The owner of the Pacific Western Brewery, an active advocate for UNBC in the natural gas industry, and four outstanding UNBC grads will be among the honourees at the University of Northern British Columbia Alumni Association’s Annual Awards Reception on May 24. The reception recognizes alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their alma mater, their professions, and to their communities. The event will be held this year in the Bentley Centre at UNBC’s Prince George campus at 6pm.

“For almost the entire life of UNBC, Kazuko Komatsu has been a financial contributor to the university, supporting the library, scholarships and bursaries, academic conferences, the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre, and the Northern Medical Programs Trust,” says UNBC alumni relations officer Tamara Sweet of Komatsu, who is the owner of the Pacific Western Brewery in Prince George. “She has also played an instrumental role in UNBC’s special relationship with Gakushuin University in Tokyo, one of Japan’s top universities.”

Komatsu joins Steve Henderson, Spectra Energy’s Manager of Community and Aboriginal Relations, as Honorary Members of the Alumni Association. Spectra, a natural gas company with extensive operations in BC, is one of UNBC’s largest donors, having contributed nearly $1 million since 1995. “Much of this generosity would not have been possible without Mr. Henderson’s advocacy on behalf of UNBC and our students,” adds Sweet.

The UNBC Alumni Association will also be providing awards to alumni in two categories: professional excellence and community service.

• Rheanna Robinson (MA First Nations Studies ‘08) will receive a Community Service Award for her service on several boards including the Prince George Métis Community Association and the Carney Hill Neighborhood Centre.
• K-Lynn Hogh (MSc. Interdisciplinary Studies ‘12) will receive a Community Service Award for dedication and service to the Prince George Minor Girls Softball Association, first as a player and later as a volunteer coach, official, and executive member.
• Miriam Matejova (BA International Studies ‘09) will receive a Professional Excellence Award for her numerous academic achievements and volunteerism in international affairs. Matejova, an economist for the Government of Canada, has worked for the Canadian International Development Agency, Environment Canada’s Economic Analysis Directorate, and volunteered for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and for the Canadian International Development Agency.
• Bruce Muir (MA Natural Resources and Environmental Studies ‘11) will receive the Professional Excellence Award for his role as senior environmental planner and land use manager for the West Moberly First Nation. Muir has developed key studies in support of land and culture for the community, such as assisting in a key court case protecting an endangered herd of Caribou.

This year, more than 750 students will graduate from UNBC, bringing the total number of alumni to nearly 10 thousand.

Kazuko Komatsu


Steve Henderson