Gift of education is always welcome
December 9, 2009
Just in case you haven’t completed your Christmas shopping, there are dozens of continuing education courses at Vancouver Island University that make ideal gifts for everyone from budding birdwatchers to Broadway musical fans. Courses are priced to fit most budgets -– from the $10 Lazy Angler Fishing School at the Powell River campus to Renaissance Florence: A Cultural Tour for $3,295 held in... Read more
VIU Engineering fairs challenge high school students
December 7, 2009
The Department of Physics and Engineering at Vancouver Island University is pleased to continue its 3rd Annual Engineering Fair competition with two all-day events on December 8 and 9. These events introduce Grade 11 physics students to engineering practice through a design competition and interaction with local engineering firms. Schools within District 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith), 69 (Parksville-... Read more
First Nation students win Canada Post Award
December 7, 2009
Balancing school and raising young children is never an easy task. Nanaimo students Wanda Good and Jennifer White made it happen with unwavering determination and drive. In spite of challenging life circumstances, both women have distinguished themselves as strong role models in their community. Their ability to persevere and their contribution to their family and community are being... Read more
VIU physical education student lands dream volunteer job at the Olympics
December 4, 2009
When Canada’s men’s and women’s hockey teams pursue gold at the Winter Olympics, Vancouver Island University physical education student Luke Couture will be as close to the action as you can get without being in the lineup. Couture, 19, of St. John, New Brunswick is a volunteer on the ice crew at Canada Place – known outside the Feb. 12-28 Olympic period as GM Place. “I’ll be cleaning the ice... Read more
VIU students spread Christmas spirit
December 2, 2009
By Michael Briones Kindness, generosity and the simple act of caring are qualities we can expect from a group of future leaders at Vancouver Island University. The Sport, Health and Physical Education (Shape) Applied Leadership class of professor Les Malbon has recently shown an admirable act of kindness that will help bring smiles to homeless people in Nanaimo and Comox Valley this Christmas... Read more
VIU culinary grad competes for global glory
December 2, 2009
Chris Thomson wasn’t sure about his career choice after he completed studies at Woodlands and John Barsby secondary schools in Nanaimo. “I took a few odd jobs like laying wood floors but nothing really grabbed me.” He took his mom’s advice and enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at Vancouver Island University. In January, 14 years after graduating and starting his apprenticeship, Thomson will... Read more
Education student masters the art of juggling
December 2, 2009
Any parent knows how busy life can be with children. But for Jim and Nancy Jütte ‘busy’ is an understatement. The Jütte’s are proud parents of seven children ages eight to 16. Balancing the demands of family life is a full-time job, not to mention other daily commitments. Nancy is Vice-President of Patient Services at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Comox while Jim is an aspiring teacher enrolled in... Read more
Elsie Paul to receive Honorary Doctorate Degree from VIU
December 1, 2009
Elsie Paul, known on Vancouver Island for bridging cultures, will receive an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Vancouver Island University. Paul, 78, is known in the Coast Salish region by her traditional name, Qazustala’s, which means a welcoming person with a wealth of knowledge, someone who shares her culture. “This is a remarkably suitable name, given that Elsie is one of the few remaining... Read more
Local teacher wins provincial scholarship
November 30, 2009
Nanaimo teacher and Vancouver Island University student Laura Tait has received a $10,000 provincial scholarship from the New Relationship Trust (NRT), an independent non-profit organization dedicated to supporting First Nations in BC. Tait, currently enrolled in VIU’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership, also received $1,500 from the Chief Joe Mathias BC Aboriginal Scholarship Fund... Read more
VIU grad puts Golden on the map
November 27, 2009
Vancouver Island University graduate Cleopatra Corbett represents a new breed of town planners. In her role as Manager of Development Services for the town of Golden, she was instrumental in winning the 2009 Leadership and Innovation award for small communities from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM). Corbett is becoming famous for using innovative strategies in town planning. Corbett, who... Read more