Never too late to change careers
January 26, 2010
Gillian Coy wanted to be a teacher ever since she was a teenager. But life happens and she chose a different career path, working as a dental hygienist instead. Today, at age 45, Coy turned her long-held dream into a reality. She’s among 125 recent graduates from Vancouver Island University’s teacher education training program, and looks forward to a second career shaping the young minds of... Read more
Open door week at VIU Jan. 25 to 29
January 25, 2010
It’s Open Door Week at Vancouver Island University. Dozens of classrooms will be open to the public, including high school students and other prospective students until Friday. “Faculty at the Cowichan and Nanaimo campuses have volunteered to open their classrooms to visitors. This is a wonderful opportunity to find out about the many programs and courses available at Vancouver Island University... Read more
VIU music alumnus Brent Jarvis returns for ‘Dark and Edgy’ jazz Jan. 29
January 25, 2010
Acclaimed jazz composer and performer Brent Jarvis returns to his roots at Vancouver Island University for an evening concert and discussion on the creative process on Jan. 29. Jarvis, a graduate of VIU’s music program, will lead a discussion entitled Dark and Edgy Tunes: Jazz, Canadian Poetry, and the Creative Process. He will be joined by award-winning vocalists Melinda Whitaker and Anne... Read more
Former engineer philosophical about new field
January 21, 2010
Laura Marino Rugeles found satisfaction in overseeing complex communications projects in her native Colombia but the electrical engineer felt the need to take on a new challenge. “In engineering, you work with structures and machines. You design, fix or program equipment. That’s exciting, but in philosophy you are thinking about life – the big questions, and that to me is even more exciting.”... Read more
VIU First Nations Studies graduate sets sights on positive changes
January 21, 2010
When Fallon Crosby first came to Vancouver Island University, her heart wasn’t in it. She left the Nanaimo campus after her first year and returned to Haida Gwaii where she worked as a waitress in Queen Charlotte City. After a break of more than two years, she decided it was time to resume her studies. On Jan. 26, the 27-year-old will receive her Bachelor of Arts in First Nations Studies as she... Read more
VIU professor to be inducted fellow in prestigious research consortium
January 21, 2010
Dr. Guy Le Masurier, professor of Sport, Health & Physical Education at Vancouver Island University, is receiving a prestigious honour for his research. He’s among six candidates to be inducted as Research Consortium Fellows at the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) convention and exposition in Indianapolis, Ind. in March. Le Masurier joins... Read more
VIU recognizes employees for long service
January 21, 2010
When Lynn Redford was a struggling student and single mom, her goal was to get educated, graduate, land a well-paying job and buy a red sports car. Redford, one of 225 employees honoured this week for long service at Vancouver Island University, has achieved her dreams. Teaching English to adults was Redford’s goal from the outset of her educational journey. After earning a teaching certificate... Read more
Mid-Island Whisky club hosts fundraiser for VIU students
January 21, 2010
The Mid-Island Whisky Club is holding a fundraising event at Vancouver Island University Friday. J. Wheelock, Brand Ambassador for Highland Park and Macallan distilleries, will give a presentation starting at 6 pm in the Royal Arbutus Room, Bldg. 300 on the Nanaimo campus. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the VIU Foundation. A portion of the $100 ticket price is tax-deductible.... Read more
Speakers series on Afghanistan proves popular for VIU’s ElderCollege
January 21, 2010
More than 100 students have enrolled for the Saturday Speaker Series on Afghanistan, presented by Vancouver Island University’s ElderCollege. The series, with just a few spaces still available, begins Saturday with a presentation on the region’s history and social culture by Bill Ellis, of Buckley Bay, a retired water resource engineer with extensive Middle East experience. “That part of the... Read more
Lt.-Gov. Steven Point praises VIU students and universities for advances in education
January 20, 2010
Lt.-Gov. Steven Point praised the first graduates of Vancouver Island University’s Aboriginal Construction Program for finishing what they started 10 months ago. “As Chief Dan George said, ‘Education is like a ladder. You’ve got to climb up and take a good look around to know where you are going,’” Point said at a graduation ceremony in Duncan Jan. 15. Point also lauded universities for coming... Read more