In the Community

VIU announces President’s scholars

April 7, 2009

Vancouver Island University recently announced the winners of the first VIU President’s Scholarships for Continuing Students. The awards are given to the top academic student in each faculty after completion of their third semester. The inaugural scholarships go to Brynn Griswold in Education, Victoria Luxford  in Social Sciences,  Alayne Seefried in Health and Human Services , Lori-Ann Shibish... Read more


Former grad makes her mark

April 1, 2009

It’s hard to believe Dr. Tanya Griffiths – recipient of Vancouver Island University’s 2009 Alumni Horizon Award – had very little interest in science during high school. She graduated from VIU with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, earned a PhD, carved out a career as a successful scientific researcher, and is now pursing her dream of becoming a medical doctor. The Alumni Horizon Award is given... Read more


VIU and Powell River School District expand partnership

March 27, 2009

An expanded partnership between Vancouver Island University (VIU) and the Powell River School District #47 (SD47) means greater collaboration between the two organizations and more opportunities for high school students. VIU and SD47 officials signed a Joint Coordination agreement that builds on the Memorandum of Understanding, also known as the Powell River Learning Strategy, signed two years... Read more


Thrifty Foods and VIU team up to support students

March 27, 2009

Thrifty Foods is partnering with Vancouver Island University to provide financial support to students.  A new fundraising campaign with Thrifty Foods as the lead sponsor was unveiled this week at VIU’s 13th annual Business Breakfast.  The new initiative, called DOUBLE UP, will see Thrifty Foods match funds raised by VIU faculty, staff and students for scholarships, awards, bursaries and student... Read more


VIU’s Portal Magazine to be Released

March 26, 2009

Spring is an exciting time of year for students of the Publishing class in the Creative Writing department at Vancouver Island University—Portal magazine is about to be released. Portal is a student published magazine of some of the finest student writing in poetry, prose, literary essay, or any other written form, that VIU has to offer. It also features work from the Arts department,... Read more


Music department presents year end concerts

March 26, 2009

Music students at Vancouver Island University will showcase their talents at a series of public concerts marking the end of the school year. The year-end concerts start with Classical Recitals Monday, March 30 in VIU’s Malaspina Theatre, featuring student solo performances, the Cantabile Chamber Choir, the Sinclair Singers and the VIU Wind Ensemble. Next up is the Choral Concert on Tuesday,... Read more


Taste of Italy comes to Nanaimo

March 23, 2009

If you love Italian food, get your taste buds ready. Students in the first graduating class of Vancouver Island University’s Culinary Arts diploma program are hosting one last theme dinner dubbed the Italian Grande Finale for only 35 guests in the Discovery Room restaurant at the Nanaimo campus March 27. “This is an event not to be missed,” said VIU Chef Craig Rogers.  “Culinary Arts faculty... Read more


VIU spawns creative genius

March 20, 2009

Terence Fitzgerald is living proof that a small town kid can take the entertainment world by storm. The Vancouver Island University (VIU) graduate and recipient of this year’s VIU Distinguished Alumni Award is half of the creative duo behind the legendary comic company Spawn. With stories of hanging with rock stars and working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood (apparently Spielberg’s... Read more


VIU Electrical program a powerful success

March 20, 2009

The second graduating class of Vancouver Island University’s electrical program barely made it to the podium for their graduation ceremony. That’s because many of the students were snapped up by eager employers before graduation day. “Our Electrical Entry Level Trades Training (ELTT) program is incredibly successful,” said Dan Lines, Associate Dean of Trades and Applied Technology. “Our... Read more


VIU launches new Digital Media Major at MediaLive event

March 18, 2009

Vancouver Island University’s Media Studies Department is launching its new BA Major in Digital Media at MediaLive, a public celebration on Tuesday, March 24. “Digital Media Studies is a unique opportunity in education that combines the theory of media with construction of media products,” said James Hood, a Media Studies student and web developer.  The event features special guest Bruce Williams... Read more