In the Community

VIU Student Forum Inspires Community Partners in Harewood

May 12, 2016

First annual community forum showcases Child and Youth Care student research From School District 68 to the RCMP, Island Health, and non-profit organizations like the Nanaimo Family Life Association and Kwúmut Lelum Child and Family Services, a wide range of representatives came out to Vancouver Island University (VIU) to participate in the first annual Harewood Community Forum. The forum was... Read more


Motocross Track Gets Facelift By VIU Heavy Equipment Operators

May 4, 2016

VIU students get real-world experience at Wastelands Motocross Track Thanks to the efforts of VIU faculty – students in the Heavy Equipment Operator program are putting their classroom skills to the test in real-world situations, and supporting community organizations while they are at it. By engaging with non-profits, community organizations and schools that require heavy equipment work but don... Read more


Harewood Elementary Students Partner With VIU To Dream Big

April 19, 2016

I Have a Dream program matches VIU Child and Youth Care students to youth As the bell rings to end the school day, eight Georgia Avenue Elementary students file into the classroom to attend the ‘I Have a Dream’ program. They enjoy a healthy snack of fruits, vegetables and yoghurt before engaging in games and activities designed to let them know that they are valued, their opinions are important... Read more


Free Public Lecture Examines the Ethical Issues Surrounding Doctor-Assisted Suicide

April 18, 2016

Doctor-assisted deaths are soon to become a legal reality in Canada, but the question remains: how do we best move forward with this option? This week, the federal government tabled new legislation on assisted dying that includes some restrictions on who qualifies, as well as safeguards to protect vulnerable Canadians.   On Thursday, April 21, Dr. Laura Shanner, a researcher and consultant in... Read more


Encore Fundraiser Invites Supporters To Take A Seat

April 14, 2016

Encore campaign will breathe new life into VIU’S Malaspina Theatre A comprehensive fundraising campaign called Encore is currently underway to bring Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) aging Malaspina Theatre into the 21st century ― and it represents a unique opportunity for Nanaimo citizens and businesses to give back to the theatre that over the past 40 years has given so much to the community... Read more


Firesmart Weekend At VIU

April 7, 2016

This Saturday and Sunday, April 9-10, come down to the Nanaimo campus to learn how to be FireSmart Nanaimo Fire Rescue and Vancouver Island University (VIU) are partnering together to launch the inaugural FireSmart weekend this Saturday and Sunday, April 9-10. VIU staff, along with a group of VIU forestry students and faculty volunteers, will be FireSmarting a forested area on the Nanaimo campus... Read more


Routes Of Change Visionary Will Arrive At VIU's Nanaimo Campus March 15

March 11, 2016

Markus Pukonen is travelling the world by non-motorized means to raise $10 million for positive change Markus Pukonen will not get on a plane, in a car or use any motorized vehicle for five years and, while fulfilling that commitment, he’s circumnavigating the planet to raise $10 million for smaller non-profit organizations that make a big difference through the work they do.   Pukonen created... Read more


VIU Launches Campaign for Much Needed Theatre Upgrades

March 8, 2016

Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Malaspina Theatre is turning 40 this year and like many aging celebrities it’s starting to show its age. After four decades and thousands of community and student performances, rehearsals and events, the creaks and groans can no longer be ignored. “Our 294 seat venue is in critical need of upgrades and improvements. There’s just no getting around it. We owe it... Read more


Sharing Key to VIU's Generation Q Conference Success

February 23, 2016

First annual conference attracted more than 220 participants Their daughter spoke about her spirit as early as the age of two. At first her parents didn’t think much of it. “Isn’t that nice,” they said with a knowing smile. But as she got older and gained more words, she became more insistent. “She said very forcefully and repeatedly that her spirit was a boy,” said the mother, who was... Read more


Islands Short Fiction Contest Returns for Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands Writers

February 15, 2016

Submitted by Nanaimo Arts Council Over $2000 in cash and prizes will once again be awarded to Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands writers as the Islands Short Fiction Contest returns for 2016. Co-sponsored by the Nanaimo Arts Council, the Vancouver Island Regional Library, and the Vancouver Island University Department of Creative Writing and Journalism, the contest seeks entries of up to 2000... Read more