Spring 2010 Convocation

A trio of inspiring individuals with island connections - each having made an impact on people locally, provincially and, in some cases, internationally - were honoured at Royal Roads University during spring 2010 convocation: a renowned artist living on Salt Spring Island; a former lieutenant-governor born on Galiano Island and a popular philanthropist who is a life-long resident of Vancouver Island.

Under a white marquee on the lawn above Esquimalt Lagoon and in celebration of more than 600 graduates from around the world, Royal Roads University conferred an honorary degree on Canadian artist and educator Robert Bateman during the morning ceremony.

In the afternoon ceremony, the university conferred an honorary degree on the Honourable Iona Campagnolo. In addition to being the first woman named as Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia in 2001, Campagnolo was founding chair of the Fraser Basin Council in 1997, first Chancellor of the University of Northern British Columbia, first female president of the Liberal Party of Canada and Canada's first Minister of State for Fitness and Amateur Sport.

Long-time West Shore resident and successful businessman Bob Saunders was presented with a Chancellor's Community Recognition Award for his strong sense of community and ongoing support of worthy causes.

The Honourable Iona V. Campagnolo P.C., O.C, O.B.C. Honorary Degree Recipient Born on Galiano Island, the Honourable Iona Campagnolo became the first woman Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia in 2001. Read more

Robert McLellan Bateman Honorary Degree Recipient Robert Bateman has been a keen artist and naturalist from his early days. Read more

Bob Saunders Chancellor's Community Recognition Award Recipient Bob Saunders was born in Duncan in 1935, the fourth of five children. Read more