Transforming lives, bridging the housing and health care gap, and try a trade
Cost should never be the reason someone walks away from their dreams. Too many students are forced to delay – or abandon – their education because of financial pressures. That’s why VIU has launched a campaign to raise $2 million for student scholarships, awards and bursaries by Spring 2027. For the next year or so, this is what VIU fundraising efforts will focus on – helping students like Casey achieve their dreams.
Read about the Ripples of Change campaign
Featured experts
Bridging the gap between housing and health care
Since 2016, more than 15,000 people have died due to British Columbia’s toxic drug crisis. Small cities and rural areas have been hit especially hard. These communities often lack resources to support vulnerable populations. Trevor Wideman is a postdoctoral researcher in the Faculty of Education at VIU. He is identifying resource gaps for people experiencing addiction and homelessness.
Learn more about Trevor's research
VIU News
Public invited to VIU's community-wide Career Fair
Employers, high school students, alumni and members of the public are invited to come to a large career fair at VIU's Nanaimo campus on March 25.
“For students and members of the public, this is your chance to learn about employment opportunities in our region and beyond that can help you take your career to the next level,” said Joel Hampson, VIU’s Coordinator of Student and Employer Engagement. “Employers are getting direct access to a talented employee base – our students. It’s your chance to build brand awareness with the next generation of employees.”
Featured
Try out a trades program
Considering a career in a trades Explore hands-on careers at VIU's Trades & Tech Showcase on Saturday, March 21 from 12 to 3 pm at the Windsor Plywood Trades Discovery Centre (Building 108) on the Nanaimo campus. This free community event lets visitors try activities like building a toolbox, using a welding simulator and sampling liquid nitrogen ice cream while learning about trades and applied technology careers. Meet instructors, students and industry representatives to learn about training programs, apprenticeships and career pathways.
Sign up to attend the showcase
Student wins national award for work with people in recovery
VIU Psychology Honours student Laci Schulenborg’s work with a local organization has now earned her a national award! Laci was just six months into addiction recovery when she decided to return to school. Her work placement at AVI Health and Community Services confirmed her future career direction. “I had a lot of people who helped me during my recovery,” she says. “I wanted to be able to do that for someone else.”
Kinesiology students showcase skills in Ontario
A group of VIU Kinesiology students are heading to Ontario this week to compete on the national stage at the annual Kin Games. Hosted by the Canadian Kinesiology Students’ Association, the event challenges post-secondary kinesiology students to showcase their knowledge, teamwork and creativity across four competition pillars: athletics, academics, dance and spirit.
Read more about the team and the games
Happening at VIU
Going for gold on home turf
Canada’s top college basketball talent will be in Nanaimo this week. The CCAA Men’s National Basketball Championships are happening in the VIU gym and the Mariners are hoping for a gold medal on home soil. The team is hoping to see lots of fans pack the gym to provide momentum for the big win.
“It’s almost like having an extra player on the floor,” says point guard Ryan Bastian. “Momentum can swing when the fans get behind you. We need people there and we need them loud.”
Head coach Matt Kuzminski said fans can expect fast-paced, high-level competition. “The basketball will be exciting,” he said. “We need all the support we can get to make the gym loud and proud for the Mariners.”
More information, including ticket prices and game times, can be found on the CCAA website.
Learn more about the tournament
A new perspective on graffiti as art
As part of VIU’s 2026 Spring Colloquium Series, Art History Professor and Visual Art Program Chair Justin McGrail will present Graffiti as Experience: Inside Versus Outside Viewing at Art on Friday, March 27 from 10 am to 11:30 am in the Malaspina Theatre. In his presentation, McGrail explores how the location of a work shapes our experience of it, using graffiti and street art as examples and applying John Dewey’s philosophy to both public spaces and traditional art institutions. Attendees can expect a mix of art history, philosophy and vibrant images of local and international street art. Prepare to have your perspective on graffiti changed, revealing new ways to engage with contemporary art.
VIU in the News
Taking aim at difficult-to-treat cancers
At Vancouver Island University, students are helping to build technology that takes a closer look inside cancer tumours than ever before with the goal of helping doctors more effectively treat the disease. Learn about the research and how students are getting involved in this National Post article.
VIU aims big to support struggling students
Josh & Jade from CFAX 1070 chatted with Richard Horbachewski, Executive Director of the VIU Foundation, about the university’s big new push — the Ripples of Change campaign. VIU’s trying to raise $2 million to help students who are hitting financial walls, especially with 2,400 students chasing just 1,467 awards this year. Richard breaks down why the need’s exploding and how donor dollars make a real difference. Listen to the CFAX segment.
Pamela Anderson wants to talk to you about Canada
Ladysmith resident Pamela Anderson recently shared a list of her favourite Canadian experiences and where to find them. Included on the list was VIU’s Milner Gardens and Woodland in Qualicum Beach! Read more in the Calgary Sun.
Related Posts
