Convocation ceremonies June 4 and 5

A total of 626 Vancouver Island University graduates will receive University degrees at three separate daytime convocation ceremonies at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo on June 4 and 5.

As well, 189 graduates of Health and Human Services programs will receive diplomas and certificates at an evening graduation ceremony at the Port Theatre on June 4.

The convocation program is available online at:

Friends and family members around the world can watch all ceremonies live on the internet by going to the following link:

Weather permitting, there will be an academic procession of graduates from the Port Theatre, right on Commercial Street, right on Bastion Street and right on Front Street back to the Port Theatre prior to each of the daytime ceremonies.

Details of the ceremonies are as follows:

2:30 pm Monday, June 4

Greetings from Dr. Ralph Nilson, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor

Presentations of:

Honorary Doctorate of Technology – Julie Payette

Alumni Horizon Award – Owen Stechishin

Governor General Academic Gold Medal – Wendy Nixon Stothert, Master of Education in Educational Leadership

Governor General Academic Silver Medal – Alex Lumley, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Valedictorian – Kristina Hornett, Bachelor Science in Nursing

Candidate Degree Oath – Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo

Conferring of degrees in Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquaculture, Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection, Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care, Bachelor of Education, Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Master of Education in Special Education

10 am Tuesday, June 5

Greetings from Dr. Ralph Nilson, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor

Presentations of:

Honorary Doctorate of Laws – Roberta Louise Jamieson

Governor General Academic Bronze Medal – Angela Linthorne, Criminology Diploma

Valedictorian – Katelyn McDougall, Bachelor of Arts

Candidate Degree Oath – Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo

Conferring of degrees in Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Interior Design.

2:30 pm, Tuesday June 5
Greetings from Dr. Ralph Nilson, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor

Presentations of:

Honorary Doctorate of Science – Frances Kelsey

Distinguished Alumni Award – Don Hubbard

Valedictorian – Hamza Slaoui, Bachelor of Hospitality Management

Candidate Degree Oath – Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo

Conferring of degrees in Bachelor of Hospitality Management, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Tourism Management and Master of Business Administration.

7 pm, Monday, June 4

Health and Human Services graduation ceremony for students receiving diplomas and certificates

Welcome and introductions - Dr. Carol Stuart, Dean, Faculty of Health and Human Services

Graduation address - Dr. Steve Lane, Associate Vice-President, Academic Planning and Aboriginal Initiatives

Presentation of Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medal – Shelley Melissa

VIU Foundation Welcome - Bruce Williams, Board Chair, Vancouver Island University Foundation

Awarding of diplomas in: Child and Youth Care, Early Childhood Education and Care, Social Services.

Awarding of certificates in: Dental Assistant, Health Care Assistant, Practical Nursing, School and Community Support Worker and Horticultural Therapy.