Chief Shawn A-in-chut AtleoVIU’s first chancellor is at the forefront ofcultural shifts

CANADA’S TOP BADMINTON UMPIRE

CHEF TAKES ON THE WORLD’S BEST

PHYSICS PROFESSORWINS SPORTS EMMY

Pu

b. A

gree

men

t N

o. 4

00

63

60

1

VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 1 • SPRING/SUMMER 2009

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:

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 RelationsPhone: 250 · 740 · 6215

Fax: 250 · 740 · 6491E-mail: alumni@viu.cawww.viu.ca/alumni/

The success of any school is determined by the strength of its graduates.

VIU LibraryVIU Gymnasium

VIU TheatreDiscovery Room

VIU ResidencesVIU Bookstore (Nanaimo Campus)

Milner Gardens

Rediscover Your School Spirit

Journey Spring/Summer 2009 1

C O N T E N T S

FEATURES SPRING/SUMMER 2009

12 Seeing the DayVIU installs its first chancellor: Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo

16 Raising a RacketMariner badminton alumnus Mike Walkermakes it to the Olympics

18 88 Keys to HappinessAward-winning pianist returns to VIU

20 Family FueledHigh marks for a family of mature learners

DEPARTMENTS

02 Explorations w

04 Steps w

16 Alumni In View w

27 Class Notes w

28 The Home Stretch w

29 Giving Back w

Spring/Summer 2009 • Volume 2, Issue 1

Publisher

Office of Development and Alumni,

Vancouver Island University

Executive Editor

Director, Development and Alumni

Teresa Moore

Managing Editor

Alumni Relations Manager

David Forrester (Phys Ed, Rec & Sport ’02)

Editor and Alumni Officer

Matt Carter (BA ’06)

Student Writer/Editor

Bahiyyih Egeli (’09)

Contributors

Marilyn Assaf (Arts ’09)

Brent Dunlop (Phys Ed ’86)

John Gardiner (BA ’97)

Ann Holroyd

Sara Homer (Arts ’09)

Graphic Design

Rayola Graphic Design

Journey is published in the spring and fall by VIU’s

Office of Development and Alumni and is

distributed free of charge to alumni and friends. All

material is copyright © 2009, 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.

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

David Forrester, Alumni Relations Manager

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

On the cover: Chancellor Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, hereditary

chief of the Ahousat First Nation, wears a cape made by his

cousin, Lisa Sabbas, of the Hesquiaht First Nation. The blue grass

lines match VIU’s colours. Photo: Dirk Heydemann (Jazz ’93)

Letters

2 Journey Spring/Summer 2009 PHOTO: MATT CARTER

E X P L O R AT I O N S

The spring of 2009 marks my first year as

VIU’s alumni relations manager, and one of

the best things about that year has been lis-

tening to alumni talk about their alma mater

with pride. Their experiences at school have

translated into success in the “real world.”

Our alumni distinguish themselves in their

careers and communities; their stories are

remarkable and inspirational. Unfortunately,

many of them are unknown to others in the

alumni community. We are determined to change this, and

the publication of Journey is a great first step in sharing our

alumni success stories.

We are reaching out to alumni in other ways, such as events.

MBA alumni are hosting their second annual get-together in

Vancouver in June. Alumni branch events are scheduled for

the summer in Whistler and Victoria. In October, President

Ralph Nilson and Dr. Graham Pike, dean of International

Education, will be hosting a reception for all of our alumni in

Japan at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo.

We are also proud to announce the creation

of an official Alumni Association, which will

unite the alumni community and enhance

networking opportunities for our graduates.

As well as representing our graduates in the

community and supporting the growth of VIU,

the Association will provide some exciting

opportunities for alumni including mentoring

current students, networking with soon-to-

be graduates, sponsoring an internship or co-

op, or speaking in a classroom seminar, to name a few.

As we head towards the 75th anniversary of our institution

in 2011, there is no better time for alumni to get involved.

It’s time to rekindle your school spirit!

As always, I welcome your feedback and encourage you to

keep in touch. I can be reached at alumni@viu.ca.

Sincerely,

David Forrester

Manager, Alumni Relations

Vancouver Island University

I am a recent graduate of the Fisheries

& Aquaculture program, now living

back in my home province of Manitoba.

I would like to stress that the inaugural

Journey publication not only brings me

a sense of pride by the sheer fact it has

been published, but it looks great and

contains well-written articles.

I was disappointed to see little men-

tion of the Fisheries and Aquaculture

program in the inaugural issue. The

program’s quality and uniqueness defi-

nitely warrant it! However, I’m certain

that in future publications this world

class program will be featured.

VIU’s strength to attract students from

abroad rests with its specialized pro-

grams. School ambassadors need to do a

more aggressive job of spreading the

word about how great these programs

are. I sure do whenever I’m talking to

students that are thinking about pursu-

ing an education in aquaculture.

Congratulations again on the first

issue, and I look forward to reading

more about the school that I am so

proud to have attended.

– Jeff Eastman (BSc ’06)

At the beginning of 2009, VIU offered over

150 programs—a tough struggle to catch

everyone in 32 pages! However, we value

all programs, and strive to cover as many

departments as possible. The best way to

ensure that your program is mentioned is

to let us know what you are up to. Drop us

a line at journey@viu.ca.

Congratulations, Malaspina, on your

graduation to full university status as

VIU! I am proud to have played a part

in the development of the institution

and was thrilled to hear the news. I was

one of the original faculty members of

Malaspina College in August 1969, the

first president of Malaspina College

Faculty Association, and with Roy

Wright and a dozen students, founded

the Navigator newspaper. Those were

historic days under the fine leadership

of Dr. Carl Opgaard.

I remember August 1, 1969—the open-

ing date of Malaspina College and the

first day of full time university classes. It

was also a day of responsible student

demonstration at Nanaimo City Hall in

informed protest of proposed atomic

bomb testing in the Alaska panhandle.

In the context of the original voca-

tional school, renowned on the Island

long before 1969 for its excellence in

career training, maybe there is an older

anniversary we could all celebrate. But

don’t leave it too long!

I wish you well in stirring up the

waters to develop an active network of

contacts with former members of

Malaspina in its various guises.

– David Harrison, retired VIU faculty

member

Future issues of Journey will feature news of

VIU’s 75th anniversary celebrations in 2011.

Letters to the Editor

Manager’s Message

Journey Spring/Summer 2009 3

The 2008-2009 year will go down as a year of

celebration at VIU. A new name, university des-

ignation, our first chancellor, a bold campus

master plan, and the opportunity to connect

with old friends through several new alumni

and friends events are only a few of the high-

lights that will build the legacy of this past year

as one of the most significant in our history.

VIU’s success has been shaped over the

course of 73 years by people committed to

ensuring the success of students through quality learning.

These people, our faculty and staff, continue to create an

environment where students thrive and love to learn. The

stories of these successes and the milestones mentioned

above are the highlights of this edition of Journey.

In our feature story, we are honoured to profile VIU’s first

chancellor, Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo. Through his many

leadership roles over the past 20 years, Chief Atleo has

focused on the empowerment of people and their communi-

ties; these values and his strength of character mirror the

values and direction of VIU. Chief Atleo is an exceptional rep-

resentative for VIU and a role model for the various con-

stituencies the University serves.

At VIU, we believe education is a community asset. It will be

through the success of VIU’s community partnerships in edu-

cation and our collective contributions to our world that VIU

will continue to grow its reputation as an institution commit-

ted to high quality outcomes and people. VIU, through its four

campuses, more than 2000 employees, and thousands of

alumni around the world, is a major economic engine and

important asset operating in the communities

of Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and

beyond. VIU is adding value to these commu-

nities and is providing leadership in the areas

of Aboriginal engagement, cultural enrich-

ment, international education, economic

development, environmental sustainability,

research excellence, and social development.

This issue of Journey features a few of the ways

we are demonstrating this leadership.

In all of our endeavours, VIU will continue to stay focused

on the success of students and the quality of the educational

experience. It is our alumni that represent the greatest meas-

ure of our success. The more than 30,000 graduates of the

institution’s degree, diploma, and certificate programs are

shaping our world in extraordinary ways. Our graduates are

providing business, industry, and the communities we serve

with a talented pool of highly trained individuals who are

ready to take on the demands of a new economy, and we are

proud of every single one of them.

Our door is always open to VIU’s alumni and friends. I ask

you to continue to support your university and visit us

whenever you can. Encourage prospective students to think

about VIU. Talk about VIU to your friends and colleagues and

show your pride for VIU at every opportunity. Above all,

stay connected with us.

I welcome your comments at viewpoint@viu.ca.

Ralph Nilson, PhD

President and Vice-Chancellor

Vancouver Island University

E X P L O R AT I O N S

President’s Viewpoint

We asked students: Whatcampus issues would youlike to see addressed as aresult of the CampusMaster Plan?

Scott Bastian – 4th year Tourism

Management Expand the hours that

the food services are

open and available,

especially for people

who have classes mid-

day. After class, you want to get some

food, but the choices and hours of

operation are quite limited.

Elizabeth Baltzer – 3rd year

English/History We need more wireless

Internet access around

the campus. You can

only access it in cer-

tain buildings. I also

think we should have a 24-hour library,

like they have at the other major uni-

versities.

Luke Trigona – 3rd year Sciences I’d

like to see more study

areas on campus. As

well, the study areas

and lecture halls need

more power outlets, so students can

plug in their laptops.

4 Journey Spring/Summer 2009

S T E P S

VIU’s Board of Governors has approved

the Campus Master Plan for the

Nanaimo campus. The plan outlines a

50-year campus vision with dramatic

changes to the infrastructure of the

campus, adoption of new energy

sources, and a dedication to sustain-

ability initiatives.

“I’m very excited about the Campus

Master Plan and proud of the effort that

went into creating it,” said Ric Kelm,

VIU’s Executive Director of Facilities

Services and Campus Development and

chair of the Campus Master Plan proj-

ect steering committee. He said that

the process to create the Campus

Master Plan included input from con-

sultants, architects, VIU employees,

students, and community members,

marking a break from how campus

planning was previously undertaken.

“The Nanaimo campus used to be

designed on an ad hoc basis,” Kelm

said. “One would walk around, see an

empty lot, and assign a building there

with little regard to how it would fit in

with the rest of the campus and the

natural environment.”

VIU has presented the Master Plan to

the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Edu -

cation and Labour Market Develop ment

and will present it to Nanaimo City

Council and the VIU Senate in May.

