VIU students showcase success

Vancouver Island University students are making headlines in BC and beyond. Whether it’s raising money for cancer research or winning top scholarships, students are excelling in and out of the classroom. Here are a few recent stories that showcase VIU student success:

VIU Education student receives $10,000 award

“It's definitely exciting. I’m in shock.” That’s how VIU student Robyn Dimock responded to news that she won top BC/Yukon Region fundraiser in the post-secondary challenge for the 2011 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure.

Dimock will receive a $10,000 CIBC education award towards her post-secondary studies.

“I participated in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure because breast cancer is a disease that has affected members of my family,” says Dimock. “My grandma was diagnosed twice with breast cancer and is an inspiring person with the strength she showed during her treatments. She is a survivor and has been cancer free since 2004. I wanted to raise money for this cause to help find a cure for this horrific disease that has affected so many.”

Dimock raised $1,150 for Run for the Cure by generating from family and friends. The post-secondary challenge encouraged students to participate in a way that was meaningful and fun, while building awareness of the importance of reducing the risk of breast cancer by leading healthy lifestyles.

Dimock, a fourth year Bachelor of Education student at VIU from Trail, BC, says the award will help with tuition and books for her last two years of school. “I am extremely grateful to be awarded a prize that is part of such a great cause,” she adds.

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First Nations students win provincial scholarships

Heading into a three-hour math exam, Larissa Howlett received great news. She’s one of 117 students province-wide selected to receive a BC Aboriginal Student Award from the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society.

Howlett, a first-year student from Haida Gwaii enrolled in VIU’s Bachelor of Arts program, says “This award ($2,500) will help a lot towards next semester.”

Two other VIU students received similar awards: Jason McKee of Nanaimo ($3,500) and Travis Froehlich of Revelstoke ($2,500).


The BC Aboriginal Student Award is funded from the returns on a $10 million endowment fund established by the Province in 2007 as part of its strategy to improve Aboriginal achievement and access to education. Awards of $1,000 - $3,500 are given annually to Aboriginal students pursuing post-secondary education in BC.

The Irving K. Barber BC Scholarship Society works with the Victoria Foundation to provide the scholarships to students attending public post-secondary institutions throughout BC and internationally.

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Education student produces award-winning video

Fourth-year VIU education student Katelyn Watkinson placed second in North America in a video contest sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Centre for Campus Fire Safety (CFS).

Based on thousands of votes by the public, 10 finalists were narrowed down to three winners, and Watkinson’s video called “Adults Need Fire Safety Too” won second place.

The three winners receive Amazon gift cards and their public service announcement videos will be offered for use by television stations located in markets where the students’ universities are located as well as the their hometowns.


Watkinson created the award-winning video using a new technology program she learned about at VIU. “We were using Photo Story in class and I thought the contest was a great opportunity to learn how to use it.”

“I’m thrilled,” says Watkinson, about her second-place win. “The certificate to buy books is going to help me build a library of children’s books for when I’m teaching myself.”

To view Watkinson’s video go to : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kW3uIwANHis