VIU SPRING CONVOCATION CEREMONIES TO BE HELD JUNE 3 and 4

Vancouver Island University will award 645 master’s and bachelor’s degrees, diplomas and certificates at spring convocation ceremonies at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo on June 3 and 4.

The graduates will receive credentials in several different disciplines and trades programs. Graduates include VIU students from across Canada, as well as international students from around the world including China, France, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Mongolia, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Thailand, Uganda, United Arab Emeritus, United States and Vietnam.

“This is one of our largest spring convocations,” said Vancouver Island University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ralph Nilson. “The growing number of VIU graduates from across Canada and around the world speaks volumes about the high quality teaching and learning environment at our University. We will watch with pride and great interest as this newest crop of alumni make their mark in the world as they pursue graduate school or launch careers locally, provincially, nationally and internationally.”

The Honourable Judith Guichon, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, will be a special guest at the June 3 ceremony at which she will give an address to graduates.

VIU will award Honorary Doctor of Law degrees to three prominent lawyers with exceptional records of distinction in legal affairs and a passion for helping to improve the lives of Aboriginal peoples in BC and Canada: Thomas Berger (June 3), Ronald MacIssac (June 4) and Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond (June 4).

The University will also award a Distinguished Alumni Award to Snuneymuxw First Nations Chief Doug White III on June 3 and an Outstanding Service Award to retired VIU English professor Dr. Kevin Roberts on June 4.

Friends and family members around the world can watch the ceremonies live on the internet by going to the following link: www.viu.ca/convocation/live.

For more information or to view the convocation program visit: www.viu.ca/convocation.

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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

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Janina Stajic, Manager, Vancouver Island University


P: 250.740.6288 E: Communications@viu.ca Twitter: @VIUNews