VIU Foundation

News Stories

Micah Messent legacy awards, VIU Foundation

New Student Awards Honour Legacy of VIU Alum Micah Messent

December 5, 2019

Two awards in memory of a VIU graduate who passed away in a plane crash in March 2019 will be given out to Indigenous students in need in 2020. Friends and family of Micah Messent remember the Vancouver Island University (VIU) graduate as a caring, community-oriented individual who focused on helping those around him. To honour this legacy of supporting and encouraging others, Messent’s family... Read more


Windsor Plywood Trades Discovery Centre

Windsor Plywood Foundation Gift Transforms VIU's Nanaimo Campus

September 18, 2019

In recognition of a leadership gift in support of students, the Trades Discovery Centre now bears the Windsor Plywood name. The foundation for successful careers in the trades is being built at Vancouver Island University (VIU), and a leadership gift by the Windsor Plywood Foundation is supporting students to get the high-quality educational experiences needed to succeed. The Trades Discovery... Read more


VIU Launches Campaign to Help Complete New Buildings and Support Students

February 14, 2019

Imagine VIU is a campaign to equip and complete the three new facilities at the Nanaimo Campus – the Centre for Health and Science; the Marine, Automotive and Trades Complex; and District Geo-Exchange Energy System – and support the students who will be learning in these new facilities. ­­ Three exciting new projects are expanding opportunities available to students at Vancouver Island University... Read more


Community Group Marks 100th Anniversary by Establishing New Scholarship

December 19, 2018

Since 1919, the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) has worked to improve the status of women and promote all aspects of education. In honour of the organization’s 100th anniversary, the CFUW’s Nanaimo chapter is establishing a new scholarship at Vancouver Island University (VIU). The CFUW Nanaimo Ocean Sciences/Marine Biology Celebration Award CFUW 100th Anniversary award will provide... Read more


Breaking the Poverty Cycle: The Economic Impact of Post-Secondary Education

November 19, 2018

After a year of planning, Ruby Barclay arrived at Vancouver Island University (VIU) Student Residences from her hometown with two Rubber Maid totes and a duffel bag. “That was it – that was my entire life,” she remembers. “The first day was really, really tough.” While most youth transitioning to post-secondary rely on parents and extended family for support with school, living expenses and... Read more


VIU Equips Students for Success on Global Day of Giving

November 14, 2018

Thomas Flegel was pleasantly surprised to return to Vancouver Island University (VIU) this fall to complete his second year of the Automotive apprenticeship program in a renovated and expanded building. “Everything in the Automotive building is designed to best reflect industry standards,” he says. “It’s more like a real dealership now, which means as students we are getting the best, most... Read more


VIU Campaign Aims to Increase Access to Post-Secondary Education

September 20, 2018

September 22 Canada Learning Bond signup event launches new initiative to support learners from low-income families Every child should have the opportunity to access post-secondary education. With this belief in mind, Vancouver Island University (VIU) is launching the Canada Learning Bond Accelerator Program ­– an initiative designed to boost the number of families accessing free government... Read more