Michael Geller, whose contributions as an architect, city planner and property developer have helped transform the face of Greater Vancouver and the Tri-Cities, is being honored for his lifetime of work.
Geller is well-known to those in the Surrey planning and development communities as a planning and real estate consultant, former director of the Surrey City Development Corporation, and member of the Mayor's Economic Development Advisory Committee
Geller will be feted at a gala event called Building Minds, Sept. 1, at the Richmond Country Club. The event is sponsored by the international educational organization ORT.
“I was literally shocked when I was approached, but very much honored,” said Geller. “My first thought was of all the other people who are probably more deserving. But, that being said, I agreed to do it because I am familiar with the good work ORT does, particularly in the field of education.”
ORT is one of the largest non-governmental education and training organizations in the world, with past and present activities in over 50 countries. A non-profit, non-political organization, ORT’s objective is to meet the educational and vocational requirements of diverse students throughout the world. ORT Vancouver is currently piloting a “Smart Classrooms” project in Vancouver and Richmond schools.
Since its founding in Russia in 1880, ORT has delivered excellence in education. ORT develops curricula, sets up laboratories, creates high-tech educational systems and gives students the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to their communities. ORT has operations from Bulgaria to Brazil, from Italy to India and Israel. (The name comes from a Russian-language acronym.)
In four decades in urban design and real estate, Geller has played key roles in projects including UniverCity at Simon Fraser University, the south shore of False Creek, Steveston Village, Bayshore in Coal Harbour, Deering Island, Furry Creek and a variety of residential and mixed-use projects around Vancouver.
He is on the adjunct faculty of SFU’s Centre for Sustainable Community Development and UBC’s graduate Urban Design Program advisory board. He is also a prolific writer, whose commentary on urban affairs run regularly in local media. He has also served as a volunteer and board member for diverse non-profit organizations.
More information on the event and tickets are available at 604-276-9282.