VIU supports multi-generational learning
December 22, 2009
For Irene Kopec, TJ Bickerton and Deb Bickerton, studying at Vancouver Island University is a family affair. Three generations - grandmother, mother and daughter - all attended VIU. “I love it. It’s fantastic,” said TJ Bickerton, 28, a third-year student in the Bachelor of Science program, majoring in Biology. “The teachers are passionate and approachable.” TJ’s mom Deb is a third-year... Read more
VIU grad selected for Students Without Borders in Vietnam
December 22, 2009
Jan Beecher’s bags are packed and she’s ready to go. With the ink barely dry on her Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Journalism from Vancouver Island University, Beecher leaves for Vietnam Jan. 5. She’s been selected for a three-month internship to teach English with the Hanoi Community College as part of the Students Without Borders (SWB) program. “I am totally excited, but shell-... Read more
VIU scientists probe seasonal topics
December 18, 2009
Who can resist the taste of heptenal at this time of year? Vancouver Island University chemistry professor Todd Barsby explains that heptenal is the compound that gives mashed potatoes an earthy taste. It’s one of the insights offered by members of VIU’s Faculty of Science and Technology on this week’s Not Rocket Science radio broadcast. The holiday theme continues with astronomy professor Greg... Read more
Heart of Gold project builds cultural bridges
December 17, 2009
Sharon Fallas and Nidia Montero won’t forget their study abroad experience in Canada. The students, 24 and 21, are back working on their family coffee farms in Costa Rica after studying English-as-a-Second-Language for one semester at Vancouver Island University’s Nanaimo campus. “It’s changed me forever,” said Fallas. “I’m more confident and speak much better English. I’ll never forget this... Read more
VIU team inspires passion for education with The Art of Teaching DVD
December 16, 2009
Vancouver Island University educators Neil Smith and Nancy Randall believe innovative, engaging and risk-taking approaches to teaching are worth sharing with the rest of the world. The associates of VIU’s Teaching and Learning Centre have collaborated on producing and distributing The Art of Teaching, a 45-minute DVD that has been presented at seminars and conferences in Canada and... Read more
Local basketball duo selected for national mentorship program
December 15, 2009
Maria Kirkbride in her second year as a Assistant Coach of the VIU Women’s Basketball team was awarded $4000 earlier this season in the 2009-10 CCAA Female Apprentice Coach program. Bill McWhinnie Head Coach of the VIU Women’s Basketball team will be her Mentor Coach.The grant is identified for professional development opportunities in either NCCP or related coach education, and for operational... Read more
VIU students and employees launch ‘good neighbour’ project
December 15, 2009
Students, faculty and staff at Vancouver Island University have big hearts. They are going all out this Christmas season to help families in need. It’s part of a new “Good Neighbours” initiative to forge positive relationships between VIU and the Harewood community. This Christmas season, VIU employees and students have “adopted” 19 families in need from John Barsby, Nanaimo District Secondary... Read more
Christmas Magic continues at VIU’s Milner Gardens and Woodland
December 11, 2009
Christmas Magic at Milner Gardens and Woodland features the Cantando Chamber Singers this evening (Friday) and Starlight Reverie on Saturday. Both performances start at 6 pm in the main house. On Sunday, actor Douglas Fisher will read A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas. The two readings will be at 6 pm and 7:30 pm. In between the readings, there will be a performance by the Culacino... Read more
Graphic design students display creative talents
December 10, 2009
Creative juices were flowing in a graphic design class at Vancouver Island University during a unique marketing project initiated by VIU's International Education department. Graphic design instructor Nancy Pagé asked students in her Imagery class to come up with innovative design ideas for products that could be used as giveaways to prospective international students. VIU's International... Read more
Culinary Institute of Vancouver Island launches cookbook
December 9, 2009
Talented Vancouver Island University students, alumni and instructors serve up a tantalizing mix in Recipes from the Culinary Institute of Vancouver Island at VIU. “A few students came up with the idea of producing the cookbook as a fundraiser,” said instructor Debbie Shore. The project expanded to feature favourite recipes of students, faculty and graduates. The $20 book includes dishes from... Read more