. Reifel is a third-generation business leader and conservationist who has dedicated over four decades of volunteer leadership to conserving North America’s natural environments, especially in British Columbia.
As Ducks Unlimited Canada’s longest-serving director, including an unprecedented three-year term as national president, Mr. Reifel was directly involved in vital conservation initiatives to secure, enhance and manage important wetlands across Canada, the United States and Mexico to support the life cycle needs of migratory waterfowl. He has emphasized public education and youth engagement, launching programs at Ducks Unlimited Canada and mentoring emerging conservation leaders.
He remains an advocate of science-based decisions and was a founding director of the Institute of Wetland and Waterfowl Research in 1991.
For 45 years, Mr. Reifel has served as an active director of the British Columbia Waterfowl Society, which has managed the internationally significant George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary in the Fraser River Delta since it was established in 1963 by his late father, George H. Reifel.
As a director and member of the advisory council of The Nature Trust of British Columbia, Mr. Reifel has been directly involved with securing many high-profile properties of ecological significance across British Columbia. Additionally, as a director and director emeritus of the Pacific Salmon Foundation, Mr. Reifel has made a significant contribution to the conservation, restoration and enhancement of wild Pacific salmon and their ecosystems in BC and the Yukon.
He was awarded the BC Medal of Good Citizenship in 2021 and appointed to the Order of British Columbia in 2023.
“We are thrilled to bestow an Honorary Doctorate on George C. Reifel in recognition of his enduring commitment to conservation and volunteer leadership,” said Dr. Makhoul. “His tireless efforts and ongoing dedication to various conservation projects have benefitted waterfowl, other wildlife, fish, plants and people in British Columbia and beyond.”
“William McCarthy and George Reifel are truly inspiring role models to our students, alumni and the entire UCW community,” he said. “They are most deserving of Honorary Doctorates.”
Mr. McCarthy will receive a Doctor of Laws degree during UCW’s Spring 2025 Convocation ceremony at Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Tuesday, May 27. Mr. Reifel will receive a Doctor of Laws degree during a ceremony on Thursday, May 29.
About University Canada West (UCW)
University Canada West (UCW) is an innovative business and technology-oriented institution in Vancouver, Canada, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees for domestic and international students.
UCW offers a range of career-focused programs including, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication, Associate of Arts and Master of Business Administration. Courses are offered at our two downtown Vancouver campuses – our West Pender Campus in the heart of Vancouver’s financial district and our state-of-the-art Vancouver House Campus.
Contact
For media inquiries or to arrange an interview contact Jessica Kerr, Senior Manager Recruitment & Public Relations, at media@ucanwest.ca.