Making post-secondary an option for all
Everyone deserves a rewarding career that pays well and makes them happy. For many people, the path to that career includes university education – a path that may seem out of reach to some. Maybe they didn’t do well in high school. Maybe they face language barriers. Maybe they get overwhelmed by the thought of managing post-secondary education. Maybe they worry that they won’t be motivated to complete a program.
Inspired by the world around us: Ally Badger
The living world has fascinated Ally Badger ever since she was a child, and she always knew she wanted to pursue biology.
She graduated this June with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Biology. Navigating the challenges of the pandemic and the worsening climate crisis over the past few hasn’t been easy, but despite these obstacles Ally received a perfect grade point average.
Overcoming adversity and finding new passions
At age 15, Emma Salisbury’s life changed forever.
Diagnosed with lupus – a chronic disease with a variety of symptoms caused by inflammation in one or more parts of the body – Emma put her dance career on hold to undergo treatment. A week into treatment, she suffered a stroke that forced her to reconsider what she wanted to do with her life.
“Within 24 hours, I went from being a sick, but perfectly able-bodied person, to not being able to hold my head up or even speak,” she remembers.
Unique First Nations Housing Manager program trains people for success
VIU’s First Nations Housing Manager certificate program trains housing managers who work with on-reserve housing. The training program was developed with some initial funding support from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Finding his fit with VIU’s Indigenous Peoples in Trades Training Program
A few months ago, Russell Modeste wasn’t sure what direction he wanted to take in his career.
After completing Adult Basic Education upgrading courses at VIU, he decided to explore different options.
“I wanted to see what trade would interest me. At first, it was carpentry, and then it was heavy equipment operating,” he says.
Helping others discover the power and potential of their voice
June is Indigenous History Month, during which we mark the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada. One of the ways VIU is marking Indigenous History Month is by highlighting the voices and works of some Indigenous writers who are part of our community.
In videos: Valedictorian speeches from convocation
One of the key elements of each of VIU's convocation ceremonies is the valedictory address.
Elected by their peers, a valedictorian gives a congratulatory address to fellow graduates and their friends and family. This year, we decided to do things a little differently, with valedictorians representing the different Faculties rather than one valedictorian per ceremony. Below, you'll find the valedictorian videos for each Faculty.
Siddhanth Arikari & Lauryn Mackenzie, Faculty of Arts and Humanities
How do I apply to Vancouver Island University?
Are you wondering, “How do I apply to Vancouver Island University?” Recruitment Officers Dylan Ewen and Jordan Werezak created this step-by-step video to walk you through the process:
Striking a balance between studies and social connections: Siddhanth Arikari
Siddhanth Arikari is graduating this June with a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Studies. Siddhanth is co-valedictorian for the faculty of Arts and Humanities, sharing the honour with fellow grad Lauryn Mackenzie.
Persistence in the face of difficulties: Lauryn Mackenzie
Lauryn Mackenzie is graduating this June with a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Studies. She is co-valedictorian for the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, sharing the honour with fellow grad Siddhanth Arikari.
Lauryn is excited to see what the future holds and after graduation plans see where to road takes her.