VIU Alumni magazine - Journey, Spring 2010

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VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 1 • SPRING/SUMMER 2010

Kirsten Schuld Nursing alumna brings help and hope to victims of one of the planet’s largest natural disasters

PROTECTING OUR GROUNDWATER • FIRST SPONSORED STUDENT REFUGEE • NEW POWELL RIVER FACILITY

Pub. Agreement No. 40063601

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Rediscover Your School Spirit Keep in touch with your fellow VIU graduates and rediscover the spirit of living and learning on the West Coast. Update your contact information at www.viu.ca/alumni and stay informed about relevant news, reunions, and events.

Have you purchased your Alumni Privilege Card?

VIU alumni can purchase an Alumni Privilege Card for an annual fee of 10 and receive discounts from: VIU Library VIU Gymnasium VIU Theatre Discovery Room

VIU Residences VIU Bookstore (Nanaimo Campus) Milner Gardens Fairwinds Golf Course

Purchase your Alumni Privilege Card from the Development and Alumni Office, 114-59 Wharf Street, Nanaimo, or the VIU Welcome Centre, Nanaimo campus.

VIU Alumni Relations Phone: 250 · 740 · 6215 Fax: 250 · 740 · 6491 E-mail: alumni@viu.ca www.viu.ca/alumni/ The success of any school is determined by the strength of its graduates.

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CONTENTS

FEATURES

SPRING/SUMMER 2010

09 Keeping it Clean VIU faculty and alumni are protecting Vancouver Island’s groundwater

12 The Heart of Disaster Nursing graduate Kirsten Schuld treated victims in the aftermath of one of the world’s biggest natural disasters: the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami of 2004

DEPARTMENTS 02 04

Explorations w Steps w Plans for a new Powell River trades facility; Wood-fired brick oven built; Young donor supports sturgeon

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Alumni In View w Teachers overseas; Dan Agius; Celebrating the Olympics; First-ever Alumni Association

16 From Kenya to Canada How a young woman in an African refugee camp seized an opportunity to study at VIU ON THE COVER: PHOTO BY GUNTER PICHLER

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AlumnEye w The Home Stretch w Writing your way through labyrinths

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Events w

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E X P LO R AT I O N S

Building World Wide Alumni Webs This past October I had the pleasure of travelling to Japan to host VIU’s first international alumni event in Tokyo. For more than two decades VIU has been a leader in international education and our exchange partnerships with students and universities in Japan are very strong.

We met at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo and VIU alumni shared stories about their lives at VIU and their lives in Japan.

New relationships evolved and old ones were cemented. Graduates from last year mingled with graduates of nearly 20 years ago. Company presidents shared insights with continuing students. Excited alumni shared memories of Homestay providers who are now family, and friends on campus who have become lifelong friends. A constant theme was how much they miss Canada.

Even before one graduate told her

story of travelling more than four hours by bus to attend the event, all of the alumni agreed that no matter where they live, their hearts remain with VIU. Japan was our first international initiative and it will not be the last. Over the past four months, a student in VIU’s MBA program has been working with the alumni office to create a strategy for engaging our graduates around the world. I know there are many opportunities to start an alumni program in your region. Please write me if you would like to organize an event.

I welcome your feedback and encourage you to keep in touch. I can be reached at alumni@viu.ca.

Letters

David Forrester Manager, Alumni Relations Vancouver Island University

Letters to the Editor Thank you for hosting an event for alumni in Tokyo, Japan. I was very excited when Theresa Meyer informed me about the reception and I signed up right away. It was wonderful to see so many friends from VIU, and we made a lot of new friends too.

I also received my first copy of Journey at the venue and realized that I have been missing out on exciting news from VIU. If VIU plans to host another alumni event in Japan, I would be pleased to attend again. Thank you for the opportunity to revisit our memories of studying in Canada.

– Chiharu Kikuta Iwaskow (BA ’06) I don’t know if this will mean much to anyone, but I had to tell someone!

When I was reading the fall Journey online, I saw a familiar face—Gunnar Myhrer (“The Spirit of ’83,” Fall 2009).

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Journey Spring/Summer 2010

I met Gunnar while he was a staff mem- both graduated from the same program one year apart. I now write about my ber at Nanaimo Youth Services group foster home and street experiences home where I lived as a foster kid. through spoken word, poetry and song.

Gunnar was an instrumental part of my I have never forgotten Gunnar! I hope youth, and I never had the chance to he knows he had an influence on at thank him. I was a pretty rough kid in least one youth who almost didn’t those days (1986), coming from the make it. streets to the group home just before I My Malaspina classmates might turned 15. As a VIU Phys Ed grad, remember me as Aimee Smith, but I am Gunnar spent his time playing sports now Aimee Chalifoux, daughter of Ken and camping with us. Let me tell you, and Margaret Chalifoux (both Mal grads we were not an easy bunch to teach and the reason I went back to school). team spirit to! We were long haired, Thanks to Journey I have a chance to say with metal music crankin’ and more a very special thank you to someone interested in playing beer games and who I never had the chance to thank. If fighting. you read this, Gunnar, as well as Stuart, I was a very angry, violent, and Dan and Laura—Kinana’skomitina’wa’w addicted young girl, sometimes overdosing every week. Many people —thank you all! did not think I would live to see – Aimee Chalifoux (BA ’08) adulthood. I still had more struggles, Aboriginal Employment Assistance/ but I returned to school years later Youth Support Worker, Rising Spirit (with my father by my side) and we Aboriginal Youth Centre (NENAS)

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E X P LO R AT I O N S Spring/Summer 2010 • Volume 3, Issue 1 Publisher Office of Development & Alumni, Vancouver Island University Executive Editor Director, Development & Alumni Teresa Moore Managing Editor Manager, Alumni Relations David Forrester (Phys Ed ’02, Rec & Sport ’02) Editorial Assistants Janina Stajic Rachelle Stein-Wotten Contributors Marilyn Assaf Matt Carter (BA ’06) Carol Matthews Bruce Patterson

h The Outdoor Classroom: More than 20 fisheries students, such as Jeff Eastman (’06) (left) and Chris Godfreyson (’07), have been working since 2005 with Trout Unlimited Canada, the RBC Blue Water Fund and a consortium of BC Wildlife Federation and Fly Fishing Clubs to help restore cutthroat salmon populations. PHOTO: FRANK DALZIEL (FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE DIPL. ’83)

Graphic Design Rayola Graphic Design

Journey is published in the spring and fall by VIU’s Office of Development & Alumni and is distributed free of charge to alumni and friends. All material is copyright © 2010, Vancouver Island University Development & 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.

We welcome letters to the editor.

Please address all correspondence to: Editor, Journey 114 – 59 Wharf Street Nanaimo, British Columbia Canada V9R 2X3 journey@viu.ca Advertising Inquiries Manager, Alumni Relations 114 – 59 Wharf Street Nanaimo, British Columbia Canada V9R 2X3 250·740·6214 david.forrester@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

Cert no. SW-COC-002226

President’s Viewpoint As many of you discovered while you were students at Malaspina or VIU, the classroom isn’t the only place you learn. Education also comes from learning outside the classroom. Indeed, many of our students develop skills and gain experience by augmenting their classroom studies with experiential education in professional organizations. This experiential education is a critical part of VIU’s teaching philosophy and we place a high value on establishing and reinforcing links with industry that provide real benefits to our students and partners.

Annually, more than 500 students fulfill practicum, internship, or cooperative education positions with a wide range of organizations. For example, last year a team of business students travelled north to Aklavik, NWT, where they worked with business and government leaders and elders to produce an economic development plan for the remote community. Our carpentry students helped renovate the Canadian Red Cross office in Nanaimo and fisheries students helped Trout Unlimited Canada restore cutthroat salmon populations in Qualicum Bay.

Our MBA program matches 140 toplevel business students with internships in Canada and internationally each year.

A complete list of VIU’s applied learning activities would easily fill this magazine.

For many years, faculty members and career services staff have driven these industry partnerships, but I believe that our alumni can increasingly play a valuable role in our students’ education by offering opportunities for practical experience in the workplace. The benefits to the organization by mentoring an enthusiastic, committed student are enormous. Plus, many students return with their degrees, becoming a valuable asset to the organization.

If you are interested in being a part of this network, please contact the alumni office to learn how we can create a valuable partnership with your organization.

I welcome your comments at viewpoint@viu.ca.

Ralph Nilson, PhD President and Vice-Chancellor Vancouver Island University Journey Spring/Summer 2010

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STEPS

Trading Spaces h (L) Sandy Elvy, facility manager, and Arlette Raaen, Powell River campus principal, in VIU’s current automotive training facility. PHOTO: MATT CARTER

Start your engines! VIU’s Powell River trades programs are moving from an outdated, off-campus space to a new and improved home on-campus thanks to a grant of nearly $1million from the federal government. The new facility will improve the delivery of trades programs and spur economic development in the region, according to campus Principal Arlette Raaen.

