GrandKids University proves popular
July 10, 2010
Ice cream treats were handed out along with diplomas for 77 participants in a popular program for grandparents and their grandchildren at Vancouver Island University. GrandKids University ran for two days at the Nanaimo campus of VIU. Participants earned their diplomas through hands-on learning experiences in Field Biology, Anthropology, Fisheries & Aquaculture and Earth Sciences. Many... Read more
Teacher returns to school at VIU
July 7, 2010
Life-long learning keeps a person young in heart, mind and spirit. So says Barbara McLaughlin, Vancouver Island University’s first recipient of a Governor General’s Gold Medal for academic achievement. McLaughlin graduated recently from VIU’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree program with a perfect grade point average of 10. “I can’t say enough about the program, the faculty... Read more
President’s scholarships give VIU students head start
July 7, 2010
Some of the brightest minds among high school graduates from Port Hardy to Duncan will be attending Vancouver Island University this fall. Twelve top students from Vancouver Island high schools have accepted President’s Entrance Scholarships to VIU in Nanaimo, along with four Aboriginal top scholars and seven scholar athletes. The suite of entrance awards are offered to top scholars from each... Read more
Budding artists learn new skills at VIU
June 29, 2010
Vancouver Island University Education professor Heather Pastro is doing her part to teach and support budding artists. A grade five/six class from McGirr Elementary School recently visited Pastro’s classroom at VIU to learn about Gyotaku, an ancient form of Japanese printmaking. “It was discovered when fishermen came back with their catch,” explained Pastro. “Fish were weighed on scales, and... Read more
Automotive Service Technician grad puts her skills to work
June 25, 2010
In high school, a career in trades was the farthest thing from Zabrina Peters’ mind. But five years later, much to her surprise, she’s a certified Automotive Service Technician working for Tim’s Automotive in Nanaimo. “I love working with vehicles,” she says. “It’s a great career and I’m good at it.” Peters was among 250 graduates from Vancouver Island University’s Trades and Applied... Read more
Writing Centre earns kudos at international conference
June 22, 2010
Vancouver Island University’s Writing Centre gained international recognition at the European Writing Centres Association conference held in Paris in May. Addressing more than 140 delegates from 30 countries, keynote speaker Dr. Chris Anson described VIU’s Centre as “highly innovative” because it engages faculty tutors rather than peer tutors. VIU’s program “stands as an exemplar for engaging... Read more
VIU appoints new Vice-President Academic and Provost
June 21, 2010
Dr. Ralph Nilson, President and Vice-Chancellor for Vancouver Island University (VIU) announced today that Dr. David Witty has accepted the position of Vice-President Academic and Provost with VIU. “The VP Academic and Provost will play a key role in shaping the education programs, student support infrastructure, community engagement activities and scholarship at the university,” said Nilson. “... Read more
GrandKids University returns to VIU for third year
June 21, 2010
Grandparents and their grandchildren are discovering school spirit together once again at Vancouver Island University. They’re packing their bags and coming to VIU for two days in July. GrandKids University runs July 7 and 8 and features five Majors. Participants can get hands-on learning experiences with Field Biology, Anthropology, Fisheries & Aquaculture, Earth Sciences or University:... Read more
Future mechanics use truck donation for hands-on learning
June 18, 2010
Students training to become mechanics will benefit from Vancouver Island University’s close connections to the community. A long-standing relationship between VIU’s Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport Mechanics program and Waste Management has resulted in another donation – this time a 1997 residential collection vehicle for student training purposes. It’s the fifth truck donation from Waste... Read more
VIU's Not Rocket Science radio show wins national honour
June 17, 2010
Vancouver Island University’s Not Rocket Science radio show has reached new heights with a National Campus Community Radio Association annual award for Outstanding Achievement in Current Affairs. The bi-weekly radio show produced by members of VIU's faculty of Science and Technology was in competition with 60 radio stations across Canada. The campus-based radio show — a low-key version of CBC's... Read more