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by Mike McNeney
Esteemed for their various contributions in the fields of education, anthropology, the environment and the arts, six recipients will receive honorary degrees from the university during Spring Convocation ceremonies in June.
The honorands are: Vicky Husband (Doctor of Laws); Barbara Lane (Doctor of Laws); Lewis Perinbam (Doctor of Laws); Martha Piper (Doctor of Laws); Arthur Vickers (Doctor of Fine Arts); and Ray Williston (Doctor of Laws).
A tireless advocate for nature conservation, education and cultural integrity in British Columbia, Vicky Husband is perhaps best known for her work on behalf of the Sierra Club and its role in protecting old-growth forests and endangered wildlife.
Husband has also been an unfailing supporter of the UVic school of environmental studies and its students through the creation of a scholarship and through guest lectures. Husband has previously been awarded the United Nations Environment Programs Global 500 Award, the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia.
Barbara Lane is regarded as an expert in First Nations anthropology and rights, having given evidence in more than 40 court cases—many of which have been pivotal in determining aboriginal access to resources (particularly fisheries) and land claims.
Lane is equally respected by First Nations groups across the Pacific Northwest, within legal circles and in the academic community, often working behind the scenes and with little public recognition. She has also made important contributions to the education of UVic history and anthropology students who have worked with her as research assistants.
A true citizen of the world, Lewis Perinbam dedicated his career in the Canadian public service to global issues in every corner of the world. For 18 years he was vice-president of the Canadian International Development Agency. He has been a voice for the role of citizens, citizen-based organizations, and universities in the development of the poorest regions of the globe.
Perinbam currently resides in Vancouver and is chairman of the Commonwealth of Learning, an intergovernmental organization dedicated to improving the delivery of open learning and distance education in developing countries.
As the 11th president of the University of British Columbia, Martha Piper has earned a national reputation for her work, not only on behalf of UBC but, as well, for the principles and value of higher education and research in B.C. and Canada. She is a strong, vocal advocate of the role of universities in modern society, particularly in terms of our economic, social and cultural well-being.
In addition, Piper has been instrumental in persuading decision-makers to invest more resources in university research, having made convincing arguments for the establishment of the Canada Research Chairs program and the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
West Coast native artist Arthur Vickers combines respect for the rich traditions of the Heiltsuk and Tsimshian people with the pursuit of a highly original artistic vision. Working in a number of disciplines—serigraphs, paintings, gold relief works—he is able to capture mood in his work using subtle colour blends and multi-layered ink tones.
Vickers’s work is sought for its creativity and meticulous attention to detail. Known as a deeply caring and giving person, Vickers has donated his valuable works of art to a host of charitable organizations including the Greater Victoria Hospital Foundation, the CNIB and the Victoria Hospice Society.
A long-time member of the W.A.C. Bennett cabinet, Ray Williston epitomizes dedication to education and public service in B.C. A graduate of the Provincial Normal School (predecessor of the UVic faculty of education), Williston began his career as a teacher.
He was first elected in 1953 as the MLA for Prince George and soon became Minister of Education. He engineered sweeping changes to the public school system and paved the way for the creation of UVic with his introduction of the 1955 Victoria College Act, combining the college with the normal school. His later role in natural resource development was acknowledged with the naming of the Williston Lake reservoir in central B.C.
Spring convocation ceremonies are at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily from June 6 to 9 in the University Centre Farquhar Auditorium.
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