In the Community

First Nations Chief and VIU alumnus committed to education

May 4, 2010

Vancouver Island University graduate Chief Douglas White is carrying on a family legacy of community service. White left his fast-paced job in Vancouver as a lawyer with one of Canada’s top aboriginal law firms to be a candidate for Chief during the Snuneymuxw First Nations elections last December. “I knew that one day I would return home to serve my people,” said White, who won the right to... Read more


Students cook up medals at Skills Canada competition

April 30, 2010

Vancouver Island University apprenticeship student Kristina Dyrblom, 26, overcame her nerves and won a gold medal in baking during the post-secondary Skills Canada competition held in Abbottsford last week. It was her first competition. Originally from Prince George, Dyrblom graduated from VIU’s 10-month Professional Baking program in 2008, then completed second year of her apprenticeship... Read more


BC Writing Centre Professionals Association meeting at VIU

April 29, 2010

The VIU Writing Centre hosted the second annual meeting of the BC Writing Centre Professionals Association. Members decided to affiliate their group with the national Canadian Writing Centres Association. For details on the VIU Writing Centre’s services and summer hours, visit: viu.ca/writingcentre. Read more


VIU Dean of Arts and Humanities teaches Hemingway course before heading to international conference on renowned writer

April 29, 2010

Dr. Steve Lane, Dean of Arts and Humanities at Vancouver Island University, teaches a course on one of his favourite writers, Ernest Hemingway, starting May 3. A week after the course ends in June, Lane travels to Lausanne, Switzerland where he will deliver a presentation to the 14th International Hemingway Society Conference. "Hemingway's writing was an early love of mine," Lane said. He has... Read more


International Centre for Sturgeon Studies receives $1.3-million

April 28, 2010

Barry Janyk, Chair of the Island Coastal Economic Trust and Mayor of Gibsons, on behalf of the Board of Directors, today announced funding by the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) of $1,300,000 for Vancouver Island University’s International Centre for Sturgeon Studies (ICSS). The total cost of the project is estimated at $5,250,000. Janyk explained that the objective of ICSS is securing a... Read more


Researchers focus on sustainability of estuary ecosystems

April 26, 2010

Students, academics and professionals interested in research and management of ecosystems in regions where rivers meet the Pacific Coast of North America are gathering at Vancouver Island University April 29 to May 1. The 33rd Annual Pacific Estuarine Research Society (PERS) Conference will explore past and present human interactions within the estuarine environments of the Salish Sea and beyond... Read more


VIU Art and Design students showcase their work

April 26, 2010

The dedication, creativity and talent of Vancouver Island University Art and Design students will be on display at several venues throughout Nanaimo as part of Progressions 2010. For the first time, Interior Design and Graphic Design fourth-year students will be showing their work at the Nanaimo Art Gallery downtown. The show runs until May 8.  Additional student visual art including... Read more


VIU receives prestigious planning award

April 21, 2010

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is being recognized for developing and implementing an innovative planning process in consultation with a wide variety of stakeholders. The Society of College and University Planning (SCUP) will be awarding VIU the 2010 Award for Institutional Innovation and Integration. A description of VIU’s Nanaimo Campus Master Plan and Integrated Planning Process will... Read more


Gators sighted at VIU—population increase likely

April 20, 2010

Gator sightings are possible just about anywhere on Vancouver Island University’s Nanaimo campus—John Deere “Gator” utility vehicles.  Recently acquired by the Facilities Services and Campus Development Department, these vehicles are used by the VIU grounds crew and are contributing toward environmental sustainability. “As VIU continues to work diligently toward its goal of carbon neutrality... Read more


Scia’new First Nations, VIU and others work together to preserve grey whale skeleton

April 13, 2010

Scia'new (Beecher Band) First Nations have generously facilitated the future exhibit of a grey whale skeleton at Vancouver Island University’s Deep Bay Field Station.  The skeleton comes from a young malnourished grey whale approximately 10 metres in length that washed up on the shore of East Sooke Park in a windstorm April 2. “The preparation of the skeleton will provide an incredible... Read more