One of Canada’s top post-secondary tourism and recreation schools is celebrating its history

This year, Vancouver Island University’s (formerly Malaspina University-College) Recreation and Tourism department celebrates several program anniversaries, including 35 years of recreation diplomas, 20 years of tourism diplomas, and 10 years since the start of the Bachelor of Tourism Management program. Alumni, faculty, and current students are invited to a reunion at the Nanaimo campus on November 7 and 8 to take a ‘journey through the decades.’

“We look forward to welcoming all alumni from our Recreation and Tourism programs home to participate in a celebration of our history,” said VIU Recreation and Tourism department chair Joanne Schroeder. “Over the course of two days, all of our former students and faculty will have an opportunity to reminisce about their memories from the program, reconnect with their classmates, and see some of the changes that have been made on campus.” 

The reunion begins with a reception on Friday, November 7 at 7 pm in VIU’s Faculty of Management building (250), followed by a retro pub night hosted by VIU’s Recreation and Tourism student association. On Saturday, students will offer campus tours during the day, followed by a celebration in VIU’s main cafeteria (Building 300), beginning at 7 pm. The evening will feature special recognition of alumni, founding faculty members, and guests of honour, along with live music, dancing, and a late-night buffet.

Recreation education in Nanaimo started in the late 1960s, when Malaspina College operated a transfer program to the University of British Columbia. In 1973, the college offered a recreation assistant diploma, graduating a first class of 18 students in 1975. Tourism studies were developed the 1980s in response to industry needs related to Expo 86, leading to the establishment of a tourism management diploma in 1988. The first four-year degree program started in 1998 with the creation of a bachelor of tourism management degree.

More than 800 students have graduated from tourism and recreation programs at VIU over the past 35 years. Since 1989, students in the program have completed co-operative work placements, providing them with industry experience and increasing their chances of finding employment right after graduation.  “Our graduates are considered among the best in the industry, with many occupying top positions in recreation, tourism, hospitality, and event management companies across British Columbia, Canada, and the world,” Schroeder said. “This event will provide us with an opportunity to celebrate the memories of our past while building our program for continued success in the future.”

For more information or to register online, visit www.viu.ca/rectouralumni.