The Vancouver Sun announced on November 19 its plans to determine by popular vote the 150 most influential citizens in the history of British Columbia. The "British Columbia’s Best" contest was initiated in honour of the 150th anniversary of British Columbia. We are proud to announce that several individuals with a strong connection to TRIUMF made the list, including Erich Vogt and John Warren.
The contest is part of The Vancouver Sun's ongoing celebration of British Columbia’s 150 year anniversary, which is being celebrated across the province. The paper is also celebrating with articles and photos that look back on BC’s history, as well as numerous “Top Number” lists that feature the most important contributions in subjects such as arts and sports. British Columbia was founded as a Crown Colony on November 19, 1858.
John Warren and Erich Vogt were the first and the fourth directors of the laboratory (respectively), and led the project for almost half of its first four decades. More importantly, they were co-founders of TRIUMF. This recognition by the Vancouver Sun and the broader community, in a list which contains only a handful of scientists from any field, is testimony to the positive impact which TRIUMF has had--and continues to have--in the province. Two noted supporters of TRIUMF also made the list: Honourable Stan Hagen and Dr. Gordon Shrum (the first chancellor of SFU) and we congratulate them and their families as well.
The contest began earlier in the year with readers submitting suggestions for BC’s most notable citizens. The many nominations were narrowed down by The Vancouver Sun staff according to their contributions to the province, resulting in a list of over 200 candidates. TRIUMF nominees such as Erich Vogt and John Warren join a diverse collection of luminaries across the decades. The article can be read online here. The online vote continues until December 22, and the contest results will be revealed on December 31. Please take a moment to cast your vote!
Kaitlan Huckabone
TRIUMF's Communications Assistant
Banner photo courtesy of stock.xchng