Royal Roads University graduates will share the stage with leading contributors to Indigenous language revitalization, civil society and human rights at Spring Convocation ceremonies at the Royal Theatre June 14.
Lekwungen (Songhees) Elder Elmer Seniemten George will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of his role upholding and revitalizing Lekwungen language and culture. As the sole remaining fluent speaker of Lekwungen, a dialect of the Northern Straits Salish peoples, he stewards the survival not only of the language, but also the traditional teachings embedded in the words.
The Honourable Jack Austin will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of his leadership in Canadian politics, law and business. In three diverse and influential careers, the former senator has made significant contributions to Canadian public service and trade relationships.
The Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) will receive the Chancellor’s Community Recognition Award for creating welcoming communities for immigrant and refugee newcomers for more than 45 years and for modelling and fostering engaged citizenship in Canada.
“We are proud to recognize the exceptional contributions made to our community, to Canada and the world by this spring’s honorees,” said Royal Roads University President and Vice-Chancellor Allan Cahoon. “Their commitment to the preservation of traditional knowledge, civil society, international engagement and values associated with inclusion and diversity relate to the ideals we endorse as B.C.’s most innovative research university.”
This spring’s convocation ceremonies recognize the achievements of more than 725 students who earned credentials in the Faculty of Management and the Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences.
Both morning and afternoon ceremonies will be available to view live on Royal Roads University’s broadcast channel.
Royal Roads University, a public university established in 1995, offers a progressive model of post-secondary education, delivering applied and professional programs through the faculties of management and social and applied sciences. The university offers its students a unique blended learning experience, combining online and on-campus instruction, as well as full time intensive on-campus instruction in undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees, certificates and diplomas. It also offers progressive executive, custom and continuing studies programs.
