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Astronaut to receive VIU honour

NANAIMO – Three women who made remarkable contributions nationally, internationally and in space will receive honorary doctorates

Three women who made remarkable contributions nationally, internationally and in space will receive honorary doctorates at Vancouver Island University’s spring convocation next week.

Julie Payette, of St. Hubert, Que., fulfilled her lifelong dream with two Space Shuttle missions in 1999 and 2009 and contributed to the Canadian Space Agency in a variety of other ways. She will receive an Honorary Doctor of Technology degree Monday (June 4).

World-renowned pharmacologist Dr. Frances Oldham Kelsey will receive her Honorary Doctor of Science degree Tuesday (June 5).

Kelsey, who was born in Cobble Hill and now lives in Chevy Chase, Md., took a historic stand at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1960 when she refused to approve the release of the drug thalidomide in the U.S.

Roberta Louise Jamieson, of Oshwekan, Ont., will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree for her work promoting First Nations rights.

Jamieson became the first Aboriginal woman to earn a law degree in Canada and has been a strong leader in First Nations affairs with extensive experience in conflict resolution.