The Rudy North Chair in River Ecology
For 35 years, Mark Angelo has led public awareness activities, shared applied research, taught new generations of environmental stewards, and collaborated with non-profit agencies and government bodies. To learn more about Mark’s recent projects, visit Riverworld to learn about Canadian and International river issues and initiatives.
As the inaugural candidate in the Rudy North Chair in River Ecology, Mark Angelo defined the role and mandate of the Rivers Institute and developed a strategy to help ensure that critical fish and wildlife habitats, in British Columbia and beyond, were protected and restored. This included initiating an applied ecological restoration degree program at BCIT, developing curriculum for advanced environmental remediation, strengthening linkages with external agencies, leading the development of an online presence for the sharing and disseminating of knowledge, and ensuring the sustainability of the initiative by mentoring a future leader.
Mark lead public awareness activities to share the Institute’s message with the external community and distributed research via an assortment of professional channels. Mark continued to publish material through a number of popular publications as well as major newspapers.
As Head of the School’s Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation Program, Mark Angelo had initiated a series of efforts advocating for responsible development practices and a better ecological future for British Columbia. For 35 years, he led public awareness activities, shared applied research, taught new generations of environmental stewards, and collaborated with non-profit agencies and government bodies. Institutions including the Province of BC, the Government of Canada, and the United Nations have applauded Mark’s efforts, and agencies such as the Nature Trust of BC, the Pacific Fisheries Research Conservation Council, and the Alouette River Management Society value his guidance and commend his work.
Mark brought attention to the critical importance of healthy waterways, founded both BC and World Rivers Day with more than 30 countries participating, and inspired hundreds of BCIT students and stakeholders. By sharing his passion with others and setting an example for how concerned citizens can proactively address environmental issues, Mark has truly been an agent of positive change. Mark retired in 2012, and we are tremendously proud to have had him as a member of the BCIT community.