Island Health and VIU Host Drug Overdose and Substance Use Community Forum Jan. 28
January 26, 2016
Island Health has issued two drug overdose alerts in the last two weeks, and now community partners in Nanaimo are pulling together to host an important public forum on drug overdose and substance use. A panel of representatives from Island Health’s Harm Reduction Unit, RCMP’s community program, and Vancouver Island University (VIU) will provide critical information about the dangerous drugs... Read more
VIU Bestows Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree on Acclaimed Poet Patrick Lane
January 25, 2016
Internationally acclaimed poet Patrick Lane will receive an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) convocation ceremony on January 28 in recognition of his contributions to the field of poetry. Critics and scholars call him one of the finest poets of his generation. An admired teacher, workshop leader and supporter of emerging poets across North America, Lane... Read more
Sculpture Unveiled at VIU Promotes Unity
January 22, 2016
Nanaimo Port Authority has donated $5,000 to create a permanent home at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Nanaimo campus for a six-by-six foot sculpture called Tsawalk. Built by VIU Graphic Design alumna Laura Timmermans, the sculpture promotes the message of unity, diversity and connection. The piece is mounted on a wall next to the VIU Bookstore alongside a plaque explaining the artist’s... Read more
VIU Grad Achieves International Success
January 21, 2016
Never underestimate the power of a small university with dedicated faculty to change students’ lives. Just ask Vancouver Island University (VIU) graduate Katelin Albert (née, Bowes). Albert grew up in Powell River and came to VIU in 2003 to play soccer for the women’s varsity team. At first, she didn’t know what she wanted to do, wasn’t a top student, and had never heard of graduate school.... Read more
Mike Harcourt and Poet Patrick Lane to Receive Honours at VIU Convocation Jan. 28-29
January 19, 2016
Former Premier of BC Michael Harcourt, celebrated BC author and poet Patrick Lane, and accomplished VIU alumna and PhD candidate Katelin Albert will be awarded honourary credentials at VIU’s winter convocation ceremonies at Nanaimo’s Port Theatre January 28 and 29. Patrick Lane – 2016 Honorary Doctorate of Letters: January 28, 2:30 pm Internationally acclaimed poet Patrick Lane is considered by... Read more
VIU Receives $500K from The Joyce Foundation for Youth in Care Tuition Waiver Bursaries
January 8, 2016
A $500,000 donation from The Joyce Foundation will benefit students attending Vancouver Island University (VIU) with support from the Youth in Care Tuition Waiver program. The funds will be dedicated to bursaries for ongoing support of VIU students in the Youth in Care Tuition Waiver program who are over the age of 24. “We are very grateful to The Joyce Foundation for this generous gift, which... Read more
VIU Welcomes Aboriginal High School Students for 'In.Business' Program
December 11, 2015
Nanaimo Grade 12 student Daniel Puglas has a vision for his future that includes making films and owning the company that produces them. While film school is in the John Barsby Secondary School student’s future plans, he also wants to learn as much as he can about business to ensure his success. That’s why he signed up for the six-month In.Business program along with 46 other Aboriginal high... Read more
Student-run 'Barter Brothers' Wins Grand Prize in VIU Business Plan Competition
December 9, 2015
If you’ve got a garage, attic or basement full of stuff to sell, and no time to sell it, Jeff Gilmore can help you out. The 18-year-old Vancouver Island University (VIU) student took the grand prize and first place in the student category in the VIU Business Plan Competition for “Barter Brothers”, a service he started back at home in Chilliwack while he was still in high school. “The old saying... Read more
VIU Joins Grassroots Effort to Reduce Stigma and Discrimination of Persons with Disabilities
December 2, 2015
Vancouver Island University (VIU) is joining a worldwide movement toward replacing the current disability icon with an updated ability icon. “It’s a special grassroots effort to help communities reduce the stigma and discrimination of persons with disabilities,” says Richard Harlow, Board Director of the Nanaimo Disability Resource Centre (NDRC). All parking lots on VIU's Nanaimo campus have... Read more
VIU Business Plan Competition Finalists Compete in Dec. 4 'Pitchfest'
December 1, 2015
Six student and alumni finalists will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges on Friday, Dec. 4 as they vie for the top prize in the Vancouver Island University (VIU) Business Plan Competition. The “Dragon’s Den-style Pitchfest’ will see finalists make presentations on business ideas that range from tech start-ups to online services to gardening and beauty products. The pitchfest, from 4 to 7:30... Read more