These presentations focus on the insti-

tution’s capital priorities: an inte-

grated health and science building; a

sports, health, and wellness centre; a

transit loop at the top of Fourth Street;

and the replacement of Building 300

with a University Centre that would

serve as the social and administrative

hub of the campus.

Other elements of the plan include the

creation of a central campus pathway to

link the trades and academic areas,

increased on-campus housing and

green space, a Third Street campus

entrance, increased bicycle and pedes-

trian paths, and reduced parking spaces.

New buildings will be designed to

LEED Gold Standards, ensuring that

they leave a minimal environmental

footprint by utilizing efficient water

and energy systems and recyclable

materials. These initiatives are

expected to significantly reduce facility

operating costs.

A key component of the plan is the

adoption of alternative energy sources,

suggesting that it might be possible to

harness thermal energy from flooded

coal mines below the southeast half of

the campus.

f The entire Campus Master Plan is view-

able online at www.viu.ca/masterplan

&Q A

Campus Master PlanApproved The Hills They Are A-Changin’

h One of the Master Plan draft concepts ofthe future Nanaimo campus

ILLUSTRATION: ALFRED WAUGH ARCHITECT / VIU Journey Spring/Summer 2009 5

S T E P S

Gather RoundVIU Supports Aboriginal Student Services Centre

The Aboriginal population growth rate

in Canada is three times the rate of non-

Aboriginals. This trend will result in a

larger Aboriginal student body at VIU,

which already has the highest

Aboriginal participation rate of any B.C.

post-secondary school.

Many of these students come from

rural communities, and the cultural dif-

ferences at university can be shocking.

This was reinforced by a 2008 report

from the British Columbia Ministry of

Advanced Education, which stated that

a non-Aboriginal person is, on average,

four times as likely to have a university

degree as an Aboriginal person.

To aid in the recruitment and retention

of Aboriginal students, VIU is creating

Shq'apthut, A Gathering Place, a “home

away from home” that reflects and cele-

brates Aboriginal cultures and traditions.

“Gathering places are spaces for com-

munities to come together,” said Dan

Lines, associate dean of Trades and

Applied Technology and a member of

the Tsimshian Nation. “The new build-

ing will be a centre for student celebra-

tions, studying, and First Nations

student services.”

Construction of the Gathering Place

will begin in the spring of 2009.

Designed in a Coast Salish longhouse

style, the 5,000 square foot building

will be located in the southwestern cor-

ner of the Nanaimo campus and will

represent a sizeable upgrade from

VIU’s current Aboriginal Gathering

Space, located in Building 310.

The Gathering Place will feature

study areas, student and elder

lounges, offices, a lending library, and

a ceremonial space, designated for

cultural activities and celebrations

such as dances, totem pole carving,

and drum making. It will be con-

structed by students in VIU’s new

Aboriginal Construction program,

developed in consultation with First

Nations communities.

“This program will be the first of its

kind for VIU and will include the his-

tory and origins of First Nations con-

struction techniques in our coastal

regions,” said Fred McDonald, dean of

Trades and Technology. “Elders and

First Nations community leaders will

assist us.”

Graduates of the program will earn the

Industry Training Authority Level 1

Carpentry certification, the first step

towards Carpenter Journeyperson status.

f For more information about the

Gathering Place, visit www.viu.ca/

gatheringplace

To learn more about the Aboriginal

Construction program, visit

www.viu.ca/calendar/TradesAppliedTech/

h Architect’s rendering of the Gathering Placeentrance

S T E P S

Par NoneScientist masters golf greens and brings home the hardware

VIU physics professor Ray Penner has

struck gold, thanks to greens. His

study of the physics of golf won him a

2008 Sports Emmy Award for

Technical Achievement.

“If someone had asked me a couple of

years ago what the chances of winning

an Emmy were, I’d say about the same

as winning a Grammy,” Penner joked.

“If you’ve ever heard me sing, you’d

understand.”

Penner, who has published academic

papers on the physics of putting and

golf ball motion, was approached by

Florida-based AimPoint Technologies

to develop the equations needed to sur-

vey and analyze the topography of

greens. These equations are used by a

computer program to produce a

graphic overlay on a television broad-

cast that shows where a golfer must

aim for a successful putt, increasing the

drama for the television viewer by illus-

trating the particular challenges of

each green.

The Golf Channel, available in more

than 110 million homes worldwide,

began using the AimPoint technology in

2007 and called it a “viewer favourite.”

“The development of the AimPoint

putting line was groundbreaking in

helping the television ‘spectator’ enjoy

and get more out of each telecast,” the

Golf Channel wrote in a media release.

Television coverage of the top-tier

women’s and men’s golf tours in the

world, the LPGA and PGA, features the

AimPoint technology.

“It was rewarding to see the end

result on TV and not just in a physics

journal,” Penner said. “Some people

don’t like the idea of showing what the

golfer is going to do, but the pro golfers

really like it.”

Golf publications are following suit

with their praise of the program. Golf

Week magazine wrote that AimPoint is

“the most significant technical advance-

ment in golf broadcasting in the past

decade. Its accuracy is uncanny.”

Although the AimPoint team was

happy with its creation, the Emmy nod

was unexpected. “We were thrilled just

to be nominated. To win it was a real

surprise,” Penner said. “It was the Golf

Channel’s first Sports Emmy.”

f To see videos of the technology in

action, visit www.aimpointgolf.com

6 Journey Spring/Summer 2009 PHOTO: MATT CARTER

h Emmy, I got your number: VIU professor Ray Penner combinedgolf and science to win a 2008 Sports Emmy Award

VIU’s new Hospitality Managementdegree is at your serviceThe number of resorts, hotels, and restaurants worldwide is increasing,

and with it comes a growing need for skilled workers. In British Columbia

alone, the tourism industry is forecasting a need for 84,000 more skilled

workers in the next decade. To respond to the shortage, VIU has developed

a new Bachelor of Hospitality Management degree.

Students gain experience in strategic revenue management, entrepre-

neurship, conference and event management, and advanced resort man-

agement while learning about the changing nature of the hospitality

sector, said Hospitality program chair Stephen Burr.

“The focus of resort and hotel managers can’t solely be on profits anymore,”

Burr said. “Hospitality professionals must have a better understanding of

human resource management and environmental impacts. The curriculum of

the degree program addresses these issues.”

The degree combines study and

paid experience through three co-

operative education work place-

ments throughout the four-year

program. For people already work-

ing within the industry, the flexi-

bility of the new degree program

allows students to enter directly

into year three on a full-time or

part-time basis.

f For more information on the

program, visit www.viu.ca/hospitality

h Hospitality students recommend abeverage to Hospitality chair StephenBurr (seated, right) and Co-operativeEducation coordinator Micki McCartney(seated, centre).

VIU’s nauticaltraining expandswith new marineinstituteThe Western Maritime Institute (WMI) has joined

with VIU to offer training in a new six-acre

facility in Cassidy. The institute is one of only

two places in Western Canada to offer courses

in Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat

training and Advanced Fire Fighting.

“The demand for training is huge. Every tow-

boat, fishing vessel, and ferry needs trained

staff on board,” said Captain Bob Kitching, pres-

ident of WMI. “Training institutions cannot pro-

duce enough people to meet industry needs.

This course offers an opportunity for current

mates and masters to upgrade their certificates

and for young people to start a career. The in-

dustry offers particularly attractive job opportu-

nities that are very well paid.”

Changes to the Canada Shipping Act in 2001

require that any commercial vessel operator

have appropriate certifications. VIU and WMI

have been offering nautical training in partner-

ship since 2005, but the new institute will ex-

pand the scope of training with a pool capable

of holding a lifeboat and a mock-up of a ship’s

superstructure for firefighting.

f For more information on the program, visit

www.viu.ca/ccs/courses/marine.asp

VIU students get green trainingAccording to the B.C. government, residential and commercial build-

ings produce about 12 per cent of the province’s total greenhouse gas

emissions. In September 2008, the government released amendments

to the BC Building Code, requiring new buildings to have higher

energy and water efficiency standards.

To satisfy this rapidly growing need for energy-efficient buildings,

VIU is now offering a two-year Green Building and Renewable Energy

Technician diploma.

“Government, business, and the general population recognize that

with climate change and decreasing supplies of oil and gas, energy

efficiency and renewable energy are two primary ways of ensuring

that we will continue to have the energy we need in the future at a

reasonable cost,” said engineering professor Eric Smiley.

Applied technical courses will be complemented with design, evalu-

ation and communication courses. Graduates will be prepared to

work in the green building industry or the renewable energy industry,

providing technical communication, design, assessment, and evalua-

tion services to engineers, architects, contractors, project managers,

and facilities managers.

f More information at www.viu.ca/calendar/Technology/greenbuild.asp

PHOTOS: SARA HOMER (ABOVE); JOHN GARDINER (RIGHT) Journey Spring/Summer 2009 7

S T E P S

h Captain Bob Kitching

VIU alumni are scattered across all the

campuses and in all areas of the institu-

tion: administration, faculty, and sup-

port staff. In November 2008, Alumni

Relations and the President’s Office

hosted a reception to recognize this

homegrown alumni chapter.

Graduation years of attendees ranged

from 1969 to 2008.

“It was a pleasant surprise for all of us

to learn how many of our co-workers

are VIU alumni,” said Jane Kelly (BA

’94), director of International

Admissions. “It was a great social event

and a lot of fun.”

Celebrating Our RetireesAlumni Relations and the President’s Office hosted a reception for

retired VIU employees in November 2008. The reception took place in a

festive cafeteria, decorated with brightly-lit trees and ornately

decorated wreaths for VIU’s annual Festival of Trees fundraiser.

President Ralph Nilson praised the re-

tirees, recognized their contributions as

vital participants in VIU’s evolution, and

stressed the importance of maintaining a

strong relationship with the University.

“It is important that we stay connected

to our past and recognize our history,” Nil-

son said. “Our retirees have contributed to

the success of the university and are am-

bassadors for VIU.”

h (L-R) Bruce Hunter (Leisure Services ’81),Les Malbon (Arts ’76), Jane Kelly (BA ’94)

h (L-R) Marilyn Assaf (Arts ’09)and Jennifer Jensen-Richards(Business ’09)

h (L-R) Catharine Andrewand Dorothy Wallace

h VIU President Ralph Nilsonaddresses the reception

h (L-R) Nursing alumni Zoe Dams (’73),Cathy Ringham (’08), Leigh Blaney (’99)

h (L-R) Libby McGrattan (BA ’94) and Pam Botterill (Microcomputer App. ’90)

Recognizing Campus Alumni

8 Journey Spring/Summer 2009 PHOTOS: MATT CARTER

S T E P S

The first

employee of

Malaspina College was

Secretary-Treasurer

Oliver E. Neaves, from

Burns Lake. His first

day on the job was

January 1, 1969.

