Vancouver Island University’s Class of 2017 will go on to see what’s next.
The university held convocation ceremonies Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the Port Theatre.
Christine Holt, who graduated with a bachelor of science with a major in biology and a minor in psychology, said in her valedictory speech Wednesday that VIU students weren’t taught just what was on the course outlines – they were taught to question, to think and to explore.
“And that knowledge has provided us with a starting point for the rest of our lives,” she said. “While this is the end of our time here at VIU, it’s really only just the beginning and now we get to take our shiny new skills and abilities and actually do something with them. Scratch that – we don’t get to, it’s our responsibility to.”
In addition to all the students crossing the stage to accept their degrees and diplomas, there were also honorary doctorates awarded to B.C. Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon, journalist Jeffrey Simpson, real estate magnate and art collector Michael Audain and scientist Phil Nuytten.
More convocation ceremonies will be held June 23.