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
Congratulations to our graduating class of 2026.
Today marks an important milestone and a moment to recognize the commitment, perseverance and hard work that brought you here.
During your time at Vancouver Island University, you have developed the knowledge, skills and experiences that will support you well into the future. You have made valuable contributions to our classrooms, campuses and communities, and we are proud to celebrate your accomplishments alongside your families, friends and instructors.
Whether you are continuing your educational journey, starting a new career or pursuing other opportunities, I hope you carry with you the curiosity, resilience, sense of community and willingness to learn from others that helped guide your journey at VIU. I look forward to seeing the many ways you will continue to contribute to your communities and chosen professions.
As you prepare for the next chapter in your journey, remember to stay in touch. You are joining the VIU Alumni community, a network of more than 80,000 alumni around the world. We can’t wait to see – and celebrate – what you do next.
On behalf of Vancouver Island University, I wish each of you every success in the years ahead.
Sincerely,
Dennis Johnson, PhD
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor
Vancouver Island University
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 2026! 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
Autumn Clark
Health Sciences and Human Services
Autumn Clark is a mother, intersectional feminist and devoted community advocate with a background in midwifery and perinatal harm reduction. She is graduating from VIU's Bachelor of Social Work program with a specialization in child welfare. Autumn’s passion for research led her to work with Métis leaders, with whom she co-authored a peer-reviewed article on Métis youth wellness, published in the International Journal of Indigenous Health in 2025. Guided by a trauma-informed lens, she begins her Master of Social Work this fall.
Kendra Neary
Education
Kendra Neary found the support from professors and peers she needed to thrive in VIU’s cohort-based Bachelor of Education program, where she loved the collaboration and knowledge sharing. She is proud of playing a key role in organizing a successful Education Career Fair connecting students with school districts across BC and Alberta. She also enjoyed learning across disciplines including English, French, history and mathematics. Kendra is passionate about building inclusive classrooms, supporting student well-being, and fostering meaningful, engaging learning environments.
Tejas Sawant
Management
Drawn to the natural beauty around Nanaimo and Vancouver Island, Tejas Sawant chose VIU for the right combination of academics and lifestyle. He quickly became a frequent presence at campus events, volunteering and helping foster connections within his Master of Business Administration cohort. Tejas embraced opportunities outside his comfort zone as chances for growth, including emceeing the BC MBA Games. Originally from India, he's excited to continue his digital marketing career in Canada as an e-commerce specialist with Omnicom Group.
Chiara Sedola
Social Sciences and Science and Technology
Chiara Sedola is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and a Bachelor of Science, Honours in Biology. Drawn to VIU’s accessible, close-knit learning environment, she became deeply involved in campus life through research, student leadership and community-building initiatives. Chiara presented research internationally in Washington, DC, contributed to ecological restoration projects and helped foster student connections through clubs and mentorship. After graduation, she plans to work, travel and continue learning before pursuing graduate studies abroad.
Macebearers
The mace is carried by a retiring member of the VIU community in recognition of their contributions and service to Vancouver Island University.
Heather Pastro
Education
Heather Pastro started teaching art education at VIU (then Malaspina College) in 1991, when the Faculty of Education was in its first year. She taught art education for more than three decades while serving in leadership and governance roles, including vice-chair of Senate and chairing several Senate committees. A former Malaspina student herself, she later studied Fine Arts and Art Education at UBC. Pastro plans to continue contributing to art education through research and knowledge sharing. Her advice for graduates: “Get involved, never close an open door and take risks!”
Michele Patterson
Science and Technology
Michele Patterson came to VIU in 2010 and has worked in administration, research and teaching, focused on environment and climate change throughout. She has more than three decades of experience in BC conservation planning, including 10 years with World Wildlife Federation-Canada. A Geography professor since 2016, she became department chair in 2019. Her advice for graduates: “Don’t feel you have to figure it all out now. Graduation is just one step on the career path. Be curious and open to new opportunities.”
Marianne Roden
Health Sciences and Human Services
Marianne Roden started working as a dental assistant at age 16 and has stayed with the career for her entire working life. She came to VIU in 2004 to teach a one-year pilot of an evening intake for dental assisting and stayed on. In 2008, Roden began teaching full-time at VIU and became program chair in 2012. The highlight of her VIU experience is the people – teaching alongside amazing colleagues and enjoying the different cohorts of students. Her advice for graduates: “Find what you like doing and put the effort in to do it well.”
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. Cheryl Krasnick Warsh
Arts and Humanities
Dr. Cheryl Krasnick Warsh began teaching at VIU in 1994, building an international reputation as a leading scholar in medical and social history. Over the past three decades, Warsh expanded the History Department’s offerings in women’s history, health-care history and popular culture. She published nine books, including Frances Oldham Kelsey, the FDA and the Battle against Thalidomide, which has received international media attention. Warsh is widely recognized for her engaging teaching style. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and is on the Board of Directors of Canada’s History.
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 that is changing rapidly on all fronts. I encourage openness, curiosity, relationality and cooperation. Whatever you find yourself doing, these values are transformative.”
Dr. Paige Fisher
Education
Dr. Paige Fisher began teaching in VIU’s Faculty of Education in 2006, shaping innovative approaches to teacher education for nearly two decades. Highlights of her VIU experience include co-creating the embedded teacher education program, leading international field schools and advancing research in assessment, leadership and Indigenous education. Fisher has led numerous funded research projects and received provincial recognition for her teaching, including the prestigious Teacher Educator Award from the Association of BC Deans of Education. She continues to contribute to education through mentorship, collaborative inquiry and leadership across BC and beyond.
Bruce Ballam
Management
Bruce Ballam began teaching in the Marketing Department at VIU in 1990. He was instrumental in developing the Bachelor of Business Administration and several groundbreaking initiatives for the Faculty of Management. Ballam is known for his engaging teaching style and focus on real-world applications. He is also widely recognized for his professionalism, mentorship and committee service. Ballam represented VIU as an ambassador and teacher on four continents. He continues to support graduates and the VIU community through ongoing mentorship and marketing guidance.
A warm and heartfelt congratulations to the graduating class of 2026! 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, 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:
- you are now on the VIU Alumni app! Hop on to access local and international discounts and see what your fellow alumni are up to
- subscribe to our newsletter (email alumni@viu.ca if you don't automatically start getting it)
- 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