“It’s expected that this project will result in a $1.5-million economic spin-off and create many employment opportunities,” Raaen said. “In addition to the immediate impact of the construction project, the new facility will help us train skilled workers to be competitive in an evolving, service-based economy.”

The new 418 square-metre building will include a carpentry shop and a teaching garage with room to service

six vehicles and provide significant upgrades to energy efficiencies and health and safety elements, including air quality and ventilation.

The current facility, built in 1972 to house a car dealership, is two kilometres from the campus. In the new facility, students and faculty will be able to walk to classrooms, computer labs, the library, and food services in the main campus building in less than a minute.

Half of the funding for the new facility is coming from the federal government as part of the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a two-year, $2-billion stimulus package for Canadian post-secondary institutions. The remaining funds will be raised by the sale of the current facility.

Cowichan Campus Groundbreaking With golden shovels and hard hats in tow, public officials marked the groundbreaking of the new Cowichan campus at the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds on September 4. The 3,500 square-metre campus is slated to be completed in December 2010. h I can dig it: VIU President Ralph Nilson (in excavator) celebrates the Cowichan campus groundbreaking with (L-R) Cowichan Valley Regional District Board Chair Gerry Giles; Nanaimo-Cowichan MP Jean Crowder; Cowichan Tribes Councillor Albie Charlie; Duncan Mayor Phil Kent; Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development Moira Stilwell; VIU Board of Governors Chair John Phillips; Parksville-Qualicum MLA Ron Cantelon; and District of North Cowichan Mayor Tom Walker. PHOTO: VIU COMMUNICATIONS

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f For more information, visit www.viu.ca/facilities

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h Students in VIU’s Professional Baking program bake bread in a new outdoor oven built at the Nanaimo campus. VIU is the first teaching institution in Canada to have an operating wood-fired oven.

PHOTO: VIU COMMUNICATIONS

Upper Crust Get your bread, bagels, and pizza in an old-school way.

Baking students at VIU are learning traditional baking techniques thanks to a new wood-fired brick oven, built beside the lower cafeteria on the Nanaimo campus in 2009.

VIU is the first teaching institution in Canada to operate a wood-fired brick oven.

Martin Barnett, chair of VIU’s Professional Baking program, said that traditional baking techniques have become increasingly popular in recent years and wood-fired ovens are used more often in bakeries and restaurants to create uniquely tasting products. While it’s easier to start conventional gas and electric ovens and maintain their temperatures, wood-fired ovens can cook at higher temperatures and the combination of wood and brick

imparts different flavours and textures on baked goods.

What you lose in convenience, Barnett said, you gain in taste and cooking speed.

“We can start baking at 600˚ Fahrenheit,” Barnett said.

“At that temperature, thin-crust pizzas are cooked in just a few minutes. Bread, cooked right on the bricks, comes out moist on the inside with a caramelized crust and a wonderful toast flavour.”

Community members have an opportunity to use the oven in a series of VIU Continuing Studies artisan baking courses that begin in spring 2010. f For more information, visit www.viu.ca/ccs/courses/culinaryarts.asp

Put a Cork in It Do you fancy yourself as a serious student of sauvignon blancs and chardonnays? Can you distinguish a pinot noir from a pinotage? VIU’s new Wine Business Certificate is the perfect accompaniment to a career in the wine industry.

The program covers wine making, wine appreciation, wine marketing and tourism, and other aspects of the wine industry. It is geared to students interested in careers in vineyard management, wine marketing, hospitality management, culinary arts, and event planning.

VIU Management professor Fenix Theuerkorn spearheaded the creation of the program. As a former wine maker on Gabriola Island, he learned there was a lot more to the wine business than tasting. “The wine business in B.C. is booming, producing more than $150 million in annual sales, but you need a lot of specialized knowledge to get into the industry,” Theuerkorn said.

The certificate can be earned in one or two years and courses can also be used for credit towards Faculty of Management degrees and diplomas. f For more information, visit www.viu.ca/calendar/Business/winecertificate.asp h Management professor, Fenix Theuerkorn, is excited for the start of the new Wine Business Certificate. PHOTO: MATT CARTER

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STEPS

The Pros of Development You’ve evolved from a sweatpants-wearing, backpacking student to a professional who carries a briefcase and knows the meaning of “business attire.” But even with this evolution, you may still want to upgrade your business skills and stay ahead of the competition. If you do, there’s still a place for you at VIU. The Faculty of Management’s Executive Professional Development (EXDT) program will waive

course and admission prerequisites for industry professionals who want to study undergraduate business courses.

For information on course options and application procedures, visit www.viu.ca/management or contact program coordinator Vanessa Oltmann at 250·753·3245, extension 2190 or vanessa.oltman@viu.ca. Briefcases welcome.

Alumni Office Welcomes New Journey Editor Janina Stajic is excited to start her tenure with VIU’s alumni office as editor of Journey magazine. She comes to the position after working as a reporter and copy editor for a community newspaper, the Gabriola Sounder, and freelancing for a variety of clients and publications. Her feature articles have appeared in Resort+Recreation and on the internet magazine AlterNet; her most recent feature, which examined the life of Cherie Smith, B.C.’s first female publisher, appears in the spring issue of BC BookWorld.

Before settling into rural life on Gabriola Island, Janina travelled the world, visiting countries as diverse as Thailand, Egypt and Mexico. She also lived, worked and studied in two of the world’s most vibrant cities, London and San Francisco.

An alumna of UBC (BA with honours in English and History) and the University of London (MA with merit in Modern English Literature), Janina looks forward to inspiring Journey readers with the success stories of former classmates and the exciting developments happening at their alma mater. PHOTO: DAVID FORRESTER

Enrolment Jumps Up! According to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, enrolment of full-time students in Canadian universities was up by 38,000 in 2009. This marks a 4.1 percent growth in undergraduate programs and a 7.2 percent growth in graduate programs.

VIU Registrar Fred Jacklin said that the growth trend was even more pronounced at VIU because of the institution’s recent transition from a university-college to a university.

“Enrolment is up approximately eight percent or the equivalent of 650 full-time students this year,” said Jacklin. “The economy is a big factor, but we also believe the change to full university status had an impact. Increasing numbers of students are looking at VIU when considering their choice of post-secondary destination.”

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Did You Know?

Vancouver Island University will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2011. The institution started in 1936 as a vocational school called the Dominion Provincial Youth Training Centre before becoming Malaspina College in 1969, Malaspina University-College in 1988 and Vancouver Island University in 2008. Look for more details on the celebration in future editions of Journey.

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Ladysmith Boy Collects Twoonies for VIU’s Sturgeon Five-year-old Alden Thom is one of VIU’s youngest donors.

Alden was so impressed by his November visit to the sturgeon tanks at VIU, he decided to raise money at his fifth birthday party to help the endangered species.

“Instead of presents for himself, Alden decided to collect twoonies from the kids at the party so he could do something important,” said his mom Karen.

On January 14, Alden donated $35 to VIU President Dr. Ralph Nilson and Dr. Harald Rosenthal, president of the World Sturgeon Conservation Society.

Rosenthal was on campus to review plans for VIU’s $5.25-million International Centre for Sturgeon Studies (ICSS), currently under construction.

Sturgeon can live up to 150 years, and are the largest freshwater fish in the world, dating back to the Jurassic period more than 200 million years ago. They are often referred to as living fossils.

Alden, who attends kindergarten in Ladysmith, is a “big nature enthusiast and loves fish,” said Karen. “He’s naturally inquisitive. He spends hours poring over books, especially stories about fish and other marine life and was thrilled when he got to touch a sturgeon. He really wants to see the sturgeon moved into bigger tanks.”

Alden will soon get his wish. The ICSS in Nanaimo is expected to be completed by summer.

VIU is the only academic institution in western Canada to have captive white sturgeon old enough to spawn. For several years, VIU has provided

fertilized eggs and fry for the start-up of B.C.’s only commercial white sturgeon culture operation in Sechelt, B.C. Researchers will use the ICSS to address the conservation and protection of sturgeon species worldwide, and investigate the viability of environmentally responsible sturgeon aquaculture through landbased, closed containment facilities in B.C. and Canada.

Julie Keenan, manager, Major Gifts and Legacies in VIU’s Development and Alumni office, said that funds have been secured from the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund, the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the

h Five-year-old Alden Thom of Ladysmith donated $35 to VIU’s sturgeon centre. Alden presented a plastic baggie of small change collected at his fifth birthday party to Dr. Harald Rosenthal, president of the World Sturgeon Conservation Society. Alden shows off a stuffed toy sturgeon he received from the VIU Fisheries department.

PHOTO: VIU COMMUNICATIONS

Island Coastal Economic Trust.

Fundraising continues for the additional required funds.

