UCPG Thanks Retiring Board Members After 14 Years of Dedicated Service and Welcomes a New Board Chair

The Board of Directors for University of Calgary Properties Group (UCPG) is instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of UCPG and consists of 15 individuals with a dynamic mix of knowledge, skills, and expertise. UCPG extends heartfelt thanks to Murray Fox, former Board Chair, and Allan Rasmuson, former Chair of the Planning and Development Committee who have retired from their positions after 14 years of excellent leadership. We welcome John Gordon as the new Board Chair, bringing extensive knowledge in finance and corporate governance.

Murray Fox – Retiring Chair of UCPG Board of Directors

Murray Fox has served as the Chair of University of Calgary Properties Group’s (UCPG) Board of Directors since its inception in 2011 and is retiring after 14 years of dedicated service.

His 35 years of experience in the real estate development industry helped him confidently lead the board and oversee UCPG, with University District (U/D) and University Innovation Quarter (UIQ) well into development. Murray’s extensive real estate experience helped UCPG adopt several effective policies, procedures and tools, and steered the board in a direction that ensures long-term success.

Murray believes UCPG’s biggest accomplishment to date is the creation of U/D, an innovative urban centre adjacent to the University of Calgary (UCalgary). This development adds life and vibrancy to the university experience while providing financial benefits to UCalgary. He also looks forward to seeing UCPG’s second development project, UIQ progress. Murray shares:

“I’m excited to see how UIQ will evolve and provide long-term employment and wealth opportunities to all Albertans and Canadians through its support of research, innovation and start-up assistance.”

UCPG has grown tremendously since the board was first created, and we thank Murray for his sound governance and operational oversight that contributed to its success. His legacy is deeply rooted in our development, and we greatly appreciate his commitment to the organization over the last 14 years.

Allan Rasmuson – Retiring Chair of the Planning and Development Committees

Allan Rasmuson has been honoured to serve as the Community Representative Director, Secretary and Chair of the Planning and Development Committees for the UCPG Board of Directors for the past 14 years.

He was one of the founding Directors in 2011 and is an active community member, having lived in the surrounding area for 45 years. Al has been involved in planning in the area for 35 years and is now retiring from the Board after many years of dedicated service.

Al’s historical knowledge and understanding of the neighbouring communities and stakeholders have supported the master planning and relationship building for University District. The community offers something unique, with an inner-city location, a relationship with the University of Calgary, and close proximity to the University, Alberta Children’s Hospital and Foothills Medical Centre.

He believes the 2014 Master Plan for University District is UCPG’s greatest accomplishment to date. The quality of engagement with all stakeholders enabled the Master Plan to be successful at the 2014 City Council Public Hearing with unanimous approval by the City Council. U/D is now a thriving community hub, with more exciting growth on the horizon.

Looking to the future, Al is excited about the different residential options that will be offered through the development of the southern neighbourhood of U/D.

Thank you, Al, for your contribution to UCPG’s success and your important role as an advocate for the community!

John Gordon – Transitioning to Board Chair of UCPG

UCPG is guided by a Board of Directors comprised of community representatives, faculty, administration, students, business leaders and development experts.

We recently welcomed John Gordon as the new Board Chair of University of Calgary Properties Group. John served as the Chair of Audit Risk and Finance for two years and has now transitioned to Board Chair.

John has an extensive background in finance, working at KPMG in Calgary and Toronto and holding national leadership roles, and providing services to organizations over a broad range of industries.

His financial expertise is a valuable asset to the board, and he offers a unique perspective as an active community member living in University District.

According to John, one of UCPG’s greatest accomplishments to date was keeping momentum during the COVID pandemic when projects were put on hold. Since that challenging period, University District has had great movement and vibrant growth. He looks forward to focusing on UIQ and building real estate synergistic with university research and activities. Attracting UIQ tenants and investors is unique from his background in commercial real estate, creating a new opportunity for creativity and innovation.

John shares, “UCPG is a really interesting project. I personally believe in the vision for U/D – that’s why we live here. UIQ is exciting because the sky is the limit. It’s the future of Calgary with the growth of tech and innovation. To be a part of that is really rewarding.”

On behalf of University of Calgary Properties Group, we thank Murray and Allan for their many years of service that have helped shape University District and UIQ. As founding members of the board, their contributions and leadership have been monumental. We extend our congratulations to John on his transition to Board Chair. We look forward to working together to build on the vision of UCPG, using a people-first approach to delivering a vibrant community that enhances UCalgary’s name on a global scale.

See UCPG’s full Board of Directors here.