March 11, 2001 For Immediate Release

K. George Pedersen has been re-elected to a second, three-year term as the Chancellor of the University of Northern British Columbia. Faculty, alumni, and some founders were allowed to vote in the election, and about one-third of eligible voters did so.

Dr Pedersen's career in education has spanned nearly 50 years, and includes appointments as the Vice-President Academic of the University of Victoria and President of Simon Fraser University, The University of British Columbia, the University of Western Ontario, and Royal Roads University. He was also Interim President of UNBC between the appointments of Geoffrey Weller and Charles Jago. Since his retirement, he has been active in community work, and is the President of the Bill Reid Foundation. He is also an advisor to the Salzburg Seminar, providing assistance to eastern European and Russian universities.

"I am honoured to be elected to a second term as Chancellor of the University of Northern British Columbia. Sincere thanks go to those who supported me," says Dr Pedersen. "I look forward with enthusiasm to my continued involvement with the most innovative and exciting university in Canada. It was an honour to share the ballot with Bruce Strachan who played such a major role in the establishment of the University and who continues to be one of its major supporters."

"I was flattered to be asked to serve and I want to thank those who supported my nomination," says Bruce Strachan, a Prince George City Councillor and UNBC founder. "I offer my sincere congratulations and very best wishes to Dr George Pedersen on his re-election as UNBC Chancellor. Dr Pedersen is a distinguished scholar and a staunch advocate of the University of Northern British Columbia."

The Chancellor of UNBC is an honorary, unpaid position. In addition to serving on the Board of Governors, the Chancellor confers degrees at Convocation and generally helps to increase the profile of the University.

A photo of Dr Pedersen is available upon request