“Alden’s $35 donation may be small but it is still significant,” said Fisheries and Aquaculture technician Gord Edmondson. “We greatly appreciate his efforts to help the sturgeon.”

Celebrating Malaspina’s 40th h Several members of the inaugural faculty, including President Carl Opgaard (6th from right), returned to campus in November to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Malaspina College.

PHOTO: DAVID FORRESTER

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STEPS Mariners in Review It’s been another successful—and busy—season for VIU’s Athletic department, which captured its fourth straight aggregate title as BC Colleges’ Athletic Association top athletic program. Here’s a season recap: Women’s Soccer • The team had a strong season, finishing second in league play before finishing fourth at the 2009 provincial championships.

• Katie Flynn, Aileen Holder, Heather Iverson were named to the all-star team.

Men’s Soccer • The team had a great season on the pitch, finishing first in league play and taking home a silver medal at the 2009 provincial championships.

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• Goalkeeper Robbie Cochrane was named Rookie of the Year.

Women’s Volleyball • After a third place finish in league play and a silver medal at the provincial championships, the team captured a wildcard berth and placed fifth at the nationals which were held in Gatineau, Quebec.

Men’s Volleyball • A fourth place finish in league play was doubled by a fourth place finish at the provincial championships.

Journey Spring/Summer 2010

Badminton • Highlights of the provincial championship at VIU included a gold medal for Jenny Aronson and Mike Clark in mixed doubles, silver for Megan Yim in women’s singles and bronze for Luke Couture in the men’s singles.

Golf • Sixth place finish for the men’s team in the final golf tournament of 2009.

h Freshman guard Kayla Gromme drives to the basket against the Langara Falcons at the VIU gymnasium in November.

PHOTO: BRENT DUNLOP

Women’s Basketball • After finishing third in league play, VIU hosted the provincial championships from March 4-6, 2010, and the home team took away the bronze medal.

• Kayla Gromme and Sarah Fraser were named to the all-star team.

Men’s Basketball • They were second in league play and then captured the silver medal as hosts of the provincial championships from March 4-6, 2010 at VIU. • Jacob Thom and Mike Wohlers were both named to the all-star team.

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F E AT U R E

h Rushing to map Vancouver Island’s aquifers: (L) VIU Geography professor Alan Gilchrist and groundwater researcher Pam Newton (BA ’05, GIS ’09).

PHOTO: MATT CARTER

Keeping it Clean Concerned hydrogeologists fear that increased development could have an impact on Vancouver Island’s aquifers, so VIU professors and alumni roll out a tool to help protect the Island’s underground drinking water. BY MATT CARTER If Canadians thought that their drinking water was guaranteed to be safe in the year 2000, they were wrong.

There was outrage and disbelief when the rural town of Walkerton, Ont., made national headlines for all of the wrong reasons, as E. coli bacteria entered the local water system and public officials failed to warn residents of the contamination. Nearly half of the 5,000 residents became ill and seven people died.

An inquiry revealed that the source of E. coli was cow manure that had drained into the underground water supply following a heavy rainfall. Further water testing across the country uncovered more aquifers with dangerous levels of bacteria and chemicals. The diarrhea-inducing

parasite Cryptosporidium showed up in North Battleford, Sask., and the industrial solvent trichloroethylene was found in wells in Beckwith, Ont. Keeping groundwater free of pollution is a constant concern for hydrogeologists, civic planners, and health officials. While pollutants flow quickly out of surface water sources, such as rivers and lakes, groundwater moves incredibly slowly—sometimes millimetres per day—so it could take years to flush out pollutants. On Vancouver Island, there are more than 22,000 wells which draw water from aquifers, bodies of rock that hold water or through which water flows. All aquifers, including the one in Walkerton, are vulnerable to contamination, and these risks

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F E AT U R E

professors Alan Gilchrist (Geography), could increase as the Island’s Steven Earle (Earth Sciences), and Erik population continues to grow.

Krogh (Chemistry) teamed up with the “We’re expecting Vancouver Island’s B.C. Ministry of Environment and induspopulation to increase substantially try representatives to create the over the next 10 years, so we can’t stop Vancouver Island Water Resource developing,” said Pat Lapcevic, section Vulnerability Mapping Project. Using a head of water protection for the B.C. wide range of hydrogeological data, VIU Ministry of Environment. “We had to researchers created maps that located find a way to manage land use so our the Island’s aquifers and identified their aquifers aren’t impacted. Once aquifers relative vulnerability to pollutants. are polluted, they are very difficult to clean up and repair.”

“The project committee noted that Agriculture runoff, industrial polluVIU had the technical expertise in geoh Regan Purdy (BA ’06) compiled data to help tion, fertilizers, pesticides used in agrigraphic information system (GIS) appliprotect aquifers. culture and on golf courses, and waste cations to create these detailed maps,” from deteriorating septic systems can seep silently through Gilchrist said. “It was also seen as a chance to give valuable the soil into aquifers. Obviously, the best way to avoid this experience to students and recent graduates.” would be to refrain from using these potentially contamiGeography alumna Regan Purdy (BA ’06) was hired to nating substances near the aquifer. However, developers on gather physical aquifer data from existing government and Vancouver Island had no convenient way of finding out industry reports. In addition to full days compiling data in where aquifers were, and if they were particularly susceptiVIU’s Institute for Coastal Research, she promoted the projble to contamination. ect to municipal planners, media, and VIU students.

“During my time working on this project, I learned that Cue VIU’s involvement. Based on recommendations from a there are a lot of misconceptions about our water Vancouver Island working group on water management,

h Maps created by VIU researchers indicate the location of aquifers on Vancouver Island and their vulnerability to pollutants. The maps are a useful tool in influencing land use decisions.

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Water Facts Spring cleaning Groundwater is often better for drinking than surface water because it is typically cleaner. “Before we can drink it, surface water has to be treated to remove organisms,” Pat Lapcevic said. “The movement of groundwater through cracks in bedrock and sand filters the water.”

Water, water, everywhere Nearly one million square kilometres of Canada’s total surface area is covered by fresh water and there’s even more water underground. Groundwater aquifers provide drinking water for eight million Canadians, including 80% of the rural population.

Aquifers Underground water concentrates in areas called aquifers—layers of permeable bedrock or porous loose material (clay, gravel, sand) that allow water to flow through them. Useable aquifers range from a few hectares to thousands of square kilometres in size, and exist from only a few metres to nearly two kilometres beneath the surface. If you can find an aquifer, you’ve got an ideal spot to dig a well.

resources,” Purdy said. “We look out our windows and see water everywhere, but that doesn’t mean it’s all useable for drinking. Groundwater is a vital piece of many municipal water management plans.”

Purdy spent months collecting and inputting soil, water chemistry, construction, well, and hydrology data from the Nanaimo and Cowichan Valley regional districts into a master database. The data was analyzed with a methodology that combined seven soil, topography, and water flow parameters to produce aquifer vulnerability ratings.

Gilchrist gave the ratings to students Lynne Lawson (BA ’08, GIS ’09), Chris Achtzner (BA ’06, GIS ’09), and Pam Newton (BA ’05, GIS ’09), who converted the data into high-resolution maps as part of their GIS studies. The maps are now available for government and industry use through the Ministry of Environment and the Nanaimo and Cowichan Valley regional districts. They’ve already influenced land use decisions in the region and possibly saved a large aquifer that serves many people south of Nanaimo.

“We immediately saw the value of the research when we analyzed the groundwater systems in Cedar and Cassidy,” Gilchrist said. “About 75 percent of the area is served by well water and the Cassidy airport sits directly over the Cassidy aquifer. When the Airport Commission proposed an expansion of the runway, our research showed that the ground is porous and the groundwater sits close to the surface, so it’s very vulnerable to contaminants. In response, the Commission put forward a plan to design an apron to contain fuel spills and construct a fuel treatment facility. It’s a great example of how science can be included in community planning.”

After completing the central Island maps, the project team began to map the rest of the aquifers on Vancouver Island.

According to Gilchrist, the mapping is expected to be completed by the summer of 2010 and will represent the largest land mass in Canada to be analyzed with the drastic methodology (see drastic illustration). It’s a testament to the expertise of VIU’s geography professors and students.

“It’s great that the university can

h DRASTIC methodology determines if an area's groundwater is likely to be contaminated when a pollutant is placed on the surface. DRASTIC is an acronym for the seven factors that determine how likely an area's groundwater is to be contaminated: Depth to water, net Recharge, Aquifer media, Soil media, Topography, Impact of vadose zone, and hydraulic Conductivity.

contribute to such extremely valuable research,” Newton said. “For me, it’s been a great way to gain technical experience with GIS mapping and it’s definitely increased my knowledge of water resource issues.”

Like Newton, Purdy has gained a new appreciation for water resource issues from the project. After completing her work on the project, she was hired as a project planner by the Ministry of Environment and is enrolled in a graduate program in Environment Management at Royal Roads University. She’s proud of the water mapping research, viewing it as more than just a tool to protect aquifers, but a way to educate people about water protection issues.

