VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2 • FALL 2009
Terence Fitzgerald
From a renegade comic book
company to a billion-dollar
entertainment success
HONOURING VIU’S FIRST NATIONAL CHAMPIONS • ANTARCTICA: THE CLASSROOM • NEW COWICHAN CAMPUS
Pub. Agreement No. 40063601
Rediscover
Your School Spirit
Keep in touch with your fellow VIU graduates and rediscover
the spirit of living and learning on the West Coast.
Update your contact information at www.viu.ca/alumni and
stay informed about relevant news, reunions, and events.
Have you purchased your Alumni Privilege Card?
VIU alumni can purchase an Alumni Privilege Card for an annual fee of 10 and receive discounts from:
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Purchase your Alumni Privilege Card from the Development and Alumni Office, 114-59 Wharf Street,
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E-mail: alumni@viu.ca
www.viu.ca/alumni/
The success of any school is determined by the strength of its graduates.
CONTENTS
FEATURES
FALL 2009
12 Master of One’s Destiny
Visual Arts graduate Terence Fitzgerald spawns
a multi-million dollar entertainment empire
10 On Top of the Bottom of the World
VIU student L-A Shibish spends two weeks studying in Antarctica
DEPARTMENTS
02
04
Explorations w
Steps w
New Cowichan Campus; Atleo
elected National Chief; Word on
the street; Mariners Wall of Fame
20
Alumni In View w
Tanya Griffiths; VIU’s first
valedictorians; Alumni
reception in Japan
25
28
16 Spirit of ’83
Honouring VIU’s first national championship
ON THE COVER: ILLUSTRATION OF TERENCE FITZGERALD BY SAM KIETH. THIS PAGE: ILLUSTRATION BY GREG CAPULLO.
AlumnEye w
The Home Stretch w
Face to face with the
Italian Renaissance
29
Events w
Journey Fall 2009
1
E X P LO R AT I O N S
Hard Times? What a Great Opportunity
“In my lifetime, there has never been a more
problematic time to be graduating than now.”
– VIU’s 2009 Outstanding Service Award
winner Shirley Goldberg, speaking at VIU’s
spring convocation
With those words, Goldberg shook up the
Class of 2009. While her sobering words are
reminders that many young alumni will
struggle in their transition from academics to
the working world, they also offer a challenge: embrace the
changes of a transitioning world in whatever way works
best for you.
For many alumni this means foregoing the workforce to
experience the world through travel. For many it means
commiting to a cause or helping improve the world through
volunteer work. And for many, it means continuing or
upgrading their education.
We notice the trend here on campus. As VIU’s enrolment
grows, increasing numbers of alumni are returning to further
their education or access the free services offered by the
Campus Career Centre, including one-on-one
employment counseling, resumé updating,
and advice on accessing the hidden job market.
These may be hard times, but they also
present a great opportunity for young alumni
and recent graduates to make their mark in
different ways, perhaps, more than those who
came before them. Speaking on behalf of his
classmates, valedictorian Scott Bastian
signalled that the Class of 2009 is eager to
embrace Goldberg’s challenge and this changing world:
It is your responsibility to be in charge of your own life…
to wake up and be prepared to face the challenges and seek the
opportunities presented every day. If you don’t like the current
situation, change it. Create the vision you want and build it.
I welcome your feedback and encourage you to keep in
touch. I can be reached at alumni@viu.ca.
David Forrester
Manager, Alumni Relations
Vancouver Island University
Letters
Letters to the Editor
I was surprised by the professional look
of the magazine and even more surprised that I received it in the
Netherlands. I think I am one of the
very few VIU alumni here.
I would like to read more stories
about international alumni; those who
have graduated and become successful
in their own country. So far, I have
found the magazine to be very local
and I think that having a more geographic spread would make the magazine more interesting to read.
– Niels Siskens
(University Programs ’04)
VIU welcomes 1,000 international
students per year and they bring valuable
global perspectives to our classrooms and
communities. As alumni, they represent
VIU around the globe. We will always look
to include their stories in Journey, such as
Indian alumnus Alex Casewa and his
2
Journey Fall 2009
institutions. For university applications or
resumés, VIU’s Campus Career Centre and
Registration department recommend that
Malaspina graduates list the institution as
Can Malaspina alumni update our
“Vancouver Island University—formerly
degrees to state Vancouver Island
Malaspina University-College.” To make
University instead of Malaspina
things simpler, all transcripts from the
University-College? I graduated in June
institution will now have the VIU name on
2006 and would like my degree to
reflect the new name of the institution. them.
