2007: UNBC Year in Review
December 14, 2007
The University of Northern British Columbia is entering 2008 with two
major new buildings, an increased number of program options for
students, and a record student enrolment. Following are highlights from
2007.
January
A new UNBC campus in Terrace opens, nearly tripling UNBC’s space in the community…. Alex Michalos is named UNBC’s fourth Chancellor…. The Board of Governors approves a three-year budget plan for UNBC, aimed at trimming a total of $6 million in costs…. UNBC students capture top awards at western Canada’s largest business competition.
February
A research team led by Dr. Chow Lee publishes discoveries related to the genetic factors behind the growth and aggressiveness of cancer cells…. The Social Work program starts a certificate in child welfare for Aboriginal social workers.
March
Physics professor Matt Reid announces a world record in producing bursts of terahertz energy that enable researchers to see inside of trees…. UNBC and Grande Prairie Regional College collaborate in the delivery of a master of education in northern Alberta.
May
A $2 million anonymous donation to the Northern Medical Programs Trust fulfills the Trust’s initial $6 million goal…. The 92,000 square foot Teaching and Learning Centre is officially opened by local MLAs Shirley Bond, Pat Bell, and John Rustad…. Former UBC President Martha Piper and rural health research pioneer Mamoru Watanabe receive honorary degrees from UNBC…. 730 students graduate from UNBC at the annual Convocation ceremony.
June
The Northern Development Initiatives Trust is recognized for its $4.2 million in support to the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre…. The Board of Governors approves a $57.5 million operating budget for the 2007-08 fiscal year.
July
Students find more than 100 artifacts during an archaeological dig west of Prince George at the confluence of the Nechako and Chilako rivers…. Nearly 60 researchers from across western Canada attend a genetic research conference at UNBC.
August
UNBC develops a new Rural and Acute Care Nursing Certificate for nurses in small communities around BC who desire rural certification and the ability to apply their coursework towards completing a Nursing degree…. UNBC and Yukon College sign a memorandum of understanding to expand teaching and research opportunities in the North.
September
For the first time, UNBC offers courses in its Continuing Studies program that can be applied towards completing a degree…. The University works with the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design to offer northern BC’s first-ever Bachelor of Fine Arts…. UNBC sets a Fall semester enrolment record with 3750 students registered in September…. Amid fanfare of Olympic proportions, the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre officially opens.
October
UNBC is named in a national survey as one of Canada’s research universities of the year after its research funding grew by 90% in one year…. The telecommunications infrastructure used for teaching and research is expanded to be the equivalent of 6,000 home high-speed internet connections.
November
The UNBC Northern Timberwolves basketball teams win their home-openers at the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre…. UNBC is named the best small university in western Canada by Maclean’s magazine for the third year in a row.
December
UNBC develops a new degree option focusing on Public Administration and Community Development.
January
A new UNBC campus in Terrace opens, nearly tripling UNBC’s space in the community…. Alex Michalos is named UNBC’s fourth Chancellor…. The Board of Governors approves a three-year budget plan for UNBC, aimed at trimming a total of $6 million in costs…. UNBC students capture top awards at western Canada’s largest business competition.
February
A research team led by Dr. Chow Lee publishes discoveries related to the genetic factors behind the growth and aggressiveness of cancer cells…. The Social Work program starts a certificate in child welfare for Aboriginal social workers.
March
Physics professor Matt Reid announces a world record in producing bursts of terahertz energy that enable researchers to see inside of trees…. UNBC and Grande Prairie Regional College collaborate in the delivery of a master of education in northern Alberta.
May
A $2 million anonymous donation to the Northern Medical Programs Trust fulfills the Trust’s initial $6 million goal…. The 92,000 square foot Teaching and Learning Centre is officially opened by local MLAs Shirley Bond, Pat Bell, and John Rustad…. Former UBC President Martha Piper and rural health research pioneer Mamoru Watanabe receive honorary degrees from UNBC…. 730 students graduate from UNBC at the annual Convocation ceremony.
June
The Northern Development Initiatives Trust is recognized for its $4.2 million in support to the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre…. The Board of Governors approves a $57.5 million operating budget for the 2007-08 fiscal year.
July
Students find more than 100 artifacts during an archaeological dig west of Prince George at the confluence of the Nechako and Chilako rivers…. Nearly 60 researchers from across western Canada attend a genetic research conference at UNBC.
August
UNBC develops a new Rural and Acute Care Nursing Certificate for nurses in small communities around BC who desire rural certification and the ability to apply their coursework towards completing a Nursing degree…. UNBC and Yukon College sign a memorandum of understanding to expand teaching and research opportunities in the North.
September
For the first time, UNBC offers courses in its Continuing Studies program that can be applied towards completing a degree…. The University works with the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design to offer northern BC’s first-ever Bachelor of Fine Arts…. UNBC sets a Fall semester enrolment record with 3750 students registered in September…. Amid fanfare of Olympic proportions, the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre officially opens.
October
UNBC is named in a national survey as one of Canada’s research universities of the year after its research funding grew by 90% in one year…. The telecommunications infrastructure used for teaching and research is expanded to be the equivalent of 6,000 home high-speed internet connections.
November
The UNBC Northern Timberwolves basketball teams win their home-openers at the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre…. UNBC is named the best small university in western Canada by Maclean’s magazine for the third year in a row.
December
UNBC develops a new degree option focusing on Public Administration and Community Development.
