KAMLOOPS – Prime Minister Paul Martin visited the Thompson Rivers University campus in Kamloops, BC, today, as the new university’s first official visitor. Celebrations formally opening BC’s newest university were held on campus yesterday.

The Prime Minister visited the university’s Computer Automated Systems Technician (CAST) lab, where he operated a sophisticated, computer-controlled robotic arm, made available to the university through Western Economic Diversification funding, to deliver a TRU banner to the university’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Roger Barnsley. The Prime Minister spoke with faculty and national Skills Canada winning electronics student Greg Hibbert, who will represent the country at the World Skills competitions to be held in Finland in May.

The PM then proceeded to the front of the building, where he unveiled a plaque in honour of his visit. He congratulated Barnsley on the TRU campus and new status, and remarked that TRU is one of the most international of all Canadian institutions, and a model for post-secondary education.

He then proceeded to the university’s new International Building, where he met with TRU research chairs and millennium scholars, as well as members of the community representing business, the arts, ranching, and municipal government.

TRU Bachelor of Business Administration degree student called the meeting “a great opportunity.”

Today’s occasion marked the first visit to the campus by a Prime Minister since the opening ceremonies for the 1993 Canada Summer Games, hosted by the city of Kamloops, and held at various locations around the community, with the opening and ceremonies and other events held at the campus.