Six to Receive Honorary Degrees at Spring Convocation
Six leaders in nature conservation, education, anthropology, the arts and public service will be granted honorary degrees from the University of Victoria during Spring Convocation ceremonies June 6-9 in the University Centre Farquhar Auditorium.
Listed here are the honorands and scheduled ceremonies:
Vicky Husband, Honorary Doctor of Laws, 2:30 p.m., June 7
A tireless advocate of nature conservation, education and cultural integrity in British Columbia, Husband is perhaps best known for her work on behalf of the Sierra Club and its role in protecting old growth forests and endangered wildlife. Husband has previously been awarded the United Nations Environment Programs Global 500 Award, the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia.
Barbara Lane, Honorary Doctor of Laws, 10 a.m., June 6
Lane is regarded as an expert in First Nations anthropology and rights, having given evidence in more than 40 court cases—many of which have been pivotal in determining aboriginal access to resources (particularly fisheries) and land claims. She is equally respected by First Nations groups across the Pacific Northwest, within legal circles, and in the academic community—often working behind the scenes and with little public recognition.
Lewis Perinbam, Honorary Doctor of Laws, 2:30 p.m., June 9
A true citizen of the world, Perinbam was vice-president of the Canadian International Development Agency for 18 years and has always been a voice for the role of citizens, citizen-based organizations and universities in the development of the poorest regions of the globe. He currently resides in Vancouver where he’s chair of the Commonwealth of Learning—an organization dedicated to open learning and distance education in developing countries.
Martha Piper, Honorary Doctor of Laws, 2:30 p.m., June 6
The 11th president of the University of British Columbia, Piper has earned a national reputation for her work—not only on behalf of UBC—but for the principles and worthiness of higher education and research in B.C. and Canada. She is a strong advocate of the role of universities in society’s economic, social and cultural well-being. She has also been instrumental in convincing decision-makers to invest significant resources in university research across the country.
Arthur Vickers, Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts, 2:30 p.m., June 8
A coast native artist who combines rich traditions of the Heiltsuk and Tsimshian people with a highly original artistic vision, Vickers works in serigraphs, paintings, and gold relief works. He captures mood in his work using subtle colour blends and multi-layered ink tones. A true craftsman, his work is sought for its creativity and meticulous attention to detail. Vickers has donated many of his valuable works to charity.
Ray Williston, Honorary Doctor of Laws, 10 a.m., June 8
Williston was a long-serving member of the W.A.C. Bennett cabinet. He epitomizes dedication to education and public service in B.C. First elected in 1953 as the MLA for Prince George, he soon became minister of education and engineered sweeping changes to the public school system. He also paved the way for the creation of UVic with his introduction of the 1955 Victoria College Act, combining the college with the normal school. His later role in natural resource development was acknowledged with the naming of the Williston Lake reservoir.
Honorary degrees are granted by the University of Victoria Senate based on distinction and achievement in scholarship, research, teaching, the creative arts and public service. Past recipients include Sir Edmund Hillary, Carol Shields, Atom Egoyan, and Julie Payette.
Listed here are the honorands and scheduled ceremonies:
Vicky Husband, Honorary Doctor of Laws, 2:30 p.m., June 7
A tireless advocate of nature conservation, education and cultural integrity in British Columbia, Husband is perhaps best known for her work on behalf of the Sierra Club and its role in protecting old growth forests and endangered wildlife. Husband has previously been awarded the United Nations Environment Programs Global 500 Award, the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia.
Barbara Lane, Honorary Doctor of Laws, 10 a.m., June 6
Lane is regarded as an expert in First Nations anthropology and rights, having given evidence in more than 40 court cases—many of which have been pivotal in determining aboriginal access to resources (particularly fisheries) and land claims. She is equally respected by First Nations groups across the Pacific Northwest, within legal circles, and in the academic community—often working behind the scenes and with little public recognition.
Lewis Perinbam, Honorary Doctor of Laws, 2:30 p.m., June 9
A true citizen of the world, Perinbam was vice-president of the Canadian International Development Agency for 18 years and has always been a voice for the role of citizens, citizen-based organizations and universities in the development of the poorest regions of the globe. He currently resides in Vancouver where he’s chair of the Commonwealth of Learning—an organization dedicated to open learning and distance education in developing countries.
Martha Piper, Honorary Doctor of Laws, 2:30 p.m., June 6
The 11th president of the University of British Columbia, Piper has earned a national reputation for her work—not only on behalf of UBC—but for the principles and worthiness of higher education and research in B.C. and Canada. She is a strong advocate of the role of universities in society’s economic, social and cultural well-being. She has also been instrumental in convincing decision-makers to invest significant resources in university research across the country.
Arthur Vickers, Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts, 2:30 p.m., June 8
A coast native artist who combines rich traditions of the Heiltsuk and Tsimshian people with a highly original artistic vision, Vickers works in serigraphs, paintings, and gold relief works. He captures mood in his work using subtle colour blends and multi-layered ink tones. A true craftsman, his work is sought for its creativity and meticulous attention to detail. Vickers has donated many of his valuable works to charity.
Ray Williston, Honorary Doctor of Laws, 10 a.m., June 8
Williston was a long-serving member of the W.A.C. Bennett cabinet. He epitomizes dedication to education and public service in B.C. First elected in 1953 as the MLA for Prince George, he soon became minister of education and engineered sweeping changes to the public school system. He also paved the way for the creation of UVic with his introduction of the 1955 Victoria College Act, combining the college with the normal school. His later role in natural resource development was acknowledged with the naming of the Williston Lake reservoir.
Honorary degrees are granted by the University of Victoria Senate based on distinction and achievement in scholarship, research, teaching, the creative arts and public service. Past recipients include Sir Edmund Hillary, Carol Shields, Atom Egoyan, and Julie Payette.
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