Alumni

News Stories

Alumni Spotlight: Social Sciences Radio Hosts

October 16, 2018

Two Social Sciences graduates had the unique experience of creating their own radio shows while studying at VIU. Michael Robert Caditz (Bachelor of Arts ’18, Major in Philosophy), the first student to graduate from VIU with the new Honours in Philosophy degree option, created Spring Forward: The VIU Philosophy Show on the campus-community radio station CHLY 101.7 FM while taking the new... Read more

Adventures on Ice: Jennifer Williams

October 16, 2018

Travelling onboard the Canada C3 Expedition was a life-changing experience for Jennifer Williams (Bachelor of Education ’16). For Williams, who graduated in 2016, there weren’t just one or two poignant moments — it was the entire voyage that made a lasting impression. “What always impacts me in all my experiences are the people I meet along the way. Each person I met, both in the communities we... Read more

Education for Empowerment: Morgan and Gina Mowatt

October 16, 2018

A desire to effect positive change for First Nations communities has sisters Morgan and Gina Mowatt leveraging what they learned at VIU to pursue graduate studies at the University of Victoria (UVic). Gina (Bachelor of Arts ’15, Major in First Nations Studies) is pursuing a Master of Arts in Colonial Histories. While in Victoria, she co-founded the Innovative Young Indigenous Leaders Symposium,... Read more

Alumni News

October 16, 2018

What happens when an artist loses her ability to conjure images inside her head? This is the situation Sheri Bakes (Diploma of Fine Arts – Visual Arts ’93) found herself in following a stroke at age 29 that left her with aphantasia, a rare condition where one cannot visualize imagery, meaning she cannot paint from visual imagination. Bakes persisted in doing what she loves, spending the last 17... Read more

Scholar-athlete Alum Wins Premier’s Award for Aboriginal Youth Excellence in Sport

October 16, 2018

Kaitlyn Lafontaine dreams of using her education as a tool for change. “I really want to use my education to give back to my community and make a difference,” says Lafontaine, a member of the Métis Nation. “School has taught me I am someone who can make those changes.” It’s important to Lafontaine to make a positive impact for Indigenous people in Canada. The First Nations Studies and... Read more

VIU Global Studies Graduates Make A Difference

August 16, 2018

Five VIU Global Studies graduates and former VIU Professor Dr. Catherine Schittecatte gathered this summer to share about life after university.  After graduating from Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Global Studies (GLST) program, Richard Kulesza wentonto complete his law degree at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie and is nowa Policy Analyst for the Government of Canada in Ottawa. He... Read more

Fighting for Justice Exhibit Brings to Light Lesser Told Stories

January 26, 2018

Travelling display a collaborative effort between VIU, UVic and community partners Wing Hay Young, a popular Port Alberni-born boxer, decided to enlist in the Canadian Army in 1940 during the Second World War. He was denied entry based on his ethnicity, prompting his white boxing friends to descend on the enlistment office, refusing to sign up until their friend was accepted. Young, who became... Read more

Alum of the Month: Kim Clark

January 22, 2018

When Kim Clark returned to school at Vancouver Island University (VIU), she had been diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis and was dealing with four kids at home, an (almost) terminally ill husband and a disintegrating marriage. She says her time in VIU’s Creative Writing program helped to energize her and credits her professors with giving her the consideration and confidence to keep... Read more

Putting Their Skills to Work

January 8, 2018

By Jenn McGarrigle There are more than 75,000 VIU alumni living and working around the world, many of whom have started their own unique, innovative and successful businesses. Here’s what three grads did with the skills they learned in VIU programs.  Hailey Mannynvali and Paul Aboud, Co-owners, Hearthstone Bakery Hailey Mannynvali and Paul Aboud know the products they serve at the Hearthstone... Read more

Alumni Feature: From Nanaimo to Hollywood: Alex Pangburn

January 5, 2018

By Jenn McGarrigle   VIU Theatre alum Alex Pangburn’s acting career has taken off this year. He managed to snag several roles recently that have given him the chance to work with high-profile actors and directors, including in the popular post-apocalyptic TV series The 100. “Playing Hayes on The 100 was an awesome experience and I’m so grateful I had the chance to work with such a talented cast... Read more