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
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Valedictorians
A valedictorian gives a farewell and congratulatory speech addressed to graduates, guests and the institution. VIU's valedictorians are selected by the graduating class through a nomination process and an online election.
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.
Ashley Marie Wood
Health Sciences and Human Services
Through the emotional highs and lows of nursing school, Ashley Marie Wood has always felt supported and valued, which made the journey more manageable and meaningful. Being the first student to do her final practicum in psychiatric emergency services and graduating with both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Emergency Mental Health certification are two things she’s proud of achieving over the past four years. Ashley plans to continue working with vulnerable and marginalized populations, with a particular focus on women's health. She's dedicated to fostering caring relationships with those under her care.
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.
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
English
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Marilyn Funk
Resource Management and Protection
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Stella Johnson
Elder-In-Residence
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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 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.
Welcome alumni
Congratulations and welcome to the Vancouver Island University Alumni Association – a growing community of more than 100,000 graduates making a difference around the world!
As a graduate you aren’t leaving VIU, you are joining the alumni community. We want to celebrate your successes with you! Please keep in touch and let us know where your VIU education takes you.
As a member of the alumni community, you have access to a wide range of opportunities and a network of people who can help you grow your career.
Visit the Alumni Perks homepage to:
- Create an Alumni Perks account or download the Alumni Perks App
- Fill in the Get Connected form on the alumni website to update your alumni profile
- Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn, and
- Access discounts, jobs postings, alumni events, our alumni-owned business listing, alumni news stories and much more.
For more information:
Visit the VIU Alumni website at viu.ca/alumni, email us at alumni@viu.ca or call 250.740.6214.
Order of ceremony
Congratulations, graduates! Your university is proud of you!
Chancellor's procession
Led by a distinguished macebearer, the Chancellor and stage party will enter the gymnasium and make their way to the front of the assembly.
Territorial acknowledgement
Snuneymuxw First Nation representative
Traditional prayer song
VIU Elders-in-Residence
O Canada
TBC
Introductions
TBC
President's greeting
Emily Huner, President and Vice-Chancellor
Welcome to alumni
VIU alumni representative
Chancellor's remarks and graduate candidate oath
Cloy-e-iis, Dr. Judith Sayers, Chancellor
Presentation of graduates
TBC
Valedictory address
Recession
Wade Calder, Piper