June 4, 2011 - 9:00pm
The world was watching as more than 650 Vancouver Island University students received university degrees this week in three convocation ceremonies at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo.
For the first time, friends and family all over the world were able to watch VIU’s ceremonies live on the Internet.
“VIU provided a live webcast of this year’s convocation ceremonies,” said VIU President Ralph Nilson. “The webcast was a wonderful way to bring convocation to friends and family all over the world who could not attend the celebration in person. It meant that our graduates could share their special day and this important achievement with their loved ones at home.”
Participation in the live web stream totalled more than 2,900 viewers from dozens of countries, including China, India, Australia, Thailand, Morocco, Russia, France, Costa Rica, Germany, Sweden, Japan, Kuwait, Pakistan, United Kingdom, Venezuela, Ghana, Indonesia, Norway, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Turkey.
VIU graduate Rodney Perrault received a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Governor General Academic Gold Medal at VIU’s recent convocation ceremony. His 20-year-old son could not attend in person but watched Perrault receive his degree and medal on the Internet.
“We’re thrilled our son got to watch my convocation ceremony,” said Perrault. “It was a very proud moment. I’m glad he witnessed it.”
Nilson thanked the Communications and Public Relations (CPR) web office, the CPR Social Media technician and VIU’s Information Technology Department for making this year’s live webcast possible.
VIU employees and community members who were unable to attend convocation in person could sign on to the Internet to watch this year’s ceremonies. Live streaming video of convocation was also shown on large monitors in VIU’s upper cafeteria and Welcome Centre at the Nanaimo campus.
The link to the webcast remains on the front page of the VIU website at www.viu.ca.
“It’s there for anyone who missed the ceremonies,” said Nilson. “We’re extremely proud of all our graduates and wish them a brilliant future.”
In addition to the 650 university degrees issued earlier this week, 100 more VIU graduates received certificates and diplomas at a Health and Human Services graduation ceremony Monday. Another 100 graduates will be honoured at the Faculty of Trades and Applied Technology graduation June 17, and approximately 175 graduates June 24.
A celebration was also held on campus Thursday, June 9 for 19 students who graduated from Malaspina High School.
To view VIU’s convocation proceedings from June 6 and 7 (recorded for the first time and shown live on the Internet) click on the following link:
Photos of convocation can be viewed at:
Tags: In the Community
