It was a big day for hundreds of UNBC students, as convocation took place at the Northern Sport Centre.
It was also a big day for former Conservative cabinet minister James Moore, who was installed as Chancellor of the university.
“This university has meant everything to me, to my personal development and to the person that I’ve become and the experiences that I’ve had the privilege to experience thus far.” Moore told students and family members during the first ceremony
Moore is the first UNBC grad to become Chancellor of the school. Despite the millstone, there was a bit of a shadow cast over the day for Moore; his father passed away on Monday.
“He was planning on coming up, he had a plane ticket, bought a new suit and he was ready to be here today so it’s a bit of a tough day in that sense. But I’m very proud to be back, and honouring my dad in that way.” Moore said noting his father was always very impressed with the institution.
When questioned by reporters about challenges surrounding declining enrollment at the school, Moore said the school needs to continue it’s work on recruiting students from the Lower Mainland pointing out “just 15 years ago, you had UVic, UBC and SFU and maybe UNBC if you wanted to venture north, but now you can get a degree anywhere.”
“So I think we have to reintroduce UNBC to all British Columbians, especially those in the south.”
Despite a simmering backlash to the appointment decision, the ceremony went off without incident. Any protest was contained to twitter where an unknown number of faculty member boycotted the ceremony.
While President Daniel Weeks’ speech had a theme of embracing polarizing and different opinions, Moore re-emphasized to reporters before the event that he is embarking on a new chapter of his life.
“It was a year ago that I said I was leaving politics. For me, the political world is behind me and I’m looking on to the future for new things like being chancellor of UNBC. If people still want to engaged politically that’s entirely their right to but I’m focused on what’s ahead.”
Moore dodged political questions and declined to offer opinions on who should lead the federal Conservative party, saying he would not be attending the convention this weekend in Vancouver.
He did says he would be meeting several of his friends from the political world while they are in Vancouver, and said that one of those friends; former Prime Minister Stephen Harper would be calling him today to congratulate him. But he followed that up by stating he’s also good friends with another former PM, Jean Chretien.
@meghankort As far as I know, yes. Organized our own gathering to congratulate graduates & families. #takebackunbc No to @JamesMoore_org
— Catherine Nolin (@cnolin) May 27, 2016