Former NDP leader Carole James, former provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall and businessman and philanthropist Gordon Denford are among a larger-than-normal group due to receive honorary degrees during this year’s convocation ceremonies at the University of Victoria.
The jump in numbers is the result of adding extra celebrations to recognize alumni who graduated in 2020, when COVID-19 precluded large gatherings.
Also receiving honorary degrees are Harvard Law School professor Lawrence Lessig, co-founder of non-profit group Creative Commons, which works to overcome obstacles to the sharing of knowledge and creativity on the Internet; Arvind Gupta, chief executive of Mitacs Canada, a non-profit group that funds student researchers; carver and printmaker Charles Elliott (TEMOSEṈŦET), who has been vital to the resurgence of Coast Salish artistic styles; and Rev. Lyle McKenzie, a part-time UVic chaplain for 19 years and a key contributor to multi-faith co-operation at the campus.
At Camosun College, the list of those up for special honours includes Greta de Carvalho Kawahara, who is graduating with a diploma in early childhood learning and care, and will receive the B.C. Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation. The award goes to someone who excels in the classroom while promoting inclusion, democracy and reconciliation.
The Camosun College Promising Alumni Award, for someone who graduated less than 10 years ago and has demonstrated outstanding service in both their field and community, goes to Robin Adams. Adams earned an advanced diploma in human resources management in 2014, an advanced diploma in managing for government in 2017 and a certificate in local government administration in 2017.
The Camosun College Distinguished Alumni Award, for someone who graduated over 10 years ago, goes to Mike Randall, who earned a diploma in fine furniture in 2011. He currently owns his own company — Mike Randall Design Ltd.
Co-winners of the Governor General Collegiate Bronze Medal for top 2021 academic graduates in a two-year or longer program are Rylen Enger (2021 electronics and computer engineering diploma and bridge-to-UVic programs) and Samreeta Kandola (2001 information and computer systems technology program.)
The winner for 2022 is Garret Fraser Wright, who graduated from the diploma in civil engineering technology program.
The two Royal Roads University honorary degree recipients are Autumn Peltier, who has worked on the ongoing water crisis in Canada’s Indigenous communities, and children’s singer Raffi Cavoukian, who has previously received both the Order of Canada and Order of B.C.
Vancouver Island University award winners have not yet been announced.
jbell@timescolonist.com
