News Stories
Generosity of donors supports student success
April 24, 2024
The 2023 Giving in Action report shares stories of students who received awards. Last year, the Vancouver Island University (VIU) Foundation gave out more than 3,000 awards to students who needed a financial boost to continue their studies. The total value raised came out at more than $3.7 million and students across all programs benefitted. “It put me in a comfortable place, allowing me to focus... Read more
Embark Student Corp funds food security initiatives at VIU
March 13, 2024
The $400,000 gift will fund student-driven solutions, emergency financial aid and food banks on two of VIU’s campuses. An increasing number of students are being forced to choose between achieving their educational goals and basic living essentials due to the rising costs of living. A new initiative funded through the generosity of Embark, an education savings and planning company, aims to... Read more
Supporting the next generation of educators
February 26, 2024
Legacy donor Les Dickason shares his story When the opportunity to help set up a teacher education program at VIU (then Malaspina College) presented itself, Les Dickason left his job with the school district to be part of it. After his retirement in 1997, he established a bursary through the VIU Foundation. The fund has grown and now supports two students going into their second year of the... Read more
VIU News & Experts: December 1, 2023
December 1, 2023
What can COP28 realistically achieve? 🌍 We had a soul-filling week at VIU. The VIU Foundation's Giving Tuesday campaign raised more than $350,000 for students in need and engaged with a record number of new donors. We celebrated by giving students cookies, smiles and heart balloons. Every dollar raised goes to student scholarships, awards, bursaries and special education initiatives. Learn more.... Read more
VIU Foundation’s Giving Tuesday campaign raises more than $350,000 for students in need
November 30, 2023
The campaign engaged with a record number of new donors. Vancouver Island University (VIU) students will have more access to scholarships, awards and bursaries following the university’s annual Giving Tuesday campaign. The campaign, which wrapped up on Tuesday, November 28, saw the community band together to support students, raising more than $350,000 for scholarships, bursaries, awards and... Read more
VIU Giving Tuesday campaign helps students reach for their dreams
November 14, 2023
University’s tenth annual campaign runs from November 14 to 28, 2023. When Vancouver Island University (VIU) student Sarah McClelland faced some unexpected living expenses last fall, she thought she would have to put her education on hold. The Bachelor of Education student went to the Financial Aid and Awards team to explore options. That’s when she learned about the VIU Access Fund, which... Read more
VIU Media Highlights: December 7, 2022
December 7, 2022
The giving spirit, global learning opportunities & holiday events 🎄 As we enter the winter season, the spirit of giving is strong at VIU, as you can see by our top story below. If you have any questions, please reach out to us. Top stories VIU Foundation's Giving Tuesday campaign raises more than $500,000 Students at Vancouver Island University will have fewer financial worries this season... Read more
VIU Foundation’s Giving Tuesday campaign raises more than $500,000 for students in need
December 7, 2022
Campaign ran from November 15 to 29, 2022, with gifts from donors, VIU employees and alumni, and community. Students at Vancouver Island University (VIU) will have fewer financial worries this season following a huge outpouring of support through the VIU Foundation’s Giving Tuesday campaign. The campaign, which wrapped up on Tuesday, November 29, saw the community band together to support... Read more
VIU Giving Tuesday campaign raises funds for students in need
November 17, 2022
University’s ninth annual campaign runs from November 15 to 29, 2022. Access to quality, nutritious food is vital to academic success, but with inflation eroding students’ spending power, it is getting harder for some to meet this basic need. That’s why the Vancouver Island University (VIU) Foundation is raising money for Give a Meal, a new initiative launched by VIU’s Ancillary and Food Services... Read more
VIU hosts summer camps for Indigenous students
June 29, 2022
The camps are organized by the ‘su’luqw’a’ Community Cousins Indigenous mentorship program. A pair of free summer camps that aim to make the transition to university easier for Indigenous youth are returning to in-person delivery at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Nanaimo campus this summer. The Thuy’she’num Tu Smun’eem: Building a Foundation for our Youth summer camps take place July 18-22... Read more