In the Community

Volunteers have their trees ready for the 12th annual Festival of Trees

November 19, 2006

Their gluey fingers will be worth it once the enthusiastic BC Hydro Power Pioneers members see their finished Christmas tree at the Malaspina University-College Foundation’s 12th annual Festival of Trees starting Nov. 24. The dedicated group of ladies have been spending nearly every Wednesday since the end of October creating handmade ornaments for this year’s submission – a decadent tree full... Read more


Malaspina’s annual Student Painting Sale set for Dec. 6

November 18, 2006

Support a student and take home the work of a future famous artist at the Fourth Annual Student Painting Sale, Malaspina University-College, Nanaimo Campus, Dec. 6. Everything from oil and acrylic paintings, silkscreen, etchings, drawings and photography will fill the second floor of building 325 (Arts) between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Faculty recommend coming early because pieces sell quickly. To... Read more


Malaspina University-College student studies “tongue-eating” parasite

November 13, 2006

A passion for parasites led Malaspina University-College Biology student Aya Murakami all the way to Ireland. She was one of 12 science students selected from universities and colleges around the world to participate in a 10-week undergraduate research program at the University College of Dublin. “It was an amazing experience,” said Murakami, a Japanese international student, currently in her... Read more


Students launch exciting new careers through ABE

November 7, 2006

Malaspina University-College’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) program is helping Mike Bates and Laura Painter launch exciting new careers. Painter, 24, is completing Chemistry and Physics 11 courses at the Cowichan campus, prerequisites for first-year university studies. Her goal is to become a Pharmacist or work in a related field. Upgrading her education through ABE is convenient and inexpensive... Read more


Malaspina’s Welding Program marks 50th Anniversary

November 6, 2006

Like all trades, welding is not what it was 50 years ago when the Vocational Training School (VTS) began offering it in Nanaimo.   But change isn’t all bad. Improvements to technology, metals and tools have made the job easier.   “There’s more diversity than there used to be. Students need to know more now,” said instructor Jim Craigdallie, who began working at Malaspina in 1990. “The tools... Read more


Great chefs start at Malaspina’s Culinary Arts program

November 6, 2006

Chefs are like the superb food they prepare: it takes knowledge, time and seasoning to make them great. “Cooking is like any other complex profession,” said Debbie Shore, a chef instructor at Malaspina University-College. “First, you obtain training. Second, you obtain experience. Third, you build your career as a professional chef.” Would-be chefs pay their dues, often working long hours at... Read more


Mariner Team Round-Up

November 2, 2006

Submitted by Brent Dunlop League play began Nov. 3 for the Mariner Volleyball teams against the Capilano Blues. Our Mariner Volleyball teams both won Provincial Gold last season so come out and support the teams! This year we host the  2007 Men's Volleyball National Championships March 8-10. Next Friday, November 10, the basketball teams host our Island rivals the Camosun College Chargers;... Read more


Malaspina Baking grad has a passion for sculpting

November 2, 2006

While some artists sculpt in marble, wood, stone or cement, Stephanie Graziani prefers something a bit softer and more edible. The 21-year-old Malaspina University-College third-year baking apprentice makes magnificent chocolate and sugar sculptures, which she enters in every competition she can. She often competes against some of Canada’s top pastry chefs, which may be daunting to some, but not... Read more


Malaspina Tourism students help small BC town shine on world stage

October 30, 2006

Two Malaspina University-College students are heading to China next week to find out if their research efforts will help the District of Ucluelet win two prestigious United Nations awards for sustainable community planning. Heather Richards and Richard Crowley, fourth-year students in Malaspina’s Tourism Management degree program, are part of a North American delegation attending the United... Read more


Forestry Students tour Hungary, Romania, Eastern Austria

October 29, 2006

Submitted by Michel Vallee, RPF Forestry Department Every year, Malaspina University-College forestry faculty take the second year class on an international field trip that allows students to experience other cultures and approaches to forest management. This year, 12 Forest Resources Technology diploma program students, four faculty members and two industry representatives spent 12 days in... Read more