Campus Administrator, Liam Haggarty and VIU Provost and VP Academic, Dr. Michael Quinn with Dr. Elsie Paul, one of the first post-secondary students to attend in 1974 and who later worked part-time as an Instructor and in 2006, our first campus Elder in Residence
October 16, 2024 - 3:30pm
A birthday celebration this month helped kick off a year’s worth of festivities.
When Vancouver Island University (VIU) – then Malaspina College – began offering programming in Powell River, the first classes were offered out of a small office building on Marine Avenue.
The campus, which offers a wide variety of programing designed to meet the unique and specific needs of community, the region and the residents, marks its 50th year of operation this year. It has moved, grown, expanded and was gifted the name tiwšɛmawtxʷ (“House of Learning” in ayajuthem) in 2022.
Today, program options at VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ include:
- Trades programs to support local industries;
- Adult basic education programs to upgrade and upskill;
- Dual credit programs to launch post-secondary journeys;
- A nursing lab to train healthcare practitioners;
- Indigenous studies to advance reconciliation;
- Professional development and training to attain and improve employment.
A full review of campus programming is also currently underway to help anticipate changing needs and objectives.
VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ is also investing in new infrastructure, such as a new, state-of-the-art nursing lab, and strengthening partnerships with Tla’amin Nation and other key partners.
“Our 50th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate five decades of learning and the important role post-secondary education plays in the economic and social well-being of our region,” said Liam Haggarty, Campus Administrator. “We are grateful for the ongoing support we receive from this community: the students who choose to study here, the dedicated staff and instructors who make learning happen and the many community partners that support post-secondary education."
Looking ahead to the next 50 years, VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ will continue to offer personalized learning opportunities to help students reach their educational and professional goals and looks forward to welcoming learners for generations to come.
“As we reflect on and celebrate 50 years of learning, we are also planning for the next 50,” said Haggarty. “The comprehensive program review we launched in 2023 will ensure our courses and programs remain responsive to and anticipate the future needs of our region and everyone who lives here.”
tiwšɛmawtxʷ news in review
Some of our recent stories:
- Vancouver Island University launches new Japanese cooking skills certification
- VIU Culinary Arts program in qathet region finds recipe for success
- Scientist Uses Television Signals to Send Internet Data to Remote Locations
VIU tiwšɛmawtxw 50th birthday celebration
Tags: tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus (Powell River) | In the Community