At the Olympics of cooking, David Wong

(Cook Training ’98) did Canada proud, fin-

ishing ninth at the prestigious Bocuse d’Or,

in Lyon, France in January 2009.

“The Bocuse d’Or competition was the

single greatest moment of my professional

life,” Wong said. “I have been a fan of this

competition since finishing cooking school

at VIU.”

Wong’s apprentice, Grace Pineda, was

named top assistant. Norway won the com-

petition, with Sweden and France also

earning spots on the podium.

In front of a raucous, flag-waving crowd,

Wong and Pineda competed against teams

from 23 other countries to produce two

dishes in five and half hours. Required

ingredients included Norwegian cod, king-

sized diver scallops, wild prawns, and

Aberdeen Angus Scotch beef.

Getting to the competition was no easy

task. After earning the right to represent

Canada at a national qualifier in 2007,

Wong was faced with the need to raise

thousands of dollars to pay for two years

worth of full-time preparation and practice.

The Culinary Institute of Vancouver

Island and VIU Alumni Relations supported

Wong’s training by hosting a fundraiser in

October 2008. Distinguished culinary arts

alumni, including Wong, returned to cam-

pus and treated guests to tasters prepared

at 12 different stations.

Food offerings ranged from raspberry bal-

samic gelée with vanilla Bavarian cream

and green apple compote to alligator cakes

with mandarin saffron aioli and fried fen-

nel. The event raised $5,200 for Wong and

also created scholarships, awards, and bur-

saries for VIU culinary students.

“It was like coming full circle, having the

Culinary program at VIU hold a fundraiser

for my Bocuse d’Or bid. The chef instruc-

tors gave me the foundation on which to

build. I cannot say enough about the expe-

rience I had at VIU.”

PHOTO: MATT CARTER; (INSET) COURTESY DAVID WONG Journey Spring/Summer 2009 9

S T E P S

h Culinary Instructor Debbie Shore: “He’s a great ambassador for theschool, the profession, and the country.” INSET: Cool as a cucumber:Wong in his competition kitchen at Bocuse d’Or

Putting Your Best Food ForwardCulinary alumni support David Wong (Cook Training ’98) on his

way to a top 10 finish at the world’s biggest culinary competition

Culinary alumni thatrallied in support ofDavid Wong:

• Rich Atkins (’00),

Longwood Brew Pub

• Brock Bowes (’97),

Burrowing Owl Winery

• Erin (’01) and Brenda English

(’84)

• Jerry Kwan (’94), Victoria Golf

Club

• Josh Massey (’03),

Wesley Street Café

• Taj Parmar (’01) and Rhiannon

Gauthier (’08), Acme Food Co.

• Iain Rennie (’90) and

Jennifer Jones (’08),

Westin Bear Mountain

• Debbie Shore (’80),

Culinary Institute of

Vancouver Island

• Students in VIU’s culinary and

baking programs

For the third year in a row, VIU had the

most successful athletics program in the

B.C. Colleges’ Athletic Association. The

Mariners topped the 2008-09 aggregate

standings with a comfortable 61-50 lead

over the second place school, UBC-

Okanagan. Among the highlights was the

men’s basketball team’s 18-0 record, the

first undefeated regular season in team

history.

S T E P S

10 Journey Spring/Summer 2009 PHOTOS: BRENT DUNLOP

All aboard,Mariners!VIU’s Athletics department is reaching

out to all former Mariners to join a new

alumni chapter. The club wants to re-

engage former Mariners and support

current student athletes.

“More than 1,600 students have been

Mariners since the athletics program

began in 1972 and every one has played

a role in the success of our program,”

said Bruce Hunter, VIU’s athletic direc-

tor. “This club will connect all former

Mariners and build on the tradition of

excellence that was started in the ’70s.”

To learn more about the Mariner

alumni club, contact Bruce Hunter at

bruce.hunter@viu.ca or (250) 740-6402.

Prior to the start of the BCCAA regular

season, VIU hosted a pair of interna-

tional teams in exhibition games.

In September, the women’s volley-

ball team took on Zhejiang Kai Yuan,

a professional team from China that

plays at the level just below the

Chinese national team. The Chinese

team, which also faced off against

the University of British Columbia

and four American universities on its

west coast tour, showed consider-

able skill and strength, overpower-

ing the Canadian champion Mariners

in straight sets (25-12, 25-11, 25-17).

In August, the men’s basketball team

hosted the University of the Pacific

Tigers, from Stockton, California. The

Tigers, on a Canadian exhibition tour

that included two matches against the

University of Victoria, were the first

NCAA Division One men’s basketball

team to visit the Mariners’ home court.

VIU kept the game close early on and

were four points behind after the first

quarter, but the Tigers won the game

94-45.

“It’s a huge step for VIU to host high

level international opponents,” said

Bruce Hunter, VIU’s athletic director.

“These might have been the best two

teams we’ve ever had in our gym. The

games were memorable experiences

for our fans and athletes.” h VIU guard Blake Mansbridge defendsagainst Pacific’s Terrell Smith

Bring It On, World

h VIU power hitter Lindsay McLoughlin firesa spike against a great defensive wall

h Mariner alumni Liam Sullivan (BA ’98), Erik “Big E” Johnson (Marketing ’94),and Wayne Clouthier (BEd ’95)

h In October 2008, The Mariner men’s alumni basketball team defeated the current squad,103-100, in an overtime game. The alumni team (L-R): Wayne Clouthier (BEd ’95), MattKazanowski (Arts), Erik Johnson (Marketing ’94), Liam Sullivan (BA ’98), Rory Peffers (Arts),Dave Bains (Recreation ’04), Jason Hubbs (Marine Tech. ’05), Graham Giske (BA ’08), BrianWood, Colin Novak (Science)

In April, VIU Athletics announced the first inductees into the Mariner Wall of Fame. The inaugural class included

four-time All-Canadian volleyball player Danielle (Gaudet) Hyde (BTM ’03), basketball coach and national

champion Mark Simpson, sport administrator and creator of the Mariner moniker George Macpherson, and VIU’s

first national champions, the 1983 men’s soccer team.

S T E P S

h Dan Porteous (R) accepts the inaugural Jim KetelsenAlumni Service Award from Ketelsen himself

PHOTOS: DAVID FORRESTER Journey Spring/Summer 2009 11

The Department of Recreation and

Tourism celebrated three milestones in

2008: Thirty-five years of recreation

diplomas; twenty years of tourism

diplomas; and the tenth anniversary of

the Bachelor of Tourism Management

program. To celebrate, the department

invited alumni back to VIU’s Nanaimo

campus in November for a two-day cel-

ebration. More than 200 alumni, stu-

dents, faculty, and friends attended.

At the reunion, the department

announced the creation of the Jim

Ketelsen Alumni Service Award, in hon-

our of Ketelsen’s 20 years of service and

commitment to student success and the

field of leisure services as manager of

VIU’s Co-operative Education pro-

grams and the Campus Career Centre.

The inaugural recipient of the award

was Dan Porteous (Leisure Studies ’84),

Superintendent of Arenas and Southern

Recreation for the Regional District of

Nanaimo. Porteous was recognized for

his loyalty and passion for recreation,

tourism, and leisure studies at VIU, as

well as his role as alumni leader for the

1984 Leisure Studies class.

“Dan has a big heart for students,”

Ketelsen said, noting that Porteous has

supervised many student co-operative

work placements and has never turned

down opportunities to present guest

lectures, sit on panel discussions, par-

ticipate in student orientation activi-

ties, or assist in program development.

“Faculty never hesitate to call him to

find out what’s going on in the field.”

Back to theFutureRecreation and Tourism alumni

take a journey through the decades

h L.A. Shibish and Kelly Whitney-Squire pickout the grooviest records

h (L-R) Students Royce Pritchard, LetashaSeto and Mike Hogman go retro

h Alumni gather for a group shot in the VIUWelcome Centre

h (L-R) Tourism alumnae Neena Budial (’96),Michelle Hartwich (’95), Sarah Henshall(’95), and Carol Hanna (’96) are all smiles

h Professor Tom Delamere (centre) rockedthe baritone sax with The Kiltlifters

12 Journey Spring/Summer 2009

C O V E R F E AT U R E

See

“We cannot help but believe that the old hatreds

shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon

dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our

common humanity shall reveal itself.”

– Barack Obama

Ahousat Hereditary Chief Shawn A-in-chut

Atleo was one of the nearly two million spec-

tators at Barack Obama’s presidential inaugu-

ration in Washington, D.C. He watched the

ceremony from a fifth-floor terrace at the National

Museum of the American Indian with other

Aboriginal leaders.

“It was rapturous,” Atleo said of the ceremony.

“What I saw at Capitol Hill reflected a larger sense of

people coming together. African-Americans had

their chins up and shoulders back, but so did every-

body else.”

Four months earlier, on September 25, 2008, Atleo

was installed as Vancouver Island University’s first

chancellor, the first Aboriginal chancellor of a post-

secondary institution in British Columbia. The estab-

lishment of a chancellor was a significant step for

VIU as it embraced its new status as a full-fledged

university.

Atleo certainly fits the bill. Not only does he hold an

international masters degree in education, but for

the past 20 years, he has been a negotiator, facilita-

tor, strategic planner, and scholar. His credentials

are impressive: regional chief of British Columbia to

the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), member of the

AFN Executive Committee, co-founder of the B.C.

First Nations Leadership Council, and president of

Umeek Human Resource Development.

“Shawn Atleo is a born leader,” said VIU president

Ralph Nilson. “The primary focus of all of his work is

education. He’s respected across business and politi-

cal organizations in the province. He has local knowl-

edge, but importantly, he has a national perspective.”

“They have a saying in parts of Africa: when you

live in the city but you come from a village, they call

the village ‘home squared’. Ahousat is home

squared.” – Shawn Atleo

The BC Assembly of First Nations headquarters

is situated on the fifth floor of a West

Vancouver office tower sandwiched between

the Park Royal Shopping Centre and the Lions Gate

Bridge, a bustling, robust world that parallels Atleo’s.

