A second-generation UNBC graduate will serve as one of the Valedictorians for this year’s graduating class.
Sean Robinson will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History.
“UNBC’s connection to the region, its communities, to the Indigenous Peoples living here and its ability to draw people from around the world to share in this connection – that’s what makes it such a special place to study,” Robinson said.
“Being from this part of the earth is a big part of my identity, and I didn’t have to move away to get my education.”
Robinson is the son of a MĂ©tis mother and a Nisg̱a’a father, who are both graduates of the University.
His mother, Dr. Rheanna Robinson is also an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities.
In addition to the Valedictorian honour, Robinson is the undergraduate recipient of the Pounamu Taonga Award, which will be bestowed during the First Nations Centre graduation ceremony in recognition of his academic achievement and community service.
He will also received the Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medal for Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation.
During his time at UNBC, Robinson was a leader in the UNBC History Club, while his studies took him to 11 countries over two years through the University’s Travelling Knowledges program.
“From a young age, my family taught me that genuine learning comes from being open to different ideas and worldviews,” he said.
“That’s what I’ve tried to do through my learning, my writing and my travels – emphasize connecting myself, my university and my home community to others.”
UNBC’s Prince George convocation ceremonies will take place on May 30th. The first ceremony will start at 9:30 am, with the second starting at 2:30 pm.
Guowei Li was announced as the Valedictorian for the Ceremony 2 last week.
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