Beedie Luminaries is proud to celebrate Dr. David Paterson as he steps into his new role as Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Human Rights at Vancouver Island University (VIU). While this marks the conclusion of his time as a valued member of the Beedie Luminaries Selection Committee for our SHINE Program, this transition also celebrates his decision to focus on an exciting new chapter in his significant career.
Reflecting on what makes Beedie Luminaries unique, Dr. Paterson praised the visionary commitment of Ryan and Cindy Beedie (See more about Beedie Foundation here). He shared that he was particularly impressed by the inspiration for their philanthropy: “Ryan believed it was a great loss than many of his peers in Burnaby did not have the opportunity to attend post-secondary.” This commitment to providing access to education for students facing adversity and giving deserving young people an opportunity succeed has resonated deeply with Dr. Paterson.
“There was always a sense that education was a key to opening doors and opportunities.”
Dr. Paterson’s distinguished career reflects his unwavering dedication to leadership, innovation, and creating opportunities for students. As Dean of the Faculty of Education at VIU since 2017, he has driven program development and inspired the next generation of educators. Prior to VIU, his 10 years as Associate Dean at Simon Fraser University (SFU) and roles as a teacher and counsellor educator enriched his expertise. His contributions to the field extend beyond academia, including leadership roles such as President of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and President of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Reflecting on his lifelong connection to education, Dr. Paterson shared that he was raised in a family of educators, and that his wife even attended a school named after his grandfather. “There was always a sense that education was a key to opening doors and opportunities. That’s where the passion and belief began.”
Dr. Paterson emphasized the importance of encouraging engagement and ensuring student choice on their academic journey, acknowledging the evolving challenges facing students today: “The jobs the Luminaries will be taking don’t exist right now. This could be daunting, but the cores of education—problem-solving, creativity, social skills—are still alive and well. When combined with student engagement, which comes from choice, they will be successful.”
Reflecting on his time with Beedie Luminaries, Dr. Paterson shared how deeply inspired he was by the students he interviewed. He notes that “the warmest memories come from sitting with students during their first formal interviews and witnessing their courage, achievements, and potential”. For him, these brief interviews were an opportunity to empower students, offering support and encouragement as they navigated pivotal moments in their educational journeys. He added, “Being able to sit with them in that moment is a reminder of why I got into education in the first place: to empower people to change the world.”
“The warmest memories come from sitting with students during their first formal interviews and witnessing their courage, achievements, and potential.”
As he departs, Dr. Paterson encourages those in education to be present with all students, not just those who are sure of their education and career paths, but for those young adults who are still unsure of what their future holds – both journeys should be celebrated and supported.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Paterson added, “the staff around the Beedie Luminaries program are first-class; they personify and live the values of the Foundation. They are smart, caring, dedicated to the students, and it has been a highlight to work with them.”
We thank Dr. Paterson for his incredible contributions to Beedie Luminaries. In his time with the Foundation, Dr. Paterson has assisted in the selection of the 600+ students in the SHINE (Grade 12) Program. It is without a doubt that his dedication to equity, education, and innovation has left a lasting legacy. As he begins this new chapter at VIU, we know his work will continue to inspire and create meaningful change.
Thank you, Dr. Paterson!
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