VICTORIA - Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson has made the following statement in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the University of Northern British Columbia:

“On June 22, 1990, the legislature passed the University of Northern British Columbia Act, which established legal guidelines for university operations and mandated that UNBC serve the province with a special focus on social, economic and environmental issues faced by communities in the North. UNBC became governed by the University Act in 2002, where it continues today. 

“UNBC is a great success story. The university is a respected and important part of public post-secondary education in British Columbia. Since opening its doors to students, the university has experienced many notable successes.

“UNBC celebrated its first graduates in 1994, a group of six students. Ten years later, Maclean’s Magazine named UNBC the best small university in Western Canada. In 2010, UNBC and Harvard tied for first place for campus sustainability projects in North America. In addition to receiving national and international recognition, UNBC plays an important role to the provincial economy. According to BC Student Outcomes Baccalaureate Graduates surveys from the past 5 years, almost 70% of UNBC graduates choose to live in northern B.C.

“From its role in supporting the development of a Northern Medical Program, to developing research in the North for the North, to establishing itself as Canada’s Green University, UNBC has come a long way. The future is just as exciting.

“UNBC alumni are nearly 12,000 strong and growing. Congratulations to UNBC students, faculty, administration and alumni on this important milestone, and on building a learning environment that develops skilled graduates for our diverse, strong and growing economy.”

Media Contacts:

Stacey McGaghey Jones
Ministry of Advanced Education
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 952-6400