Vancouver Island University is beaming with pride after celebrating the graduation of more than 1,000 students this week.
On Thursday and Friday, June 23-24, VIU held its first in-person convocation ceremonies since the start of the pandemic. According to an e-mail from the university, this week’s ceremonies were the first to be held on the university’s campus in more than 20 years.
Dr. Deborah Saucier, VIU president and vice-chancellor, said at Thursday’s ceremony that after two years of virtual ceremonies, gathering for grad felt really good.
“Being a university student in these challenging times and graduating with a certificate, diploma or degree is no small feat…” she said. “It has not been an easy or a straight path.”
Saucier asked graduates to remember “this moment of achievement” and the determination and perseverance required, as she said it will serve them well. She expressed hope that grads will continue to hold on to the university’s values of understanding, connection and commitment, and challenged grads to continue to seek out perspectives different than their own.
“You are ready and you are more than qualified to make a difference in our world today and I wish you all the success and fulfillment – the good life,” she said.
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This week’s convocation ceremonies were the first in-person ceremonies for chancellor Judith Sayers, Cloy-e-iis. She urged graduates to enjoy life, never stop learning, draw on their talents and find new ones.
“It’s about seeking your dreams, it’s about pushing yourself, challenging yourself and making your place in the world a place that is unique, something that you want to do and something that is going to drive you forward into the future,” Sayers said.
She said the world needs innovative minds and people who will drive change.
“You are the hope, the inspiration and the future and that gives me confidence in the future,” she said.
Three individuals were presented honorary doctorates this week. William Good, Ts’usqinuxun’, a Snuneymuxw First Nation hereditary chief and artist, was honoured for his efforts to preserve and revitalize Snuneymuxw Coast Salish art, noted a VIU press release. In his retirement years, he continues to carve and collaborates with family members to create garment designs for Ay Lelum - The Good House of Design.
At Thursday’s VIU convocation ceremony, Good talked to graduates about his path and achieving “the impossible” by building a business in an era before any significant reconciliation efforts.
“For the young people, never give up on your goals,” he said. “You know, they might seem like they’re miles away, it’s a tiny light far, far away, but eventually it’ll come closer and closer and you will achieve your goals in life.”
The others receiving honorary doctorates were artist Barbara Paterson and businessman and philanthropist Stephen Jarislowsky.
READ ALSO: VIU delaying start of new semester due to COVID-19
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