VIU Media Highlights: November 23, 2022

Seaweed product research, Christmas magic & sustainable packaging 📦

November is a busy month at VIU. Students are showcasing projects they have been working on all semester, and we have a lineup of community-focused events and campaigns. 

Top stories

VIU students pitch seaweed products to industry tonight

What happens when VIU microbiology and culinary arts students work together? Some cool seaweed products that people can try out. Students will pitch their products to industry reps at the Urchin Tank, a Dragons' Den-style show where judges provide feedback and can indicate their interest in taking products to the next level. It is hosted by the Centre for Seafood Innovation at the Malaspina Theatre tonight (November 23). Learn more.

Giving Tuesday campaign focuses on new food security initiative

Give a Meal is a new initiative that provides meals to students in need on a temporary basis through VIU's cafeterias, as well as resources and support for students struggling to meet this basic need. A VIU alum provided the initial donation to jumpstart the program. Read more. 

New service connects students and employers

Career Studio is a new service that aims to enhance employer connections with students, build more networking opportunities and better prepare students for the transition from the classroom to the workplace. A grand opening was hosted on Monday, and career fairs are taking place throughout the week.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

This campaign begins on Friday, November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and runs until December 10 - World Human Rights Day. The VIU Faculty Association's Status of Women committee is hosting a vigil on December 6 in recognition of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Learn more. 

Expanding awareness about education savings grants

VIU has been actively promoting the Canada Learning Bond and other education savings grants since 2013. Now, the government has Canada has provided $625,000 to develop a strategy to connect one-on-one with CLB-eligible students transitioning to university that can be rolled out at other institutions as well. Learn more.

Campus events

Indigenous Speakers Series: November 29

Join us as Wilson Williams (Sxwíxwtn) shares the story of the Squamish Nation’s fight to have their traditional lands in downtown Vancouver returned to the Nation. He will speak about the history and importance of the lands and how the Nation’s development of the Sen̓áḵw lands at the foot of the Burrard Street Bridge will contribute to the future prosperity and well-being of the Nation in his talk: Our land, our spirit, our story: The Squamish Nation’s return to Sen̓áḵw. This free event will be moderated by Nahlah Ayed, host of CBC Radio’s Ideas. Learn more. 

A package design exhibit where less is more

In the Unwrapped exhibit, VIU graphic design students chose products with excessive packaging and redesigned them to be more ecologically responsible. The exhibit runs from November 22 to December 1 at View Gallery, Building 330, Nanaimo campus.

Milner Christmas Magic

This annual event hosted by VIU's Milner Gardens & Woodland offers visitors a dazzling experience walking through thousands of twinkling lights strung along the garden paths, and includes festive window displays within the historic Milner House and charming Gardener’s Cottage. Read more. 

VIU in the news

When Cantonese barbecue meat was almost banned in Canada

"It's pure and simple racism." VIU Anthropology Professor Dr. Imogene Lim spoke with Stephen Quinn on CBC Vancouver's Early Edition about a Canada-wide movement to shut down Cantonese meat shops and Chinatown merchants' fight to keep them open.Read and listen to the interview.

Canada set to begin World Cup soccer journey in Qatar

“Slowly but surely, soccer is becoming a more impactful sport, a more front-of-conscious sport for Canadians." VIU History Professor Dr. Timothy Lewis was recently interviewed for the Nanaimo News Bulletin's article on the rise of the men's national program in Canada. Read it on the Nanaimo News Bulletin website.