Notable grads among the 3,600 at convocation

The University of Victoria’s spring Convocation ceremonies start Monday, June 12, and continue throughout the week in the University Centre Farquhar Auditorium. The event marks the successful completion of academic studies for 3,641 recipients of degrees, diplomas and certificates.

Included among the members of the class of 2017 are:

• Dechen Dolma Lama, a child and youth care grad from an impoverished region of Nepal who persevered to follow her dream of a higher education, and who says her time at UVic was “transformative.”
• Kear Porttris, a member of UVic’s first-ever graduating class of civil engineers who aspires to become a role model for Indigenous students on campus and beyond.
• Xiao Xue, a visual arts grad whose innovative “walking camper” final project wowed her professors and gave viewers plenty to ponder.

For interview possibilities with these graduates, see contacts below.

As previously announced, UVic will also present honorary degrees recognizing the achievements of six individuals:

• Author Joy Kogawa — June 12, 2:30 p.m.
• Pacific Opera Victoria director Timothy Vernon — June 13, 2:30 p.m.
• Canada-China relations builder Brian Lo — June 14, 2:30 p.m.
• Conservation research supporter Christina Munck — June 15, 10 a.m.
• Community leader Murray Farmer — June 15, 2:30 p.m.
• Nature photographer Paul Nicklen — June 16, 10 a.m.

Each of the nine ceremonies will be webcast live at uvic.ca/ceremonies/convocation/index.php with social media posts tagged #uvicgrad.

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