Professor W.D. Liam Finn spent his life building strong foundations for safer communities, for engineering education and for the generations of students and colleagues he guided.

As a leader in earthquake geotechnical engineering, he studied the ground beneath buildings, bridges, dams and public spaces. His work helped advance safer approaches to seismic design and deepened understanding of soil behaviour, liquefaction, seismic risk and the safety of the infrastructure communities depend on.

At UBC, Professor Finn served as Professor of Civil Engineering, Head of Civil Engineering and Dean of Applied Science. He also played a major role in establishing geotechnical earthquake engineering across the country, including the creation of Canada’s first program in this area.

But his legacy is not defined by research or leadership alone. Professor Finn was a teacher, mentor and guide to generations of students and young engineers. Those who knew him remember his sharp mind, thoughtful nature, rich humour and generous spirit. He brought care and clarity to complex problems and helped others find stronger footing in their own paths through engineering.

Professor Finn’s legacy continues in the strong foundation he helped build through the students he mentored, the colleagues he guided and the engineering community he helped strengthen.

Your gift to the W.D. Liam Finn Memorial Fund will pay tribute to Professor Finn’s life, legacy and lasting commitment to engineering education. It is the Faculty of Applied Science’s wish to raise $50,000 to establish an endowment to honour Professor Finn’s life by supporting engineering students at UBC. Final decisions on the award description and student eligibility will be made by UBC in consultation with Professor Finn’s family.