VIU Grad Wins Governor General's Silver Medal

New graduate Jayson Sinnott received special kudos during Vancouver Island University’s convocation ceremony Monday, June 1.

Sinnott was awarded the Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal for achieving the highest academic standing upon graduation from a bachelor degree program.

“I am incredibly honoured and grateful to receive such a prestigious award,” said Sinnott, a graduate of VIU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program .

“Although I did the academic work, many others—my wife and two young daughters especially—sacrificed and pulled together to give me the space I needed to do so. Like so many other successful students, this achievement was the result of a team effort.”

Sinnott said he was “shocked” when first told he’d won the Silver Medal. “I knew I was getting good grades but I never expected this,” he said. “I think having a young family helped me focus. I didn’t have time to procrastinate on my school work.”

Prior to starting VIU’s Nursing program as a mature student (he’s now 40), Sinnott worked as a paramedic for several years. He also runs Ross Road Family Care Home with his wife, a transition and independent living support services for people with brain injuries.

Originally from Windsor, Ontario, Sinnott has lived in Nanaimo for several years. He says the “holistic and humanistic approach to health promotion” drew him to nursing.

Sinnott begins work next week for Island Health in the main operating room at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital shortly after writing his Registered Nurses exam this week.

The Governor General’s Academic Medals recognize the outstanding scholastic achievements in Canadian high schools, colleges, and universities. They are the most prestigious award that students in Canadian schools can receive.

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Media Contact

Janina Stajic, Manager, Vancouver Island University

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