Distinguished individuals from diverse fields of community, public service and health care will be awarded honorary degrees by the University of Victoria during its spring convocation ceremonies taking place from June 9 to 13. Honorary degrees will be presented to The Honourable Janet Austin, Christopher Barnes, Heather Cook, Simon Keith and Murray Rankin.
2025 honorary degree recipients
- The Honourable Janet Austin is a distinguished and transformative Canadian leader, respected for her commitment to public service, reconciliation and community advocacy. She served as the 30th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia from 2018-2025 and is an active supporter of programs that promote youth democratic and civic engagement.
- Christopher Barnes is a leader in both scientific thought and institution building who has made lasting contributions to both UVic and the broader scientific community. He was instrumental in developing the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences (SEOS) at UVic as well as helping to secure the funding and building of the world’s first regional cabled ocean observatory network, operating under Ocean Networks Canada.
- Heather Cook is a distinguished healthcare leader and advocate whose unwavering commitment to evidence-based practice and seniors’ well-being has left a lasting impact on BC’s healthcare system. Her dedication to advancing seniors’ care through clinical practice leadership and research and her expertise in long-term care informed policy during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a province-wide response to address vulnerabilities of seniors.
- Simon Keith is a social entrepreneur and humanitarian who has made a global impact by raising awareness and advocating for the organ transplant community. Keith’s personal journey as a heart organ donor recipient has made him a global leader in organ donation advocacy, where he has raised millions of dollars
- Murray Rankin is a distinguished legal scholar, environmental advocate and public servant whose contributions have shaped Canadian law and politics. As a professor at UVic’s Faculty of Law he strengthened the Environmental Law Centre and helped establish the joint-degree program in Indigenous Law. Rankin has championed stronger environmental protections, improved healthcare, fairer taxation and higher pensions, and played a pivotal role on many other issues and legislation.
Convocation signifies a significant milestone for graduates and honorees alike, as well as their community and family, fostering a spirit of celebration throughout the university community.
Over 11 ceremonies across five days, more than 3950 degrees, diplomas and certificates will be conferred under the leadership of University of Victoria’s Chancellor Marion Buller and President and Vice-Chancellor Kevin Hall.
The ceremonies will be live-streamed and subsequently archived online for broader accessibility.
