International students add value to community
February 4, 2010
“What a relief. What an achievement!” Those were Yugo Charong’s thoughts as he walked across the stage at the Port Theatre recently to receive his Bachelor of Business Administration degree (BBA) from Vancouver Island University. Charong graduated with a concentration in International Business. His proud parents flew to Nanaimo from Jakarta, Indonesia to help celebrate his success. “It feels... Read more
Climate change expert headlines VIU’s 4th annual Urban Issues Film Festival
January 28, 2010
One of the world’s leading experts on climate change, Dr. Andrew Weaver, is the keynote speaker at the 4th Annual Urban Issues Film Festival on energy, transportation and building alternatives at Vancouver Island University Feb. 5. The Festival, presented by VIU’s Department of Geography and the North Island chapter of the Planning Institute of BC, the Geographic Students’ Union, SOLUTIONS: A... Read more
Fundraiser at VIU for ShelterBox aid to Haiti earthquake victims
January 27, 2010
A fundraising drive for the ShelterBox program to aid earthquake victims of Haiti is being organized on the Nanaimo campus of Vancouver Island University. A ShelterBox display and donation table will be set up in the main floor of the Library (Bldg. 305) from today (Jan. 26) to Friday Jan. 29. The donations table will be staffed by Rotarians, university staff and students from 10 am to 4 pm... Read more
Elsie Paul receives Honorary Doctor of Letters
January 27, 2010
Elsie Qaxustala’s Paul, 78, beamed proudly as she received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Vancouver Island University Tuesday. VIU Chancellor Chief Shawn Atleo said Paul inspires everyone with her support for learning and higher education. “Elsie’s commitment to creating healthy communities extends far beyond the context of First Nations,” said Atleo. “Through her life and teachings she has... Read more
Campbell River mom earns degree with family support
January 26, 2010
It took eight years, but De Robertson of Campbell River achieved her dream. Robertson graduated from Vancouver Island University this week with a teaching degree. “I’m proud of my mom,” said 14-year-old Mitchell Robertson. “She worked hard.” Robertson commuted between her home in Campbell River and VIU’s Nanaimo campus every day for the past year and a half while completing her post... Read more
Never too late to change careers
January 26, 2010
Gillian Coy wanted to be a teacher ever since she was a teenager. But life happens and she chose a different career path, working as a dental hygienist instead. Today, at age 45, Coy turned her long-held dream into a reality. She’s among 125 recent graduates from Vancouver Island University’s teacher education training program, and looks forward to a second career shaping the young minds of... Read more
Open door week at VIU Jan. 25 to 29
January 25, 2010
It’s Open Door Week at Vancouver Island University. Dozens of classrooms will be open to the public, including high school students and other prospective students until Friday. “Faculty at the Cowichan and Nanaimo campuses have volunteered to open their classrooms to visitors. This is a wonderful opportunity to find out about the many programs and courses available at Vancouver Island University... Read more
VIU music alumnus Brent Jarvis returns for ‘Dark and Edgy’ jazz Jan. 29
January 25, 2010
Acclaimed jazz composer and performer Brent Jarvis returns to his roots at Vancouver Island University for an evening concert and discussion on the creative process on Jan. 29. Jarvis, a graduate of VIU’s music program, will lead a discussion entitled Dark and Edgy Tunes: Jazz, Canadian Poetry, and the Creative Process. He will be joined by award-winning vocalists Melinda Whitaker and Anne... Read more
Former engineer philosophical about new field
January 21, 2010
Laura Marino Rugeles found satisfaction in overseeing complex communications projects in her native Colombia but the electrical engineer felt the need to take on a new challenge. “In engineering, you work with structures and machines. You design, fix or program equipment. That’s exciting, but in philosophy you are thinking about life – the big questions, and that to me is even more exciting.”... Read more
VIU First Nations Studies graduate sets sights on positive changes
January 21, 2010
When Fallon Crosby first came to Vancouver Island University, her heart wasn’t in it. She left the Nanaimo campus after her first year and returned to Haida Gwaii where she worked as a waitress in Queen Charlotte City. After a break of more than two years, she decided it was time to resume her studies. On Jan. 26, the 27-year-old will receive her Bachelor of Arts in First Nations Studies as she... Read more