Ah si:m súlxwe:n, si:m si:yeyu si:m ‘imisnne'tun mustimuxw, si:em ˋtiˆtumathut, si:em shsi'ém, si:em ˋtiˋtu΄mels. Stle' shun nuwilum utl Snuneymuxw tumuxw u tunu kweyul. Ní cu wà qux huyé un sya:ys ulup i i ce:p uw tecul ce wi'ult Slh'xwimuthut si:em Shqwaluwuns u tu tiˆtumathut ct. Huy'ul ci:tálu si:em.
Ah, respected Elders, respected friends and relatives, respected visitors, respected students, respected dignitaries, respected teachers. Welcome into Snuneymuxw territory, today. You have left other work to be here today; you came to show honour and respect to our students today. With the utmost gratitude, we thank you respected ones.
President's greeting
Dear Graduates,
Congratulations! You did it – and I couldn't be prouder.
Today marks the end of one chapter in your lives and the exciting beginning of another, whether you are entering the workforce or beginning another program. The credentials you're receiving represent not only your hard work, but also a gateway to new opportunities, adventures and ways to make a difference in the world.
As you continue on your journey, know that your knowledge and curiosity are more important than ever. Keep learning, keep growing and keep asking questions. The world needs your ideas, your empathy and your unique voice.
To the families, friends and supporters cheering from the crowd and beyond – thank you. Your support and encouragement helped make this day possible, whether it was a kind word or a homecooked meal. You are part of this celebration too.
And grads – this isn't goodbye! You are now a part of the VIU Alumni community. We can't wait to see where your journey takes you next and we hope you'll keep in touch as you chase goals, reach milestones and spark change. Wherever you go, know that we will be cheering you on from the sidelines.
You've already made an impact. The future is bright, and it's yours to shape.
With pride and warmest wishes,
Emily Huner, Acting President
Chancellor's greeting
Graduation is here at last! The long-awaited moment you have strived for is now upon you. My heartfelt congratulations to all the grads in the class of 2025! You have achieved your goal and it is time to be very proud of yourself and say “well done.”
I am sure you all have a satisfying feeling of accomplishment. This is your time to celebrate your success and acknowledge all the hard work in overcoming many challenges to get to this point. Your hours of studying, writing, networking and collaborating have paid off. Know that you have the power within to do what you want to do. Use this knowledge as you further forge your future.
Remember to thank all those people who helped you along the way. Family, friends, students, professors and others. Let them celebrate you and acknowledge the part they played in your success. Success is richer when you share these special moments with those who helped you get there.
Know that you have changed for the better over your time here at VIU. You have increased your knowledge, expertise and skills. You have grown your networks of people to collaborate with in the future. Your ability to think and expand your thought patterns has grown immeasurably.
You have prepared yourself for new challenges and experiences and are ready to serve in whatever capacity you choose. You are now ready to step into a new world with an openness to grow and change. Never forget who you are and what you have to offer. You can go where you want to go, and always reach for the stars, for they can be yours.
The world is going through many trials and changes. Global warming and climate change, economic downturns, tariff wars, tense international relations and so much more. We need great minds to get us through these trials and to make positive changes to ensure a better world for our future generations. You are the hope, the inspiration, the future and can be part of the innovation the world so urgently needs.
We at VIU will watch for your further successes and be proud to know you began your academic journey here. We have complete confidence in you as you walk into your future with the strong foundation you built at VIU and we wish you success and fulfilment on the path you walk.
Cloy-e-iis, Dr. Judith Sayers
VIU Chancellor
Daniela Alejandra Guevara Sotomayor
Arts and Humanities
Daniela Alejandra Guevara Sotomayor plans to keep creating and growing after graduation. Her classmates will remember her as someone who was always active and involved in campus life. She was also the star of many, many videos on the official VIU social media accounts. A highlight of her time at VIU was winning the "Fan Favourite Award" at the 2025 VIU's Got Talent, where she showcased her talent and culture. Her advice for future students is to volunteer as much as you can, go to all events and be present everywhere.
Bree Sinnott
Education
Learning paths aren't always linear. Bree Sinnott explored several academic directions before finding one that resonated with her. Finding the path that aligns with her passion and values has provided her with clarity and purpose for her next chapter as an educator. Highlights for Bree include being part of a cohort in her third year. She says there is something special about moving through the same challenges and celebrations alongside peers who understand exactly what you’re going through. It creates an atmosphere of mutual encouragement, empathy and growth.
