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
Text to come
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
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. 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.
Dr. Terri Doughty
Arts and Humanities
Dr. 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 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