VIU Engineering fairs challenge high school students
February 20, 2009
The Department of Physics and Engineering at Vancouver Island University is pleased to continue its 2nd Annual Engineering Fair competition with two events in February. These events introduce Grade 11 physics students to engineering practice through a design competition and interaction with local engineering firms. Schools within District 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith), 69 (Parksville-Qualicum), and 79... Read more
Campus group works to bring student refugee to VIU
February 20, 2009
If you want to change the world, you start by changing people's minds. These words, spoken by Vancouver Island University student Kalila Wilkinson, are representative of a student club at VIU dedicated to bringing a refugee from a developing country to study in Canada. That group of students is raising funds as part of the World University Service of Canada's (WUSC) Student Refugee Program,... Read more
Vancouver Island University Welcomes Celebrated Environmental Writer
February 20, 2009
Tim Lilburn is not the kind of environmental activist who spends his spare time chained to old-growth cedars or standing in front of big machines. “That is important work to do,” said Lilburn, “but the machines are going to keep on coming and coming." Instead, he does his own work by writing poetry and essays. Poetry and essays? Well, yes. Lilburn would rather be held captive by nature than by... Read more
VIU grad receives Alberta teaching award
February 20, 2009
By Jan Beecher Talk about a feather in her cap. Vancouver Island University Education graduate Jennifer Koganow recently received the Alberta School Board Association’s Edwin Parr Award recognizing her as one of the province’s best first year teachers. Koganow was shocked when she learned she had received the prestigious award, but her former instructors at VIU were not. “I can honestly say... Read more
Business students support charities
February 19, 2009
Third-year business students at Vancouver Island University raised over $4,200 for charity and practiced their professional selling skills at the same time. Students enrolled in instructor Duane Weaver’s Professional Selling class formed six teams and had one hour and 20 minutes to sell bottled water on the Nanaimo campus. “The project is designed to teach students how to be professional sales... Read more
Math Department Hosts Workshop For Local Teachers
February 18, 2009
Local high school mathematics teachers will attend a professional development workshop organized by the VIU Mathematics department, on Monday, February 23rd, 2009. The goal of the workshop is to improve communications between university faculty and local teachers, and to help teachers improve their classroom instruction. Nanaimo is fortunate to have a number of high quality, dedicated secondary... Read more
New Vice President on board at VIU
February 17, 2009
Patricia (Pat) Eagar has now joined the Vancouver Island University (VIU) executive team and is looking forward to undertaking her role as VIU’s new Vice-President of Administration and Finance. Eagar joined the VIU team February 9. “We are thrilled Pat is officially on board,” said VIU President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Ralph Nilson. “Pat’s experience as a senior financial officer coupled with... Read more
Graphic novel class excites student minds
February 16, 2009
At Vancouver Island University, Dr. Marni Stanley doesn't just let students read comic books in class - she encourages it. Stanley's Graphic Narrative class at VIU is a somewhat unusual English course because she teaches the comic book as a literary form. Her class is dedicated to the work of graphic novel authors and artists, a genre of fiction often overlooked or dismissed when compared to... Read more
Theatre students launch spring show March 4
February 13, 2009
Vancouver Island University theatre department presents two highly dramatic one-act plays for its spring production opening March 4. Director Ross Desprez has chosen Problem Child and Featuring Loretta from award-winning playwright George F. Walker’s Suburban Motel collection. “Walker is one of Canada’s most prolific and widely produced playwrights,” said Desprez. “His work has been performed... Read more
Explore new career at VIU - info session Feb. 17
February 13, 2009
Are you interested in exploring a new career assisting people with disabilities? Vancouver Island University is hosting a free information session for the School and Community Support Worker program on February 17 at the Nanaimo campus. The new 10-month certificate program trains people to work as Education Assistants in public school system and in community settings. “The job is as unique as... Read more