In the Community

Improving Literacy for Thousands of Adults in BC

September 4, 2015

PARKSVILLE - Adult literacy programs in 75 communities throughout the province will receive $2.4 million in 2015-16 to provide more British Columbians with the literacy skills they need to take part in the growing economy. News release from Ministry of Advanced Education Read more


Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra Performs at VIU's Deep Bay Marine Field Station Aug. 22

August 13, 2015

Enjoy breathtaking views of Baynes Sound, a delicious appetizer buffet and sweet summer tunes performed by the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra (NCO) at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Deep Bay Marine Field Station on Saturday, August 22. Sounds like the perfect summer evening, right? “Over the years, we in the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra have played sumptuous music, so when we’re asked to play a... Read more


VIU Honorary Doctorate Recipient Dr. Frances Kelsey passes away at 101

August 13, 2015

Dr. Frances Oldham Kelsey, one of Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Honorary Doctorate recipients, died Friday, August 7 at age 101. A world-renowned pharmacologist, Dr. Kelsey received an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from VIU in June 2012. One day before she passed away, Dr. Kelsey was awarded the Order of Canada. Dr. Kelsey, who was born in Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island, took a... Read more


VIU's Milner Gardens & Woodland Hosts Art & Photography in the Garden August 8 and 9

August 5, 2015

Meet, mingle and be inspired by local artists at work at the Art & Photography in the garden event at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Milner Gardens & Woodland, 10 am to 4 pm on August 8 and 9.  “This is a wonderful opportunity for residents and tourists alike to wander through our exquisite seaside garden estate, and mingle with dozens of local artists while they work,” says Geoff... Read more


Government of Canada Investment to Support Mobile Forestry Skills Training at VIU

July 23, 2015

NANAIMO, BRITISH COLUMBIA -( July 23, 2015) - Western Economic Diversification Canada Today, the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced over $1,000,000 in funding for Vancouver Island University to establish a mobile forestry skills training program on British Columbia's Central Coast and Vancouver Island. The investment, provided through... Read more


VIU Summer Welding Camp to Spark Interest in Youth for Trade

July 21, 2015

Young students considering a future career in the welding trade and apprentices working through certification will benefit from a significant donation to Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Welding program. The Canadian Welding Association (CWA) Foundation has donated $25,000 to VIU’s Cowichan Trades Centre to install four new welding booths to be used in testing for apprentices. As well, the... Read more


New Program Focusing on Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities to Launch at VIU

July 16, 2015

Applications are now being accepted for a new certificate program being launched at VIU’s Parksville/Qualicum Centre in September 2015. Funding by the province of BC will support the first delivery of the program which was developed in collaboration with the Inter Tribal Health Authority (ITHA). The “Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities” program will provide students with a basic... Read more


VIU and Nanaimo Port Authority Collaborate to Support Prosperous Community

July 14, 2015

Vancouver Island University (VIU) and the Nanaimo Port Authority have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote collaboration between the organizations in order to support the educational, social, environmental and economical prosperity of the region. The MOU, signed on June 25, 2015, will strengthen the partnership between the two organizations by outlining key objectives for... Read more


Alien 'Plant-Hunter' Sculptures on Display at VIU's Milner Gardens

July 2, 2015

Robots, spaceships, and rockets have crash-landed at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Milner Gardens & Woodland, and alien ‘plant-hunters’ are searching the gardens for new and hearty plant species to take back to their home planets. That’s the theme of a new art exhibit at Milner Gardens created by VIU Visual Arts students. Forty sculptures of all sizes and shapes are on display along... Read more


VIU Grey Whale Exhibit Leaves Legacy for Future Generations

June 24, 2015

The unveiling of a 10-metre long grey whale skeleton at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Deep Bay Marine Field Station was an emotional moment for Sharon Cooper of Sc’ianew First Nation. Cooper first saw the body of the grey whale five years ago after it washed up at East Sooke Park near Victoria. “I was so sad,” said Cooper. “People had carved their initials into the whale’s body, and huge... Read more