Former VIU president Dr. Ralph Nilson was officially recognized as an Order of Canada recipient on Wednesday, Dec 29. (VIU)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

high honour

Retired VIU president receives Order of Canada designation

Dec 29, 2021 | 3:39 PM

NANAIMO — He’s well known for reconciliation efforts and advancing Vancouver Island University into a leading institution — now he’s a recipient of one of the country’s highest honours.

Dr. Ralph Nilson, former longtime president and vice-chancellor of VIU, was officially named to the Order of Canada by Governor General Mary Simon on Wednesday, Dec. 29 “For his exemplary leadership as a university administrator, and for his student advocacy and commitment to the process of reconciliation.”

Nilson was VIU”s president for more than 12 years before retiring in 2019.

A VIU news release outlined Dr. Nilson’s many accomplishments while at the institution’s helm, including improving access to education for a wide range of people.

“In 2013 VIU became the first institution in BC to allow former youth in care to study tuition-free. Under his leadership, VIU also became recognized nationally for its commitments to the process of truth and reconciliation. VIU’s annual Indigenous Speakers Series is one of those legacies.”

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In the release Nilson stated the individual honour is the result of many people focused on a common purpose.

“I have been blessed to work with and learn from committed colleagues and friends engaged in overcoming systemic barriers students face in accessing and excelling in post-secondary education, through which we can strive to address the multi dimensions of poverty and to make poverty less hereditary,” Dr. Nilson stated.

In addition to well documented reconciliation efforts, Dr. Nilson spearheaded philanthropic work and led transformational change for VIU, in particular the Nanaimo campus.

He oversaw the shift from Malaspina University-College to fully fledged university status, which coincided with $130 million worth of expanded on-campus infrastructure and expanded course offerings.

Nilson was one of 135 appointments to the new class of the Order of Canada.

Created in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievements, dedication to the community and service to the country. More than 7,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.

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