In the Community

Golf buddies help physics prof light up classrooms in Africa

December 7, 2010

Physics professor Ray Penner is getting a little help from his friends at Fairwinds Golf Club in Nanoose Bay. Men’s night golfers have donated $3,857 to help Penner light up classrooms in Africa. Penner, who teaches at Vancouver Island University, is president of LED Africa (www.ledafrica.org), a non-profit organization that manufactures and installs solar powered lighting systems at rural... Read more


VIU marks national day of remembrance and action on violence against women and girls

December 3, 2010

Students, staff and faculty at Vancouver Island University will participate in a moment of silence Monday, Dec.6 as part of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and Girls. The day marks the anniversary of the 1989 murders of 14 young women at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal. VIU and many other college and universities across the country have observed this... Read more


Milner Christmas Magic returns today

December 3, 2010

Vancouver Island University’s Milner Gardens and Woodlands will be glowing with thousands of lights to brighten the holiday season starting this evening. Milner Christmas Magic has become a popular holiday tradition with festive decorations, music, tasty treats and much more. Santa will also be making special guest appearances in Milner House which has been decorated in old-fashioned Christmas... Read more


Giant Nanaimo Bar fundraiser launched at Thrifty Foods' Brooks Landing Grand Opening: Proceeds to help build Aboriginal Gathering Place at VIU

December 3, 2010

As part of the Dec. 1 grand opening at Brooks Landing in Nanaimo, Thrifty Foods unveiled a giant Nanaimo Bar measuring 8 feet x 3 feet as part of a fundraiser to build Shq'apthut: A Gathering Place at Vancouver Island University (VIU). "Shq'apthut will provide Aboriginal students with culturally familiar surroundings and a welcoming atmosphere to help them fulfill their potential," says Susie... Read more


Male profs endure leg-waxing and shaved heads to support cancer campaign

December 2, 2010

Students and faculty at Vancouver Island University who shaved their heads, beards and moustaches may face a cooler winter but they have warmer hearts by supporting a worthwhile cause. Tourism and Recreation Management professor Tom Delamere gave up his beard, moustache and full head of hair Thursday, Dec. 2 to support a student-driven campaign by the Malaspina Recreation and Tourism Association... Read more


VIU nursing students raise funds for Autism and ALS societies

November 30, 2010

Fourth-year nursing students at Vancouver Island University went above and beyond course requirements and raised $2,000 for local branches of the ALS Society of BC and the Autism Society of British Columbia. Alexandria Stuart, Nanaimo Branch Coordinator of the Autism Society of BC, said the donation will make a big difference to Nanaimo-area children and adults with autism and their families. ”... Read more


VIU celebrates 75-year tradition of excellence in education

November 26, 2010

Vancouver Island University President and Vice-Chancellor Ralph Nilson and Board Chair Mike Brown unveiled a history wall Thursday to mark the start of 75th anniversary celebrations at the institution. “This university, with close to 20,000 students and more than 2,300 employees, has roots dating back to 1936 when Jack Macready began training automotive students in a converted stable in Nanaimo... Read more


75th Anniversary Business Alumni Reunion

November 26, 2010

Since 1969 more than 2,000 people have graduated from the many business programs at Vancouver Island University (formerly Malaspina College and Malaspina University-College). The Business Alumni Association believes that’s cause to celebrate. On June 11, 2011, former students from the undergraduate business programs are invited to attend a reunion that coincides with Vancouver Island University'... Read more


Year of Science highlights bright prospects for students

November 25, 2010

Science students at Vancouver Island University are poised to tap into well-paying science-related jobs when they graduate. That’s the word from Ida Chong, Minister of Science and Universities and Minister of Regional Economic and Skills Development, who visited VIU’s Nanaimo campus this week to meet with biology and chemistry students and tell them about the provincial government’s Year of... Read more


End-of-semester music tradition continues

November 25, 2010

Vancouver Island University music students will showcase their talents at four end-of-semester concerts next week. Classical night takes place Monday, Nov. 29 featuring student soloists, Cantabile Chamber Choir, VIU Trombone Ensemble and special guests the Sinclair Singers. The Cantabile Chamber Choir, VIU College Singers and Jazz Choirs perform Tuesday, Nov. 30 during VIU Choir Night. Big... Read more