Honorary Awards

Honorary Degrees

The awarding of honorary degrees is intended to encourage a standard of excellence and innovation which is exemplary to students, faculty and staff, and to society in general. Vancouver Island University awards honorary degrees to publicly acknowledge members of society who exhibit a record of outstanding distinction and achievement in an area related to Vancouver Island University’s mission such as, but not limited to, scholarship, research, teaching, the creative arts, business and industry, international affairs or public service. View the full record of honorary doctorate recipients.

June 2023 Recipients

• VIU awards honorary degrees to local philanthropist and award-winning author

June 2022 Recipients

VIU awarded three honorary degrees in June. Click on the links below for the full press release:

• VIU awards honorary degree to Coast Salish Master Carver and Traditional Storyteller

• VIU awards honorary degree to respected philanthropist and businessman

• VIU awards honorary degree to acclaimed Canadian sculpture artist

June 2021 Recipient

VIU awarded one honorary degree in June. Click on the link below for the full press release: 

• VIU Awards Honorary Degree to Award-Winning Medical Doctor and Actor

January 2020 Recipient

VIU awarded one honorary degree in January. Click on the link below for the full press release: 

• Human Rights Advocate Honoured by VIU

Distinguished Alumni Awards

VIU Alumni Association recognizes the outstanding accomplishments and achievements of VIU alumni by offering Distinguished Alumni Awards. The honorary awards celebrate a standard of excellence and innovation which is exemplary to students and employees. View the full record of honorary award recipients.

June 2019 Recipients

VIU is awarding two Distinguished Alumni Awards this June. Click on the link below for the full press release:

• VIU Recognizes Alumni for Achievements in Language Preservation and Research