“I don’t have my own office,”

Atleo laughed as he comman-

deered a desk from one of his

staff members. “I’m always

travelling. But one of the great

things about the opportunity to

be VIU’s chancellor is that I can

stay rooted on the west coast.”

And rooted on the west coast

he is. Atleo was born in

Vancouver but spent his early

years in Ahousat, a community

of 1,000 people on Flores

Island, off the west coast of

Vancouver Island. Accessible

only by water or air, Flores

h Atleo stands in front of the UnitedStates Capitol in Washington, D.C.on the day of Barack Obama’spresidential inauguration

PHOTOS: (FACING PAGE) DIRK HEYDEMANN; (RIGHT) COURTESY SHAWN ATLEO Journey Spring/Summer 2009 13

ing the DayThe installation of Vancouver Island University’s first chancellor was not only a

milestone in VIU’s evolution, but in the growing relationship between Aboriginal and

non-Aboriginal people in British Columbia. Chancellor Shawn A-in-chut Atleo talks

about his west coast roots, his belief in the power of education, and what it means

to represent VIU. BY MATT CARTER

Island is known for its stunning scenery: sandy

Pacific beaches, old-growth Sitka spruce forests,

and a backdrop of coastal mountains. Humans

share hiking trails, hot springs, and sheltered

bays with seals, sea lions, wolves, and eagles. A

great place to grow up, Atleo said.

“Ahousat is where my earliest and best memo-

ries are,” he said. “Dad taking me fishing on the

Atleo River, gathering worms like any other son

with any other dad. Salmon barbeques in the

summer, smoked salmon in the fall, and herring

in the spring.”

While there were wonderful memories, there

would be bad ones too. Ahousat has struggled

with suicide attempts (40 in 2004, according to

the Victoria Times Colonist), alcohol abuse, high

unemployment, and houses, ill-designed for the

damp rainforest climate, overrun with mould

and mushrooms.

“Ahousat is really good when it’s good, when

people aren’t being haywire and drinking, and

horrifically bad when things are bad.” Atleo said.

Atleo’s father, a school principal, and his

mother, a teacher, eventually moved their fam-

ily out of Ahousat in order to pursue other job

opportunities and study at the University of

British Columbia. The family moved a lot; Atleo

said he lived in 34 different places before he

graduated from high school. While he spent the

bulk of that time in the Lower Mainland, his con-

nection to his hometown has never frayed.

“I’m not in Ahousat as much as I would like to

be,” he said, “which would be all the time.”

“You have to do your own growing, no matter

how tall your grandfather was.”

– Abraham Lincoln

Atleo’s father, Dr. Richard Umeek Atleo,

was the first Aboriginal student to earn a

PhD from the University of British

Columbia and helped create VIU’s First Nations

Studies Department, where he taught from 1994

to 2004. Atleo’s mother, Dr. Marlene Atleo,

holds an MA in Family Studies and a PhD in

Adult Education from the University of British

Columbia.

Even though Atleo grew up in an academic

household, his interest was not in higher educa-

tion, but in haute cuisine.

“I was certain I was going to be a chef,” Atleo

said. “Cooking class in grade 12 had two beauti-

ful aspects to it: food and 29 girls. I couldn’t

understand my buddies, who were off in shop

with 29 other guys.”

Eventually, Atleo enrolled in general studies at

Trinity Western University. While he didn’t

graduate, he did enjoy his time there—largely

because of soccer.

“I wasn’t a great student, but I earned straight

A’s in soccer. I made the roster of a professional

team, the North Shore Colts. When that league

folded, I played in the Pacific Rim league and the

Pacific Coast league.”

He left university in order to start his family.

Atleo had married his high school sweetheart,

Nancy, and the couple have two children, Tyson

and Tara.

The starting point for his career came when he

identified a lack of support programs to help

Aboriginal people move into post-secondary

education.

“There weren’t any transition programs that

helped Aboriginal people learn life skills and

acquire the basics to be successful in the univer-

sity and college systems,” Atleo said. “I opened

up a private post-secondary family training

institute that provided some of the first training

programs for Aboriginal people in Vancouver.”

Fifteen years of experience at the training insti-

tute allowed Atleo to advance directly into a

master’s program. He earned a Masters of

Education in Adult Learning and Global Change

from an academic partnership of four universi-

ties: University of Technology, Sydney,

Australia; University of British Columbia;

University of the Western Cape, South Africa;

and University of Linkoping, Sweden.

His experience with the four continent co-oper-

ative education model and First Nations teaching

principles that stress equality between teachers

and learners led Atleo to believe that traditional

education delivery systems, with a top-down

teacher-student hierarchy, hinder discovery.

“We’ve got to reduce this so-called power

structure between the educator and the stu-

dent,” Atleo said. “I think if we democratize

education, it will unleash greater potential. My

direct experience of First Nations learning sys-

tems is that at any given time, the learner can be

the teacher, and the teacher can be the learner.”

“Bad times have a scientific value. These are

occasions a good learner would not miss.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

British Columbia, as with much of the

world, entered 2009 under a veil of insta-

bility. Financial markets were melting,

industries were stalling, and global warming and

What is aChancellor?

The title of

chancellor has its

roots in the courts

of the Holy Roman

Empire and has

since been used to

describe a variety

of political,

religious, and

judiciary positions.

In an academic

context, a

chancellor is the

non-resident head

of a university,

chosen to

represent the

institution based

on significant

academic or

professional

accomplishments.

In Canada, past

university

chancellors have

included former

prime ministers

Lester Pearson

(Carleton), Robert

Borden (Queen’s),

and John

Diefenbaker

(Saskatchewan).

When VIU

transitioned from a

university-college

to a university, it

became

accountable to a

different set of

regulations,

requiring VIU to

install a chancellor.

The chancellor

holds a seat on the

Senate and Board

of Governors, and is

responsible for

conferring degrees

at convocation.

14 Journey Spring/Summer 2009

pollution remained on everyone’s radar. To

many, it is a time of distress and pessimism,

but VIU’s new chancellor views this environ-

ment as a perfect opportunity for universities

to make a positive impact.

“We can’t waste this crisis,” Atleo said. “We

have an economic crisis, an environmental cri-

sis, and, some would argue, a moral crisis. Now

is the time for VIU to step into this space and

lead the way. I’ve been speaking strongly about

the need for educational institutions to stand up

and help shape our world more than they have.”

Atleo added that students must play a critical

role in shaping this new world.

“Our students must commit to change and

make sure the University is heading in the right

direction,” Atleo said. “It’s no longer good

enough to stand on the sidelines and lob criti-

cisms. The civil rights movement in the United

States was spearheaded by the actions of uni-

versity students in the South. That’s why I get

excited: the potential of VIU and our students

to make change.”

“Tell me and I’ll forget. Teach me and I’ll

remember. Include me and I’ll understand.”

– Confucius

In September 2008, all four VIU campuses

celebrated Atleo’s inauguration as chancellor.

Atleo presented each campus with a hand-

carved and decorated yellow cedar paddle,

crafted by Nanoose artist Brian Bob. The paddles

were meant to complement

the university’s traditional

talisman, the mace. [See

sidebar]

“Allowing everyone to

have a say is a strong First

Nations tradition,” Atleo

said, “so I gave the paddle

not just to the president,

but also to the leader of

the student body and the

heads of the unions.”

The Nanaimo inaugura-

tion, at the Port Theatre,

was equal parts formal cer-

emony and house party.

Visiting dignitaries and

VIU faculty and staff in

academic robes mingled

with casually dressed com-

munity members and a

large group of Atleo’s rela-

tives and friends, many of them from Ahousat.

Bagpipes and O Canada were heard alongside

the steady thump of hand drums and Nuu-

chah-nulth greetings.

As Atleo addressed the crowd, alternating

between observations of cultural inclusiveness

and lighthearted, self-deprecating remarks, he

invited his family and friends to join him on the

stage.

“It became pretty evident when the songs and

the spontaneous celebrations erupted, it was as

much or more their ceremony,” Atleo said.

“When you work with First Nations and the

spirit moves, that’s often what happens.”

The spirit was moving for a good reason. VIU

had installed its first chancellor and cultural

shifts were at work.

“The symbolism of the chancellor position

going to a chief in a little village on the coast

isn’t lost on me,” Atleo said. “This is bigger

than me or any one individual. My family,

standing in the audience and celebrating on

stage—these are the same people that couldn’t

rent hotel rooms 35 years ago, couldn’t vote

not that long ago, were in residential schools

like my dad was. Just like the people in

Washington, D.C., who never thought they’d

see the day, these people thought they’d never

see the day an Atleo, a kid from Ahousat,

would be installed in an important, high-pro-

file role in an institution like VIU.”

“Collectively, Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals

have turned a heavy page of history,” Atleo said.

“As chancellor, I appreciate the opportunity to

help others write a new chapter.” J

PHOTO: VIU COMMUNICATIONS Journey Spring/Summer 2009 15

What is a Mace?

The mace is a weapon

with roots in ancient

Egypt. As military

technology improved

in the Middle Ages,

the mace became a

ceremonial symbol of

authority. It is often

used to mark special

occasions for

universities, including

convocation.

VIU’s mace was

designed and created

by retired VIU art

instructor John

Charnetski. The

metre-long mace is

made of stainless

steel and gold-plated

cast bronze. At

convocation, the

mace is carried by a

retiring professor or

administrator to

honour their

contribution to VIU.

Atleo has traditional

Ahousat songs on his

iPod, and lists AC/DC,

Neil Diamond, and

B.B. King as three of

his and Nancy’s

concert-going

experiences.

Atleo loved

coaching his kids’

sports teams, and

considered becoming

a school teacher.

Atleo is a self-

described “ski bum”

and figures he was one

of the original

snowboarders in

Vancouver. He had one

of the first Burton

production

snowboards, which

was made out of wood.

h Atleo presents a cedar paddle to (L-R) James Bowen, Students Union; RobinKenyon, VIU Board of Governors; Ralph Nilson, President and Vice-Chancellor; DanMacDonald, VIU Faculty Assocation; Stu Seifert, BCGEU; and Pam Botterill, CUPE

16 Journey Spring/Summer 2009 PHOTO: COURTESY MIKE WALKER

A L U M N I I N V I E W

When it comes to varsity athletics, badminton is

often overshadowed by other sports, even

though it boasts an estimated participation rate

of 200 million people around the world, second only to soc-

cer. While many North Americans view it as a gentle net

and racket game, often brought out at family reunions, it’s

an incredibly demanding professional sport, requiring a sub-

lime mix of skill, power, and tactics, all necessary to track

down a flying shuttle that can come at you at speeds

exceeding 300 kilometers per hour. Fans take the game as

seriously as the athletes do. Indeed fan devotion in Asia is

akin to hockey in Canada.

