Update on Nanaimo Campus incident
February 4, 2016
At around 10.30 am on Thursday, February 4, a suspicious person was observed on the Nanaimo campus. Campus security alerted the RCMP, who advised VIU’s Campus Security to institute emergency procedures. Our procedures were activitated immediately: people were instructed to shelter in place until further notice. The message was repeated at regular intervals in order to ensure our campus... Read more
VIU Highlights Refugee Stories During International Development Week Feb. 1-5
February 1, 2016
Hamdi Aweys knows how it feels to be forced to flee her homeland due to war and destruction, and live in a crowded refugee camp. She also knows first-hand what it’s like to move far away from friends and family and build a brand new life in Canada. The Vancouver Island University (VIU) student, originally from Somalia, is one of three refugees who will share powerful “Stories of Migration” at... Read more
VIU Awards Honorary Doctorate to Former BC Premier Mike Harcourt
January 28, 2016
British Columbia’s 30th Premier, Michael Harcourt will accept an Honorary Doctorate of Laws at Vancouver Island University’s convocation ceremony on Friday, Jan. 29 in recognition of the many contributions he has made in an exemplary career as a lawyer, community activist and politician. “Mike Harcourt has played a key role in the political and social development of BC and Canada,” said Dr.... Read more
Island Health and VIU Host Drug Overdose and Substance Use Community Forum Jan. 28
January 26, 2016
Island Health has issued two drug overdose alerts in the last two weeks, and now community partners in Nanaimo are pulling together to host an important public forum on drug overdose and substance use. A panel of representatives from Island Health’s Harm Reduction Unit, RCMP’s community program, and Vancouver Island University (VIU) will provide critical information about the dangerous drugs... Read more
VIU Bestows Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree on Acclaimed Poet Patrick Lane
January 25, 2016
Internationally acclaimed poet Patrick Lane will receive an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) convocation ceremony on January 28 in recognition of his contributions to the field of poetry. Critics and scholars call him one of the finest poets of his generation. An admired teacher, workshop leader and supporter of emerging poets across North America, Lane... Read more
Sculpture Unveiled at VIU Promotes Unity
January 22, 2016
Nanaimo Port Authority has donated $5,000 to create a permanent home at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Nanaimo campus for a six-by-six foot sculpture called Tsawalk. Built by VIU Graphic Design alumna Laura Timmermans, the sculpture promotes the message of unity, diversity and connection. The piece is mounted on a wall next to the VIU Bookstore alongside a plaque explaining the artist’s... Read more
VIU Grad Achieves International Success
January 21, 2016
Never underestimate the power of a small university with dedicated faculty to change students’ lives. Just ask Vancouver Island University (VIU) graduate Katelin Albert (née, Bowes). Albert grew up in Powell River and came to VIU in 2003 to play soccer for the women’s varsity team. At first, she didn’t know what she wanted to do, wasn’t a top student, and had never heard of graduate school.... Read more
Mike Harcourt and Poet Patrick Lane to Receive Honours at VIU Convocation Jan. 28-29
January 19, 2016
Former Premier of BC Michael Harcourt, celebrated BC author and poet Patrick Lane, and accomplished VIU alumna and PhD candidate Katelin Albert will be awarded honourary credentials at VIU’s winter convocation ceremonies at Nanaimo’s Port Theatre January 28 and 29. Patrick Lane – 2016 Honorary Doctorate of Letters: January 28, 2:30 pm Internationally acclaimed poet Patrick Lane is considered by... Read more
VIU Receives $500K from The Joyce Foundation for Youth in Care Tuition Waiver Bursaries
January 8, 2016
A $500,000 donation from The Joyce Foundation will benefit students attending Vancouver Island University (VIU) with support from the Youth in Care Tuition Waiver program. The funds will be dedicated to bursaries for ongoing support of VIU students in the Youth in Care Tuition Waiver program who are over the age of 24. “We are very grateful to The Joyce Foundation for this generous gift, which... Read more
VIU Welcomes Aboriginal High School Students for 'In.Business' Program
December 11, 2015
Nanaimo Grade 12 student Daniel Puglas has a vision for his future that includes making films and owning the company that produces them. While film school is in the John Barsby Secondary School student’s future plans, he also wants to learn as much as he can about business to ensure his success. That’s why he signed up for the six-month In.Business program along with 46 other Aboriginal high... Read more