enjoy the It is an honour to offer the inaugural edition of Journey to the alumni of Malaspina University-College, Malaspina College and the Vocational Training School. Journey will be published in the spring and fall to keep alumni connected with the institution and share in the accomplishments of distinguished alumni. Malaspina is currently going through a period of dynamic change, including the creation of new facilities, new programs, and the recent announcement that the institution will receive full university status and be renamed Vancouver Island University (VIU). University designation will lead to increased access for students to university degree programs without impacting the current quality of education. Whether you graduated last year or more than 60 years ago, alumni are a vital part of the legacy of Malaspina and a key contributor to where the institution is today. Inside this issue, you will find the personal stories of just a few of the successful alumni around the world that are now making a difference
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in their communities. Also, you will read about the changes happening at Vancouver Island University including new programs, new faculty, and new facilities. We are also proud to highlight the Mariners women’s volleyball team that did not lose a game all year on their way to a national title. I hope the stories bring back memories of when you were on campus and renew your sense of pride in being alumni of Malaspina UniversityCollege.
spring 2008 volume 1 • issue 1
We are proud to celebrate alumni accomplishments and we encourage you to contact us about those people, places, and things that you would like to see highlighted in the magazine. Feedback is always welcome and you can contact the Alumni Relations Office by e-mail, alumni@viu.ca, phone (250) 740-6215, or fax (250) 740-6491.
Journey is published in the spring and fall by vancouver island university’s Development and Alumni office and is distributed free of charge to alumni and friends. All material is copyright © 2008, vancouver island university Development and Alumni, and may be reprinted with written permission. opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of vancouver island university. The vancouver island university community acknowledges and thanks the Tla’Amin, Qualicum, snaw naw As, snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Halalt, penelakut, lyackson, Chemainus, and lake Cowichan First nations on whose traditional lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge.
Sincerely, David Forrester Manager, Alumni Relations Vancouver Island University
publisher Development and Alumni, vancouver island university managing editor and Director, Development and Alumni roger prior editor matt Carter (BA ’06) Alumni relations manager David Forrester (pe Dipl, rec&sport Dipl ’02) Contributors marilyn Assaf sergei Belski Bob Cooney John gardiner (BA ’97) John lund micki mcCartney mark Kaarremaa Toni o’Keeffe mary o’neill John Woychuk Design primal Communications ltd. www.primalcommunications.com printing Teldon
We welcome letters to the editor. please address all correspondence to: editor, Journey 114 – 59 Wharf street nanaimo, British Columbia Canada v9r 2X3 carterm@viu.ca Advertising inquiries Dave Forrester, Alumni relations manager 114 – 59 Wharf street nanaimo, British Columbia Canada v9r 2X3 250 · 740 · 6214 forrested@viu.ca Canadian publications mail Agreement #40063601 return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Development and Alumni 114 – 59 Wharf street nanaimo, British Columbia Canada v9r 2X3