Northern Sport Centre to be Named in Honour of Charles Jago

May 26, 2006
The new Northern Sport Centre will be named after Charles Jago, the outgoing President of the University of Northern British Columbia. The announcement was made by Prince George Mayor Colin Kinsley and Don Rix, the Chair of the UNBC Board of Governors, during the gala banquet that was held tonight in honour of Dr. Jago.  

More than 500 people attended the gala, which was held at the CN Centre in Prince George. Presentations were given by 20 colleagues and friends of Dr. Jago, including representatives of government, northern post-secondary institutions, the University, and the community. Among those speaking, UNBC Founder Horst Sander highlighted Dr. Jago’s ability to bring “growth and diversification to this area, and opportunities to its residents.” Former Alumni Association President Jacqueline Eaton asked “where else do students get to ‘hang out’ and get to know their president?” Former UNBC Chancellor George Pedersen, who served as Interim President of UNBC between Geoffrey Weller and Charles Jago, joked that it would take too long to properly roast Dr. Jago, so he focused on the President’s wife, Mary. “Taking on a university presidency usually translates into a two-person job with one’s spouse contributing his or her time as ‘unpaid labour,’” he said. “So Mary has served gratis for eleven years, a contribution for which we are all extremely grateful.”  

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

He and Mary plan to continue living in Prince George.  

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

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