Dr. Xiao Jie Yang was a long serving professor in the School of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures and Culture. He spent over three decades working in education and research at the University of Calgary. His research focused on the modernization and digitization of classical Japanese literature, Emakimono (painted handscrolls), and medieval military literature.
Dr. Yang made a significant impact at the University of Calgary. In 2005, he created an international partnership between UCalgary and Japanese universities to establish a cultural immersion program. He received the Faculty of Arts Award for Leadership in Internalization in 2014 and the Order of the Rising Sun Award from the Government of Japan in 2016 for his contributions to Japanese language studies and his work in furthering a mutual understanding between Japan and Canada.
Jie would not consider retirement, as he felt such immense joy from teaching his students, many of whom could share a story about how he made a positive and lasting impression in their life. He had an amazing curiosity for life and enjoyed every moment with his infectious smile, calm nature, and bright optimism.
Dr. Yang will be lovingly remembered by his wife E-Mei, son Dylan (Janet and grandson Jayden), daughter Catrin (Brandon and future grandson), sister Qiujie, mother Xiuying, and father Wenxun. He will be dearly missed by his students, friends, and colleagues.
As an ongoing celebration of Jie’s life, a memorial fund has been established with the University of Calgary, which will be used to establish or contribute to an endowment supporting a lecture series or student award in the Faculty of Arts.