New UNBC Board Chair & Vice-Chair

May 4, 2005 for immediate release
The Board of Governors for the University of Northern British Columbia has a new Chair and Vice-Chair.
Donald Rix is replacing Prince George accountant Ron Fichtner as Board Chair. Dr. Rix is currently the Chairman of MDS Metro Laboratory Services, the largest independent community medical lab in BC. He is a leader in the BC technology and biotechnology communities, serving as a director of Genome BC, a director of the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, and a member of both the BC Innovation Council and the Premier’s Technology Council, as well as representing the province on science and technology missions to countries throughout the Pacific Rim.  He has been a UNBC Board member since 2003 and recently contributed $3 million to the University for health teaching and research.
Noreen Rustad of Prince George is the new Board Vice-Chair. She has lived in Prince George for nearly 60 years and has been involved with a number of community organizations including the Prince George Community Foundation, the Weavers and Spinners Guild, and Brownies and Guides. She was the Rotary Citizen of the Year in 1992 and received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002. In 2001, she was named an honorary member of the UNBC Alumni Association. Ms. Rustad has been on the Board since 2003 and replaces Colin Griffith from the Peace River-Liard region as Vice-Chair.
The Board of Governors is the University’s ultimate decision-making body on the financial and administrative operation of the University. Its members include the President and Chancellor, students, faculty and staff, regional representatives, and appointments by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council. The next Board meeting is May 28th.
Both the Chair and Vice-Chair appointments are for one-year terms.
Contact:
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622