In the Community

group of people holding awards

VIU Elders receive King Charles III Coronation Medals

November 28, 2024

Geraldine Manson (C-tasi:a) and Thiyuas - Florence James were honoured earlier this month. One current Vancouver Island University (VIU) Elder-in-Residence as well as a retired Elder-in-Residence were given the King Charles III Coronation Medal earlier this month for their role as culture keepers. NDP MP for Nanaimo-Ladysmith Lisa Marie Barron and retired MLA for Nanaimo – North Cowichan Doug... Read more


A volunteer strings up lights at Milner Gardens

Creating holiday magic – volunteers bring cherished holiday tradition to life

November 26, 2024

Stories from Milner Christmas Magic volunteers and staff. Each year, Milner Gardens & Woodland transforms into a dazzling wonderland thanks to the dedication of volunteers and staff who bring Milner Christmas Magic to life.  “We started from humble beginnings more than twenty years ago using tea lights in tin cans to light the driveway, to today, using thousands of LED lights and immersive... Read more


Mike with boots, waterproof jackets and waders laid out on a table

VIU Giving Tuesday campaign creates pathways for students in need

November 25, 2024

VIU’s eleventh annual campaign features an online auction and opportunities to have donations matched. ­­Students in Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Resource Management and Protection programs are following their passion for protecting the province’s environment and ecosystems. Learning how to do this work requires lots of hands-on practice in the field. In recent years, faculty began... Read more


A person holding a rose stands in front of the Jardin des Quartorze garden memorial.

16 Days of Activism campaign honours differences and shared struggles

November 25, 2024

What: 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence When: November 25 to December 10, various dates and times Where: Vancouver Island University Nanaimo campus Media: Schedule of events below The Vancouver Island University Faculty Association Women’s and Gender Equity committee (WAGE) is urging people to honour differences, hold space for each other and engage in meaningful conversations... Read more


Halloween 3 2024

Halloween at VIU 2024

November 6, 2024

VIU employees got into the spirit of Halloween this year. Check out the costumes and decorations below.  Read more


A group of soldiers poses for a photo

VIU and community partners remember local fallen soldiers through video memorial

November 1, 2024

VIU video project acknowledges Nanaimo soldiers’ contributions to the First and Second World Wars. A Vancouver Island University (VIU) video memorial project that tells the story of Nanaimo soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First and Second World Wars will be displayed across the city.  For the 11 days leading up to Remembrance Day, the Nanaimo Remembers project will display the... Read more


A branch of purple rhododendrons

Flower Power: Milner Gardens & Woodland receives national recognition

October 31, 2024

The Rhododendron Species Garden highlighted as the only one of its kind in Canada. Vancouver Island University’s Milner Gardens & Woodland received 5 Blooms and a special mention for Natural Heritage Preservation for The Rhododendron Species Garden from Communities in Bloom (CiB).  “We are incredibly proud to receive this level of recognition from the Communities in Bloom judges and... Read more


Two actors face each other on stage while rehearsing a scene.

Our Town explores love, loss and life’s fragility

October 21, 2024

What: Our Town – VIU Theatre department’s fall play When: October 31 to November 9, 7:30 pm Where: Malaspina Theatre (Building 310), Nanaimo campus Our Town explores the universal human experience of growing up, falling in love and dying. It conveys powerful messages about the beauty and fleeting nature of life and the fact that people often take it for granted. The play tells the story of two... Read more


Headshot of Lisa Robertson

Celebrated Canadian poet Lisa Robertson to give VIU Gustafson lecture

October 18, 2024

Robertson’s lecture is October 24 from 7 to 8:30 pm on the Nanaimo campus. Renowned poet Lisa Robertson is Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Ralph Gustafson Distinguished Poet for 2024-25. “Lisa Robertson’s exhilarating and endlessly refreshing oeuvre has multiplied the possibilities of expression. Her poems inspire us to be attentive and daring for the sake of deeper connection,” said... Read more


VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ officials smile for the camera

VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ celebrates 50 years in the qathet Region

October 16, 2024

A birthday celebration this month helped kick off a year’s worth of festivities. When Vancouver Island University (VIU) – then Malaspina College – began offering programming in Powell River, the first classes were offered out of a small office building on Marine Avenue. The campus, which offers a wide variety of programing designed to meet the unique and specific needs of community, the region... Read more