A celebration of achievement: Royal Roads University’s 47th Convocation

Royal Roads University is ready to cheer the dedication and achievements of its latest graduates during a first-of-its-kind convocation ceremony.

The university’s 47th convocation will confer degrees, certificates or diplomas to nearly 1,500 graduates in the Faculty of Management, the Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences and the College of Interdisciplinary Studies during virtual Convocation Friday, Nov. 6. 

“This Convocation may be different than past years, but what hasn’t changed is the immense pride we at Royal Roads feel for each one of our graduates,” says Royal Roads President Philip Steenkamp. “Class of 2020, you have shown remarkable courage and resilience, and weathered difficult times to emerge triumphant. This is your moment to shine.”

Graduates and their supporters can watch the ceremony online from around the world. Grads have received emails with details on how to participate in the ceremony by sending video clips, photos and messages for their virtual “stage walk”.

This year’s convocation address will be delivered by Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC’s calm and knowledgeable guide through the COVID-19 crisis, who will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during the ceremony.

During the ceremony, Royal Roads will also formally install Nelson Chan into the office of Chancellor and Chair of the Royal Roads University Board of Governors.

Métis Iskwew storyteller, top bachelor’s student and community builder to receive awards

Royal Roads University will present more than 100 awards during the ceremony to recognize the remarkable academic achievements.

Kiana Alexander-Hill, a Master of Arts in Leadership graduate and Métis Iskwew storyteller and scholar, will receive the Governor General’s Gold Medal for her thesis, which investigates how a sense of personal and collective belonging for young people can ignite civic action.

The Governor General’s Silver Medal will be presented to Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies graduate Jessica Zuk, for achieving the highest academic standing upon graduating from a bachelor’s degree program this year.

 The Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Inclusion, Democracy, and Reconciliation will be presented to Bachelor of Arts in Global Tourism Management graduate Holly (Ho Ni) Cheung for her work to make Royal Roads a safer and more welcoming community for international students, racialized people and the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Join the excitement Friday, Nov. 6

You can watch the ceremony on the Royal Roads website and on Facebook, Twitter, IGTV on Instagram and LinkedIn Friday, Nov. 6 starting at 2 p.m. PST.

The ceremony will be presented in three parts:

• 2 p.m. Main ceremony premiere: Join the main celebration! Well wishes and wise words for our graduates from Dr. Bonnie Henry, President Philip Steenkamp, Chancellor Nelson Chan, and other special guests. Chancellor Chan will also be formally installed in his office.
• 3 p.m. Virtual “stage walk” video premiere, Faculty of Management: Grads from the School of Business and the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management take the spotlight. Watch as each graduate is individually recognized for their achievements.
• 3 p.m. Virtual “stage walk” video premiere, Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences and College of Interdisciplinary Studies. Grads from the College of Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Communication and Culture, School of Humanitarian Studies, School of Leadership Studies, School of Education and Technology and School of Environmental Studies take the spotlight. Watch as each graduate is individually recognized for their achievements.