“Looking at the big picture, water sustainability issues are all about our survival,” Purdy said. “On this project, I surveyed areas where I grew up, so it meant a lot to me to know that I was involved in a project that is working to maintain the quality of drinking water in these communities. At its core, this kind of research helps shape the future of the Island.” J

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When Kirsten Schuld (BSc ’04) was in her first year as a trauma nurse, she volunteered to go to Indonesia after one of the planet’s largest natural disasters in recorded history, the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

In extremely trying circumstances, she discovered the remarkable resilience of the human spirit.

BY MATT CARTER

W

hile much of the world celebrated Christmas Day in 2004, the floor beneath the Indian Ocean was preparing to explode.

As one tectonic plate slipped under another, a thousand-year battle for position ended with a 9.2 magnitude earthquake that caused the Earth to shudder for nearly 10 minutes, an eternity compared to a typical earthquake that lasts just a few seconds.

However, most of the damage from this enormous quake did not come during these 10 long minutes but during the hours following. The seafloor jumped by several metres along a 1,000 kilometre stretch, forcing the ocean to surge upwards. It created a series of tsunamis that blindsided and obliterated coastal communities in 11 countries.

h An Indonesian boy surveys the devastation caused by the massive tsunami that hit his homeland on December 26, 2004.

PHOTO: TRAPPE / GETSTOCK.COM

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the Heart

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t of Disaster Journey Spring/Summer 2010

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C O V E R F E AT U R E

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n Vancouver, B.C., first-year trauma nurse Kirsten (Reems) Schuld (BSc ’04) watched the destruction on television. Commentators compared the images of flattened towns to the bombing of Hiroshima. Hundreds of thousands of people were missing, dead, drowned—sucked out into the ocean or buried in their own homes.

While a local reporter interviewed a spokesperson for Rose Charities Canada, a non-profit organization that links volunteers with international poverty and disaster relief projects, Schuld thought back two years when she and seven classmates in VIU’s nursing program went to Vietnam on a seven-week field school, which included attending to children with injuries or Down syndrome in orphanages in Hue and Hanoi.

“We gave out toys and cooked and played with them as part of their care,” Schuld said. “Simple things to us, but it made a huge difference in their world. It opened my eyes to the blessings that I had in my life and I pledged to my classmates that I’d return overseas to help others.”

Now, listening to the Rose Charities volunteer, she saw her opportunity. Schuld called and offered to help in any way she could. When the Rose Charities coordinator learned she was a nurse, he said that she could help the most by going to the afflicted areas as they were desperate for nurses and doctors. Schuld agreed to go.

Her next phone call was to her father, Nanaimo physician Dr. Hendrik Reems. Schuld invited him to join her. He accepted, as this was more than an opportunity to help out a city in crisis; it was a once in a lifetime chance for a father to work side by side with his daughter as she started her career. Two days later, they were on a flight to Banda Aceh, Indonesia, a city of 250,000 people that was 250 kilometres from the epicentre of the earthquake. The tsunami had hit it head-on.

W

hen they arrived in Banda Aceh, most of the flood waters had receded, but the city was still swimming—in corpses, hanging from trees and strewn about the ground in thousands. The tsunami had dumped fishing boats in front of factories kilometres away from shore. Roads were washed away and whole neighbourhoods had disappeared, rendering maps useless.

Approximately one-third of the city was flattened.

“For the first time in my life, I felt totally…,” Schuld paused to catch the right word, “…dispensable. There was violence, people dying in front of you, massive aftershocks, you couldn’t drink the water… there were so many threats to your life that you had this overwhelming feeling of insignificance and a realization that you aren’t so important.”

Schuld and Reems were assigned to work with a group of Asian doctors and an Australian military team. Together,

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they took over an unused hospital that had been damaged by the earthquake, but not flooded; the tsunami had subsided 20 feet from the front door. The team set up makeshift operating rooms and blood labs. A local with medical experience arrived “out of nowhere” to operate the X-ray equipment. Across the city, the main hospital was stretched past its limits, so patients swarmed in once word spread that a second hospital was open.

After establishing an Intensive Care Unit and treating the sickest patients the team focused on the need for blood. “No

h Kirsten Schuld comforts one of the victims of the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami in a makeshift hospital after the disaster.

PHOTO: COURTESY KIRSTEN SCHULD

one had ever heard of blood transfusions,” Schuld said.

“They couldn’t comprehend the idea of giving blood. We finally convinced the head of the police force to donate, so everyone said, ‘okay, if he’s doing it, we’ll do it’.”

Their medical team worked late into the nights. Schuld cleaned infected wounds, dispensed medication, and set up beds and cots for patients wherever they found space. In one room, she attended patients who were healing, without pain medication, after amputations. In another, she helped patients with aspiration pneumonia—brought on by inhaling dirty tsunami water—breathe by fabricating breathing apparatuses out of straws. “They were literally drowning in their own lung fluid,” Schuld said.

Many more who thought they had escaped the tsunami with only scrapes or cuts arrived in pain at the hospital a week later with tetanus, a disease caused by exposure to bacteria from soil or animal waste that leads to progressively

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severe muscle spasms, strong enough to break bones. In this environment, it was fatal.

“Tetanus was pretty much a death sentence,” Schuld said.

“We had no vaccines. All we could do was put them in rooms with no stimulation to prevent their muscle spasms…it was horrible.”

Schuld was also responsible for post-operative patient care. She listened to patients’ stories: how family members had been lost to the ocean, how homes and businesses and possessions were swallowed up, how the tsunami sounded like a freight train as it roared over beaches and into the city. But because of this hospital, they were alive.

When the flow of incoming patients slowed down, Schuld and Reems trekked inland to distribute medicine and conduct public health clinics in outlying communities.

The villages were green and lush with vegetation, a respite from Banda Aceh which had been stripped of all but its tallest and hardiest trees. Schuld found further relief by spending her spare time with children. “I would throw on funny sunglasses and a funny T-shirt and we’d do our best to make each other laugh,” Schuld said.

“They already thought I was bizarre because I had curly blonde hair.”

Schuld was asked how many people she treated during the three and a half weeks she was in Indonesia. She sat silently for a minute, as if she had never considered the answer to that question.

“Hundreds,” she said, shifting uncomfortably in her seat.

“This sounds horrible, but by the end of the first week, there wasn’t much left to do. You’d done your amputations and people were healing. Everyone else had died.”

“...there were so many threats to your life that you had this overwhelming feeling of insignificance and a realization that you aren’t so important.”

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ver the next two years, Schuld assisted victims of two more disasters. In 2005 she went to Jacksonville, Mississippi, attending to minor injuries and distributing medicine from a church basement following Hurricane Katrina.

In May 2006 she returned to Indonesia after Yogyakarta, a

popular tourist destination on the island of Java, was rocked by a 6.6 magnitude earthquake which also awakened Mount Merapi, a volcano only 30 kilometres away from the city.

Her team was posted to a hospital in the city of Solo that was built to handle 200 patients: 500 were there when she arrived.

“They were so appreciative of any help you could give them,” Schuld said. “We had one patient who lost his wife and three of his kids and we had to amputate his leg. And you know what he said? He was thankful that he still had his arms. This man lost everything in his life and he’s lying in a hospital saying, ‘at least I still have my arms.’ I was incredibly moved.”

On Schuld’s last day in Indonesia, Mount Merapi erupted.

The lava flowed away from Yogyakarta, allowing the rebuilding of the city to continue. At the hospital, Schuld watched specks of ash rain down on the window in her room as she packed for the trip home.

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n September 2009 an earthquake hit the island of Sumatra in western Indonesia. News agencies reported that more than 1,000 people were feared dead and thousands more were injured.

In Vancouver, Schuld watched the reports on television and yearned to help, to jump on a plane, to experience the paradox of extreme exhaustion and exhilaration at the same time, caring for grateful patients late into the night. But her life story has moved to a new chapter.

She completed a master’s degree in nursing at UBC, married, and started a new job as a clinical director for a company that leverages purchasing power for hospitals and health care institutions when buying supplies and products.

It’s not a situation that is conducive to leaving the country for two weeks on a day’s notice, but she continues to volunteer at a community church and for local Rose Charities fundraising events, knowing that there are still strides to be made at ground levels as well as ground zeros.

“You don’t have to wait for a disaster to happen to make a difference,” Schuld said. “Look at your own town. Help with a homeless dinner or a needle exchange. You’ll see suffering, but it will make you a stronger person and you’ll appreciate life so much more.”

Her father has contemplated a return overseas after he retires, encouraged by the contribution he was able to make in Banda Aceh. Schuld believes that she’ll do the same when she retires, and as she continues working in health care in Vancouver, the people of Banda Aceh, the southeastern United States, and Yogyakarta continue to rebuild their communities and families, proving that humankind hasn’t forgotten about one of its great gifts: the ability to heal others, and ourselves. J Journey Spring/Summer 2010

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F E AT U R E

From Kenya to Canada Displaced from her Sudanese home at the age of four, Liz Atong (R) grew up in an isolated refugee camp in northern Kenya with minimal chances of receiving a university education.

