John Furlong has been described as a “sports hero," “nation builder,” and the “ultimate crisis manager." Known for his masterful storytelling and innovative leadership, next month the CEO of VANOC and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games will be the keynote at this year’s 8th Annual Dr. Bob Ewert Memorial Lecture and Dinner. Presenting, The Power of a Meaningful Vision, the former Prince George resident will engage guests with the remarkable and fascinating untold stories behind the Games.

“It is a tremendous opportunity to have John Furlong at this year’s Ewert Dinner,” says Dr. David Nelson President of Northern Medical Society. “John is a visionary leader that has captured the hearts and minds of us all.  The organizing committee felt that he would provide the perfect inspiration for the journey towards excellence in education, health and wellness.”

This is the 8th Annual Ewert Dinner. Each year features a celebrated lecture and inductions into the Northern Medical Society Hall of Fame. Long-time Prince George physician, Dr. Galt Wilson will be receiving the honour this year. In addition, the new Rising Star Award will recognize a current student planning to pursue a professional career in northern health care.

The Event is a fundraiser for the Northern Medical Programs Trust, a partnership involving more than two-dozen local governments and UNBC, supporting students today who will improve the quality of health care in Prince George and northern communities tomorrow. To date over 300 grants have been provided to students, there is an ongoing need to grow the Trust to support training of physicians, nurse practitioners, and other health care professionals. 

The Ewert Dinner will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2012, at the Prince George Civic Centre. Tickets are $100 each and are available individually or in tables of ten from the Office of External Relations at UNBC – 250.960.5750, or at development@unbc.ca.

This year, the Dr. Bob Ewert Memorial Lecture and Dinner are presented by the University of Northern British Columbia, the Northern Medical Society, Northern Health Authority, the 2015 Canada Winter Games Society, and the Prince George Community Foundation.  

Reception at 5:30. Dinner at 6:30. Lecture to follow.