No one knows this better than Mike Walker (Arts and

Science, Commerce ’79), the only Canadian of the 46

Badminton World Federation (BWF) certificated umpires. In

matches in Europe, Scandinavia, and Asia, Walker and his

colleagues are routinely booed, heckled, and jeered by

overly zealous fans, who let the umpires know when they

are not pleased.

“It took a lot to get used to the crowd response in these

countries where the culture surrounding the sport is very

different,” Walker said. “In North America, badminton

crowds tend to sit on their hands, but not the rest of the

world. I umpired a Thomas Cup men’s singles match

Raising a RacketMike Walker makes net gains, following badminton

from the VIU gym to the Olympic Games. BY MATT CARTER

h Walker (seated on the #5 chair) umpires amatch at the 2006 World Junior BadmintonChampionships in Incheon, South Korea

PHOTO: MATT CARTER Journey Spring/Summer 2009 17

between Indonesia and Denmark’s top players in Jakarta,

where the crowds are the most vociferous, badminton-

crazy crowds in the world. Every time the Danish player hit

the bird, it was ‘boo,’ and every time the Indonesian player

hit the bird, it was ‘yay.’ It went back and forth, ‘boo, yay,

boo, yay’—and this was just in warm-ups.”

A commerce graduate, Walker played badminton at VIU

from 1977 to 1979. One of his teammates was Janice

Tissington (Phys Ed ’84), a talented doubles player who

earned two silver medals at the national college badminton

championships and was named the university’s female ath-

lete of the year in her final year at VIU. They married soon

after graduation, and moved to Shearwater, Nova Scotia,

and later, Edmonton.

In Edmonton, a serious back injury forced Walker away

from badminton for nearly a year. To alleviate the frustra-

tion from his injury, he signed up for a badminton umpiring

clinic, and started umpiring matches in northern Alberta.

“I was just looking for a way to stay involved in badminton,

and this was something fresh and new,” Walker said.

Walker improved quickly and switched his focus from

playing to officiating, aspiring to umpire games at the

national level.

His goal was realized six years later when was asked to

umpire at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria. What

he didn’t know was that international badminton officials

were watching him.

“After the Games, I was approached by a senior official

from Malaysia who asked if I would be interested in umpir-

ing at the international level,” Walker said. “I looked at him

and said ‘Sorry, there’s an international level?’”

Despite Walker’s initial

naivety about international

badminton, the Malaysian

official recommended him to

the BWF. After eight years of

accreditation and certifica-

tion assessments, he became

an internationally certifi-

cated umpire—the top level

of badminton umpires in the

world.

Even with his new creden-

tials, he lacked the experi-

ence necessary to be invited

to the biggest international

events. He paid his own way

to travel from Nanaimo to as many overseas tournaments as

possible, eventually reaching the pinnacle of international

umpiring—the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004 and again

in Beijing in 2008.

“Athens was fantastic because it was my first Olympics.

Many of the venues didn’t sell out, so I got to attend virtu-

ally any event I wanted to.”

While he thought that the badminton competition in

Beijing was much more exciting because of the large, vocal

crowds, Athens provided him with the biggest thrill of his

umpiring career. He was selected to umpire the women’s

doubles bronze medal match between China and Korea.

“Being assigned to a medal match is a great honour,”

Walker said. “Korea won in three sets, and it was the most

amazing match I had ever been involved in. It featured sev-

eral rallies that went on for over 100 shots. The players

received standing ovations during the action, and even

when the applause ended, the rally kept going.”

Back at home in Nanaimo, Walker is president of the law

firm Mont & Walker Law Corp. A world map adorns his

office wall and miniature flags mark the international tour-

naments he’s officiated,

including the Masters Super

Series, Thomas and Uber

Cups, Commonwealth

Games, Pan Am Games, and

Olympic Games.

Walker’s most recent over-

seas trip was also badminton

related. He travelled to

Hawaii, where he met up

with his wife, who is now

VIU’s head coach. Janice

took her team to the 2009

Honolulu Open tournament,

where the players and

coaches not only performed

well against top-ranked Canadian and American opponents,

but they hiked up the Diamond Head volcano, bodysurfed

and snorkeled, and made a trek to Pearl Harbor.

“These team-building experiences are a major reason why

playing varsity sports is so valuable,” Walker said. “They’ll

have strong memories and friendships that they’ll keep for

the rest of their lives—just as I have.” J

h Smashing success: Mariner Mike Clark (centre)receives a scholarship thanks to an endowmentcreated by Janice and Mike Walker

Badminton endowment

Mike and Janice’s emotional attachment to VIU badminton led

them to establish an endowment, matched by the VIU

Foundation, which will award a yearly scholarship to a member of

the VIU badminton team. The first scholarship was recently

awarded to fourth-year business student and 2008 BCCAA mixed

doubles silver medalist Mike Clark.

“Janice and I figured it was a great way to give back to the uni-

versity and support the game that gave so much to our lives,”

Mike said. “The fact that we met on the badminton team just

adds to how near and dear the sport is to our hearts. It’s a sport

that we’ll continue to play for the rest of our lives, and hopefully

this endowment will reward VIU badminton players for many

years after that.”

18 Journey Spring/Summer 2009 PHOTO: COURTESY PAMELA YORK

A L U M N I I N V I E W

Eighty-Eight Keys to HNow living in Houston, Texas, the pianist, vocalist,

composer, and teacher has performed at the

Jacksonville Jazz Festival, won the Great American Jazz

Piano competition in 2007, played with world class

musicians such as Jeff Hamilton and John Clayton, and

released two highly acclaimed CDs. Even with all of this

success in the United States, a hometown return puts

her in a sentimental mood. BY MATT CARTER

Add Pamela York’s (Jazz ’89) name to Nanaimo’s list of homegrown jazz royalty.

For someone who might weigh 100 pounds on a rainy

day, Pamela (Butchart) York (Jazz ’89) pounded out

the Duke Ellington favourite, “Caravan,” with the

force and rhythm of a racing steam train at a recent per-

formance at VIU. After the final note rang from the piano,

students in the choral room exploded with applause.

“Inspiring,” said jazz student Keesha Roden. “Seeing a

concert like this by someone who graduated from your

school makes the dream of becoming a professional musi-

cian so much more realistic.”

York’s music career has been full of notable achievements in

the United States, including winning the Great American

Jazz Piano Competition in 2007. Previous finalists in the

competition included Harry Connick Jr. and Brad Mehldau.

But for York, coming back to VIU and playing in familiar

rooms for new students and old teachers was just as special.

“Everything I did in Nanaimo, whether in high school, pri-

vate lessons, or college, contributed to my success,” she

said, over a cup of coffee at a sun-drenched café in down-

town Nanaimo.

York’s love of music grew out of the discovery of an aging

upright piano in her grandmother’s basement. Classical

piano training and country rock jams led to high school

band classes where she drove herself to learn jazz.

“She was forward, but never in a nasty way,” said Bryan

Stovell, her teacher at Nanaimo District Secondary School

(NDSS). “She’d ask, ‘Can I get another solo? Can I get

another arrangement?’ But it was never to the detriment of

anyone else in the band.”

One of York’s mentors was a young Diana Krall.

“Diana would drop by NDSS and we’d play,” York said.

“She was very helpful, and didn’t beat around the bush. She

got me to start playing bass lines so I could play in duo set-

tings without a bassist and drilled in that I needed to know

jazz standards. All of that helped to get work.”

At VIU, she was impressed that her instructors were also

professional, practicing musicians. Steve Jones’s jazz his-

tory and arranging classes struck a particularly sweet chord

with her.

“He expected a lot, encouraged us and treated everyone

with respect,” York said. “Twenty years later, I still refer to

his handouts.”

After VIU, York earned a bachelor’s degree from the

Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass., and a master’s

degree in jazz from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

In Tennessee, she met her future husband, Adam.

“He came from a musical family—his mother was a violinist

in the Memphis Symphony Orchestra—but was not overly

musical himself,” York said. “I knew our relationship was

getting serious when he enrolled in a jazz history course.”

The couple moved to San Diego, Calif., in 1996. In 2001,

York released her first recording, Blue York. Joining her on

the album were jazz giants John Clayton, bass, and Jeff

Hamilton, drums. It was the same rhythm section that

backed up Diana Krall on her debut recording, Stepping Out.

York had met Clayton and Hamilton while subbing in for

their Grammy-nominated big band, the Clayton-Hamilton

Jazz Orchestra. It took a while to build up the courage to ask

them to record with her.

“At first, I felt like I was at the kid’s table. But after one

rehearsal, it felt like we were peers,” she beamed. “I had

Monty Alexander’s rhythm section.”

Jazz media trumpeted the album. Jazz Improv Magazine

called Blue York a “very impressive debut,” Jazz Times wrote

that York was “blessed with a real sense of grace at the key-

board,” and Jazzreview.com said "Canadian-born Pamela

York is the ultimate pianist."

After moving to Houston, Texas, York released her second

album, The Way of Time. Many of the songs were inspired by

the birth of her first child, Anna. York gave birth to her sec-

ond child, Jonathan, in March 2009, and now plans to record

an album of hymns and spirituals, redone in a jazz style.

This exploration of musical diversity, York said, was born

out of her early classical piano and country jam experiences

in Nanaimo.

“Musicians need to play all styles. The tools that you use in

a Mozart sonata can be used in any jazz tune. Don’t turn

down a gig because it’s not exactly what you had in mind,

or where it might lead to. You might end up being really

good at something you never thought of.”

She finished her coffee and placed the cup neatly onto the

saucer. “As Duke Ellington said, there are only two types of

music: good and bad.” J

f More information on Pamela York at www.pamelayork.com

PHOTO: MATT CARTER Journey Spring/Summer 2009 19

appiness“Canadian-born Pamela York

is the ultimate pianist.”

– Jazzreview.com

h York (seated at the piano) and bassist Kristin Korb (seated on thestool) shared their thoughts on being professional jazz musicianswith VIU music students

At the age of 16, June Jefferies (BA ’07)

started her post-secondary education,

but it wasn’t in a university classroom.