Thanks to the efforts of fourth year Anthropology student Kalila Wilkinson, Atong has left everything behind for an opportunity to study in Canada as VIU’s first sponsored student refugee. BY MATT CARTER 16

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n the outside, Liz Atong, 20, is like many other first-year students. She is enrolled in a full load of biology, chemistry, math, and global studies courses, lives in a house with four other students, follows current fashions, and marvels at VIU’s lush campus. Her plan is to become a nurse, or maybe a journalist; like all first-year students, anything is possible.

However, this is where the similarities with her colleagues end. Atong was born in the Jonglei province in southern Sudan but hasn’t seen her homeland since she was four years old, h Life in Kakuma is very challenging with many families housed in crowded, open-sided when her family fled the war-torn country and sheds with crumbling floors and thin sheets hung for some slight privacy.

PHOTO: FR. KENNETH J. GAVIN - JESUIT REFUGEE SERVICE/USA crossed the southern border into Kenya. They resettled in Kakuma, a refugee camp 100 kilomeThe education system is not pleasant, either. While pritres from the border. Kakuma, which is the Swahili word mary schools are free and open to everyone, government for nowhere, is a barbed-wire fenced community that regulations restrict the numbers of Sudanese refugees who sprawls across a 25-kilometre radius of dust and thin trees, can attend the camp’s high school, and even fewer get a home to 60,000 refugees, most from Sudan, Somalia, and chance to go to university. If you are a woman, the chances Ethiopia. Patchwork rows of shacks, huts, and tents mark are even slimmer. living spaces and businesses. Sporadic violence between However, Atong managed to keep her education going. refugee groups and locals from outside of Kakuma keep resiAfter completing primary school, she earned a scholarship dents in fear. Food and water are rationed and the average from the Jesuit Refugee Services, a humanitarian organizadaytime temperature is 40˚ Celsius. tion with ongoing ties to Kakuma. The scholarship allowed her to study at a Kenyan high school outside of the camp.

Ironically, the Kakuma high school that couldn’t accept her SUDAN as a student invited her to teach and tutor students in sciETHIOPIA ence and English after she graduated. Atong accepted the offer, a rare opportunity for a refugee to earn money in the Kakuma Lake Turkana camp. She was younger than some of her own students who struggled to graduate, an understandable situation in classrooms where thirty students might share one textbook.

While teaching at the high school, Atong learned of the UGANDA World University Service of Canada’s (WUSC) Student SOMALIA Refugee Program, a program that links young refugees with opportunities to study at post-secondary institutions in Canada. Kenyan partners of the WUSC distributed program literature at her school. Atong read it with Lake interest. She fulfilled all of the program’s requirements: Victoria she was recognized by the United Nations as a refugee, was Nairobi single, proficient in English (as well as Dinka, Arabic, and Swahili), and a high school graduate with good grades.

Atong’s world changed when she received a call from TANZANIA WUSC informing her that she was one of only 50 students worldwide who were selected to resettle and study in Canada. Six months later, she had packed a small suitcase Indian Ocean and was headed for the Nairobi airport, ready to fly away from Africa. Her family remained in Kakuma’s dust bowl, praying for her safety and success.

KENYA

h Kakuma Camp, 100 km from Kenya’s northern border with Sudan.

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F E AT U R E

affect bread prices in Kenya. In a global perspective, Liz and I were neighbours long before she arrived in Canada. VIU students can learn so much from someone like Liz. “Some of the cultural differences are amusing,” Wilkinson added. “Liz can’t believe we keep animals in the house and feed them out of dishes. She thinks it’s hilarious.” Atong was also a little unsure about her first exposure to snow that the Canadians promised would arrive sooner than later. “I’d only ever seen it in movies,” Atong laughed.

Atong is VIU’s first sponsored student refugee, and so far, she’s enjoying life in Canada. She’s made friends, spent her birthday touring Vancouver, and plans to learn French. However, the h General view of Kakuma, which gives shelter to approximately 60,000 Sudanese, Somalian and distance between Atong and her family Ethiopian refugees. PHOTO: CHRISTOPHE CALAIS in Kakuma weighs heavily on her. She talks with her mother on the phone regularly, absorbing as much about home as she can while “It wasn’t easy to leave my family, but this was my only keeping up with her classes. chance to get a university education,” Atong said. “It “I miss my family so much, but I need to work hard to helped that I heard from other students from Kakuma who keep up,” Atong said. “So far, I’m passing all of my classes. went to Canada, and they were very impressed with the My professors are very helpful.” country.”

Only when she arrived in August 2009 did she meet the Wilkinson and Atong have become good friends and both person who spearheaded the Canadian efforts to bring her to want the student refugee program continued at VIU. A refCanada. Kalila Wilkinson is a fourth-year anthropology stuerendum Wilkinson put forward in the spring of 2010, askdent at VIU who started VIU’s first WUSC club in 2008 and ing students to support a small student fee increase to bring raised more than $13,000 to supa student refugee to VIU every port a student refugee’s journey to year, was overwhelmingly Canada. Wilkinson was motivated endorsed by students, ensuring WUSC to bring a student refugee to the program will continue.

Canada after hearing a group of The World University Service of Canada is a non-gov“This is an opportunity for VIU former student refugees share ernmental organization that has organized educato unleash the potential of young their stories at a WUSC conference tion development projects in Canada and overseas people who have been denied in Ottawa. since 1957. It has representatives at 80 campuses basic human rights,” Wilkinson across Canada. The Student Refugee Program is its said. “The program proves that “These students came out of horflagship program and has enabled more than 1,000 education can change a life and rible situations,” Wilkinson said, student refugees to resettle in Canada and study at change the world.” “but what really impressed me Canadian universities since 1978. was how they rose to the occaWhen Atong graduates, she’ll sion when given an opportunity have control over her own f For more information, visit www.wusc.ca to study in Canada.” future, unlike many still conWhen it came time to select one fined to Kakuma, including her of the WUSC’s student refugees, own family. Her original plan Wilkinson and her partners chose Atong, the only female was to return to Sudan and work in health care. However, applicant from Kakuma. “We chose Liz based on the diffishe has permanent resident status in Canada now thanks culties that female refugees face in getting an education.” to the Student Refugee Program and doesn’t rule out the Wilkinson has been asked why she chose to help someone possibility of staying in the country. Time will tell, Atong from Africa when there are needs right here at home. “In says, with a slight shrug and a shy smile, reinforcing that my opinion, we are all one,” Wilkinson said. “The entire for the first time in her life, she has options. Anything is planet is connected. Wheat farming practices in Canada possible. J

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ALUMNI IN VIEW

h Nancy Danuser (BA ’03, BEd ’03), Grade 10-12 Assistant Language teacher, Kumamoto, Japan

h Scott Jolly (BA ’00, BEd ’00), International K-12 School principal, Busan, South Korea

h Kacy Morgan (BA ’07, BEd ’07), Grade 10 English teacher, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Q&A: At the Front of a Foreign Classroom Journey spoke with three VIU graduates about their experiences teaching in Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.

What are some of the differences between teaching overseas and in Canada?

know that working hard here can help them get accepted into a top university in the United States.

great deal of compassion for them and the peer pressures they face at school and family pressures at home.

Nancy Danuser: The pressure of the education system in Japan is great, and so much of a child’s future depends on going to the right school and university. As a result, while high school in Japan is not mandatory, most students attend because it gives them the best opportunity to pass competitive university entrance exams. This is also the reason why Japanese students have extra study classes in the morning and after school and why most of them aren’t allowed to have part time jobs that take time away from their studies.

Kacy Morgan: I teach in an all-girls school in Abu Dhabi. Boys and girls go to different schools here. Every morning when I walk into the classroom, the girls jump to their feet and shout, “Good morning teacher, we love you!”

KM: Kids are kids no matter where you are in the world. My students have the same hobbies and interests as students back home.

Scott Jolly: At our school in South Korea, we have an American curriculum. There are more than 20 nationalities with students from nursery to grade 12. Our after-school programs include Model United Nations and SAT and TOEFL preparation classes in addition to arts and sports.

Most of our students have specific goals in mind for their education. We are one of the few schools on the Korean Peninsula that administers SAT tests, so our students

There is no policy about tardiness or absenteeism. One day, only 20 of 850 students showed up, so the principal sent us all home. As well, even though it’s a rich country, the schools have few resources for teachers and you have to rely on your own income for things such as photocopier paper and paper clips.

What have your students taught you?

ND: I learned a lot of Japanese slang! I also learned that even though my students wore uniforms, they were all very distinct individuals.

