Prince George, B.C.- It was an evening of  warm memories, laughter and tears, as members of the community came together last evening to say goodbye to UNBC President Dr. George Iwama and his wife Marilyn.

Dr. Iwama  and his wife are leaving Prince George to  take on new challenges at a university on the island of Okinawa in Japan.  They will be heading to Japan in January.

The two were lauded for bringing a special warmth to the University.  Whether it be in their annual effort to pitch in, or in George’s travels to the Basketball championship to cheer on the Timberwolves,  the two  are credited with making the UNBC experience one to  remember.    Dr. Iwama has been credited for bringing the post secondary institutions throughout the north closer together so students at any of the institutions can make a seamless transition from one to another.

On hand at  last evening’s event were some of the members of the University’s founding committee, the  Board of  Governors, faculty, staff,  students (past and present), friends, and a few politicians.

At right, Jennifer Young President of the Alumni Association, presents  Dr. Iwama with a coveted “alumni pin”,  one which  he  promised to “wear close to his heart”.

At left, Dr. Iwama shows his gratitude as Robert  Russ, of the Haida Nation, presents him with a special drum, made of elk hide,  “to carry our  heart beat  with you.”  The crafted  drum, bears the UNBC  motto  "En Cha Huna" which  is Carrier for ( loosely translated) saying   all opinions and ideas are welcome.

For Marilyn Iwama,  the move to Prince George (from Ottawa) wasn’t easy.

She talked about being introverted, but, wanting to present the  image of a University President’s wife,  bought  some high  heels.   She said although there were some difficult times,  she soon  got rid of the heels, and  learned to be herself.  “If I was to offer advice to the partner of the next President of this University, I would say, leave your heels  behind, they really mean it when they say you can be yourself.”   Holding back tears, she said she would say the stay in Prince George  “would be a wonderful time, and when  it is time to go,  it will be one of the hardest things you will have to do.”

Dr. Iwama was also emotional in  his thank you to the community. “it’s changed me, it’s changed us, for the better.”  He reflected on the  visit to the university when  he was being recruited for the job, “it just felt like the right fit.”  He apologized to  faculty and staff for mistakes he made  during his tenure, and for  the times when   they were at opposite sides of an issue, but praised  them  for  their willingness to fight, because it showed they cared.

“I just want to express sincere thanks, and it has all been worth it.  I arrived in a volkswagon van, and I will leave in a pick up, I just got it right.”