It started at her first job, shelving books in a

Stratford, East London library, under the shad-

ows of acrid soap and chemical factories and

the vacant remnants of bomb-blasted indus-

trial buildings. Her professors were detective

stories and travel guides.

This was in 1948, three years removed from

the Second World War and in an era where a

university education was not considered critical

to personal or economic success.

“Everyone was getting trained on the job,” June

said. “There weren’t many universities in England

in the first place, and only a small percentage of

people considered going. I didn’t subscribe to the

notion that you had to go to university.”

It took 50 years to change her mind.

In 2007, June donned a black cap and robe and

walked across the stage of the Port Theatre in

Nanaimo to accept her bachelor’s degree in

Liberal Studies and Visual Arts. She had watched

incendiary bombs tear London apart, raised four

children almost entirely on her own, dealt with

London’s worst criminals and troubled youths

for 22 years as a probation officer, and moved

from Europe to North America before registering

for her first university class at the age of 65.

It's an experience that appears at odds with

typical university student demographics.

According to a 2007 report from the

Association of Universities and Colleges of

Canada, only 2.5 per cent of full time under-

graduate students were 35 years of age or older,

and two-thirds of master’s students were

younger than 30. But even if higher education

is largely a pursuit of young people, the award-

ing of a Bachelor of Arts degree to 75-year-old

June Jefferies proves that youth is not a prereq-

uisite to academic success.

In the audience for June’s convocation were

her son and daughter-in-law, Merv Jefferies

(BTM ’02) and Mary O’Neill.

“I think getting her degree from VIU was the

best thing my mom has ever done for herself,”

The liberalstudiesscholarship

To celebrate the

Liberal Studies

department, June

established the June

Jefferies Liberal

Studies Scholarship, a

yearly award of $600

that she funds by

putting aside $50 per

month.

“I feel an obligation

to help out a bright

youngster who is

dedicated to Liberal

Studies,” June said.

“It’s easy to put a bit

of money away, and

it all adds up.”

20 Journey Spring/Summer 2009 PHOTO: MATT CARTER

A L U M N I I N V I E W

Family FueledMeet three members of the Jefferies family who went back to school at

the same time as mature students, refuting misconceptions that you

have to be young to thrive at university. BY MATT CARTER

Merv said. “After living through challenging circumstances

and raising four children, it’s a significant accomplishment.”

Merv, who had gone to cooking school as a teenager in

England and moved to Canada in 1974 to work in the culi-

nary industry, invited June to make the same move across

the Atlantic upon her retirement. In 1992, she joined Merv

and Mary in Nanaimo. June, an avid reader, painter, and

pianist, immediately got involved with Literacy Nanaimo

and the Nanaimo Arts Council.

“June is very social, active, and loves learning,” Merv said.

“She’s not interested in sitting on the couch and watching

daytime TV. She looks for any opportunity to be around peo-

ple and have meaningful conversations.”

Mary, a professor in VIU’s Education department, sug-

gested that June sign up for Fine Arts classes at VIU at very

little cost, as the university waives tuition fees for students

65 and older. June enrolled, despite feeling a bit apprehen-

sive at the thought of studying alongside students that were

nearly 50 years younger than her.

“In the beginning, I was nervous about how I might fit in,”

June said, “but it turned out that I paid more attention to

my age than anyone else did.”

In addition to art and literature courses, June embraced

the Liberal Studies program. “It was exactly my kind of

learning,” she said. “I took every Liberal Studies class that I

could. Every professor brought so much of themselves to

the classroom.”

While June was enjoying her first year of university studies,

Merv was becoming increasingly burnt out from running an

independent cookware store in downtown Nanaimo. “It was

hard to compete with the larger companies,” he said. “I

went on a sabbatical and realized that I was tired of the retail

grind and didn’t want to do it anymore.”

Mary, who had started her career by studying applied com-

munications at Camosun College, had seen first-hand how

university studies had improved students’ fortunes and urged

Merv to follow his mother’s lead and go back to school.

“Working at VIU showed me

that higher education is a gift,”

Mary said. “I thought Merv

had a lot to contribute in an

academic setting.”

Seeing tourism as a growing part of the world economy and

buoyed by the opportunity to complete co-operative work

placements, Merv applied to VIU’s Tourism and Recreation

department. He walked into his first class at the age of 46.

Instead of feeling out of place surrounded by younger stu-

dents, he fed off of their optimism and positive energy. It was

a complete switch from the chronic stress of retail sales.

“Besides emigrating to Canada and marrying Mary, going

to VIU was the best decision I ever made,” said Merv, who

graduated with a Bachelor of Tourism Management degree

less than a month before his 50th birthday. “It gave me self

confidence. I got involved in things I never would have

done otherwise, such as finding myself in an outdoor recre-

ation class, upside down in a canoe.”

Fueled by his success, Merv looked to add to his education.

At the same time, Mary wanted to upgrade her position at

VIU. So, both enrolled in master’s programs, and they called

on VIU professors Rick Rollins and Marshall Soules to serve

as their MA advisors. Mary completed her master’s degree in

2003 and Merv finished in 2005.

Merv now works with Tourism

Vancouver Island as an industry

services research coordinator,

and Mary lectures on classroom

technology applications and digi-

tal portfolio design.

June has finished her under-

graduate education, but she has

not lost her zest for learning.

She remains active with the VIU

Liberal Studies Alumni Club,

where she continues to discuss

art, literature, philosophy,

music, politics—anything to

keep the academic fires burn-

ing. Her spirit left a lasting

impression on everyone that

she met at VIU.

“Good students inspire

their peers, but great stu-

dents inspire their teachers,”

said Liberal Studies professor

Russell McNeil. “June loved

ideas, music, art and conver-

sation, and she always com-

municated her enthusiasm

with clear intelligence and

infectious humour. She

showed us that education is a

never-ending, life-long

process.”

Sixty years after June

started her first job, you can

still find her in a library, flipping

through books, learning and dis-

covering. J

Keeping in touch

In addition to teaching,

Mary produces a regular

newsletter for VIU

Education alumni,

Alumni ED, which details

the accomplishments of

VIU Education alumni

and lists teaching

opportunities at schools

in B.C. and around the

world. Graduates

appreciate Mary’s

efforts to keep them

connected.

“It’s great to read

about fellow colleagues

and the successes

they’re experiencing in

their new endeavours,”

said Trish Bogle (BEd ’07).

“Mary has always

made her students and

alumni feel like they

were important,” added

Erin Behnsen (BEd ’07).

“She always finds the

time to help us.”

f To see current and

past issues, visit

www.viu.ca/

education/alumni/

newsletter/

PHOTO: (LEFT) MATT CARTER; (RIGHT) COURTESY MARY O’NEILL Journey Spring/Summer 2009 21

h Teachers just want to have fun: Mary O’Neill (centre)with 2008 Education alumni (L-R) Kris Isenor, Chris Sheasby, Katie Stafford, Simmy Mukhija, and Teresa Fayant

h A beaming June Jefferies standsin the Diana Krall Plaza with herson Merv after his VIUgraduation ceremony in 2002

22 Journey Spring/Summer 2009 STORY: BAHIYYIH EGELI. PHOTO: MATT CARTER

A L U M N I I N V I E W

Following a journey that took him

from Saskatchewan to the Yukon,

to Malaspina University-College,

then to San Diego, Calif., VIU First

Nation Studies graduate Richard

Aisaican (BA ’01) has returned to VIU.

He counsels students in his dual roles

as Aboriginal Career and Employment

coordinator in the Campus Career

Centre and Aboriginal Student Success

advisor for Career and Academic

Preparation.

A member of the Cowessess First

Nation, he grew up on a reserve

unaware of the complexity of his tradi-

tional culture, so he credits First

Nations Studies at VIU for teaching him

about himself as a First Nations person.

Aisaican was young when his family

moved from the Qu’Appelle Valley,

Saskatchewan, to the Yukon. After

high school, he enrolled in business

studies at Yukon College, but was soon

recruited by a representative of VIU.

Aisaican was impressed with VIU’s

Aboriginal connections.

“I wanted to be in a place where I

would feel connected,” Aisaican said.

“Yukon College had about a 55 per cent

Aboriginal student population. I liked

that VIU also had a strong Aboriginal

community.”

At VIU, Aisaican was involved with

student union activities and was an

advocate for student loan reform. He

said that many of his teachers

inspired his work, including Dr.

Richard Atleo, father of VIU’s first

chancellor, Shawn Atleo.

“He was my mentor, and I remember

his story about being born in a long-

house in Ahousat,” Aisaican said. “He

has an impressive education and is

articulate when sharing his stories and

cultural knowledge.”

Aisaican’s student experience was

enriched by the supportive presence of

the VIU resident elders on campus. “I

didn’t always contact them, but know-

ing they were there kept my mind at

ease,” he said. “We knew they were

there with prayers and to keep us in

line. It was what they were symboli-

cally that helped. I hope they knew

that we felt that way.”

When asked to compare his time as a

student at VIU to now, Aisaican com-

mented that Aboriginal community life

at VIU is now “more entrenched in the

institution.” There are positive changes

on campus, including additional First

Nations staff, an Aboriginal chancellor,

and more campus events that promote

Aboriginal pride, such as a successful

First Nations Christmas Feast that

Aisaican hosted in December 2008.

Aisaican hopes the Gathering Place

building will add another positive piece

to Aboriginal life on campus. He added

that while it will have an Aboriginal

feel and focus, all students are wel-

come to host events and promote cam-

pus culture there. This promotion of

culture and community is essential to

Aisaican.

“The First Nations people here, such

as the Haida and Coast Salish, still

have their traditional stories,” he

explained. “My classes helped me

visualize what Aboriginal education

can mean for people.”

Roots and CultureFirst Nations culture grows at VIU, thanks to the efforts of elders, students, staff, and

alumni such as Richard Aisaican (BA ’01)

Brendan Tang (Visual Arts ’96) is

remixing ceramics—and getting

noticed.

After nearly 15 years of exhibits and

academic study, Tang has been recog-

nized as an “emerging artist” by

Ceramics Monthly, the world’s largest

ceramic art periodical. His work has

also been featured in Hi-Fructose and

FUSE magazines.

Tang’s art draws heavily from contem-

porary popular culture, humour, and

satire, but he mixes it with exquisite

craftsmanship and lavishness that one

might take as a product of an older era.

