A Message from UNBC President and Vice Chancellor, Dr. George Iwama

 

Greetings from UNBC,

I hope this finds you enjoying the winter, wherever you are. As we enjoy the various facets of winter, we have moments when we think of the coming spring.  It’s my pleasure to invite you to our Convocation 2012 at the University of Northern British Columbia. We will be gathering to congratulate our UNBC graduates and to wish them our best as they set forth with their degrees, certificates and diplomas.

Our world is one where change in many aspects seems to be accelerating. The level of connection with our global community through the Internet is unprecedented. New businesses and industries, impossible even a decade ago, are creating wealth. Our climate is changing, due in large part to our activities. And as the growth in the middle class is exploding in the developing economies of the world, green house gasses and climate change are likely to increase for the foreseeable future. Watching these changes, however, are people for whom there is little change. For the abused, the poor, those ill with diseases for which there is no cure or available medication, there must seem little change for the better. These are the issues that have comprised the education of our graduates. These are the circumstances they step into, as they leave our university. Our UNBC graduates are well equipped to make positive differences in our world.

Our university has been ranked among the top universities in Canada in its category for the fourth year running.  According to Maclean’s Magazine’s 2011 Annual University Rankings, UNBC was number three overall surpassed only by two much older universities in the Maritimes.  We are now justified in claiming that UNBC is Canada’s top small university west of Atlantic Canada.  We have articulated our vision and plans for the university in the University Plan 2010. We are excited and optimistic about the impact UNBC will make in Canada and the world through our research, teaching, service, and our graduates! We will remember you, our alumnus, as we work to improve UNBC and the value of the degree, certificate and diploma that you will receive at Convocation 2012.

To our graduands, I look forward to shaking your hand as you cross the stage. I hope your time at UNBC has been a rich experience. I hope that you’ve made good friends that will last your lifetime. I hope you have found a passion that will drive you and guide you through your life. As you leave your alma mater today, please stay in touch.

Marilyn and I look forward to seeing you there in May 2012.
 

UNBC President and Vice-Chancellor

 

Convocation Dates Prince George Friday May 25, 2012 Terrace Monday May 28, 2012 Wilp Wilxo'oskwhl Nisga'a Tuesday May 29, 2012 Quesnel Thursday May 31, 2012

Graduation Fair Check out the 2nd Annual Grad Fair in March 2012. Stay tuned for details!