Photo taken by Chris Bush, Nanaimo News Bulletin, see article linked below.
How nature soothes, talking about men's mental health, hiking a local geological phenomenon and more. What made the news over the past two weeks at VIU:
Alum gets teaching position at UVic
VIU alum Dr. Sherry Mattice holds the honour of being the first Indigenous teaching professor at UVic’s Gustavson School of Business. Her advice for success? “Sometimes you just need to pass. We’re not all perfect. Attend class and hand in your homework.” Read more in Ha-Shilth-Sa News.
How nature can help your mind heal
Outdoor spaces are scientifically proven to soothe the nervous system – and quickly. VIU Environmental Psychology expert and Psychology Professor Dr. Lindsay McCunn breaks down why for Yoga Journal.
VIU's new Interim President
Dr. Dennis Johnson will serve as interim president and vice-chancellor at Vancouver Island University for a term of up to two years, effective June 16, 2025, reports Douglas Magazine.
Raising awareness for men's mental health
A Nanaimo teen was able to raise money for men's mental health as a grad project and, just as importantly, was able to spark conversations on the topic. Bradley Ney graduated from Nanaimo Christian School last month, and as a student project in his final semester, raised $2,000 for Heads Up Guys by detailing cars. He plans to attend VIU this fall. Read more in the Nanaimo News Bulletin.
VIU a hot spot for e-bikes
Victoria is taking its first steps toward bringing an electric-bike-share program to the city. E-bike usage has been particularly popular at Nanaimo stations near Vancouver Island University and at the Hullo Ferries terminal, BCAA said in June. Read more in the Times Colonist.
A geological tour of the Abyss
Anyone who’s hiked or biked Nanaimo’s Extension Ridge Trail is likely familiar with the Abyss. This long, deep crack is found in otherwise solid sandstone conglomerate bedrock, rising about 80 metres above the surrounding landscape and spanning roughly five kilometres. VIU Earth Sciences Professor Tim Stokes spoke with the Nanaimo Bulletin about this local geological peculiarity. Read more in the Nanaimo News Bulletin.
A Nanaimo bar world record
Nanaimo bars are a uniquely Canadian confection. Since 1952 this treat originating from Nanaimo BC is now enjoyed around the world. Chef Aron Weber, Professional Baker and instructor from Vancouver Island University's Professional Baking and Pastry Arts program shares his insights on how to perfect this creation. Aron and his students recently created the world's biggest Nanaimo bar, 1,100 pounds and 70 feet of chocolate perfection! Watch Aron’s interview on Coastal Connections.
Biosphere region celebrates 25 years with exhibit
A 25-year anniversary celebration of the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region takes place this July at the McMillan Arts Centre in Parksville, in collaboration with VIU’s Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute. Read more in the PQB news.
A sweet final project
Students in the Workplace Essential Skills and Training program at VIU’s tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus put their skills to the test by running an iced tea stand called Homegrown Iced Tea, as part of the students' final project. Read how the event went in the Peak.
Freezer fundraiser
VIU’s Culinary Arts program helps fill a freezer for a good cause. Read more in the Comox Valley Record.
Diplomacy school
Congrats to VIU Management Professor and mediation expert Dr. Evan Hoffman on once again providing practical and experiential training during the United Nations' Preventive Diplomacy Academy. Learn more on the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia website.
A world record beat!
On May 17, people near and far gathered at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo to see the unveiling of a record-breaking Nanaimo bar. Across the country, another group used this Canada Day to unveil an even bigger Nanaimo bar. Northwest Fudge Factory, located in Levack, Ontario, unveiled a 1,200-pound Nanaimo on July 1, beating out Nanaimo’s record by 100 pounds. CHLY visited shops and bakeries on the Nanaimo Bar Trail to see what locals thought about the city losing the record. Read the story.
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