August 5, 2004 for immediate release


On August 17, the University of Northern British Columbia will becelebrating the 10th anniversary of its opening while marking animportant chapter in its future growth. Government officials, communityleaders, alumni, students, employees, and donors will be among those inattendance. All events are open to the public.

Exactly 10 years ago, Queen Elizabeth II came to Prince George toofficially open the University's Prince George campus. To commemoratethe occasion, a special Convocation ceremony will be held to presenthonorary degrees to ten UNBC Founders. Later, the new Northern HealthSciences Centre will be officially opened. The building will house theNorthern Medical Program, which is beginning this fall. In the evening,a community barbecue will be held to launch the local fundraisingprogram to support future medical students.


10am
Agora Courtyard
Special Convocation Ceremony

Introductory remarks will be given by UNBC President Charles Jago,Chancellor Peter Bentley, and Advanced Education Minister Shirley Bond.The Convocation address will be presented by Lieutenant Governor IonaCampagnolo, and honorary degrees will be presented to ten Founders:

John Chapman
John Ellis
Elsie Gerdes
Mike Harcourt
Edward John
Charles McCaffray
Murray Sadler
Tom Steadman
Bruce Strachan
Bill Vander Zalm

2pm
Agora Courtyard
Opening of the Northern Health Sciences Centre

Remarks from the Government of BC, UBC, the Northern Health Authority,the City of Prince George, and the local Northern Medical Programfundraising committee, and NMP students will lead to a ribbon-cuttingand walk-thorough of the new building.

The Northern Health Sciences Centre will be the home of the NorthernMedical Program, an expansion of the UBC Faculty of Medicine to traindoctors in the North. The first 24 students will begin their studiesthis fall, and about half are from northern/rural communities. 15 NMPstudents are expected to participate in the opening ceremony on August17.

4:30 - 7:30pm
Agora Courtyard
Community Barbecue

Local members of the Northern Medical Programs Trust fundraisingcommittee are hosting a barbecue, entertainment, and public tours ofthe Northern Health Sciences Centre. Food and souvenirs will beavailable, with all money raised directed to providing financialsupport for future medical students.

Throughout the day, visitors to the campus will also be able to view ahistorical display in the Winter Garden. A full schedule of events forAugust 17 is available as a link from the UNBC homepage at www.unbc.ca.