VIU culinary grad competes for global glory
December 2, 2009
Chris Thomson wasn’t sure about his career choice after he completed studies at Woodlands and John Barsby secondary schools in Nanaimo. “I took a few odd jobs like laying wood floors but nothing really grabbed me.” He took his mom’s advice and enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at Vancouver Island University. In January, 14 years after graduating and starting his apprenticeship, Thomson will... Read more
Education student masters the art of juggling
December 2, 2009
Any parent knows how busy life can be with children. But for Jim and Nancy Jütte ‘busy’ is an understatement. The Jütte’s are proud parents of seven children ages eight to 16. Balancing the demands of family life is a full-time job, not to mention other daily commitments. Nancy is Vice-President of Patient Services at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Comox while Jim is an aspiring teacher enrolled in... Read more
Elsie Paul to receive Honorary Doctorate Degree from VIU
December 1, 2009
Elsie Paul, known on Vancouver Island for bridging cultures, will receive an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Vancouver Island University. Paul, 78, is known in the Coast Salish region by her traditional name, Qazustala’s, which means a welcoming person with a wealth of knowledge, someone who shares her culture. “This is a remarkably suitable name, given that Elsie is one of the few remaining... Read more
Local teacher wins provincial scholarship
November 30, 2009
Nanaimo teacher and Vancouver Island University student Laura Tait has received a $10,000 provincial scholarship from the New Relationship Trust (NRT), an independent non-profit organization dedicated to supporting First Nations in BC. Tait, currently enrolled in VIU’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership, also received $1,500 from the Chief Joe Mathias BC Aboriginal Scholarship Fund... Read more
VIU grad puts Golden on the map
November 27, 2009
Vancouver Island University graduate Cleopatra Corbett represents a new breed of town planners. In her role as Manager of Development Services for the town of Golden, she was instrumental in winning the 2009 Leadership and Innovation award for small communities from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM). Corbett is becoming famous for using innovative strategies in town planning. Corbett, who... Read more
Snuneymuxw totem unveiled at VIU library
November 27, 2009
Master carver James Johnny and his son James Johnny Jr. unveiled a 10-metre tall totem at Vancouver Island University’s library on Thursday, Nov. 26. The cedar carving had been kept under wraps and attracted a great deal of interest since early November when it was installed in the lobby. The blessing ceremony included drummers, elders and the artists, as well as VIU students, staff, faculty... Read more
VIU student wins national community service award
November 25, 2009
Curtis Vizza gives new meaning to the term ‘well-rounded.’ Vizza is a student, athlete, and volunteer who recently received national acclaim for outstanding community service. A Vancouver Island University student and popular player with the Vancouver Island Raiders football team, Vizza received the 2009 Past Commissioners Community Service Award from the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL... Read more
Christmas Magic brightens VIU’s Milner Gardens and Woodland
November 25, 2009
Volunteers and staff at Vancouver Island University’s Milner Gardens and Woodland are as busy as Santa’s elves preparing for 11 evenings of Christmas Magic. The family oriented festival of lights, music, food and crafts begins Friday, Dec. 4. “It’s a great seasonal event. For many, it’s become a family Christmas tradition,” said Geoff Ball, executive director of Milner Gardens and Woodland.... Read more
VIU president sees long-term value in Education Quality Assurance designation
November 24, 2009
British Columbia’s new Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation provides a vital tool for post-secondary students in Canada and around the world to ensure they make the right choice for their learning environment, said Dr. Ralph Nilson, president and vice-chancellor of Vancouver Island University. “EQA is a symbol of quality that will strengthen the reputation of VIU as a centre of... Read more
Art students host annual painting sale Dec. 8
November 23, 2009
The creative talents of students enrolled in Vancouver Island University’s Visual Art program will be available for sale just in time for Christmas. The annual VIU painting and print sale takes place at the Nanaimo campus Tuesday, Dec. 8 featuring paintings, prints and other media work such as graphics, ceramics and sculpture. “Members of the public are invited to come and purchase a work of... Read more