Description/Abstract UBC Geological Engineering, together with the Vancouver Geotechnical Society, would like to invite you to attend our 13th annual Distinguished Lecturer Event on Tuesday, March 22nd in the Earth Sciences Building at UBC (ESB 1013 & atrium). To coincide with the UBC 100 celebrations, this year we will be featuring two of our very own, Dr. Oldrich Hungr and Dr. Leslie Smith. Both are long-time contributors and well respected members of the Vancouver geotechnical and hydrogeology communities, and both will be retiring from UBC at the end of this year. Refreshments: 5:00 - 6:30 pm Lectures will begin at 6:30 pm Dr. Oldrich Hungr - Debris Flow Hazard and Risk Assessment A brief review will be given of a practical approach towards characterizing debris flow hazards in a watershed, estimating risks and selecting remedial measures. The presentation will focus on debris flow hazards typical of coastal B.C. and will be illustrated by some examples. Dr. Leslie Smith - Lessons for Life: A Perspective on Groundwater Models Over the past decade there has been a substantial increase in the level of detail built into groundwater models submitted in support of environmental assessments and permitting for mining projects. A synthesis of recent case histories suggests: (i) poor choices can still be encountered in defining conceptual models; (ii) powerful modeling tools can create the illusion of knowledge; (iii) models are viewed by some as defining a decision rather than a decision support tool. This presentation suggests some simple guiding principles to consider when developing groundwater models in an environment of rising expectations.