Paige Pierce
Education
As a first-generation university graduate, earning her degree holds a profound personal significance for Paige Pierce. She explains that this accomplishment is especially meaningful because she comes from a long line of wise, resilient women who didn't have the chance to pursue higher education. Known as the "poetry gal" for her role as Nanaimo's Youth Poet Laureate, Paige is proud of the opportunities she helped to provide in the realm of literacy, art and creativity. Her advice for graduates: Give yourself grace and understand that you can't be in control all of the time.
Ash Marie Wood
Health Sciences and Human Services
Through all the emotional highs and lows of nursing school, Ash felt deeply supported and genuinely valued, something that made the journey not just manageable, but truly meaningful. Being the first student to complete a final practicum in psychiatric emergency services and graduating with both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and certification in Emergency Mental Health are accomplishments she's incredibly proud of. Looking ahead, Ash is passionate about continuing her work with vulnerable and marginalized populations, with a particular focus on women's health.
Aboh Ekoja
Management
Aboh Ekoja's advice for future students is to make connections constantly and don't be intimidated if you can't see the full picture. His peers will remember him for his ability to form new friendships and his skill for finding common ground with people. During his MBA internship, Aboh had the opportunity to apply his in-class learning in the workplace. Aboh's skill impressed his supervisor so much that they recommended him for a full-time position. His career path since starting the program has traversed global banks like HSBC, RBC and now CIBC.
Leah Vaisanen
Social Sciences
Becoming the Indigenous Students’ Representative with the Students’ Union is one of Leah Vaisanen’s top highlights from her time at VIU. Through this role, Leah was pushed out of her comfort zone in her goal of raising up Indigenous voices on campus. Her peers will remember Leah for always being on the go and organizing many, many events to enhance the on-campus experience. As a mature student, her advice to others is to remember there is no age limit on pursuing your dreams of going back to post-secondary. “Never give up – you matter and your voice matters.”
Macebearers
The mace is carried by a retiring member of the VIU community in recognition of their contributions and service to Vancouver Island University.
Terri Doughty
Arts and Humanities
Terri Doughty began her VIU journey as a first-year transfer student at Malaspina College in 1980. She returned to teach in the English Department in 1990 and has chaired the department three times in her 34 years at VIU. Doughty also worked with academic advising, Arts One First Nations and Liberal Studies, and developed field schools with colleagues in other departments. Her advice for graduates: "We are living in a world changing rapidly on all fronts. I encourage openness, curiosity, relationality and cooperation. Whatever you find yourself doing, these values are transformative."
Stella Erasmus Johnson
Indigenous Education and Engagement
Stella Erasmus Johnson is a respected Métis Knowledge Keeper, mentor and cultural educator from McLennan, Alberta. A fluent speaker of Cree and Michif, she joined VIU in 2012 as an Elder-in-Residence, focusing on sharing the teachings of her ancestors, fostering reconciliation and uplifting culture and language. Earlier this year, she was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her dedication to preserving and promoting Métis heritage. Her advice for graduates: "Be good rebels! Share your culture and teachings with others. The more we know about each other, the better we should be able to get along."
Fred Jacklin
Registrar's Office
Fred Jacklin joined VIU in 1993 as Admissions Manager and in 2003, moved up to his dream job of Registrar. His time at VIU has been full of interesting challenges and rewards and he's thankful for amazing colleagues across the institution. Jacklin oversaw convocation for more than 20 years, performing the Master of Ceremonies duty 95 times during that time. Providing meaningful convocation ceremonies through the COVID years (with hobbits!) is something he's proud of. His advice for graduates: "Continue being brave, continue being curious and, whenever possible, choose to be a nice person."
Marilyn Funk
Science and Technology
Marilyn Funk brought more than 21 years' experience as a park ranger and conservation officer to her role as a professor in the Resource Management Officer Technology and Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection programs. She started at VIU in 2003. Uplifted by students' enthusiasm and her passion for teaching, throughout the years Funk sought ways to create an engaging and experiential curriculum, for both on-campus and off-campus courses which she taught in communities across BC. Her advice to graduates: "Say yes to opportunities that you may not recognize as perfect – they can often be transformative."
