In the Community

Love of marine science leads student to Norway

July 30, 2009

When Andrea Bozman began classes at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, she never expected to be searching for polar bears near the Arctic Circle. Thanks to her hard work and dedication to marine science, and VIU’s international connection with a prestigious university in Norway, that’s exactly the kind of unique undergraduate learning experience Bozman enjoyed. Ready to start her fourth... Read more


Mature student experiences 'rebirth' in Italy

July 29, 2009

"Believe in yourself. If I can do it, anyone can." With these words of wisdom, single mom Kim Moes hopes to inspire other 'mature' students to return to school. Moes dropped out of high school 20 years ago, but resumed her studies at Vancouver Island University with gusto. She recently made the Dean's list for outstanding academic achievement, won a scholarship and participated in a one month "... Read more


Five VIU students win $75,000 in provincial scholarships for innovation

July 29, 2009

Five Vancouver Island University (VIU) students have an extra $15,000 each, thanks to scholarships from the BC Innovation Council (BCIC). Jim Yen-Chun Cheng, Harikrishnan Jayaraman, Ethan Yi-Fu Lin, Jennifer Schofield and Zoe Xiang Lan Wan, all in the Master of Business Administration Program (MBA), were selected by the council.  “We did pretty well this year,” said Brock Dykeman, Director of... Read more


Nigerian visitors learn about leadership in Nanaimo

July 24, 2009

Vancouver Island University (VIU) tourism professor Dr. Ken Hammer is sharing his leadership skills globally without leaving home. Hammer led a special week-long leadership training session for a group of nine business professionals visiting Nanaimo from the Institute of Treasury Management in Ibadan,Nigeria. “The program consisted of leadership workshops, trips into the community and... Read more


VIU researcher wins major grant to study sea lice

July 24, 2009

Vancouver Island University professor Dr. Duane Barker has received a three-year $413,000 research grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to study one of the most controversial topics in BC - sea lice and their impact on salmon farming. It’s the largest single, non-equipment grant ever awarded to a Vancouver Island University researcher, and great news... Read more


VIU Chancellor Shawn (A-in-chut) Atleo elected National Chief

July 23, 2009

Vancouver Island University (VIU) President Ralph Nilson offered his congratulations to VIU Chancellor, Shawn (A-in-chut) Atleo, on being elected National Chief to the Assembly of First Nations. “We are very proud of Chief Atleo and the work he is doing to advance opportunities for First Nations communities in BC and across the country,” said Nilson. “Chief Atleo has been a constant advocate for... Read more


Government of Canada supports most promising student researchers

July 21, 2009

Canada’s top student researchers, including 10 from Vancouver Island University, have received national awards that will help them hone their research skills and motivate them to pursue careers in science. The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), announced $138-million in funding for scholarships and fellowships for 6,059 students across Canada from the Natural... Read more


CSR inspires future First Nations leaders

July 17, 2009

The Centre for Shellfish Research (CSR) at Vancouver Island University is using science to inspire First Nations youth to consider jobs in aquaculture. Building on the success of last year’s pilot program, the CSR hosted its second summer Future Leaders On the Water (FLOW) program for youth at Moorecroft camp in Nanoose Bay recently. “The objective is to bring together intergenerational groups... Read more


VIU experiments with sustainable food source

July 16, 2009

Inside a small, 10'x10' greenhouse tucked away in an inconspicuous corner of Vancouver Island University’s Nanaimo campus, Anne McCarthy points to a lush display of healthy vegetable plants including strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.  “Can you believe it? It’s mid-summer and our strawberries are still blooming!” McCarthy, a technologist in VIU’s Fisheries and Aquaculture... Read more


MBA students get silly for a good cause

July 14, 2009

Move over Apprentice. Students enrolled in Vancouver Island University Master of Business Administration program will go toe-to-toe in the sand to compete for charity and bragging rights during the Silly Boat Regatta on Sunday, July 19th at Maffeo Sutton Park in Nanaimo. It’s all in the name of fun and for a great cause – to raise money for the Child Development Centre (CDC). Two MBA cohorts... Read more