Vancouver Island University announces new Board members

The Vancouver Island University (VIU) Board of Governors is saying goodbye to two longtime members with the retirement of Don Hubbard and Hans Brennert, who have both served on the VIU Board for the past six years.

"Don and Hans contributed to Malaspina University-College and Vancouver Island University during one of the most significant periods of our institution’s history," said VIU President Dr. Ralph Nilson. "Both have overseen a period of immense growth and can be proud of the work the Board accomplished with their help. We’re grateful for their commitment to our students and our communities."

Replacing Hubbard and Brennert on the VIU Board are William Yoachim and Bill Cripps, who have both been appointed for a one-year term beginning July 31, 2008.

"I raise my hands to the previous board," said Yoachim, referring to a traditional First Nation gesture of thanks. "They have done an excellent job of building a first-class institution right here in our own back yard."

Yoachim is the Executive Director of Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services, which represents nine Coast Salish First Nations, from Qualicum to the Malahat.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on First Nations Studies from Vancouver Island University (formerly Malaspina University-College) and a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Victoria.  

"VIU has been a great part of my life – I started in trades in the early ’90s, so we go way back," said Yoachim. "It (VIU) has opened a lot of doors for me."

Yoachim is also an elected member of Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief and Council and a representative for Chief and Council on the Protocol Agreement Working Group with the City of Nanaimo, Tripartite Working Group with the City of Nanaimo and Nanaimo Port Authority, and the Newcastle Island Management Board with the City of Nanaimo and BC Parks.  He is born and raised in Nanaimo and his wife is also a graduate of Vancouver Island University.   

 
"I respect former VIU President Rich Johnston and current President Dr. Ralph Nilson for their interest in having First Nations people attend VIU and be represented in governance," said Yoachim. "I hope to continue building positive working relationships between all members of our community."

Cripps is a retired Pulp and Paper Operations Manager from Powell River. He has a Bachelors degree in Engineering from the University of British Columbia and a Master’s degree in Systems Engineering from the University of Lancaster in England. Cripps has a longtime interest in education and has facilitated a number of courses over his career, including one at VIU several years ago.

"We designed a course called Introduction to the Forest Industry that we delivered through Malaspina University-College, so I’ve actually done some teaching at the local campus," said Cripps, who has also taken courses through VIU. "The opportunity to provide education in our coastal communities is important. It’s really exciting that young people can get started on their degrees locally and in many cases complete their education without having to transfer to other universities."

Cripps also operated his own consulting business after retirement and since then has spent considerable time volunteering with local community organizations and committees.

"With the transition to university status, it should be a very interesting year," Cripps said. "I’m looking forward to it. It’s a brand new experience for me and I enjoy new challenges."

"I’m very pleased with the new Board appointments," said Nilson. "We have an exciting year ahead. Together with the Board, faculty, staff and administration, VIU will continue to build our reputation as a centre of excellence in teaching and learning."

Other Board appointments effective July 31, 2008 include a three-year re-appointment for Board Member Dawne Grant (Chemainus) ending July 31, 2011, and a six-month re-appointment for Board Chair, Robin Kenyon and Vice-Chair, Patti Miller ending December 31, 2008.