VIU BOARD OF GOVERNORS CHAIR AWARDED DIAMOND JUBILEE MEDAL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 4, 2012

NANAIMO, BC – Vancouver Island University (VIU) Board of Governors Chair Michael (Mike) W. Brown has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal after being recommended by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) for his service to higher education in Canada.

“This medal recognizes outstanding Canadians whose achievements have benefited their fellow citizens, their community, their organization and the country,” said VIU Chancellor Shawn Atleo who presented Brown with his medal on Friday, November 30, 2012, at VIU’s annual Festival of Trees Gala Dinner.

“Through his dedicated service and outstanding leadership to Vancouver Island University and all of the communities it serves, Mike Brown is most deserving of this special honour.”

Brown first became involved with the University in 2000 through the VIU Foundation Board where he served as Chair from 2006 to 2007. During that time and under Brown’s leadership, the Foundation helped to raise approximately $26 million for student scholarships, new teaching space and funding for the VIU’s Library. In 2007, Brown joined the VIU Board of Governors and demonstrated exemplary leadership in moving VIU forward during its transition from a university-college to a university.

“Mike has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout his tenure on the VIU Foundation Board and Board of Governors,” said Dr. Ralph Nilson, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor.

“He is a strategic leader providing oversight into VIU’s vision, mission, and planning processes. He continues to be a champion for VIU’s contribution to the social and economic prosperity of Vancouver Island and Coastal BC in providing leadership for Aboriginal Education and as a portal for international students coming to Canada. This honour recognizes his exceptional leadership skills and dedicated service to this University.”

Created to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Her Majesty’s reign, The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country. At the same time, it serves to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. During the year of celebrations, 60,000 deserving Canadians from across the country and various walks of life will be recognized.

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ABOUT VIU: Vancouver Island University is Canada’s west coast university. Known as a centre of excellence for teaching, learning and applied research, VIU offers a diverse range of certificate, diploma and undergraduate and master degree programs to more than 18,000 students on campuses in Nanaimo, Powell River and Cowichan, and at the Parksville-Qualicum Centre. For more information visit www.viu.ca

Media Contact
Dan Hurley, Executive Director, University Relations, Vancouver Island University
P: 250.740.6150 E: Dan.Hurley@viu.ca Twitter: @VIUNews