VIU Dean of Education named chair of provincial association
May 18, 2010
As learning skills evolve for students, deans of the nine education programs at BC universities are considering how to best prepare graduating teachers for the new challenges they will face. “It’s an issue we are talking about—what are the skills of the 21st century learner?” said Dr. Harry Janzen, Dean of Education at Vancouver Island University (VIU) and new chair of the Association of BC... Read more
VIU student aims to add value to the culinary world
May 14, 2010
Max Dallamore was disappointed to miss his graduation ceremony for completing the two-year Culinary Arts program at Vancouver Island University but he had a good reason to be off campus. He was busy overseeing production of an award-winning, five-course dinner at Westin Bear Mountain’s Panache restaurant near Victoria. As executive chef for a night, Dallamore faced the challenge not only of... Read more
Physics students test skills in bridge design
May 6, 2010
Vancouver Island University instructor Tom Leavitt knows how to make learning fun. Each year, he involves students in a bridge-building contest. The criteria for building materials is simple – 110 popsicle sticks and white glue. “Students retain information much better if they enjoy the learning process,” says Leavitt, who teaches physics in VIU’s Adult Basic Education department (ABE). This... Read more
VIU hosts climate change symposium for high school students and teachers
May 6, 2010
Vancouver Island University’s Awareness of Climate change through Education and Research (ACER) team is hosting a one-day symposium on the science and implications of climate change on May 17. Aimed at teachers and high school students, the symposium will include classroom experiments, workshops, hands-on activities, a question and answer session and engaging discussions to increase the... Read more
VIU researcher aims to protect West Coast rivers from invasive species
May 5, 2010
VIU graduate Carol Bob can't say enough about the undergraduate student experience she has enjoyed at Vancouver Island University. Bob, who graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Fisheries and Aquaculture degree, won three prestigious Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA), in Chemistry, from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). Recognized as one of Canada’s top... Read more
First Nations Chief and VIU alumnus committed to education
May 4, 2010
Vancouver Island University graduate Chief Douglas White is carrying on a family legacy of community service. White left his fast-paced job in Vancouver as a lawyer with one of Canada’s top aboriginal law firms to be a candidate for Chief during the Snuneymuxw First Nations elections last December. “I knew that one day I would return home to serve my people,” said White, who won the right to... Read more
Students cook up medals at Skills Canada competition
April 30, 2010
Vancouver Island University apprenticeship student Kristina Dyrblom, 26, overcame her nerves and won a gold medal in baking during the post-secondary Skills Canada competition held in Abbottsford last week. It was her first competition. Originally from Prince George, Dyrblom graduated from VIU’s 10-month Professional Baking program in 2008, then completed second year of her apprenticeship... Read more
BC Writing Centre Professionals Association meeting at VIU
April 29, 2010
The VIU Writing Centre hosted the second annual meeting of the BC Writing Centre Professionals Association. Members decided to affiliate their group with the national Canadian Writing Centres Association. For details on the VIU Writing Centre’s services and summer hours, visit: viu.ca/writingcentre. Read more
VIU Dean of Arts and Humanities teaches Hemingway course before heading to international conference on renowned writer
April 29, 2010
Dr. Steve Lane, Dean of Arts and Humanities at Vancouver Island University, teaches a course on one of his favourite writers, Ernest Hemingway, starting May 3. A week after the course ends in June, Lane travels to Lausanne, Switzerland where he will deliver a presentation to the 14th International Hemingway Society Conference. "Hemingway's writing was an early love of mine," Lane said. He has... Read more
International Centre for Sturgeon Studies receives $1.3-million
April 28, 2010
Barry Janyk, Chair of the Island Coastal Economic Trust and Mayor of Gibsons, on behalf of the Board of Directors, today announced funding by the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) of $1,300,000 for Vancouver Island University’s International Centre for Sturgeon Studies (ICSS). The total cost of the project is estimated at $5,250,000. Janyk explained that the objective of ICSS is securing a... Read more