In the Community

Student-built research vessel preparing to launch

June 18, 2008

Students in the Aluminum Boat Building program at Vancouver Island University are building a training vessel for the Centre for Shellfish Research at VIU, which will be used to service the Deep Bay field station. “When we heard about the new aluminum boat building program at VIU, we were very excited,” said Brian Kingzett, Manager of the Deep Bay field station. “This allowed us to design a... Read more


First Nations leader honoured for lifetime of dedication

June 17, 2008

Gordon Reid has devoted himself to First Nations education for more than forty-five years. On June 3, 2008, his years of dedication and service were awarded with an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Vancouver Island University. “This is, without a doubt, the most fantastic time of my life,” said Reid. “Being recognized by my peers for what I’ve done and what I continue to do for my people is an... Read more


Students excel at EAT Vancouver show

June 17, 2008

Two star studded students in the professional baking and culinary arts programs at Vancouver Island University showcased their award winning talents at the EAT Vancouver show recently. Baking apprentice Jenny Jones won gold medals for her chocolate sculpture and sugar sculpture, and bronze for her hand-dipped chocolates. First year culinary arts student Carlos Rodriguez won a gold medal for his... Read more


High school students in Cowichan get a head start at VIU

June 9, 2008

Vancouver Island University and School District 79 are giving students a head start on their university careers. The Cowichan campus of VIU and SD 79 are continuing the University Enrichment Initiative, which reserves seats in first-year university courses at the Cowichan campus for grade 12 students. “It’s an excellent program for a grade 12 student to take,” said Maria Lauridsen, campus... Read more


Internationally renowned fisheries scientist receives Honorary Doctorate

June 5, 2008

Internationally renowned fisheries scientist Dr. Harald Rosenthal said it was a touching moment to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Technology from Vancouver Island University (formerly Malaspina University-College) at the spring graduation ceremony June 3. “This is a very special occasion for me because this honour rounds out my lifelong career that started in Nanaimo,” said Dr. Rosenthal,... Read more


Lawyer John Horn receives Honorary Doctorate of Laws from VIU

June 5, 2008

Esteemed lawyer John Horn received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Vancouver Island University (formerly Malaspina University-College) at the spring graduation ceremony held recently in Nanaimo. “The awarding of an honorary doctorate is intended to encourage a standard of excellence and innovation that is exemplary to students, faculty and staff, and to society generally,” said VIU President... Read more


64-year-old mother and grandmother fulfills lifelong dream

June 4, 2008

Maureen Adkin remembers the day vividly. At age 10, she came home with a straight A report card and her father asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” “I want to be a nurse,” Adkin replied at the time. “With grades like these, you could be a doctor,” said her dad. “Girls can be anything they want to be.” With tears streaming down her cheeks, Adkin remembered her late father’s words as... Read more


Outstanding service award for campus leader

June 4, 2008

When Robert D. Lane retired from Malaspina University-College, his former students started the S.O.B. club – Students of Bob, to honour their former professor and carry on some of the discussions his lectures and teachings had inspired. Now, after almost 40 years of outstanding service to Malaspina University-College (now Vancouver Island University) all the S.O.B.’s can celebrate because their... Read more


Student receives Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal

June 3, 2008

Theresa Deering of Nanaimo has reason to be proud. She’s the top graduating student from Vancouver Island University (formerly Malaspina University-College) and has a medal to prove it. Deering received the Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal for outstanding scholastic achievement at the spring convocation ceremony held in Nanaimo Tuesday, June 3. The medal is awarded to the Bachelor’s... Read more


Community leaders to receive honorary credentials at convocation

June 2, 2008

Biographies of Honorary Credential Recipients Honorary Doctorate of Technology: Dr. Harald Rosenthal, Ph.D. Dr. Rosenthal has made extensive achievements in the fields of fisheries science and aquaculture. As an internationally renowned scientist from the University of Kiel in Germany, his work has helped raise Malaspina University-College’s profile as a leading institution in sturgeon studies... Read more