In the Community

Training program boosts confidence of adult First Nations learners

July 17, 2012

A unique 18-day employment training program designed to boost leadership skills among First Nations students has inspired Chris George to pursue his education and become a family physician. George, 21, was one of 12 graduates from the Foundations in Leadership and Capacity Building program offered at Vancouver Island University’s Cowichan campus in partnership with Cowichan Tribes. “It’s a... Read more


VIU grad accepted straight into PhD program

July 16, 2012

Bachelor of Science graduate Megan Willis has been awarded a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship valued at $17,500. Willis will use the national award to go straight into the PhD program at the University of Toronto in September where she’ll pursue studies in environmental chemistry. Willis graduated from VIU last December... Read more


VIU appoints new Executive Director, University Relations

July 16, 2012

Dr. Ralph Nilson, President and Vice-Chancellor for Vancouver Island University (VIU), today announced the appointment of Mr. Dan Hurley to the position of Executive Director, University Relations. “The Executive Director, University Relations will play a leading role in shaping VIU’s communications, marketing, advancement and alumni relations, government relations, stakeholder and community... Read more


Milner Gardens Art & Photography in the Garden July 21/22

July 11, 2012

Meet, mingle and be inspired by local artists at work, painting, sketching, carving and photographing the beauty of central Vancouver Island’s very own ‘secret garden’. Milner Garden and Woodland, located in Qualicum Beach, invites everyone to visit this artist’s garden for an Art & Photography event July 21 and 22 from 10 am to 4 pm. This annual summer time event will feature Bonsai... Read more


VIU in the news: Dance number puts science in spotlight

July 10, 2012

By Rachel Stern Nanaimo News Bulletin Scientists aren’t known for their dance skills. It’s their intellect that gets recognition, not usually their ability to boogie down. Most scientists don’t don leotards and leap across a stage to convey the inner mysteries of their scientific work. Yet, that’s exactly what a contest created by Science Magazine has asked them to do with the Dance Your PhD... Read more


VIU science graduate earns $17,500 scholarship

July 7, 2012

Angeline de Bruyns, Bachelor of Science graduate (major in biology and minor chemistry) at Vancouver Island University, has been awarded a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarship Master’s award worth $17,500. “My family and I were ecstatic when we heard the news,” says de Bruyns. “Receiving this award truly means all my hard work and... Read more


Mike Matthews Award for Studies in Canadian Literature

July 6, 2012

Mike Matthews (1937 – 2012) was a lifelong supporter of Canadian books and Canadian writers. During his thirty-three-year teaching career at Vancouver Island University (formerly Malaspina College), Mike championed a central role for Canadian literature in the syllabus. In addition, he wrote dozens of reviews of Canadian books for publications that included the Globe and Mail and The Malahat... Read more


VIU in the news: Changes better serve clients at Nanaimo food bank

July 5, 2012

By Melissa Fryer Nanaimo News Bulletin Every week, someone new will shuffle through the door, eyes downcast, with shoulders hunched in embarrassment. “They can’t believe it’s come to this,” said Peter Sinclair, executive director of Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank. One of the eight locations for food pickup in the community will see new clients – people who are recently unemployed, laid... Read more


Duncan chartered accountant, former board chair, honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

June 29, 2012

VANCOUVER – Prominent Vancouver Island based Chartered Accountant, J.S. (Woody) Hayes, FCA, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC (ICABC). The award recognizes chartered accountants for sustained distinction in career, community service, and work within the CA profession. Hayes qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1973, and subsequently... Read more


Partnership enhances learning and adventure possibilities for children and adults

June 26, 2012

Vancouver Island University’s Milner Gardens and Woodland and Deep Bay Marine Field Station will work collaboratively with operators of Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park to develop joint educational programming for kindergarten to grade 12 students and adults. VIU President Dr. Ralph Nilson signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday with Richard Varela, Park Director of Horne Lake Caves... Read more