Greater Victoria locals representing community, public service and health care sectors will be awarded honorary degrees during the University of Victoria's spring convocation ceremonies taking place between June 9 and 13.
Under the leadership of UVic’s chancellor Marion Buller and president Kevin Hall, over 11 ceremonies across five days, more than 3,950 degrees, diplomas, and certificates will be conferred, including the honorary degrees going to Janet Austin, Christopher Barnes, Heather Cook, Simon Keith and Murray Rankin.
Austin, the former B.C. lieutenant governor, is described as a "distinguished and transformative" leader who has been an active supporter of programs that support youth democratic and civic engagement like the Students’ Dialogue on Democratic Engagement, Women Leading Change, and the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program.
Barnes was instrumental in developing the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences (SEOS) at the university, and helped secure funding to help build the world's first regional cabled ocean observatory network. The emeritus professor of SEOS also sat as a director-general of the Geological Survey of Canada, president of the Academy of Science of the Royal Society of Canada, and group chair at Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
Cook, the director of long-term care and assisted living for health services integration for B.C.'s Ministry of Health, is being recognized for her work in advancing seniors’ care through clinical practice leadership and research; and her expertise in long-term care informed policy during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of B.C.'s response to address the vulnerabilities of seniors.
Keith, the first athlete to compete professionally after undergoing a heart transplant, is being honoured for his work as a social entrepreneur and humanitarian, as he spent years raising awareness and advocating for the organ transplant community. The former soccer player's Simon Keith Foundation has raised millions in financial assistance to help youth who have undergone organ transplants return to sport.
Rankin, the former B.C. minister of indigenous relations and MLA, is touted as a distinguished legal scholar, environmental advocate and public servant whose contributions have shaped Canadian law and politics. As a professor at UVic’s Faculty of Law, he strengthened the environmental law centre and helped establish the joint-degree program in Indigenous law.
"Convocation signifies a significant milestone for graduates and honourees alike, as well as their community and family, fostering a spirit of celebration throughout the university community," noted a news release from UVic.
The ceremonies will be live-streamed and archived online for broader accessibility.
