November 5, 2009 - 3:46am
Peter Hills is finally getting a chance to attend university.
At 72, Hills is exploring the rich world of medieval and Renaissance culture in a third-year Liberal Studies course at Vancouver Island University’s Parksville Centre. He’s already completed first-year psychology and English.
“It’s fascinating and challenging,” said Hills, who lives in Nanoose Bay and works part-time as an architectural designer.
“To have the opportunity to attend university at my age is quite incredible. I’d never written an essay until this class. It’s keeping my mind active and engaged.”
Every Wednesday night, Hills meets with a diverse group of classmates in a small classroom at the Parksville Centre on Jensen Street, a satellite campus operated by VIU. Students from Parksville/Qualicum and Port Alberni engage in lively debate while studying the works of famous thinkers like Aristotle and Plato.
Hills never got a chance to pursue university while growing up in England. “I lived too far away from the major cities and it was nearly impossible for the average student to get into university unless you had a lot of money or were extremely brilliant,” he said.
Instead, Hills attended a small technical school and trained as a quantity surveyor. In 1971, he immigrated to Canada, and worked as a construction estimator before turning his hand to architectural design. A few years ago, he discovered the world of opportunity at VIU’s Parksville Centre.
“Many people still think the Centre offers only Elder College and personal interest courses, but it offers so much more,” said Hills. “I applaud VIU’s decision to offer university credit courses in Parksville. It’s easier for seniors and young people to attend university close to home. It would be difficult for some of us to travel to Nanaimo for classes.”
VIU Operations Manager Pam Botterill said the university began offering English and psychology courses at the Parksville Centre a few years ago, and added Liberal Studies this year.
“Our goal was to increase access for students in central Vancouver Island communities and make it easier for them to participate. Enrolments for the fall term were positive, and there’s still room in spring courses which start in January. We encourage people to get their applications in early.”
Botterill said the Parksville Centre offers all the amenities students need in a small and friendly atmosphere. “We continue to consult with the other university faculties to determine what additional credit courses might be the best mix for students in the mid-Island region,” she added. “We hope to expand the course selection if the demand is there.”
The Parksville Centre also offers a large selection of non-credit continuing education courses and adult basic education upgrading courses in biology, math, English, chemistry and computers. A brand-new eight month Esthetics program started last fall.
VIU President and vice-chancellor Dr. Ralph Nilson said VIU is committed to improving access to education for students throughout the region. “Mr. Hills is a wonderful example of a non-traditional student and a life-long learner,” Nilson said. “He’s proving that it’s never too late to attend university. We’re pleased he’s taking advantage of courses offered at the Parksville Centre.”
Dr. John Black, who teaches Liberal Studies, said he hopes to see more mature students enroll in university classes. “We already have a fascinating mix of ages and backgrounds in our seminars,” said Black. “This makes for very lively discussions. Youth contribute new ideas, fresh approaches and enthusiasm, and age brings life experience, patience and wisdom. It’s the perfect formula for all ages of students to learn from one another.”
For more information about university and other courses at the Parksville Centre, call 250-248-2096 or visit the website at viu.ca/parksville.
Tags: In the Community