SJ: My students are all different and I have learned to respect that difference. I have a

How has your overseas experience made an impact on you?

ND: As a foreigner, I experienced some prejudice but it has made me more aware of how I treat others. I am more openminded and willing to try new things—and I will eat anything now!

SJ: I’m more understanding of different cultures. Being a minority in Korea has allowed me to see the language and discrimination struggles that immigrants must face in Canada.

KM: It’s inspired me to stay overseas.

Without English, UAE students can’t get into federal universities. So, as an English teacher, I feel that I can make a bigger impact on students’ lives here than I could in Nanaimo.

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ALUMNI IN VIEW

High Pane Threshold Dan Agius (Commerce Dipl. ’85) knew when to seize a window of opportunity, and his hometown is better for it.

D

an Agius is one of Powell River’s business success stories, a native son who grew a small installation business into an award-winning home renovation outlet with four branches and 80 employees. His path started with a career choice he made when he was only 20 years old.

After finishing high school, Agius moved to Nanaimo to study business at Malaspina College. To help pay his way PHOTO: POWELL RIVER LIVING MAGAZINE through school, he taught students how to use software in the business department computer lab. During summer the Powell River Chamber of Commerce, said that the breaks, he returned to Powell River and installed windows manufacturing plant is just one of Agius’s considerable and gutters for Modern Installations, a small, local home contributions to the Powell River region. improvement business.

“Dan has made an economic impact on the region, but his After graduating, he returned to Powell River and was value to the community is much greater,” Formosa said. “He faced with two career opportunities. “I was teaching a few is an active director of the Chamber of Commerce and night classes at Malaspina when the college offered me a fullconsistently makes charitable donations in the community. time position,” Agius said. “I enjoyed working with He was also one of the founding directors of the Bruce computers, so I told [Modern owner] Bill Hopkins about it.

Denniston Bone Marrow Society, a nation-wide charity that He countered by offering me a partnership in his company.” started in Powell River.”

In the end, the lure of being a business owner at the age of When he looks back, the biggest decision wasn’t whether 20 was too strong. He accepted Hopkins’ offer and he should teach in a computer lab or install windows. It was continued to install gutters and windows while managing his decision to stay and invest in his hometown. Agius is and expanding Modern’s product lines and services. He frank about the economic advantages to operating his opened a branch office in Courtenay and asked David Eliason business in Powell River, but his top priority (Commerce Diploma ’85), one is enjoying where he lives. of his Malaspina classmates, to “Most of our competitors are based in run it. Expansions to Duncan In 2009, Agius travelled to Ottawa to accept Vancouver and they only concentrate on and Nanaimo followed. an Energy Star Market Transformation Vancouver,” Agius said. “We can focus on In 2008, Agius opened a 1,670 Award for marketing, putting Modern in Vancouver Island—most would consider us a square-metre window similar company with Whirlpool, Sears, and Vancouver Island manufacturing facility in the BC Hydro. The award business—but enjoy the former industrial wing of Max recognized Modern’s benefits of living and Cameron Secondary School in “Great Taste in Windows” working in our Powell River. He equipped it campaign, designed by hometown. If we were with a complete line of brand Vancouver Island’s Impact located on the Island, our new manufacturing equipment, Visual Communications sales volume would making it the most high-tech and seen in print and on probably increase, but medium-sized window highway billboards on we’re just Powell River manufacturing facility in B.C. Vancouver Island. proud.”

David Formosa, president of

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On the Olympic Trail The 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Vancouver were a rare opportunity for B.C. residents to get involved in a major international event—VIU alumni included.

Liz Williams (BTM ’03), Manager of Sport Tourism and Marketing for the City of Nanaimo, coordinated Nanaimo’s community celebration of the Olympic torch relay.

Thousands of residents cheered Nanoose Bay’s Michelle Stilwell, a three-time Paralympic gold medalist, as she carried the torch into Maffeo Sutton Park on Halloween night. h Liz Williams (BTM ’03) “The best part of the job was working with the volunteers and local agencies to pull off an event of this size,” Williams said. “People in Nanaimo always impress me with their willingness to get involved.”

Kelly Fryer (BA ’03, BEd ’04) and Dan Porteous (Leisure Studies ’82) coordinated a similar celebration event in Cedar, B.C., earlier in the day. “Seeing all of the children’s

h Karen Stefanson (BTM ’00)

games per day during the Olympics and four sledge hockey games per day during the Paralympics.

“This was my dream job,” Stefanson said. “I became interested in special events as a Tourism Management student at VIU, and to work for VANOC to produce one of the biggest events in the world was a thrill!”

Elijah Buffalo (BA ’09) was one of 12,000 Canadians selected to carry the Olympic torch on its cross-country relay. Buffalo, a cyclist and triathlete, carried the torch for 300 metres between Revelstoke and Kamloops in January.

He said that he drew inspiration for the run from the first Native American athlete to win Olympic gold, Jim Thorpe, who won the pentathlon and decathlon events in 1912.

h Kelly Fryer (BA ’03, BEd ’04)

faces light up as the Olympic flame passed through the community was the highlight for me,” Fryer said.

On the Lower Mainland, Karen Stefanson (BTM ’00) worked as the Food and Beverage Manager for women’s and men’s hockey events at UBC. She was responsible for making sure there was enough food for 6,000 spectators, 800 workers, athletes, officials, and media for two hockey

h Elijah Buffalo (BA ’09)

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ALUMNI IN VIEW

Inaugural Alumni Association Established A diverse group of alumni leaders has joined forces to form the inaugural Board of Directors of VIU’s Alumni Association. Directors will oversee the strategic development of the association and represent the more than 30,000 VIU, Malaspina and Vocational Trade School alumni through leadership, advocacy and service.

Board members, who come from a variety of industries and backgrounds, and from four decades of graduates, include: chair Nathan Thornton (BA Transfer ’90), Richard Aisaican (BA First Nations Studies ’01), Natasha Bob (BA Major in Criminology ’06), Graham Calder (Carpentry ’83),

Pat Dennison (VTS Secretarial Training ’68), Don Hubbard (Heavy Duty Mechanics ’66).

Next steps for the group include creating a strategic plan to further engage alumni as VIU prepares to mark its 75th anniversary in 2011, and coordinating a spring election to fill vacant positions on the board. Please contact the alumni office if you are interested in joining the Alumni Association Board or would like more information about the association. f For more information please contact David Forrester, Manager, Alumni Relations at alumni@viu.ca

Alumni Reception in Japan The alumni office hosted its first-ever overseas event at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo, Japan in October, 2009. VIU President Dr. Ralph Nilson, new Dean of International Education, Graham Pike, and Manager of International Education Contracts & Group Programs, Theresa Meyer, hosted more than 30 attendees who networked with fellow alumni and shared their stories and memories of VIU. More than 1,000 international students study at VIU annually and our alumni can be found in all regions of the world. The alumni office is working to establish connections with all of our alumni and looks forward to many more overseas events. If you would like to help organize an event in your region, please contact alumni@viu.ca.

VIU Alumni Association – Call for Nominations!

VIU Alumni Association’s Selection Committee is accepting nominations for board member positions.

Alumni must nominate a candidate or self-nominate by 4 p.m. on April 30, 2010. Please include the following two items with your nomination:

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• A short bio of the candidate • A statement of interest (why the candidate would like to be considered for a board position) All nominations should be emailed to David Forrester, Manager, Alumni Relations at alumni@viu.ca.

The 10-member Alumni Association board represents the more than 30,000 VIU, Malaspina and Vocational Trade School alumni through leadership, advocacy and service. f For more information on the VIU Alumni Association please visit www.viu.ca/alumni

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ALUMNEYE

AlumnEye

Americas and finished in the top seven.

The event is the largest single chef competition in the world with more than 600 chefs competing.

Let us know about your new job, promotion, wedding, family addition, travels, or further academic achievements at alumni@viu.ca.

Derek Dammann (Cook Training ’97) is the chef and owner of DNA Restaurant in Montreal, Quebec. www.dnarestaurant.com

Tracey (Martin) Durazo (BA ’95) is the corporate manager and a research assistant for Konec, Inc., a pharmaceutical company in Tucson, Arizona. After VIU, Durazo earned her paralegal degree from Blackstone University, Virginia, and is currently working on her business law degree.

She also took time out to have two children and is married to the president of Konec, Inc. Chris Thomson (Cook Training ’95) is executive sous chef at the Banff Centre and a recent finalist at the Global Chefs Challenge where he represented the

Doreen “Dorie” Leach (Microcomputer Applications Specialist Cert. ’97) is the floral designer and owner of Blush Fresh Floral Design in Powell River, B.C. Aaron Jex (BSc ’00) received the Peter Nansen Young Scientist Award from the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology. The award recognized his research on the parasite Cryptosporidium, which causes diarrhea in animals and livestock. The award also recognized Jex’s work on a range of parasitic worms that infect sheep, cattle, and dogs.