For instance, his “Manga Ormolu” series

mixes traditional Chinese Ming Dynasty

vessels with robotic elements inspired

by plastic toys and Japanese comics.

“I’m playing with ideas of cultural

appropriation and hybridization,” said

Tang, a naturalized Canadian who was

born in Dublin, Ireland to an East

Indian mother and Chinese father.

“My ideas and thoughts of culture have

started to change a bit. Earlier in my

life, I thought of culture as static, or if

it moved, it moved at a glacier’s pace.

Today I think of culture as a

much more fluid, dynamic

thing.”

Tang, who went on from VIU

to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts

degree from the Nova Scotia

College of Art and Design and

a Master of Fine Arts degree

from Southern Illinois

University, now teaches

ceramics at Thompson

Rivers University in

Kamloops, BC. He

has exhibited his

works across

North America,

including shows

in Kirkland,

Wash., Toronto,

Chicago, and

Pittsburgh in

2008.

The fact that he

was recognized after

more than a decade of work proves that

artists have to spend a considerable

amount of time learning the business

side of their craft and marketing their

art to gain attention, Tang

said.

“In the beginning, I had

whimsical notions that I

would just create my

work and someone

would snap me up, but

like anything that’s

risky or out of the

norm, it becomes an

issue of endurance.”

A busy spring in

2009 is in the

cards for Tang,

with shows in

Vancouver,

Kamloops, and

Ottawa.

“I’ve had lots of

times of self-doubt

but I never have any

doubt about my

work,” he said. “I

stand by it. I never think I’m

giving up or selling out.”

f View Tang’s art online at

BrendanTang.com

Clay MotionAlumnus turns heads with his dramatic ceramics

STORY: MATT CARTER AND SARA HOMER. PHOTOS: COURTESY BRENDAN TANG Journey Spring/Summer 2009 23

A L U M N I I N V I E W

24 Journey Spring/Summer 2009 STORY: MATT CARTER. PHOTO: JOSH NYCHUK

A L U M N I I N V I E W

Graphic designer Josh Nychuk

(Graphic Arts ’08) could be con-

sidered a master of arts, but he

started out at VIU as a master of fish.

His undergraduate journey at VIU took

him through three different programs,

starting with culinary arts in 2001. After

earning a Culinary Arts certificate, he

began working at a Japanese restaurant

to study its cuisine—sushi, in particular.

After two years of professional cooking,

he became interested in learning web

design techniques for a side job and

enrolled in VIU’s Digital Media program.

While earning a Digital Media diploma

and an Internet production certificate,

access to certain computer programs

changed his path yet again.

“I decided to learn how to use some of

the graphic design software in my

spare time,” Nychuk said. “Until that

point, I had only used traditional medi-

ums for creating artwork. Once I

understood how the computer pro-

grams could not only facilitate this

process but completely revolutionize it,

there was no turning back. It was then

that I knew exactly what I wanted to

do: graphic design.”

The former cook had considerable

success with graphic

design in 2008, winning

an award in a competition

sponsored by the Society

of Graphic Designers of

Canada for his cover

design for Portal, VIU’s lit-

erary journal. He followed

that by winning a contest

to design the logo for the British

Columbia government’s LiveSmart BC

program. In doing so, he defeated over

140 student designers in B.C., earning a

prize of $10,000. LiveSmart BC, a pro-

gram that promotes green habits and

choices for home, work, and the road,

uses his logo in a variety of highly visi-

ble media.

Nychuk has parlayed his success into

a design job in Toronto. His portfolio

covers a wide variety of work, includ-

ing corporate logos, event posters,

product packaging, book and CD cov-

ers, websites, and skateboards.

Nychuk cites British designer Neville

Brody and American designer David

Carson as two main influences, with

roots in punk rock, surfing, and edgy

styles. “I love rule breakers,” Nychuk

said. “Their work played a large role in

my decision to become a designer.”

f See Nychuk’s work at grafikmatter.com

h Nychuk’s winning logo design for LiveSmart BC

From Sushi to Skateboards Cook-turned-graphic artist fires up his career by winning

a provincial logo design competition

The heart of Parksville Bay

looks rough. Excavators

and dump trucks rumble

by the skeleton of an unfinished

eight-storey residential build-

ing, and portable offices and

makeshift fences frame muddy

bogs and construction debris.

But something stunning has

risen behind the muck.

A new oceanfront resort, The

Beach Club Resort, has sprung

from the crevices where the old

Island Hall Resort stood since

1917. VIU alumna Shawna

Broekhuizen (Hospitality ’02) is

the general manager. To get here,

she had to go through her own

transformation.

“I worked in food and beverage

for 15 years,” she said, sitting in

front of her office window, over-

looking a fountain that marks the

resort’s entrance. “It came to a point—

especially as a single mom at the time—

that I grew tired of waitressing.”

Broekhuizen enrolled in VIU’s

Hospitality program and was instantly

inspired.

“The professors were so strong,” she

said. “Dale Francis was a visionary! He

got us to view things from the guest

perspective and realize that our goal

was to create memories. When he died

of cancer, it was a huge loss to the pro-

gram. His ‘Principals of Marketing’

course was my favourite, by far. I still

use his teachings every day.”

After graduating, she moved to

Whistler and managed banquets at the

Delta Whistler Resort on a ferocious

schedule.

“At one stretch, I worked 25 days in a

row and slept in the first aid room,”

she said.

Broekhuizen returned to Vancouver

Island when she was recruited by Tigh-

Na-Mara Resort in Parksville. She

worked there as banquet manager

before switching to sales and market-

ing at The Beach Club, one month

before its grand opening. It was

not long before she was

promoted to general

manager, a role

she relishes.

Her attitude

towards her

employees

matches her spirit.

“Your staff has to have fun,” she

said. “It’s about making sure that they

feel important and empowered. At the

end of the day, I don’t manage a hotel;

I manage people.”

It takes less than a minute to get from

Broekhuizen’s office to the beach.

From here, there are no signs of con-

struction. Look west and you see the

resort, with stone-sculpted walls, tall-

windowed villas, and a nine-storey

tower. Look elsewhere and you see the

calm salt water of Parksville Bay.

Broekhuizen is proud of the fact that

she worked her way from waitressing

to resort management in barely

five years. Instead of deliver-

ing meals and drinks,

she organizes cater-

ers—and marketers,

front-desk staff,

housekeepers, cor-

porate partners,

guests—anyone and

everyone involved with a luxury

resort.

“I’m thrilled to be living proof that

hard work and perseverance leads to

success in this business,” she said.

“The hospitality industry, with all of its

challenges and struggles, is incredibly

rewarding. I can’t wait to see what’s

around the next corner.”

STORY AND PHOTO: MATT CARTER Journey Spring/Summer 2009 25

A L U M N I I N V I E W

Movin’ On UpAs Parksville develops its waterfront, Shawna Broekhuizen (Hospitality ’02)

develops her career

Why did you come to VIU?

I completed a two-year

diploma in recreation serv-

ice at Langara College and

realized that I wanted

more education with a

stronger focus on tourism.

I went for a tour and info

session with VIU

Recreation and Tourism

professor Nicole Vaugeois and was sold

on the program. Great instructors,

beautiful campus.

How would you describe your time at VIU?

The bad times were good, the good

times were great, the hours were long,

but the rewards made it all worthwhile.

I met amazing people who have gone on

to all corners of the globe to follow their

dreams, and I can’t wait to visit them.

Outside of the classroom, there were

many activities, such as ski trips, Grey

Cup flag football, and curling. There

was always something going on, and it

was always themed. I did-

n’t know what a tickle

trunk was until I went on

a 1980s-themed pub

crawl. Most of my money

was spent at Value Village,

putting together outfits

from different eras.

I was the bartender at the

Velvet Underground dur-

ing my first year at Malaspina in 2002.

The first day of classes, we went to the

pub and they weren’t open because

they needed a bartender. So I became

the bartender and the pub opened—

that’s my commitment to education!

Did you have any particularly inspiring

professors?

John Plantinga was inspiring. He was

tough and demanded the best, but you

felt you couldn’t disappoint him. If you

did, you were disappointing yourself.

What do you enjoy about where you work?

If I didn’t work here, I’d be vacationing

here.

I’m an avid skier, and this resort is a

hidden gem. Sun Peaks has 121 runs over

3,700 acres, the second largest skiable

terrain in Canada after Whistler. The runs

aren’t crowded and the temperatures are

mild. The Austrian national ski team

trains here, and this year the team

brought a contingent of Swiss and

Russian national skiers. Olympic and

world champion and Canadian female

athlete of the century, Nancy Greene, is

our director of skiing.

For non-skiers and snowboarders,

there is a ton of other activities: ice skat-

ing, snowshoe tours, snowmobiling, and

authentic dogsledding, where you actu-

ally get to pick your own team from 45

Alaskan Huskies, harness them, mush

them, and reward them afterwards.

At the end of the day, I get to work

with friendly and passionate people

while living and playing in a ski resort.

From Sea to Shining SkisColin Brost (BTM ’04) is the international sales manager for Tourism Sun Peaks, a

destination marketing organization that promotes Sun Peaks Resort, an award-winning

mountain resort 45 minutes northeast of Kamloops, B.C. We asked Brost about his VIU

experiences and life on the slopes.

26 Journey Spring/Summer 2009 PHOTOS: PAUL MORRISON / TOURISM SUN PEAKS

A L U M N I I N V I E W

Susan Wright (Szasz)

(Uni versity Transfer ’72) and

Roy Wright (University

Transfer ’72) have recently

moved from the United

States back to Calgary, AB.

Susan is General Counsel

and Vice President-Law for

Alliance Pipelines, while Roy

is the Principal of Roan

Con sulting, specializing in

an urban and regional

planning in Canada and the

United States.

Peg Montgomery (Culinary

Arts ’84) is co-owner and

chef of Restaurant Maya,

located on a beach in

Melaque, Mexico,

overlooking the Pacific

Ocean.

Jarrett Beaulieu (Cook

Training ’90) is the

Executive Chef at the Ritz-

Carlton Hotel in Sharm El

Sheikh, Egypt.

Simon Lazarus (Hotel

Operations ’90, Cook

Training ’93) was promoted

to Senior Area Director of

Food and Beverage, Middle

East and Africa, for Hilton

Hotels. Stationed in Dubai,

United Arab Emirates,

Lazarus oversees food and

beverage operations for 45

hotels and is responsible for

opening a further 32 in the

region.

