TD Bank Financial Group donates $50,000 toward Vancouver Island University’s Aboriginal centre
February 15, 2010
A traditional First Nations feast at Vancouver Island University (VIU) honoured TD Bank Financial Group for its contribution of $50,000 toward The Gathering Place, a new Aboriginal centre on the Nanaimo campus. VIU President and Vice-Chancellor Ralph Nilson praised TD Bank Financial Group and other community partners for playing a key role in the creation of Shq’apthut – The Gathering Place.... Read more
Donations soar for earthquake victims – free public lecture Feb. 17
February 15, 2010
Dr. Steven Earle, professor in the Earth Science Department at Vancouver Island University, will discuss the devastating earthquake in Haiti during a free public lecture Wednesday, Feb. 17. Although not huge in magnitude, the Jan. 12 Haiti earthquake is evolving into one of the worst natural disasters of historical times. Earle will provide an overview of the geology and plate tectonics of the... Read more
Olympic Games debate at VIU Feb. 16
February 11, 2010
The Olympics Games are worth it, true or false? Four faculty members in Vancouver Island University’s Recreation and Tourism department will engage in a lively and entertaining public debate on that topic Tuesday, Feb. 16. “The Olympic Games are the largest multi-sport event on the planet and it’s important for the public to better understand both the pros and cons of hosting the Olympics,”... Read more
Family legacy creates scholarship for VIU music students
February 11, 2010
The Pulleyblank family has found a unique way to honour their parents, Bob and Dorothy, who played an active role in Nanaimo’s arts and cultural scene. Their four children, Bill, Douglas and Andrew Pulleyblank and Robyn McKay have created the Bob & Dorothy Pulleyblank Memorial Scholarship to be awarded to a third-year student in Vancouver Island University’s music program. The family’s $... Read more
Hair loss for Haiti
February 10, 2010
Vancouver Island University English Language Centre instructors Maurice Gallant and Kathleen Matheson have their heads shaved by hairdressing students Lisa Milne, left, and Larissa Finch at a fundraiser for Haiti earthquake victims. The faculty members agreed to the extreme haircuts after a raffle and pizza sale at the Richard W. Johnston Centre for International Education raised about $2,600. A... Read more
Criminology dept. and RCMP host public talk on Reena Virk tragedy Feb. 10
February 10, 2010
No one can describe what it’s like to lose a child to bullying – except the parents. Manjit and Suman Virk will visit Vancouver Island University’s Nanaimo campus Feb. 10 to talk about how they turned tragedy into forgiveness and hope after the death of their 14-year-old daughter Reena Virk. “Bullying is an issue that affects all communities,” said VIU Criminology professor Lisette Patenaude. “... Read more
Olympic spirit alive and well at VIU
February 9, 2010
Olympic fever is spreading at Vancouver Island University. Hundreds of VIU students, staff and faculty are taking part in the Olympics, either as volunteers or spectators. VIU President Ralph Nilson said he’s not surprised by the involvement of VIU employees and students in Olympic festivities. “We’re very proud we have so many professional and dynamic individuals representing our organization... Read more
VIU Culinary Arts students prepare for Olympic challenge
February 9, 2010
Culinary Arts students from the Cowichan campus of Vancouver Island University will be in the midst of festivities for the Winter Olympics as they undertake a three-week challenge at Whistler’s Bearfoot Bistro. On Thursday, Feb. 11, Culinary Arts instructor Allan Aikman and 10 students will head to the Host Mountain Resort for not only the once-in-a-lifetime Olympic experience, but also to learn... Read more
VIU music instructor shapes sound of the Olympics
February 9, 2010
Vancouver Island University music instructor Dr. Alex Tsisserev will play a key role in shaping the experience of athletes, dignitaries, members of the media and others who attend the Vancouver Winter Games. The music industry veteran has the task of programming original and distinctive playlists for use at six venues in Whistler and Vancouver during the Olympics. The concept is called sonic... Read more
Criminology dept. and RCMP host public talk on Reena Virk tragedy
February 5, 2010
No one can describe what it’s like to lose a child to bullying – except the parents. Manjit and Suman Virk will visit Vancouver Island University’s Nanaimo campus Feb. 10 to talk about how they turned tragedy into forgiveness and hope after the death of their 14-year-old daughter Reena Virk. “Bullying is an issue that affects all communities,” said VIU Criminology professor Lisette Patenaude. “... Read more