FIRST CHANCELLOR FOR NEW CAPILANO UNIVERSITY

NORTH VANCOUVER – A celebration event at Capilano University welcomed Peter Ufford, the first chancellor for the newly designated university, helping fulfil government’s commitment to expand the public university system and provide B.C. students with more choices closer to home.

“Capilano’s new role as a university will enhance their service to the community, a role they have nurtured since 1968,” said Murray Coell, Minister of Advanced Education and labour Market Development. “Likewise, Peter Ufford has had a distinguished career serving the academic community, and I have no doubt his efforts will continue in his new position as chancellor of Capilano University.”

Ufford’s academic career has included extensive work at the University of British Columbia, including as vice-president of external affairs and business relations. He is also a Canadian Olympic committee member, and a director of Wall Financial Corp, the Terminal City Club, and the Rick Hansen Foundation.

“Government committed to expanding our public university system, and today’s event shows that we are delivering on that promise,” said North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Daniel Jarvis. “Since 2001, government has made significant investments in capital projects at public post-secondary institutions, including over $3.4 million right here at Capilano.”

“This is welcome news for students living in the North Shore community,” said North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA Katherine Whittred. “With its new status, Capilano will help many residents receive a quality university degree closer to home.”

“Capilano has been a great asset to our communities for over 40 years,” noted West Vancouver-Garibaldi MLA Joan McIntyre. “And I am confident they will continue to serve our community by providing more choices and better access to a post-secondary education for many years to come.”

“Not only are we increasing access to public universities, we are also creating new opportunities for students to minimize their carbon footprint,” said West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Ralph Sultan. “A university closer to home means less travel, less carbon emissions, and a healthier environment for residents and all British Columbians.”

As part of government’s commitment to advanced education, Capilano University and four other institutions were granted university status effective Sept. 1, 2008, expanding B.C.’s public university system.

Since 2001, government has also increased operating funding for Capilano by $5.8 million or 19.6 per cent and across all public post-secondary institutions by 32 per cent, rising to a record high $1.65 billion for 2008-09, and invested $1.5 billion for capital expansion at public post-secondary institutions, providing British Columbians with access to more options for advanced education.

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