VIU can count B.C.’s lieutenant-governor as an honorary graduate in 2017.
Vancouver Island University announced Monday it will award an honorary degree to Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon.
She has attended VIU’s convocation ceremonies every year she’s been lieutenant-governor and will address grads again this year. She will accept an honorary doctorate of laws on Tuesday (June 6).
“I love everything about VIU, it’s just a great school – it’s bright and warm and welcoming,” Guichon said in a press release.
Dr. Ralph Nilson, VIU president and vice-chancellor, said it’s exciting to celebrate someone whose values mirror the university’s.
“[She] is a staunch supporter of many of the values and initiatives that drive VIU, from building respectful relationships with our First Nations partners, to our efforts to ensure access for all who wish to pursue a post-secondary education,” he said.
Throughout Guichon’s term as lieutenant-governor, she has raised awareness about the importance of protecting the province’s natural resources.
“Adapting to climate change is going to be one of Canada’s biggest challenges moving forward,” says Guichon. “We’ve been a little slow to get on with it, so we’ll have to work harder. I think it’s a challenge that will bring us all together.”
In her official capacity as B.C.’s representative of the Crown, Guichon attends hundreds of events every year, often putting thousands of kilometres on the car, in the air or on the sea.
“I’ve got a lot of pins on my map,” she says. “In every valley and community across the province, there’s amazing things to see and people to meet. I’ve met so many amazing British Columbians.”
Guichon’s advice to VIU graduates, after a lifetime of interesting experiences, is to be open to new opportunities.
“When an opportunity comes along, grab it with both hands and learn everything you can,” she said. “You just never know what opportunities will blossom into wonderful new experiences.”
Guichon will address graduates during Tuesday’s 2:30 p.m. convocation ceremony at the Port Theatre. There will be a webcast available at https://www2.viu.ca/convocation/live.