Annual student scholarship honours memory of respected researcher

Faculty and friends at Vancouver Island University are creating a student scholarship to honour an exceptional scientist, esteemed colleague, mentor, teacher and friend.

The Dr. Andy Spencer Legacy award will support a $500 annual scholarship for a VIU student recently accepted into, or currently enrolled, in post-graduate studies at any institution in any aspect of marine sciences.

“Andy Spencer did so much for VIU, for many of us in Science and Technology and for our students,” said Biology professor Dr. Tim Goater. “One of his many passions was supporting undergraduate scientific research, especially in the marine sciences. Dr. Spencer was a wise and influential leader in many areas on campus. Sadly he passed away this summer, but will be long remembered for everything he’s done for VIU.”

Spencer was instrumental in establishing institutional guidelines for VIU’s Animal Care Committee and he provided advice on science research infrastructure which will continue to be used in years to come.

Liz Hammond-Kaarremaa, Director of the Research & Scholarly Activity Office at VIU said, “Andy was not only a very well-respected and internationally known researcher, he was a mentor, and a friend to all who worked with him. He changed the lives of many students. This scholarship represents what he has meant to us and means that many more students will continue to have their lives helped by him.”

One of those students and a Bachelor of Science graduate of VIU’s Biology Department, Sandy Neal collaborated closely with Dr. Spencer.

“I consider myself most fortunate to have had the privilege of working with Andy for several years,” said Neal. “Andy was more than a brilliant scientist. He was an incredibly knowledgable mentor and a compassionate friend generously sharing his wealth of experience and numerous contacts within the scientific community. Andy encouraged independence from his students and demanded excellence while patiently providing support. My life is so much richer for having known Andy.”


Another of Spencer’s passions was the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, where he was the director and a renowned teacher and researcher for many years.

To further recognize Spencer’s legacy among the Science and Technology faculty, the former Bamfield Research Fellowship is now known as the Andy Spencer Bamfield Research Fellowship.

The new award will be given annually in recognition of a VIU graduate who goes on to pursue graduate studies, especially but not limited to any aspect of the marine sciences.

The recipient must best exemplify Spencer’s standards for excellence and his curiosity and enthusiasm for science.

VIU students who are currently enrolled in masters or PhD programs in any discipline in the natural sciences are also encouraged to apply for this prestigious award.

“We hope to build the fund up quickly so that we can be in a position to offer the award within the next two years,” said Goater. “Approximately $20,000 is needed to fund a $500 annual award in perpetuity.”

Recently, the VIU Biology Student club organized a calendar fund-raiser to help support the Andy Spencer Legacy Award.

Anyone who wishes to contribute to the Andy Spencer Legacy Award, please contact Tim Goater at tim.goater@viu.ca or Susie Caswell at Susie.caswell@viu.ca