Thursday, June 12, 2025 | 10:00 a.m.
Faculties & programs
This convocation ceremony includes undergraduate and graduate students from:
- Education
- Graduate Studies
Order of proceedings
- Pre-ceremony music
- Performer: Aleksei Pankratov, School of Music
- Processional
- Drummers: Robert Morris and William Pierre, Tsartlip First Nation
- Welcome
- Councillor Sherry Thomas, Xʷsepsəm
- Opening remarks
- Chancellor Marion Buller
- Conferring of Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD)
- Simon Keith
- Orator
- Dr. Michael Prince, Faculty of Human and Social Development
- Conferring of degrees
- Performer: Jesse Benjamin Walker, School of Music
- Student awards
- Congratulations from the Alumni Association
- UVic Alumni Association Representative
- Closing remarks
- Chancellor Marion Buller
- O Canada
- Performer: Clayton Butler, School of Music
Honorary degree recipient
Simon Keith, Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD)
Simon Keith is a social entrepreneur and humanitarian who has made a global impact by raising awareness and advocating for the organ transplant community.
Born in England, he moved with his family to Victoria as a toddler. After receiving a scholarship to play soccer at the University of Victoria, he made history as the first professional athlete to compete after undergoing a heart transplant.
At just 21, Keith received his first heart transplant, defying the odds to continue his athletic career. He played professionally for the Victoria Vistas, Winnipeg Fury, Montreal Supra and Cleveland Crunch soccer teams from 1989 to 1991.
Keith’s personal journey has made him a global leader in organ donation advocacy, where he has raised millions of dollars and increased awareness about registered donors, research, and government support for transplantation. The Simon Keith Foundation provides financial assistance to help youth who have undergone organ transplants return to sport.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Simon was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2022. His story is one of resilience, inspiration and unwavering dedication to saving lives and transforming the world for organ transplant patients.