In the Community

Samantha Letourneau closeup, wearing a red scarf

5 Questions with Samantha Letourneau

December 13, 2022

Helping people access transformational education programs is a passion for Samantha Letourneau, who recently started as Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Canada Learning Bond Project Lead. Through this new role, made possible by funding from Employment and Social Development Canada, she will expand VIU’s activities and outreach initiatives that help students and families sign up for free... Read more


Three women on witches who look like they are flying with a large spider behind them.

Halloween fun at VIU

November 3, 2022

Lots of fun was had by many on Halloween on all our campuses. Beautiful weather made for great participation from both students and employees. Thanks to all who submitted for our Halloween photo contest draw for a pizza party. The winner is... Cowichan Campus Employees!  Thank you for the substantial number of entries from a variety of people. Details of the pizza lunch will be announced soon.   Read more


Richard Horbachewski VIU Chief Advancement Officer, Associate Vice-President Community Parternships

Giving Tuesday at VIU

November 1, 2022

By Richard Horbachewski, Associate Vice-President, External Relations VIU is launching our Giving Tuesday campaign on November 15,culminating on November 29 – Giving Tuesday. Launched in 2012, Giving Tuesday is devoted to one simple principle – a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has become a global movement to inspire people to give and celebrate generosity.   The generosity... Read more


Jenn McGarrigle and her family celebrate with the first student they awarded a scholarship to in her mother's name - Sheila Marshall.

Why I give: The impact of giving for one employee

November 1, 2022

By Jenn McGarrigle, External Communications Manager My history of giving to the VIU Foundation started in 2016 after my loving mother Sheila Marshall lost her battle with cancer. Sheila was a high school science teacher and when I was searching for a way to honour her memory, the idea of a scholarship in her name was top of mind. She was the type of teacher students kept in touch with years after... Read more


Congratulations: President's and Provost's Awards 2022

November 1, 2022

Ahead of the 2022 President's and Provost's Awards celebration, which is taking place on Monday, November 7, we wanted to share all the names together in one place and thank each recipient for their hard work and dedication to VIU, our students, and colleagues.  A debt of gratitude as well to all the nominators - without you, we wouldn't know who to celebrate.  This year's recipients by category... Read more


People standing in front of a sign announcing the renaming of a campus.

The meaning of a name: gifting and receiving in the Tla’amin way

November 1, 2022

By Liam Haggarty, Campus Administrator, tiwšɛmawtxʷ It’s been about a month since the Tla’amin Nation gifted VIU the name tiwšɛmawtxʷ (tyew-shem-out) to replace the old colonial name Powell River for our campus in the qathet (ka-thet) region, which extends from Saltry Bay to Lund on the Sunshine Coast. In the Tla’amin tradition, the gifting of a name is a significant act, which represents the... Read more


students outside

Setting us apart: VIU's brand refresh

October 31, 2022

By Meghan Clark, Director, Brand and Marketing  In 2021, Vancouver Island University launched its first Strategic Plan, People, Place, Potential. The plan outlines six commitments for the next five years including welcoming a larger population of learners and becoming the region’s first point of call for research and expertise. The higher education environment is increasingly more competitive.... Read more


VIU Culinary Arts student Darlene Charlie making a sandwich in the Birch Tree cafe kitchen and smiling at the camera

VIU Culinary Arts program in qathet region finds recipe for success

October 13, 2022

The Birch Tree Café and Bistro gives culinary students hands-on training in a real restaurant. After years of serving culinary creations at Brooks Secondary School, a move into a new space is proving to be a successful transition for Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River) campus Culinary Arts program. The program moved to a new training facility and permanent restaurant... Read more


Employee BBQ

Spring Semester photo album 2022

June 16, 2022

VIU students and employees had lots of great moments throughout the Spring Semester 2022. Here are some we thought we would share in our album look-back. We know not all the moments are here, but it shows that it was a busy and rewarding semester. Credit to the VIU Communications and External Affairs Team for their beautiful work. Read more


Carol_Deb_Uncle Gary

Dr. Carol Stuart reflects on a career well-worked, and some colleagues share well-wishes

June 16, 2022

“Welcome home” read the sign on the door to the office in Building 180. It greeted Dr. Carol Stuart on her first day at Vancouver Island University (VIU). “That morning, I had a meeting with Human Resources and had done a few other things. It was a bit later before I made my way to my office and there was a sign that said ‘welcome home’,” Dr. Stuart explains. “It reinforced everything I already... Read more