Academic Emeritus designation
The awarding of the Academic Emeritus designation is intended to recognize retired faculty members, university librarians and scholars for significant contributions, exceptional service and outstanding achievements in teaching or support of teaching during their association with Vancouver Island University. This recognition gives the university the opportunity to keep highly productive members of the academic community engaged and contributing to the university and to academia.
Dr. Laura Cranmer | Higalidzi
Arts and Humanities
Gilakasdaxwla naɬnamyut, nugwa'am Higalidzi. Ax'ɛxsdan kan mumaɬkagʸaɬɛxoxda Snuneymuxw ka'ans gaxanayans kwaɬa laxux awinagwisas. Greetings to those with whom I am one. Thank you to the Snuneymuxw and VIU for initiating the Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies program, without which such transformational change for so many of our alumni and their communities across Canada – the beneficiaries of alumni talent, training and expertise – could not have taken place. I joined the department in 2000 and retired in 2017. My interests include arts-informed research, language revitalization, protecting wild salmon from open-net pen fish farms and applied theatre research.
Dr. Ross MacKay
Provost's Office, Arts and Humanities
In his 30 years at VIU, Dr. Ross MacKay served as an English Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and Associate Vice-President, Academic. In these positions, Dr. MacKay has played a key role in shaping institutional policies such as guidelines around use of artificial intelligence in the classroom and revitalizing important programs and events. His advice: "If I could offer my best wishes to graduates with just a little advice, I would hope that, in your journey, each of you embraces lifelong learning, cultivates fulfilling relationships, develops resilience and maintains work-life balance."
Dr. David Bigelow
Science and Technology
Dr. David Bigelow led the mathematics department through major growth during his 14 years as chair, including the launch of the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science mathematics majors in 2018. Under his leadership these programs met the highest academic standards and expanded opportunities for students. Over the course of his 34-year career, he demonstrated an exceptional commitment to teaching and mentorship, leaving a legacy of innovation and academic excellence. Bigelow's presence in the classroom has inspired generations of learners.
Dr. Lev Idels
Science and Technology
Dr. Lev Idels thanks VIU for the most colourful second part of his life. He began teaching in VIU's Mathematics department in 2001 after immigrating from Russia, starting a whole new life in his 50s. Highlights of his VIU experience include organizing an international applied math conference, collaborating with researchers from across the world on different research projects, and receiving many grants for research with applications for cancer dynamics, biology, networks, fisheries and more. Idels maintains a full-time position with the prestigious academic journal Applied Mathematical Modelling by Elsevier.
Dr. Alan Gilchrist
Social Sciences
Throughout his 24-year career with VIU, Dr. Alan Gilchrist has consistently demonstrated a passion for geography, leading to groundbreaking research, invaluable contributions to our community and innovative teaching methods. He developed a mapping tool that allows communities to take a more groundwater-centric approach to land-use planning, which is still used today by local governments to help protect groundwater quality. Gilchrist also examined how climate change has impacted the distribution of water in 13 key Vancouver Island watersheds, leading to many community presentations, media interviews and a Provost's Award for Scholarship, Research and Creative Activity.
Dr. Imogene Lim
Social Sciences
For almost three decades, Dr. Imogene Lim has demonstrated an unparalleled dedication to the university, students and the community, inspiring change locally, regionally and provincially. As a scholar of Asian Canadians, Lim has exposed students to marginalized and forgotten histories, developing in them a curiosity and passion for understanding historical dynamics. Lim served as Anthropology Chair and has earned VIU awards for community engagement and research. She received the BC Medal of Good Citizenship in 2020 and the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025. She retired from VIU in 2024.
A warm and heartfelt congratulations to the graduating class of 2025! As a graduate you aren't leaving VIU, you are joining the alumni community. Vancouver Island University Alumni is an international community of more than 80,000 VIU alumni making a difference around the world. As a member of this community, you have access to a wide range of opportunities, benefits and a network of people who can help you grow into the next chapter of your story.
How to stay connected with your VIU Alumni community:
- download the VIU Alumni app to access 25 local and international discounts on the Apple or Google app stores
- subscribe to our newsletter
- join us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn
We want to celebrate your successes with you. Please keep in touch and let us know where your VIU education takes you.
For more information:
- website: alumni.viu.ca
- email: alumni@viu.ca
- app: VIU Alumni