Lee MacDonald (Tourism Dipl. ’00) is married and has two daughters. He is

the special finance manager (a.k.a The Credit Wizard) at Woodgrove Chrysler in Nanaimo. Although no longer working in tourism, MacDonald credits his years at Malaspina for his personal growth and for the skills he currently uses to help customers rebuild their credit and fix their transportation needs.

Yuki Nakamura (Fine Arts Technical Theatre Dipl. ’02) returned to Tokyo, Japan after living in Canada for six years and is working as a stage manager for Cirque du Soleil.

Curtis Wilson (BA ’03), his wife, Dayle, and three year old daughter, Nalu live in Campbell River. He works for the Nanwakolas Council as a referrals officer and is serving his second term as a councillor for the Wei Wai Kum Nation-Campbell River Band, where he works with youth, culture, and education portfolios. Wilson is an avid carver. Much of his work can be found in galleries throughout B.C. www.curtiswilson.ca

A Notable Career If you watch some of the hottest shows on television, you’ve likely heard the music of Andrew Oye (Associate in Music Dipl. – Jazz ’95).

Three years ago, during a slow period for his job teaching guitar, Oye started composing pieces for television, radio and movies. Today, Oye is building an impressive list of credits on shows such as Lost, Dexter, Entourage and The Office and has nearly 600 compositions available for licensing by entertainment agencies.

Oye, who studied guitar while attending VIU, is also proficient at percussion, keyboards and bass. While he still teaches guitar part time at the I Wanna Rock School of Music in Nanaimo, Oye’s primary focus is composing two to five songs a week, sometimes on very short notice.

When producers of CSI wanted ice cream truck music that evoked a creepy feel, Oye had one hour to put something together.

The talented musician also created music for a few movies and would like to work on scores for major or independent films. It’s an ambitious goal, but Oye is used to fulfilling high expectations. When he started composing for agencies, he decided he wanted his music on CSI, Lost and Dexter. This year he was on all three. www.andrewoye.com PHOTO: VIU COMMUNICATIONS

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ALUMNEYE Colin Brost (BTM ’04) and his wife Michelle welcomed Riley Parker Brost on October 15, 2009 at 4:38 p.m. Riley weighed in at 8 lbs 10 oz.

Food for Thought Living consciously—as she says, “realizing that one’s actions affect everyone and everything”—is Nicole Shaw’s (Graphics Diploma ’95) lifestyle philosophy. How she puts that into action garnered her and partner, Dirk Becker, recognition in a list of Nanaimo’s 20 most powerful people.

Shaw is active in the community: past president of the Nanaimo Women’s Resources Society and Nanaimo Women’s Business Network boards; three-time organizer of the GreenSolutions Tradeshow and Speaker Series; and founder and publisher of Synergy Magazine, a bi-monthly “mindful living” publication.

Furthermore, most locals know Shaw and Becker through their organic vegetable farm and popular farmers market. Shaw said that they are perfect venues to raise awareness about how global issues are connected to food and farming, and growing numbers of people are listening.

“If you combine pollution from farm equipment and transport vehicles, chemicals from pesticides, and methane from farm animals, it adds up to make our food system the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions,” Shaw said. “And right now in B.C., one in four children between the ages of one and 18 are slated for diabetes. Through food, we can open discussions about health, economies, land use, politics, and consumption.”

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Quynne Craddock (Associate in Classical Music Dipl. ’04) completed her BA with a major in music and a minor in commerce at UBC. She worked as assistant orchestrator on the Oscar nominated film District 9 where she helped prepare the composer’s digital music for the orchestra. Among her other projects, she also composed the music for the 2009 Race Highlights video by A.D.S. Collective, for Chip’s Not Dead Yet Memorial Mile, an annual fundraiser for B.C. Children’s Hospital.

Currently she’s working on the score for the film The Battle of Burgledorf. www.myspace.com/mightyquynne

David Harding (Automotive Service Technician Cert. ’05) is a corporal in the Canadian Forces and is on an extended mission in Afghanistan where he works as a mechanic at a patrol base southwest of Kandahar.

With others he is responsible for the

Kelly Fryer (BA ’03, BEd ’04) is a recreation programmer for the Regional District of Nanaimo.

Andrew Kolasinski (BA ’04) is the publisher of Island Angler and proprietor of Kola Publishing. The tabloid magazine is a guide to fishing on Vancouver Island. Kolasinski also works as a freelance writer for a wide range of publications on a variety of topics.

Cindy Page (CYC Dipl. ’04) earned her master’s in Learning and Technology at Royal Roads University, where she focused on instructional design and early childhood education. She received an Entrance Award, the Chancellor’s Award for highest academic achievement, and Founder’s Award for leadership, sustainability, and personal growth. She feels her education at VIU greatly contributed to her success.

Duncan Pike (BA ’04) lives in Langley, B.C. and is president of Sport Performance Specialists in Vancouver. www.sps-powerskating.ca Jennifer Farr (BA ’05) moved to Vancouver in January of this year to work for ICBC as a senior financial information advisor.

Mr. Sandman Former VIU Mariner volleyball player Maverick Hatch (Recreation Transfer ’08) won a bronze medal for B.C. in beach volleyball at the 2009 Canada Summer Games. Hatch and partner Steve Marshall, a student at Trinity Western University, went 4-0 in the round robin before losing to a strong Quebec squad in the semi-finals. Hatch and Marshall rebounded to defeat Manitoba (21-16, 23-21) for the bronze medal.

Hatch is now living in Toronto and training full time with the national beach volleyball team. “I’m committed to beach volleyball,” Hatch said. “I want to compete internationally and my main goal is the 2016 Olympics.”

With VIU, Hatch was a CCAA AllCanadian, BCCAA first and second team all-star, and a national tournament second team all-star. He holds the school record for most kills in a match under the rally point system, scoring 30 points against the University of the Fraser Valley in 2008.

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Safe at Home A former VIU Mariner baseball player is chucking curveballs in the pro ranks for a new hometown team.

After a stellar college career where he led the Jamestown College Jimmies (North Dakota) to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics World Series and set the school’s record for career wins, left-handed pitcher and Victoria native Graham Campbell (Phys Ed Transfer ’05) signed a two-year contract with the expansion Victoria Seals of the independent Golden League.

“When I heard that Victoria was getting a team, I arranged a private tryout in front of team owner Darren Parker,” Campbell said. “I threw well enough to get an invite to training camp in Yuma, Arizona, and made the team.”

During the 2008-09 season, Campbell appeared in 31 games, more than any other Seals pitcher. His personal statistics included a win-loss record of 1-1, a 7.36 earned run average, and 42 strikeouts. repair, battlefield recovery and maintenance of armoured vehicles for all Canadian Forces in the area.

Marcus Boucher (Fisheries and Aquaculture Post-Degree Dipl. ’06) was a research technician with the Ministry of Environment from 2006-2009. He

h Harry Erickson holds a photograph of his class at the Vocational Training School in the late 1940s. PHOTO AND STORY COURTESY OF THE LADYSMITH CHEMAINUS CHRONICLE

A History of Industry With more than 40 years experience in the local forest industry, Harry Erickson (Heavy Duty Mechanics ’49) decided it was time to share the knowledge and stories he collected during his lengthy career in an industry that drove the local economy throughout the twentieth century. Collaborating with history enthusiast Shirley Blackstaff, Erickson recently wrote the book From Hills to Harbour: A British Columbia Forest

worked mostly with white sturgeon and kokanee. He is currently an MSc student at UNBC working on larval white sturgeon culturing and physiology.

Chiharu Kikuta Iwaskow (BA ’06) owns an English conversation school in Shiga, Japan with her Canadian husband, Industry Story.

As a boy growing up in Merville, Vancouver Island, Erickson became interested in forestry watching his father who worked as a hand faller near Courtenay. A big turning point in Erickson’s career came when he enrolled at the Nanaimo Vocational Training School, a precursor to Vancouver Island University. After completing his year of training as a diesel mechanic, he went to work on steam engines and locomotives for the Ladysmith Comox Logging and Railway Company.

His training with diesel technology was timely as the industry was shifting away from steam power. Working out of a shop near the Ladysmith waterfront, Erickson was at the centre of innovation and faced challenges every day. Through numerous name changes and working across the Island in various roles, Erickson stuck with the same company until his retirement in 1992.

Erickson plans to print 200 copies of the book and hopes to find a place for them in local schools.

Edward Shilo Iwaskow (BA ’06), whom she met at VIU. Aimee Newton (BTM ’06) works at Mount Royal University, planning and organizing corporate and university events. Christopher Doucette (BSc Computer Science ’07), who played volleyball for the Mariners, is now a software developer. They recently built their first house, and in July, after dating for six years, they’ll be tying the knot. They can’t wait to see their old university friends at their wedding.

