In a ceremony overflowing with significance and promise, Thompson Rivers University (TRU) celebrated the formal installment of DeDe DeRose as its esteemed Chancellor. The event, held amidst the serene backdrop of TRU's Kamloops campus, marked a pivotal moment in the institution's history, symbolizing a renewed commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and Indigenous empowerment.
DeDe DeRose's ascension to the role of Chancellor signifies a merging of passion, experience, and dedication, representing a culmination of her lifelong dedication to education and Indigenous empowerment. While her journey with TRU began years ago, it was her recent involvement with the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation (VJKF) that underscored her unwavering commitment to Indigenous empowerment in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through her tenure on the board, DeRose has tirelessly championed the foundation's mission, advocating for opportunities that empower Indigenous youth and foster inclusivity in education.
"The VJKF Board of Directors is not only immensely proud of DeDe's accomplishments but also deeply inspired by her vision for the future," echoed by the VJKF Board of Directors. "We wholeheartedly extend our best wishes to DeDe, recognizing the transformative impact she has had on our organization and the countless lives she continues to touch. DeDe's dedication to the principles of Dr. Verna Kirkness's 4 R's - Respect, Relevance, Reciprocity, and Responsibility - serves as a guiding light for us all."
The ceremony took on a profound significance with the presence of two esteemed figures: Dr. Verna Kirkness and Kye7e Cecilia Dick DeRose. Dr. Kirkness, a pioneering force in Indigenous education and the namesake of the VJKF, has dedicated her life to creating pathways for Indigenous students to excel in STEM fields. For DeDe DeRose, Dr. Kirkness is not only a mentor but also a symbol of the transformative power of education. Having been a student in Dr. Kirkness's UBC NITEP Program, DeRose understands firsthand the importance of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in shaping the future of education.
Accompanying Dr. Kirkness onstage was Kye7e Cecilia Dick DeRose, an admired Elder and community leader whose wisdom and guidance have left an indelible mark on TRU's educational landscape. As a beacon of ancestral wisdom, Kye7e Cecilia Dick DeRose's presence served as a moving reminder of the rich cultural heritage that TRU strives to honor and preserve.
"I am deeply humbled and profoundly honored to assume the role of Chancellor at Thompson Rivers University," shared DeRose. "My journey, intertwined with TRU's commitment to excellence and inclusivity, has been shaped by the guidance of remarkable individuals like Dr. Kirkness and my mom, Kye7e Cecilia Dick DeRose. Together, we embark on a collective journey towards a future where every student feels empowered to reach their fullest potential."
As Chancellor, DeDe DeRose pledges to uphold TRU's core values while championing diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation. With the support of esteemed mentors and the collective spirit of TRU's community, she is poised to lead the university towards a brighter, more inclusive future.
For more information about Thompson Rivers University and its new Chancellor, please visit [TRU's official website](https://www.tru.ca).
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*This press release was crafted with information from articles published by [TRU Inside](https://inside.tru.ca/) and [Castanet](https://www.castanet.net/), as well as insights provided by the [Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation](https://www.vernajkirkness.org/) and [Indspire](https://indspire.ca/).*
ABOUT THE VERNA J. KIRKNESS EDUCATION FOUNDATION:
The mission of the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation is to increase the number of Indigenous students graduating from pure and applied science, engineering, and mathematics programs in Canada.
MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION
Tyson MacGillivray, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors: tyson@vjkf.org
DeDe DeRose, Board Secretary and Communications Committee Chair: dede@vjkf.org Website:https://vernajkirkness.org/
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