In the Community

Music department presents year end concerts

March 26, 2009

Music students at Vancouver Island University will showcase their talents at a series of public concerts marking the end of the school year. The year-end concerts start with Classical Recitals Monday, March 30 in VIU’s Malaspina Theatre, featuring student solo performances, the Cantabile Chamber Choir, the Sinclair Singers and the VIU Wind Ensemble. Next up is the Choral Concert on Tuesday,... Read more


Taste of Italy comes to Nanaimo

March 23, 2009

If you love Italian food, get your taste buds ready. Students in the first graduating class of Vancouver Island University’s Culinary Arts diploma program are hosting one last theme dinner dubbed the Italian Grande Finale for only 35 guests in the Discovery Room restaurant at the Nanaimo campus March 27. “This is an event not to be missed,” said VIU Chef Craig Rogers.  “Culinary Arts faculty... Read more


VIU spawns creative genius

March 20, 2009

Terence Fitzgerald is living proof that a small town kid can take the entertainment world by storm. The Vancouver Island University (VIU) graduate and recipient of this year’s VIU Distinguished Alumni Award is half of the creative duo behind the legendary comic company Spawn. With stories of hanging with rock stars and working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood (apparently Spielberg’s... Read more


VIU Electrical program a powerful success

March 20, 2009

The second graduating class of Vancouver Island University’s electrical program barely made it to the podium for their graduation ceremony. That’s because many of the students were snapped up by eager employers before graduation day. “Our Electrical Entry Level Trades Training (ELTT) program is incredibly successful,” said Dan Lines, Associate Dean of Trades and Applied Technology. “Our... Read more


VIU launches new Digital Media Major at MediaLive event

March 18, 2009

Vancouver Island University’s Media Studies Department is launching its new BA Major in Digital Media at MediaLive, a public celebration on Tuesday, March 24. “Digital Media Studies is a unique opportunity in education that combines the theory of media with construction of media products,” said James Hood, a Media Studies student and web developer.  The event features special guest Bruce Williams... Read more


VIU launches energy reduction campaign

March 18, 2009

“Every individual has the power to change.” That’s the tag line of a new energy reduction campaign at Vancouver Island University. In partnership with BC Hydro, VIU has hired Energy Manager Daryl Amos to lead a comprehensive Energy Management Program at the university.An official kick-off for the new program takes place the week of April 6. “Energy management is an important component of... Read more


The Stone Gods

March 17, 2009

In On Literature Umberto Eco, considering recipes for writers, writes:  There is no set of rules, or, rather, there are many, varied and flexible rules; and there is no hot magma of inspiration. But it is true that there is a sort of initial idea and that there are very precise phases in a process that develops only gradually. Winterson's novel grows naturally out of that non-recipe. She... Read more


Anthropology students search for VIU stories

March 16, 2009

By Jan Beecher Anthropology professor Helene Demers has started a unique oral history project based on a specific community: Vancouver Island University. The project is part of her third-year anthropology course called Community Oral History. Students are collecting stories from staff, students, faculty and members of the community on all aspects of the university. “Students have been... Read more


VIU art instructor selected to showcase artwork in First Nations museum

March 12, 2009

When Visual Arts professor Gregory Ball visited Haida Gwaii with his 79-year-old father, he never expected to be returning a year later to display his artwork in a prestigious First Nations museum. Ball has been selected to display 12 original drawings during a solo exhibition at the Haida Gwaii Museum at Kay’llnagaay April 17 to May 23. (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands) “This is a dream... Read more


Experienced educator joins VIU Education faculty

March 12, 2009

Dr. John Phipps, Assistant Superintendent with Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District #68, will join Vancouver Island University’s Faculty of Education as Field Experience Coordinator and Professor in the new Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership program. “We’re thrilled that Dr. Phipps is joining the VIU team,” said VIU president Dr. Ralph Nilson. “With 20-plus years of school based and... Read more