Bobbie Buckle (BBA ’07) is the owner of Elite Gaming Entertainment, offering entertainment casinos for any and all events from corporate and staff parties to dry grad and bachelor/ette parties. www.elitecasinonights.com Lindsey Craig (BA ’08, BEd ’08) and Blake Tobacca (BEd ’07) have new teaching jobs in Dalian, China at Maple Leaf International School. Craig teaches PE full time and Tobacca teaches Socials 10 and PE 10.

Lauren Fourmeaux Clemens (BBA ’08) will be finishing her law degree at the University of Manitoba in April and has accepted an articling position at Smith Neufeld Jodoin LLP, a law firm in Steinbach, Manitoba.

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ALUMNEYE Amanda Moore (BTM ’08) lives in Sunyani, Ghana, West Africa and is working for the Brong Ahafo Research and Extension Centre, an NGO partnership of Vancouver Island University. She also works at two postsecondary institutions and is a consultant with Freedom Stones, providing economic and skill development opportunities in rural communities in Ghana through jewelry production and holistic skill training.

She is earning her MA in International Development at Eastern University in Pennsylvania.

Sanem Ozkan (BBA ’08) is the marketing coordinator at Aviawest Resort Group in Victoria, B.C.

2010: A Space Odyssey Lindsay Munday (MBA ’09) is at the heart of an organization looking to outer space to address the growing world demand for sustainable energy.

From a multimillion-dollar penthouse overlooking False Creek, Munday works with the management team of Space Energy, Inc. The company’s plan is to develop the first satellites that can harness solar energy from space and transmit the energy to receivers anywhere on the planet. The process avoids the pollution associated with fossil fuels and nuclear power.

According to Munday, there are no more than five companies in the world dedicated to acquiring solar energy from space. “We’re opening up discussions about new possibilities for clean energy,” Munday said. “It feels good to be involved with an organization that could change the world.”

Space Energy plans to launch a prototype satellite within the next few years to test its energy collection and transmission capabilities. As well, the company plans to build a number of solar energy parks across the United States. f For more information, visit www.spaceenergy.com

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Kendra Torvik (BSc Nursing ’08) moved across the country to study law at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia.

She credits her VIU instructors for encouraging her to go for new things, hence the change from science to law.

Nicola Cervantes (BA ’09) is working towards a master’s of Commerce at the University of Wollongong in New South Wales, Australia. Nicola can be reached at: nico_cola_7@hotmail.com Bronwyn Kelleher (Culinary Arts ’09) is doing her cooking apprenticeship with Chef Andrew Springett, Canada’s 2003 Bocuse d’Or representative at the Black Rock Resort in Ucluelet, B.C. Ashley Madiuk (BTM ’09) attended SFU for the Career Counselling certification after graduating from VIU. She now works as the youth immigrant facilitator with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Delta, where she teaches employment and life skills as well as ESL. She is getting married in the fall.

Jennifer Stewart (Practical Nursing Cert. ’09) lives and works in Nanaimo at Wexford Creek as a licensed practical nurse.

Esteemed-Powered Local Motives Be who you are, not who others want you to be.

It’s a vital mantra for young girls to remember as they grow up in a sea of peer pressure and unhealthy mass media images and suggestions, says child and youth counsellor Angela Slade (BA ’06).

In 2008, Slade started ESTEEM Child and Youth Services, aimed at empowering young girls and families. The core of the business is Esteemed CHICs (Choosing Health and Integrating Changes), a series of skill-building workshops that draw on creativity to strengthen self esteem and reinforce positive body images. Themes such as media literacy, nutrition, health, relationships, and leadership are explored through music, photography, creative writing, cooking, and exercise.

“I want to feed a movement where girls are empowered to foster healthy relationships and think critically about what they see in the media,” Slade said.

Slade hosts her workshops in central Vancouver Island and classmate Deon Soukeroff (BA ’07) runs the Esteemed CHICs program in Vernon, B.C. f For more information, visit www.esteemedchics.com

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Festival of Trees Alumni Online Auction

Thank you to all of our alumni supporters.

The first ever Alumni Online Auction for the Festival of Trees was a tremendous success, raising more than 10,000 for student scholarships, bursaries, and awards.

Alumni donors this year include: • Geoff Ball (Horticultural Technician Cert. ’95) – Milner Gardens

• Don Hubbard (Heavy Duty Mechanics ’66) – Hub City Paving

• Colin Brost (BTM ’04) – Tourism Sun Peaks • Ro Davies (BTM ’00) – Whistler Golf Club

• Roger McKinnon (Business ’77) – The Old House Village Hotel and Spa

• Warren Erhart (Hotel and Restaurant Management ’76) – White Spot Restaurants

• Sean Riley (Cook Training Cert. ’92) – GLOWBAL Restaurant Group

• Terence Fitzgerald (Fine Arts Dipl. ’92) – Writer/Producer

• Colleen Thiessen (Hospitality Dipl. ’02) – The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

• Leeanne Fitzpatrick (BTM ’02) – Outdoor Adventures Whistler

To donate a prize for next year’s auction, please contact: David Forrester, Manager, Alumni Relations • 250 · 740 · 6214 • alumni@viu.ca

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THE HOME STRETCH

Winding Paths

BY CAROL MATTHEWS

Carol Matthews has been a student, instructor, and dean at Malaspina UniversityCollege. Since her retirement she has written The First Three Years of a Grandmother’s Life and Incidental Music, a collection of short stories published by Oolichan Books, as well as her cancer memoir. In 2009, she received an honorary doctorate degree from VIU. Her book, Reflections on the C-Word, is available at the VIU bookstore.

R

ecently, when Jay Ruzesky launched his new novel, The Wolsenburg Clock at a Cowichan Campus reading, someone asked him the important question, “Who do you write for?”

“For myself,” Jay replied.

In the discussion that followed it was noted that the book industry and the printed word are in a decline, and it’s very hard for writers to find publishers.

Jay suggested that if one hopes to write a bestseller it’s necessary to research the market, decide on a niche, identify a publisher, and write for a specific audience. The road to publication can be a long and winding one.

“Or,” he said, “you can be adventurous. Just write what most interests you and hope to find a small publisher who is willing to take some risks with it.”

That’s worked for me. When I retired from my position as Dean of Human

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Services and Community Education at what was then Malaspina UniversityCollege, I envisioned having more time to write. I’d published a number of essays, professional articles, and several short stories, but it wasn’t until a few years after my retirement, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, that I began to write for myself.

Two things kept me grounded while facing surgeries, radiation and recovery: writing and walking labyrinths. Without any agenda and with no particular schedule, I started to jot down what I thought of as “vignettes,” brief descriptions of my thoughts and feelings. I began to see links between my writing and the winding path of the labyrinth. Both activities offered opportunities for deep reflection that were strengthening and enlightening.

Since I was writing only for myself, I could be utterly honest, expressing my

h Protection Island writer and educator Carol Matthews stands at the entrance of the 8,300-stone labyrinth at the Bethlehem Retreat Centre in Nanaimo, B.C. PHOTO: DAVID FORRESTER

deepest feelings and fears. I didn’t show my work to anyone until I’d completed radiation treatment and felt well on the road to recovery.

At first I sent it to only a few family members and friends who’d asked questions about the ordeal.

Later, at a dinner party with an artist colleague, Jennifer Waelti-Walters, I described my vignettes and she asked to see them. The next thing I knew, Jenny turned up at my door with eight amazing prints which she had created to illustrate my story.

“That’s great, Jenny,” I said, “but what am I to do now?”

“Find a publisher,” she replied. She suggested I send it to Hedgerow Press, a small publisher in Sidney, B.C. I did so, and the choice was a lucky one. Six months later, Reflections on the C-Word: At the Centre of the Cancer Labyrinth came into being.

It’s been an interesting journey.

Writing about my experience was healing. Seeing the beautifully produced book was affirming. Hearing from people who’ve read it and found it meaningful continues to be enormously rewarding.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS VIU Mariners Golf Tournament April 9, 2010 Nanaimo Golf Club Nanaimo, B.C. www.gomariners.ca VIU Planned Giving Seminar April 21, 2010 Milner Gardens Qualicum, B.C Julie.Keenan@viu.ca Milner Gardens Embankment Gala May 20, 2010 Milner Gardens Qualicum, B.C. Susie.Caswell@viu.ca

Save the Date!

Spring 2010 Convocation May 31 and June 1, 2010 Port Theatre Nanaimo, B.C. Music in the Garden Fundraiser August 14 and 15, 2010 Milner Gardens Qualicum, B.C. www.viu.ca/milnergardens/ 21st Annual Charity Golf Tournament September 24, 2010 Fairwinds Golf & Country Club Nanoose Bay, B.C. Partial proceeds to beneďŹ t the VIU Foundation and the Vancouver Island Symphony VIU Business Program Reunion June 11 and 12, 2011 Vancouver Island University Nanaimo Campus, B.C. Business.Homecoming@viu.ca

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