Thanks to donor generosity, the VIU Foundation is adding 100 new awards and increasing the value of 300 existing awards to maximize impact for students.
Tatum Feere began the first year of her Criminology program at Vancouver Island University (VIU) this fall with an entrance scholarship that allows her to live on campus.
This support has been life-changing for Feere, who lives with a condition that limits her mobility at times. She considered staying with family who live near Coombs but felt being closer would make it easier for her to be successful in her studies.
“While living on campus better accommodates my mobility needs, it is another high expense I had to budget for to allow me to thrive,” she says. “This support will help me continue my studies for a lot longer and not stress out as much about trying to find a job to help me get through my bachelor’s degree.”
More students like Feere, who hopes to work in criminal research when she finishes her education, will benefit from VIU scholarships, awards and bursaries this year. The VIU Foundation is giving out at least $3 million in student support this year – an increase of about $800,000 from last year.
The increase is going toward the creation of 100 new awards for students across various programs as well as increasing the dollar amount of more than 300 existing awards to maximize impact.
“When students feel supported, they stay and they succeed. Scholarships, bursaries and awards remove barriers that might otherwise force students to step away from their education” says Dr. Dennis Johnson, VIU Interim President and Vice Chancellor. “Expanding student financial aid is a key part of our work to strengthen enrolment and ensure students can finish what they start.”
The increase in financial supports is partly thanks to a first-time donor, Edward, who donated $186,000 to boost the amount of financial assistance available to students in need. With parents who worked in the education field their entire lives, Edward, whose last name is being withheld to respect his anonymity, knows first-hand the transformative power of education.
“For our country and the world to improve, the best chance we have is to educate people and encourage people to learn throughout their lives,” he says. “I have been lucky to get to where I am, and I have received assistance from many people, so helping feels right.”
Edward is calling on others to join him in this matching campaign and boost the number of awards being given out well above the $3 million currently available.
This fall, the VIU Foundation is focusing its efforts on removing financial barriers that impact a student’s ability to attend VIU. The Ripples of Change campaign aims to raise $2 million for scholarships, awards and bursaries by April 2027.
“With the rising costs of living, we know that financial support is more important than ever to help students achieve their educational goals,” said Lee Rowley, VIU Foundation Chair. “If you wish to join our campaign to remove barriers for students who want to attend VIU, please reach out. No donation is too small – every gift has a meaningful impact in the lives of our students.”
To learn more about how you can support students, visit Give to VIU.
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Media Contact:
Jenn McGarrigle, Communications Manager, Vancouver Island University
C: 250.619.6860 | E: Jenn.McGarrigle@viu.ca | W: VIU News
The VIU community acknowledges and thanks the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nation on whose traditional lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge.
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