A pioneer wine-maker and a Time Magazine Most Influential Person of 2024 earn special accolades as Royal Roads University celebrates its 55th convocation this fall.
The Colwood institution will issue two honorary degrees alongside several other prestigious awards as more than 600 graduates cross the stage in four ceremonies on Nov. 14 and 15.
“Our graduates are change-makers,” president Philip Steenkamp said in a news release. "They are people who understand grit, determination, and above all, courage—the courage to anticipate and tackle problems, confront injustices and truly commit to making the world a better place. I look forward to watching them activate their learning in the months and years to come.”
Royal Roads will confer an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Anthony von Mandl, founder and CEO of the Mark Anthony Group of Companies.
Von Mandl founded Mission Hill Winery and is credited with pioneering high-end winemaking in the Okanagan Valley, putting the region on the global map. He was at the forefront of organic winemaking in Canada, and his move to transition all his wineries to completely organic status garnered international attention. His philanthropic efforts support varied and numerous causes including the arts, education, and health research.
“Anthony von Mandl’s accomplishments are a shining example of what’s possible, and what the future of boldly different business looks like,” Steenkamp said. “His work to advance organic winemaking in Canada set an impressive standard for the value of sustainability in business. His numerous accomplishments inspire entrepreneurs who are just starting out, clearly demonstrating how a business can be successful, while also supporting social and ecological well-being.”
Royal Roads will confer an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Suzanne Simard, University of British Columbia professor and leader of The Mother Tree Project, who was recently named to Time’s 100 Most Influential People 2024 list. Simard has helped change generations of thinking about trees and forest ecosystems. Her research has shown forests are complex societies in which trees mediate resources among themselves, and learn and adapt, much like humans do.
“Suzanne Simard’s work positively disrupts the status quo,” Steenkamp said. “As an author, educator, organizer, advocate and scientist, she can convey complex, technical ideas in a way that is dazzling and profound, deeply personal and moving. I admire her commitment to climate action and aspire to emulate it in our climate efforts here.”
Angela Frawley, a graduate of the Master of Arts in the Learning and Technology program, will be awarded the Governor General’s Gold Medal for academic excellence in graduate studies. Camille Ruest, a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Practice, will be awarded the Governor General’s Silver Medal for academic excellence in a bachelor’s degree program. Her high academic achievement is also recognized with both the Chancellor’s and President’s Scholar awards. Taejo Kim, a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies, will also be awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation.
There are also 20 graduates who will be honoured with the Chancellor’s Award, which recognizes the highest academic performance in each program and 23 graduates receiving the Royal Roads Founders’ Award, presented to those who have demonstrated exemplary qualities relevant to their learning community. A total of 25 graduates will receive the President’s Scholar Award for distinction, graduating in the top 10 per cent of their class.
Before joining convocation ceremonies, Indigenous graduates will gather on campus to celebrate in a private ceremony with family, friends and Elders.
The new graduates will join the network of Royal Roads alumni worldwide, bringing their number to 35,558. See the complete list of award winners and watch any of the four ceremonies streamed live online.
