Spring convocation celebrates UVic’s class of 2003

Years of hard work and determination come to a triumphant conclusion next week for 3,100 UVic graduate, undergraduate and continuing studies students who have successfully completed their courses.

Spring convocation ceremonies will be held twice daily, at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., in the University Centre Farquhar Auditorium.

At the first ceremony on June 3, Ron Lou-Poy will be installed as the university’s ninth chancellor. Lieutenant Governor Iona Campagnolo will preside, with the oath administered by Chief Justice Lance Finch of the B.C. Court of Appeal.

Lou-Poy was elected last November by members of convocation (including alumni, faculty, and staff) and has the power to confer degrees. He is senior partner in the Victoria law firm of Crease Harman and Company and has a distinguished record of service to the community and the university.

Another highlight of convocation week will be the salute (on June 6 at 2:30 p.m.) to 39 returning members of the class of 1964, UVic’s first graduates. B.C. Supreme Court Justice Bryan Ralph, president of the 1964 class, will give an address to this year’s graduates. The event is part of the university’s commemoration of its 40th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of the founding of its predecessor, Victoria College.

Six honorary degrees will be conferred during the week:

• Mark Starowicz, CBC documentary programmer, including As It Happens and The Journal. (Doctor of Laws, June 3, 2:30 p.m.)
• Norma Mickelson, groundbreaking educator, equity and rights activist, and Chancellor Emeritus (Doctor of Laws, June 4, 10 a.m.)
• Wade Davis, ethnobotanist and National Geographic “explorer-in-residence.” (Doctor of Science, June 4, 2:30 p.m.)
• Howard White, B.C. poet and founder of Harbour Publishing. (Doctor of Laws, June 5, 2:30 p.m.)
• Garde Gardom, long-serving B.C. MLA and former lieutenant governor. (Doctor of Laws, June 5, 2:30 p.m.)
• Antonio Leaño Alvarez del Castillo, instrumental in the creation of one of Mexico’s leading universities. (Doctor of Laws, June 6, 10 a.m.)

Finally, on June 7 at 11 a.m., the Class of 2003 will raise a traditional Lekwungen housepost by carver Butch Dick outside the Student Union Building.

For profiles of graduating students, please see the thumbnail biographies and contact information in the attached backgrounder.

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