September 15, 2008 - 8:49am
Vancouver Island University is marking its historic journey towards university designation with a special week-long celebration September 22 to 26.
Community members and VIU students, retirees, alumni, faculty and staff are invited to attend a series of community barbeques at VIU's Nanaimo campus, and at regional campuses in Powell River, Parksville-Qualicum and Duncan.
“We’re celebrating our past, present and future,” explained VIU President Dr. Ralph Nilson. “On September 1, 2008, Malaspina University-College received full university designation and a name change to Vancouver Island University (VIU). This designation is one more step forward in an incredible 72-year journey of institutional success.”
VIU has evolved from a small vocational training school in 1936, to a community college in 1969, to a university-college in 1989, to a full university in 2008.
“We have become a dynamic, internationally known university offering programs from basic literacy to vocational and trades programs, undergraduate and graduate degrees,” Nilson added.
“Attaining university designation would not have been possible without the strong support of the communities we serve. We’d like to thank the public for making VIU a centre of excellence in teaching, learning and research. As recognition of the critical role our communities continue to play, we invite everyone to share in the spirit of VIU and attend our celebration.”
The university’s new Chancellor, Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, will meet and greet participants at each community barbeque. Atleo will be sworn in as VIU’s new Chancellor at an inaugural convocation and installation ceremony at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo September 25 at 2 pm. The ceremony will be followed by a community reception in the Diana Krall Plaza outside of the Port Theatre at 4 pm.
“VIU encourages all students to explore their potential, discover more about their world and excel in both life and learning,” said Atleo. “My family has a long history with this institution, and I’m honoured to play a role in the VIU community.”
As part of VIU’s new mandate, the institution will place an increased focus on Aboriginal programming. To reflect that mandate, VIU signage now displays a traditional greeting from First Nations territories in which all four campuses operate.
VIU currently supports a student population of over 18,000 full-and part-time learners and an employee base of over 2,000 faculty and staff. The university is also the proud owner of Milner Gardens and Woodlands in Qualicum Beach, recently named one of the top 10 best public gardens in Canada.
Celebration events include the following:
Monday, September 22, 12 noon - community bbq, Powell River Campus, 3960 Selkirk Ave.;
Tuesday, September 23, 12 noon - community bbq, Parksville/Qualicum campus, 100 Jensen Ave;
Wednesday, September 24, 1 pm - community bbq, Cowichan Campus, 222 Cowichan Way, Duncan;
Thursday, September 25, 2 pm - Installation of Chief Shawn Atleo, new VIU Chancellor, Port Theatre, Nanaimo; Reception to follow at 4 pm Diana Krall Plaza;
Friday, September 26, 11:30 am - community bbq, Royal Bank Plaza, Nanaimo Campus, 900 Fifth Street
Tags: In the Community
