In the Community

The best of both worlds for retiring nursing instructor

May 10, 2007

Erika Blakeman always had dreams of becoming a teacher, but as a young girl in Germany, born in a refugee camp during the war, she never dreamed she’d become a nurse. As she retires from Malaspina University-College this month after 28 years of distinguished service, she has been fortunate enough to travel both those paths and collect an infinite number of priceless memories along the way. “I’m... Read more


Malaspina students tackle multi-faceted research around the world

May 10, 2007

More than 40 Malaspina University-College students are in Belize, Central America, this month working on research projects related to tourism, geography, and biology. “In addition to Belize, we have students all over the world on faculty-led field schools and field trips in countries including Ghana, Chile, the Cook Islands, Tanzania, Italy, Hawaii, Indonesia, Belgium and the U.S.,” said Audrey... Read more


Students test their "college knowledge" and win a tuition-free year

May 9, 2007

Three college-bound students are wondering how they’ll spend the tuition money they’ve saved for next year, thanks to having won the recent Test Your College Knowledge Contest.  Jointly sponsored by Camosun College, Malaspina University-College, and North Island College, the contest offered free tuition to first-time students in each of the three regions served by the institutions. Second... Read more


New program gives high school students head start on university

May 9, 2007

Cowichan Valley grade12 students can get a head start on their university education. Malaspina University-College and School District #79 (Cowichan Valley) are launching the University Enrichment Initiative in September 2007. Up to 21 seats in first-year university courses at the Cowichan campus will be reserved for grade 12 students. Students can choose from courses in anthropology, sociology,... Read more


Milner Gardens and Woodland hosts Rhododendron Days

May 4, 2007

The month of May is a great time to enjoy the hundreds of colourful rhododendrons in a palette of bloom at the Milner Gardens & Woodland Rhododendron Days from May 3 through May 13, from 10 am to 5 pm.  The garden was started by the late Veronica Milner who was born into the British Edwardian aristocracy and was related to Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales. Milner’s vision... Read more


Sky's the limit for Malaspina science grad

May 3, 2007

When Skye Creba graduated from Malaspina University-College last June, she didn’t want to leave. Turns out, she didn’t have to. Creba was one of three Malaspina science students selected to receive a $17,500 postgraduate scholarship from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the top national award for students entering graduate school. Creba is currently... Read more


Malaspina's new Dean of Education receives Distinguished Service Award

May 1, 2007

Dr. Harry Janzen, Malaspina University-College’s new Dean of Education, has received a prestigious award recognizing his leadership and contribution to public education in the K-12 system over the past 35 years. Janzen was recently presented with a Distinguished Service Award by his former peer group, the BC School Superintendent’s Association (BCSSA). The award is presented each year to... Read more


Mariners reloading for new season

May 1, 2007

by Brent Dunlop The Malaspina Mariners are looking to defend their title as the top overall athletic college in the league. Top talent will fill the 2007/2008 Mariners rosters, including players from Winnipeg, Kelowna, Prince Rupert and communities up and down Vancouver Island.   Men’s basketball: Malaspina men’s basketball head coach Tony Bryce is elated the team has won a recruiting... Read more


Canada's best chefs come to Malaspina

April 30, 2007

Malaspina University-College will host Culinary Team Canada’s final practice on Monday, May 7, before they compete against the rest of the world at the 2007 American Culinary Classic (ACC) in Chicago, May 19 – 22. “This event is a great opportunity for people in our community and our students to see some of the world’s best chefs,” said Debbie Shore, chair of the Culinary Arts program at... Read more


Erika Blakeman retires

April 30, 2007

By Jacqueline Fournier Long-time Malaspina University-College employee Erika Blakeman is retiring. Erika has been a nurse for 43 years and a Malaspina employee for 28.5 years. She has served in many roles besides teaching, including acting Dean for Health Programs, chair of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and nursing advisor. Erika has made many contributions on a provincial level... Read more