John Furlong never attended a university as a student, but on more than one occasion he's heard his name called at a post-secondary graduation ceremony.
Considering his accomplishments as chief executive officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee of the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics it should come as no surprise Furlong is a wanted man when universities choose their honorary doctoral degree recipients.
His list of academic accolades will grow a bit longer this morning at the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre, where Furlong and Dr. Cindy Blackstock will receive honourary degrees from UNBC.
Now the executive director of the Vancouver Whitecaps soccer team, Furlong's weekend visit to Prince George will allow him to spend some time with son Damien and his family, who live in the city. Furlong has a long history in Prince George, his first stop in Canada after immigrating from his native Ireland.
"I'm very moved by it, it's a very special thing and very undeserving, but it's a lovely gesture," said Furlong. "My kids are still [in Prince George] and the other great advantage when you come up for something like this is you get a chance to share some of your experiences with the students."
UBC, UVic, the Justice Institute, BCIT, and Niagara College have already granted Furlong honourary degrees, and on June 4 the University of Calgary will bestow a similar honour on him.
"These things catch you by surprise and you realize when you're walking around that people are affected by what you do and your behaviour," said Furlong. "It's very special when somebody phones you up and gives you this honour and award to recognize the contributions you've made to this province and the community. I've received a lot of recognition for the Olympics but the truth of the matter is it's getting recognized for the work of many, and I'd like to have the whole [VANOC] team there."
Furlong, 61, left his home in Dublin in 1974 after being recruited as head of the physical education program at Prince George College, which later became the now-defunct O'Grady Catholic High School. He also served as the city's recreation director in the mid-70s and was the first Northern Games Society Society president. His involvement as a sport organizer gave rise to the first Northern B.C. Winter Games in 1978, an event held in Prince George which drew 5,600 competitors in 36 events.
Blackstock, a front-line social worker and member of the Gitxsan First Nation near Hazelton, has dedicated 20 years of her life as an award-winning advocate for aboriginal children, establishing policies and enhancing professional development to better the lives of her people. Her work on research papers, articles and curriculum have highlighted parenting essentials and sound family structures that have earned her an international role in improving the lives of vulnerable people around the world.
She currently serves as the executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada.
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