In the Community

RBC Foundation $50,000 gift opens doors for First Nations students

October 4, 2007

Some major barriers are going to disappear for First Nations students hoping to improve their lives through education thanks to $50,000 gift from the RBC Foundation. The gift will cover the cost of tuition for up to 20 students every year entering the innovative Pathways to Learning program at Malaspina University-College in Nanaimo. The program is a one-year course designed to get first-time... Read more


Education grad inspires school children

October 4, 2007

When Joy Tretick graduated from Malaspina University-College’s Education program, she couldn’t wait to put her teaching skills to good use. She’s doing exactly that as a full-time teacher for the Nanaimo Ladysmith School District. Tretick taught a grade two class at McGirr Elementary School last year and found a unique way to use her interest in art to teach students about environmental... Read more


Culinary Arts grad scoops third place at world cooking competition

September 27, 2007

Malaspina University-College Culinary Arts graduate Tobias Grignon ranks among the world’s top chefs under the age of 27. Representing Canada at the prestigious La Chaine des Rotisseurs Society’s international cooking competition in Frankfurt, Germany on September 6, Grignon placed third out of 17 contenders. “We’re so proud of him,” said Chef Debbie Shore, one of Grignon’s former instructors... Read more


Governor General’s award winner for poetry comes to Malaspina

September 27, 2007

Poetry lovers will have several events to choose from at Malaspina University-College in the next few months. Kicking off the very popular Poets on Campus series this year is Canadian poet John Pass, winner of the 2006 Governor General’s award for poetry, who will be reading at Malaspina’s Nanaimo campus on October 1. This will be the first of several readings to take place on the Nanaimo and... Read more


Malaspina and Cowichan Valley School District expand partnership

September 25, 2007

Malaspina University-College and the Cowichan Valley School District #79 (SD79) signed a new five-year agreement Monday, September 24. The Memorandum of Understanding referred to as "The Cowichan Valley Learning Strategy" will strengthen educational collaboration between the two institutions and provide enhanced learning opportunities for Grade 12 students. "The Strategy is aimed at responding... Read more


New website promotes careers in trades and technology

September 21, 2007

The economy is ‘red hot’ but what are the best careers locally? Parents, educators and the media are invited to find out by browsing the new T3-Think Trades and Technology website. “The new website is a valuable community resource designed to promote local careers in trades and technology,” explained consultant Meg Savory. “There’s a shortage of skilled workers in the region. The new website... Read more


Fundraiser for Cowichan Campus Bursary & Scholarship Fund

September 12, 2007

By Helene Demers A fundraiser for Malaspina University-College’s Cowichan campus Bursary and Scholarship Fund takes place Saturday, September 22, 7 pm at the Mercury Theatre in Duncan. Puente Theatre presents Chili Con Carne & Emergence, the journey of Kwakwaka’wakw poet Krystal Cook. She uses movement, mask, sound and spoken word to explore and celebrate the emergence of voice. She... Read more


Biology grad remembers his roots

September 12, 2007

Dr. Aaron Jex has gone a step further than most graduates to honour his home-town university-college. He’s named an animal in honour of Malaspina University-College and three of his former professors. Jex, a graduate of Malaspina’s Biology degree program, is now a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Melbourne in Australia. “He’s highly regarded as a leader in his field dealing with... Read more


Injured construction worker gets new lease on life at Mal-U

September 11, 2007

“Jump in with both feet.” That’s Nigel Deebank’s advice for adults who are considering going back to school. Deebank, 51, just started his second year of studies at Malaspina University-College. He knows all about taking risks and overcoming challenges. Deebank worked in the construction industry for nearly 20 years when a workplace accident nearly cost him his life. “I fell about 20 feet and... Read more


Malaspina takes on students from suspended Capilano program

September 11, 2007

Six students from Capilano College’s McRae Institute of International Management will be attending Malaspina this year. Low enrolment in Capilano College’s McRae Institute of International Management Graduate Program has resulted in the suspension of courses for first year students. McRae has worked with the program candidates to find places for them to study at the graduate level, with six of... Read more