In the Community

Mariners grad in the news: Faraway coasts, faraway courts

January 9, 2012

By Greg Sakaki - Nanaimo News Bulletin It sure hasn’t been a typical tipoff. For Nanaimo’s Andrew Kaban, the 2011-12 basketball season is different than any he’s ever experienced. The former Vancouver Island University Mariners star, known as Banger, is now banging and crashing the boards in Copenhagen, Denmark. Kaban is racking up the stats with his Div. 1 professional team, the Virum Vipers... Read more


Pen recycling program helps environment, raises funds for VIU

January 5, 2012

The pen may be mightier than the sword but when it’s used up, it tends to be just more trash destined for the landfill. Vancouver Island University is working with one of its major suppliers to collect and recycle pens, markers and other writing instruments. “The university purchased 16,000 pens, markers and whiteboard markers from Grand and Toy last year,” says Margot Croft, of Environment and... Read more


Nanaimo teacher sets example of life-long learning

January 4, 2012

Sarah Marshall is one of many Vancouver Island teachers taking advantage of the opportunity to earn a master’s degree close to home. Marshall, Assistant Head of Aspengrove School in Nanaimo, is a student in Vancouver Island University’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership program. Marshall received a $17,500 Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship from the Social Sciences... Read more


IN THE NEWS: Couple creates micro-finance program to aid most vulnerable

December 31, 2011

By Matthew Gauk, Nanaimo Daily News December 28, 2011 The co-ordinator of a microfinance program in eastern Congo aimed at some of the poorest and most vulnerable people on Earth said it all started at Vancouver Island University. Nanaimoite and VIU global studies graduate Mike Boomer spent most of the past year in Bukavu, a city in the Democratic Republic of Congo, granting small business... Read more


VIU chemistry student wins accolades

December 21, 2011

Christmas came early for Vancouver Island University student Megan Willis. She received a $1,000 scholarship from the Association of the Chemical Profession of BC (ACPBC) for outstanding academic achievements and activities in service to the profession of Chemistry. “This scholarship is awarded to the top chemistry student applicant in the province,” said VIU Chemistry Professor Dr. Erik Krogh... Read more


Gardens and First Nations carvings among inspirations for artists at VIU

December 21, 2011

“The arts teach children that problems can have more than one solution and that questions can have more than one answer.” --Elliot Eisner, former president of the International Society for Education through Art Tamagawa Garden is a tranquil oasis on Vancouver Island University’s Nanaimo campus that attracts visitors even on soggy, grey winter days. Education Professor Heather Pastro sees the... Read more


VIU students showcase success

December 19, 2011

Vancouver Island University students are making headlines in BC and beyond. Whether it’s raising money for cancer research or winning top scholarships, students are excelling in and out of the classroom. Here are a few recent stories that showcase VIU student success: VIU Education student receives $10,000 award “It's definitely exciting. I’m in shock.” That’s how VIU student Robyn Dimock... Read more


Founders of The Haven Institute to receive honorary degrees from VIU

December 19, 2011

Two lifelong friends and business associates who have helped thousands of people transform their lives through programs offered at an internationally renowned centre for professional and personal development will receive special accolades from Vancouver Island University. Dr. Jock McKeen and Dr. Bennet Wong, founders of The Haven Institute on Gabriola Island, will receive honorary doctorate... Read more


United Way campaign reaches new height at VIU

December 19, 2011

As 2011 United Way campaign comes to an end at Vancouver Island University, Adrienne Wanhill, the VIU Loaned Representative to the United Way, sends out one last email to her co-workers, with the subject: $30,000! Thank You to Everyone! Thanks to individual donations from 149 employees, monies raised through special events, contributions from VIUFA and CUPE, and the sale of United Way chocolate... Read more


VIU students compete in National Games

December 15, 2011

A team of students in Vancouver Island University’s Master of Business Administration program (MBA) representing 12 countries are in training to show off their mental and physical agility. They will represent VIU at the MBA National Games in Alberta Jan. 6 to 10 and compete in three categories: academic skills, athletic abilities and team spirit. “We’ve been invited to participate in the MBA... Read more