Excelling in her field: Robyn Doll
The future looks bright for Robyn Doll.
She graduated from VIU’s Dental Hygiene diploma program this year and has already secured a job as a dental hygienist in her hometown in northern BC. She is also this year’s recipient of VIU’s Governor General’s Academic Bronze Medal. The bronze medal is awarded annually to the student who receives the highest academic standing in a two-year diploma program.
Overcoming adversity and finding new passions
At age 15, Emma Salisbury’s life changed forever.
Diagnosed with lupus – a chronic disease with a variety of symptoms caused by inflammation in one or more parts of the body – Emma put her dance career on hold to undergo treatment. A week into treatment, she suffered a stroke that forced her to reconsider what she wanted to do with her life.
“Within 24 hours, I went from being a sick, but perfectly able-bodied person, to not being able to hold my head up or even speak,” she remembers.
Finding his fit with VIU’s Indigenous Peoples in Trades Training Program
A few months ago, Russell Modeste wasn’t sure what direction he wanted to take in his career.
After completing Adult Basic Education upgrading courses at VIU, he decided to explore different options.
“I wanted to see what trade would interest me. At first, it was carpentry, and then it was heavy equipment operating,” he says.
Striving for athletic and academic excellence
Danielle Groenendijk is graduating from VIU this June with a Bachelor of Science, major in Biology and minor in Kinesiology – graduating with honours.
She is also a member of the VIU Mariners women’s volleyball team and the combination of both a strong volleyball program and the academic programs offered was a major factor in why she decided to attend VIU.
Finding his fit with VIU’s Biology program: Gordon Skocic
Gordon Skocic is graduating this June with a Bachelor of Science, major in Biology and minor in Chemistry. He is a co-valedictorian for the faculty of Science and Technology, sharing the honour with fellow Bachelor of Science grad Baneesha Gill.
Finding humour and comradery in organic chemistry: Baneesha Gill
Baneesha Gill is graduating this June with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Biology and specializing inmolecular cell biology. She is a co-valedictorian for the Faculty of Science and Technology, sharing the honour with fellow Bachelor of Science grad Gordon Skocic.
The power of getting involved in the campus community: Kayla Passmore and Victoria Ross
Kayla Passmore and Victoria Ross and are co-valedictorians for the Faculty of Education’s graduating class of 2022. From varsity athletics to student leadership roles, Kayla and Victoria are some of the most involved students on campus, so you’ve likely seen them around.
Striking a balance between studies and social connections: Siddhanth Arikari
Siddhanth Arikari is graduating this June with a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Studies. Siddhanth is co-valedictorian for the faculty of Arts and Humanities, sharing the honour with fellow grad Lauryn Mackenzie.
Persistence in the face of difficulties: Lauryn Mackenzie
Lauryn Mackenzie is graduating this June with a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Studies. She is co-valedictorian for the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, sharing the honour with fellow grad Siddhanth Arikari.
Lauryn is excited to see what the future holds and after graduation plans see where to road takes her.
Getting involved and pursuing possibilities: Nicole DiCastri
Nicole DiCastri, a co-valedictorian for the Faculty of Social Sciences, is graduating this June with a Bachelor of Arts, major in Criminology and minor in Creative Writing. She plans on taking a year off from academics before applying to law schools with the goal of becoming a lawyer.