From Struggling Student to Empowered Change Maker
July 26, 2017
How Tasha Brooks found her passion through VIU’s MBA Program and is making a difference in her community Ten years ago, Tasha Brooks found herself begging Santa Claus for a C+ in accounting so she could continue in Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Bachelor of Business Administration program. Fast forward to today, and Brooks has just finished her dual Master of Business Administration and... Read more
Shaping a Career Out of Making People Feel Beautiful: VIU Esthetics Grads Speak Out
June 28, 2017
Employment prospects look good for graduates of the eight-month Professional Esthetics program, held at VIU’s Parksville-Qualicum campus After spending her 20s working as a bartender, Lindsay Jacobson was tired of the late nights and ready to find her forever career. The 34-year-old had taken a makeup course when she was 19 and loved the creativity and freedom of the profession, so she decided... Read more
VIU Power Engineering Grads Nab Top Spots in National Competition
June 28, 2017
Tim Ryper and Fred Hillyer took first and third place in PanGlobal Training Systems’ 2017 Student Achievement Awards Two former Vancouver Island University (VIU) Power Engineering students are not only top of their class – they have surged to the top of the list in Canada as well. Tim Ryper and Fred Hillyer won first and third place respectively in the national Power Engineering Outstanding... Read more
VIU Bachelor of Arts Graduates Share their Success Stories
February 28, 2017
VIU celebrates 25 years of granting BAs with a look at the rewarding careers alumni pursued with their degree From the Liberal Party of Canada’s videographer, who spends much of his time filming Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; to a member of Team Canada’s national volleyball team who travels the world pursuing her passion; to a PhD student working in neuroscience research, Vancouver Island... Read more
VIU Cowichan Practical Nursing Student Recognized for Citizenship
August 15, 2016
Dilbert Garcia is new to Canada, and he’s already deeply involved in the community VIU Cowichan alumnus Dilbert Garcia immigrated to Canada just four years ago from the Philippines, and he’s already made significant contributions to both his community and his school. For his excellent grades and community involvement, he graduated in May with both the Mike Coleman Award for Citizenship and the... Read more
Mentors are everything to award-winning Nanaimo entrepreneur
February 15, 2016
Trevor Styan (Welding ’04) isn’t the kind of boss who shows up on his company’s remote, northern BC work site wearing awhite hard hat and shiny steel-toed boots fresh out of the box. He’s not there for a quick check-in, with handshakes and a pep-talk for the work crew tasked with completing a complex infrastructure build for the province’s energy sector. It’s just not his style. Instead, the 29-... Read more
VIU Child And Youth Care Alumni Share Experiences At 2nd Annual Meet And Greet
February 2, 2016
It was set up like an evening of speed dating. At first the almost 100 people attending milled around not sure where to go - but Child and Youth Care Alumni Meet and Greet organizer, Sara Marshall, eventually managed to get everyone into groups and on their way. The Jan. 28 event brought current Vancouver Island University (VIU) students, high school students and members of the public together... Read more
VIU Child and Youth Care Alumni to Share Career Stories Jan. 27
January 21, 2016
As a fourth year student in the Child and Youth Care (CYC) degree program at Vancouver Island University (VIU), Sara Marshall has heard the same question more than a few times. “A lot of people have asked me if I’m going to work in a daycare,” she says. And while that’s certainly one of the options for graduates, Marshall usually continues her answer with a long list of possible careers for... Read more
VIU Tuition Waiver Grad Launches Career as Child Protection Officer
July 6, 2015
Life has come full circle for Jordanna Southall, who graduated in June from Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program. One of the first students to enroll at VIU under the Youth in Care Tuition Waiver program nearly two years ago, Southall has secured a job as a child protection officer with the Ministry of Children and Family Development in Campbell River, BC... Read more
VIU Grad Leaves Legacy Related to Food Security and Sustainability
April 30, 2015
Celia White is taking her passion for sustainability and food security to the provincial and national level. White’s term as Healthy Communities Coordinator at Vancouver Island University (VIU) in Nanaimo ended in April but she’s beginning a new job with The Meal Exchange, a national youth led non-profit organization based in Toronto. “I’m applying for grant money to create a western branch in... Read more