Day in the life: Elizabeth Quong

On any given day you may find the UVic Family Centre bursting at the seams with a children’s program, hosting a parents' book club or busy with volunteers from the Garth Homer Centre who have been cleaning toys there for over eight years. The centre is a community gathering place where learning and research takes place, where resources are shared, relationships are built and family support services are provided. It's a big mandate for this small centre located in the family housing complex since 1998. And the person bringing it all together is director Elizabeth Quong.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see how student families thrive in this environment,” says Quong, who joined the centre in 2006 following years of working in the family resource services sector. “My career has been all about community and family, so the job is a perfect fit for me,” says Quong.

The centre began as an initiative of the Faculty of Human and Social Development in 1990 as a way to provide support for student families, and today, as enrolments grow for graduate, international and mature students, Quong believes the centre has an important role to play in maximizing student success.

“Being a student and a parent presents challenges, and in order to feel success as a student it is important that the family feels strong as well,” says Quong, who believes that “having families on campus enriches the university and facilitates a more supportive community”.

“The centre is a unique model, not comparable to any other university family centre in Canada,” says Quong. “It combines direct service to student families and supports students in their learning through practica, research and volunteering.”

A network of collaborating stakeholders interested in the wellbeing of student families within UVic and the wider community has been developed over the years with recent community support coming from Island Savings. The centre hosts a number of special events throughout the year where the university and community can come together and engage in family-friendly events.

“It is incredibly satisfying to see this type of engagement taking place at the centre,” says Quong. “I feel privileged to work with such a wonderful team of staff, volunteers and families.”

Quong’s international roots run deep. She started life in India where her family were engaged in the international work of the YMCA. At 16 she moved to Switzerland and then embarked on a two-year commitment with CUSO in South America. Quong understands the feeling of being a stranger in a new country and can empathize with student families who may struggle to feel a sense of belonging.

“I love creating opportunities for community,” says Quong, whose sincere appreciation of people, community and culture has infused her entire life.

Making the West Coast her home for over 30 years, Quong appreciates the natural beauty of her surroundings and enjoys hiking, cycling and kayaking. Her interests are varied as an avid reader, arts enthusiast and traveller, but when it comes to student families, Quong’s focus is crystal clear. “The centre is a place where all are welcome and everyone’s contribution is valued.”