Megan Bailey’s (Office

Admin ’98) career and

family have evolved

drastically since graduating

in 1998. Her education led

directly to her first “real job,”

administration at MacMillan

Bloedel. During the lunch

break on her first day at

work, Megan met her future

husband. Now married with

a daughter, Megan is back at

VIU and studying for a

business degree.

Matt Rimmer (Fisheries and

Aquaculture ’98) is working

for the North Carolina

Wildlife Resources

Commission in Marion, N.C.

He has worked with geoduck

clams, Atlantic salmon,

white sturgeon, Arctic char,

brook trout, rainbow trout,

and brown trout.

Jen Fisher (Recreation and

Sport ’99) and former VIU

recreation student Mandy

Dunning (Right in photo)

were married August 9,

2008 in Lantzville, BC. Jen

completed a Bachelor of

Science in Therapeutic

Recreation at Dalhousie

University and currently

manages Leisure &

Education Services for THEO

BC, a mental health

organization, in Vancouver.

Mandy works as a personal

trainer, also in Vancouver.

Graham Kruse (Cook

Training ’00) is the

Executive Chef at the

Fairmont Beijing Hotel in

Beijing, China.

Brian Horncastle (ITAS ’02)

and Amanda Van Tankeren

(BBA ’07) were married in

August 2008. After

graduating from VIU, Brian

earned a Bachelor of Applied

Technology in Information

Systems from the Southern

Alberta Institute of

Technology and was hired as

a Unix Systems Network

Administrator at Camosun

College in Victoria, which he

describes as his “dream job.”

Amanda works for the BC

Public Service Agency as an

Aboriginal Youth Internship

Program Assistant.

Liz Harvey-Carter (BA ’06)

and VIU professor Linda

Derksen’s co-authored

research paper “CSI Effect:

Science Fiction or Social

Fact?” will be published in a

new book, The CSI Effect:

Television, Crime and

Critical Theory, a collection

of essays on the CSI television

series. Since graduating,

Harvey-Carter has completed

a counselling diploma and a

M.A. in Integrated Studies

from Athabasca University.

She will be starting a PhD on

the anthropology of learning

disabilities at Simon Fraser

University.

Cole Renner (Recreation and

Sport ’06) has been named

head of business operations

for the Nanaimo Senior A

Timbermen Lacrosse Club.

He is also Vice President of

Business Operations for the

V.I. Raiders football team.

Magnus Stephen Colvin (BEd

‘07) is an English 10 and

Communications 11

instructor at Dalian Maple

Leaf International School in

Dalian, China. Colvin and

his wife recently celebrated

a new baby, Claire Sadie,

who is already planning her

VIU academic career.

Roy Tyndall (BA ’08) sends

us this note: “Living in

Danang, Vietnam. Eating

shrimp. Riding a bike. This

land of smiles teaches a

foreigner that there are

different ways to look at life

and its trials. Most people

here are poor but most are

still happy, loving people. I

love it here.”

AlumnEyeLet us know about your new job, promotion, wedding,

family addition, travels, or further academic achievements

at journey@viu.ca.

Journey Spring/Summer 2009 27

C L A S S N O T E S

T H E H O M E S T R E T C H

28 Journey Spring/Summer 2009 PHOTO: COURTESY ANN HOLROYD

When we travelled to Nepal, we

were aware there were differ-

ences between our cultures,

but no amount of class work could have

prepared us for the cultural diversity of

this country. The experience was the

greatest teacher we could have to

advance our own cultural sensitivity.

A common mantra within the group

was to be open, let things happen, and

relinquish control, thereby recognizing

the path to a new inner vitality.

Students had to gain comfort against

the limits of their own tolerance, and

seeing beyond the commonly held

assumption that other cultures should

strive to be like us was a valuable lesson.

While globalization has brought the

marketization of many things, includ-

ing health, the people of Nepal seem to

have resisted a global model of health

care based on “think alike, look alike”

principles. Regional beliefs and super-

stitions still influence health care prac-

tices. Cow dung, thought to be a

healing agent, is rubbed on the navels

of newborn infants, and babies are

rubbed daily with mustard seed oil to

promote strength as an adult. Nurses,

in facilities without ventilation, mix

toxic chemotherapy drugs in full view

of patients and their families.

Everywhere the students turned, in

hospitals or communities, they were

presented with adventures of ideas and

new shades of thought. Most impor-

tantly, they began to see the Nepalese

beyond an “us versus them” mindset.

Spending a long period of time in a

different culture helped the students

see the value of cultural diversity on a

personal level. Their identities were

being challenged. Being part of a large

group and working in a foreign country

truly offset any desires they may have

had to safely remain the same person

they had always been.

I wish that all students could partici-

pate in at least one international

learning experience during their

under grad uate program. The learning

that takes place outside of a classroom

is a necessary complement to class-

room work. Our time in Nepal taught

us to savour the differences that exist

between cultures and people, a worth-

while value that we can bring to the

world of health and illness care.

Mother Teresa said “I want you to be concerned about your next door neighbour. Do you

know your next door neighbour?”

In a global village, citizens on opposite sides of the planet are neighbours. They might

have different habits or beliefs, but exploring that sense of diversity can be life-changing,

as 12 Bachelor of Science in Nursing students and two VIU instructors discovered in Nepal

during a four week field school in September 2008.

Beginning their journey in the ancient city of Bhaktapur, the students travelled to

Scheer Memorial Hospital in Banepa and learned about the health and social issues in the

Kathmandu Valley region. They shared a nursing residence and tasted local food, includ-

ing a national dish of dahl bhat (lentil soup and rice) at every meal. The group also visited

the Royal Chitwan Park wildlife reserve, attended a traditional Hindu wedding, faced the

aftermath of a landslide on the way to Thulo Syabru, crossed mountains, donated money

to The Mountain Fund, a poverty eradication non-profit that targets mountain regions,

and provided communities with medical supplies. VIU nursing professor Ann Holroyd

reflected on the value of these cross-cultural explorations for the students.

Going to KathmanduCultural Comparisons in the Heart of the Himalayas. BY ANN HOLROYD

h VIU students in Nepal: (L-R) Kamiko Tomiyama, Alison Graham, Kala Fitton,Laura Fyfe, Mandy Parmar, Kristy Wareham, Pamela Browett, Jenny Patton, andHeather Maitland. (Missing: Eva Andres, Christie Kay, Jaycille Zart)

VIU Alumni Mean BusinessAccounting firm celebrates its relationships with

VIU Business graduates

The Nanaimo branch of accounting firm Meyers Norris Penny cre-

ated a $40,000 endowment fund for VIU, establishing the MNP

Nanaimo Founders Award. It will be given annually to a student in

VIU’s Bachelor of Business Administration program.

“We are very proud to provide this award and recognize the local

impact of VIU

accounting stu-

dents,” said Lucie

Gosselin, MNP

Nanaimo’s man-

aging partner.

“The quality of

their work is very

high. We cur-

rently employ

graduates at all of

MNP’s Vancouver

Island locations.”

h VIU alumni at MNP’s Nanaimo office include (L-R)Jennifer Farr (BA ’05), Leif Bogwald (BA ’02), MikeBonkowski (’88), Mike Furnell (’06), SeanDougherty (BBA ’08), Kali Meyer (BBA ’08), MerylChahley (’85), Sally Bethinger (’77), Lynne Pankratz(’89), Traci Pogson (BA ’05)

What was the most importantrelationship you forged during yourtime at VIU?

Bonnie Bill (Social Services ’06) I had some struggles

in the social services program, but Professor Patrick

Konkin was extremely supportive. He emphasized the

importance of being flexible to learning styles, which

I’m mindful of when I work with school children. I

also admired instructor Anne Spilker, an incredible

woman who made sure everyone was heard.

Carrie Friend (BA ’02) Professors John Black, Janina

Hornosty, and Lisa MacLean were brilliant facilitators

and fabulous human beings. Our 18-person liberal

studies seminar group was a special unit that cared

about education and each other—and we kept it lively!

Aran Gough (BSc ’96) Ecology instructor Ed van

Zinderen Bakker was integral in guiding me into a

career in ecology. I constantly apply techniques that I

learned from Ed in my projects. He continues to pro-

vide me with support, even though I now live in Peru.

Tom Guy (BA ’07) My professors were very giving of

their time—in classrooms, forums, field trips, clubs,

and in sharing music. These experiences helped me

generate a respect and fondness for dedicated peo-

ple doing good work.

Carrie Johns (BA ’05) I met Jason Parsley (BA ’06) in

English 215. We were put in a group and instructed to

read our essays aloud to each other. I wrote some

drivel on my obsession with the TV show MASH. Jason

wrote about building birdhouses with his grandfa-

ther. For some reason, I asked Jason if he’d build me

a birdhouse, and for some reason, he agreed. In June

2008, we were married. For a wedding present, we

received the complete MASH collection and watched

all eleven seasons in six months. I’m still waiting for

my birdhouse.

Hannah King (BTM ’03) I met my husband at VIU. He

was two years ahead of me in the Recreation and

Tourism program but we shared a class together and

the rest is history. Professor John Plantinga had the

biggest impact; you have to appreciate somebody so

straight forward and non-fluffy!

Paul Langereis (BEd ’01) I was fortunate enough to

take visual arts classes from Fran Benton and Gregory

Ball. Fran was a wonderful person to talk to about the

arts, and Gregory provided me with great inspiration.

As well, Education advisor John Boland had a great

sense of humour and provided me with support

through the program.

PHOTOS: MATT CARTER Journey Spring/Summer 2009 29

G I V I N G B A C K

h Six VIU nursing students received $5,000 scholarships as a result of theSharmans’ million dollar donation. (L-R) Dean of Health and Human ServicesLaureen Styles, Sidney Sharman, Sarah Gibson, Jennifer Peters, Kellie Connelly,Jennifer Steele, Jennie Taylor, Jennifer van Barneveld, and President Ralph Nilson

Wealth Care for Health CareNursing students benefit from a one million

dollar donation—the largest in VIU’s history

In January 2009, Nanaimo philanthropists Sidney and Gladys

Sharman donated one million dollars to VIU, the largest personal

donation in the university’s history. The money will go into an

endowment fund to provide up to six awards each year for fourth-

year students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

“We need doctors and surgeons,” Sidney Sharman said, “but

when you’re in the hospital, it’s the nurses you see. I want to sup-

port the nursing program and nurses in the Nanaimo area.”

&Q A