From demystifying health education, to arts-based learning, research and healing work, to a floral art installation, here’s what VIU experts were up to in May.
Separating fact from fiction in health care
VIU nursing students are demystifying health with a weekly radio show that currently boasts more than a million listeners across all platforms. The show helps them learn how to make health education accessible to the public – a core skill for nurses. Read more from The National Post.
VIU Canada Research Chair funding renewed
A project at VIU that brings together youth from different cultures and backgrounds to engage in arts-based learning, research and healing work will continue. VIU Canada Research Chair in Community-Engaged Research Dr. Amanda Wager has had her program funding renewed by the Government of Canada for another five years. She also received $60,000 from the Canada Foundation for Innovation to support new research infrastructure and an archive project. Read more from Education News Canada.
Art installation encourages people to pause, reflect and connect
The city’s newest temporary art installation has been unveiled in Kinette Evergreen Park and has a deep VIU connection! VIU Theatre Professor and artist Eliza Gardiner and artist Isaiah Kingdon designed the installation – a cluster of three colourful sculptural blooms. “We wanted to create something playful, uplifting and rooted in place – a work that encourages people to pause, reflect and connect more deeply with the natural environment around them,” both artists are quoted as saying. Read more from City of Nanaimo, Nanaimo News Bulletin and Nanaimo News Now.
Demystifying the public hearing process
What happens at a public hearing, and how do local governments weigh public input, zoning rules and First Nations concerns? In a recent episode of Midcoast Morning on CHLY, VIU Planning Professor Mark Holland helped break down the complex public hearing process surrounding Nanaimo’s proposed Cable Bay rezoning. Listen to the episode.
From broken to becoming
At 19, Harold Chandra was a top automotive apprentice who earned the highest mark in BC on his Red Seal exam. Two years later, carbon monoxide exposure at work caused a brain injury that derailed his career and led to addiction and incarceration. With support from the people who stood by him and a $25,000 bursary from VIU, he’s working toward a career helping others. Harold is one of the students supported by the VIU Foundation’s Ripples of Change campaign, which aims to raise $2 million for scholarships, awards and bursaries by Spring 2027. Read more from the Nanaimo News Bulletin.
VIU reaches halfway mark on fundraising campaign
Vancouver Island University says it has raised more than half of its $2-million goal for student scholarships. “Cost should never be the reason someone walks away from their dreams. Too many students are forced to delay – or abandon – their education because of financial pressures. We’re working to change that at VIU,” reads an update from the university on its Ripples of Change program. Read more from My Cowichan Valley Now.
Economics expert speaks on unemployment
Nanaimo’s unemployment rate has climbed to its highest level since January 2021, according to new Statistics Canada data. VIU Economics Professor Dr. Charles Schell says the increase appears tied to uneven recovery across sectors and ongoing economic volatility rather than a single clear cause. Read more from CHEK News.
Gearing up for growing season
VIU child and youth care student Elle Craig shares her perspective on working with children through Nanaimo Foodshare’s farm-based learning programs at Five Acres Community Park in this article from The Discourse.
Addressing global challenges through psychology
Psychology Professor Dr. Lindsay McCunn recently co-edited a special issue of Canadian Psychology. The issue highlights how psychology, as a discipline and as a profession, can understand and address global challenges, particularly those articulated in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Read more from the American Psychological Association.
Baker gets accolades
Leah Hayward, a VIU-trained baker, opened Smør Scandinavian Bakery, the only Scandinavian bakery on the Island, to give people a taste of Nordic heritage. She is on Douglas Magazine’s 10 to Watch in 2026 list. Read more in Douglas Magazine.
Alum named a top female leader
Brenda Kirk, Senior Vice-President, Health & Wellness with Pattison Food Group was recently named one of the top women leaders of Vancouver. She got her start in VIU’s Accounting program when it was still Malaspina College. Read more in thewomenweadmire.com.
Related Posts
