February 17, 2006

UNBC President Charles Jago was among 33 distinguished Canadians whoreceived their insignias of membership into the Order of Canada fromGovernor-General Michaëlle Jean today. The Order of Canada is thecountry’s highest honour for lifetime achievement.

“It was a very moving experience and the Governor General made it verypersonal,” said UNBC President Charles Jago, speaking from Ottawa. “Itwas some minutes later, after I sat down, that I looked at the medal.It’s just stunning. What an incredible experience it has been for myfamily and me.” Joining President Jago at the event was his wife, Mary;their son, Noel, from London, Ontario; his sister and brother-in-law;and family friend, Tom Steadman.

Dr. Jago has been the President of UNBC since 1995. He has become apassionate advocate for the North and of the role of education inshaping the region’s development. He has been instrumental in expandingeducational opportunities throughout the North, especially in FirstNations communities. He was the leading figure behind the creation ofthe Northern Medical Program to address the critical shortage ofphysicians in northern and rural communities. At the same time, UNBChas become a national leader in rural health teaching and research.More recently, he has been actively involved with establishing theNorthern Sport Centre in Prince George as a world-class centre forhigh-performance sport.  He will retire from his position thissummer, after 11 years as President.

Prior to coming to UNBC, he was Principal of Huron College in Ontarioand a Professor of History at McMaster University. He received his PhDfrom Cambridge University.

Dr. Jago is only the second resident of Prince George to be named aMember of the Order of Canada.  The only other recipient wasexplorer and conservationist Tommy Tompkins in 1975.

Photo credit: Sgt. Eric Jolin, Rideau Hall

Contact:
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC - 250.960.5622