In the Community

Donated trucks provide hands-on learning for future mechanics

June 11, 2012

Good corporate citizenship – that’s what Glen Tulloch, District Operations Manager for Waste Management —Nanaimo division calls his company’s ongoing commitment to Vancouver Island University. Waste Management (WM) donated six trucks to VIU’s Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport Mechanics training program in the last four years, including two front-end load waste refuse trucks donated recently. The... Read more


Music Department Graduate Student Recitals

June 11, 2012

The VIU Music Dept. proudly presents its 2012 Grad Recitals by 4th year Music Students now in the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies Summer Program, under the direction of Canadian Jazz Great and multiple Juno Award winner Phil Dwyer. VIU Music students will be featured nightly from Tuesday, June 12 through Friday June 15. Please see the schedule below for further details. Come and hear these... Read more


Unique event showcases Trades careers to students

June 8, 2012

High school students from the Nanaimo-Ladysmith and Parksville-Qualicum areas interested in learning more about a career in construction trades (including heavy equipment operator) are invited to sign up for a fun three-day event called Heavy Metal Rocks. The event is being organized by Vancouver Island University’s Trades & Applied Technology department, School District #68, School District... Read more


Lifelong learner graduates at age 77

June 8, 2012

Dave Paul epitomizes lifelong learning. At 77, Paul was the oldest graduate amongst a record 626 graduates at Vancouver Island University’s recent spring convocation. Paul earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a double minor in English and Psychology. He's been taking classes at VIU since 1997. “VIU is an institution where faculty and staff are welcoming and helpful,” said Paul. “I couldn’t... Read more


Top marks net VIU graduates academic medals

June 6, 2012

Vancouver Island University graduates received special recognition from the federal and provincial governments at spring convocation for outstanding academic achievements. Alex Lumley of Nanaimo, a VIU Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate, won the silver Governor General’s Academic Medal for obtaining a perfect 4.33 Grade Point Average (GPA) in a degree program. Graduate Angela Linthorne,... Read more


Comox Valley music teacher receives medal for academic achievement

June 6, 2012

Wendy Nixon Stothert, a Comox Valley music teacher and highly respected conductor of community choral groups, received a Governor General’s Gold Medal for achieving a perfect grade point average in a Masters program. Nixon Stothert graduated this week from Vancouver Island University’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership program. She has taught music in the Comox Valley since 1997 at... Read more


Nursing degree dream come true for VIU grad

June 5, 2012

When Aiyaz Asmin Nisha walked across the stage Monday to accept her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, she was thinking about the community donor who helped turn her dream into reality. Asmin Nisha will be forever grateful for receiving an Excellence in Nursing Award worth $5,000 from Nanaimo philanthropist Sidney Sharman. “Words cannot express how thankful I am,” said Asmin Nisha, among... Read more


Convocation ceremonies June 4 and 5

June 1, 2012

A total of 626 Vancouver Island University graduates will receive University degrees at three separate daytime convocation ceremonies at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo on June 4 and 5. As well, 189 graduates of Health and Human Services programs will receive diplomas and certificates at an evening graduation ceremony at the Port Theatre on June 4. The convocation program is available online at:... Read more


In the News: Tutoring takes VIU students to Costa Rica

May 31, 2012

By Jenn McGarrigle Nanaimo News Bulletin A little tutoring went a long way for 17 Vancouver Island University students. Hosting exam review sessions for peers earlier this year made possible a two-week volunteer outreach trip to central America. It all began last fall when a group of science students decided to start a Students Offering Support chapter at the university. Students Offering... Read more


VIU Carpentry students tops in Canadian skills competition

May 30, 2012

In the news: Morgan Brown, a Vancouver Island University Carpentry apprentice at the Nanaimo campus, proved he has the best carpentry skills in the country amongst his post-secondary peers. He won a gold medal at the national Skills Canada competition held in Edmonton recently. “This is exciting news,” said Fred MacDonald, Dean of Trades & Applied Technology. “It’s the second time in... Read more