May 26, 2006

Thenew Northern Sport Centre will be named after Charles Jago, the outgoingPresident of the University of Northern British Columbia.The announcement was made by Prince George Mayor Colin Kinsley and Don Rix, theChair of the UNBC Board of Governors, during the gala banquet that was heldtonight in honour of Dr. Jago. 

Morethan 500 people attended the gala, which was held at the CN Centre in Prince George. Presentationswere given by 20 colleagues and friends of Dr. Jago, including representativesof government, northern post-secondary institutions, the University, and thecommunity. Among those speaking, UNBC Founder Horst Sander highlighted Dr.Jago’s ability to bring “growth and diversification to this area, andopportunities to its residents.” Former Alumni Association President JacquelineEaton asked “where else do students get to ‘hang out’ and get to know theirpresident?” Former UNBC Chancellor George Pedersen, who served as InterimPresident of UNBC between Geoffrey Weller and Charles Jago, joked that it wouldtake too long to properly roast Dr. Jago, so he focused on the President’swife, Mary. “Taking on a university presidency usually translates into atwo-person job with one’s spouse contributing his or her time as ‘unpaidlabour,’” he said. “So Mary has served gratis for eleven years, acontribution for which we are all extremely grateful.” 

Dr.Jago has been the President of UNBC for nearly eleven years and will step downat the end of June. While President, he presided over considerable expansion ofthe University. For example, since 1995, when he first arrived, there has been$100 million in new construction added to the Prince Georgecampus in addition to new regional campuses in Terrace, Quesnel, and Prince Rupert. Thecreation of an athletic facility at UNBC has been one of his primaryobjectives. 

Heand Mary plan to continue living in Prince George. 

Inaddition to being a celebration of Dr. Jago’s contributions to Prince George and the North, the gala was afundraiser for the Northern Sport Centre. Due to open in Fall 2007, theNorthern Sport Centre will be northern BC’s premier athletic and trainingfacility. It will house a gymnasium with seating for 2000, two indoor fields,an elevated indoor track, offices of coaches, and connection to the extensivetrail network around the UNBC campus. The $30.75 million facility is apartnership between the City of Prince George and UNBC.

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