– Aimee Newton (BTM ’06)
environmentally sustainable dinnerware
business on page 26.
Malaspina alumni can purchase
replacement certificates,
diplomas, and degrees from
Vancouver Island University for
$35 per copy. Contact the
Alumni Office at alumni@viu.ca
for more information.
You’ll be glad to know that all
Malaspina degrees, diplomas,
and certificates will still be
recognized by employers and
other post-secondary
E X P LO R AT I O N S
Fall 2009 • Volume 2, Issue 2
Publisher
Office of Development & Alumni,
Vancouver Island University
Executive Editor
Director, Development & Alumni
Teresa Moore
Managing Editor
Manager, Alumni Relations
David Forrester (Phys Ed, Rec & Sport ’02)
Editor and Alumni Officer
Matt Carter (BA ’06)
Editorial Assistants
Heather Burke (BA ’09)
Angela Hovestad (BA ’09)
Contributors
Marilyn Assaf (Arts)
Brent Dunlop (Phys Ed ’86)
John Gardiner (BA ’97)
L-A Shibish (Tourism and Recreation)
Graphic Design
Rayola Graphic Design
Journey is published in the spring and fall by VIU’s
Office of Development & Alumni and is distributed
free of charge to alumni and friends. All material is
copyright © 2009, Vancouver Island University Development & Alumni, and may be reprinted with
written permission. Opinions expressed in the
magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of
Vancouver Island University.
The Vancouver Island University community acknowledges and thanks the Tla’Amin, Qualicum,
Snaw Naw As, Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Halalt,
Penelakut, Lyackson, Chemainus, and Lake
Cowichan First Nations on whose traditional lands
we teach, learn, research, live, and share knowledge.
We welcome letters to the editor.
Please address all correspondence to:
Editor, Journey
114 – 59 Wharf Street
Nanaimo, British Columbia
Canada V9R 2X3
journey@viu.ca
Advertising Inquiries
Manager, Alumni Relations
114 – 59 Wharf Street
Nanaimo, British Columbia
Canada V9R 2X3
250·740·6214
david.forrester@viu.ca
Canadian Publications Mail Agreement #40063601
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:
Development and Alumni
114 – 59 Wharf Street
Nanaimo, British Columbia
Canada V9R 2X3
Cert no. SW-COC-002226
President’s Viewpoint
In the previous issue of Journey, readers
were introduced to Shawn A-in-chut
Atleo, VIU's first chancellor and the
first Aboriginal chancellor in B.C. With
West Coast roots and a dedication to
education and the betterment of First
Nations communities, he is a natural fit
with VIU.
On July 22, I was
fortunate to attend the
election of the Assembly
of First Nations’ new
national chief in Calgary.
Shawn was one of five
candidates, and at 42, he
was the youngest, vying
to become the first
national chief from B.C.
since 1976.
At 7:45 a.m. on July 23, after nearly 23
hours of voting, a winner was declared.
Shawn, surrounded by his family and
supporters who cheered throughout
the election whenever his name was
announced, was victorious. He is now
in an advantageous position to unite
and strengthen First Nations
communities across the country,
furthering his work as B.C. Regional
Chief for the past six years.
The election result is also terrific for
VIU. Shawn, who will remain
chancellor, will be able to articulate the
university's strengths and evolution
across the country in his new role.
Shawn has made it clear that he sees
post-secondary education as a key to
empowering the next generation of
First Nations, and VIU
shares this vision. He is
an excellent ambassador
for the institution as well
as a role model for all
students, Aboriginal and
non-Aboriginal, on
Vancouver Island and
across Canada.
I hope you enjoy this
issue of Journey,
corresponding with the beginning of
the fall semester. Our campuses will be
alive with lectures, art exhibits, sports,
and concerts. I always enjoy meeting
alumni on campus and I look forward
to seeing you at an event soon.
I welcome your comments at
viewpoint@viu.ca.
Ralph Nilson, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor
Vancouver Island University
Journey Fall 2009
3
STEPS
New Cowichan Campus Announced
The fields are alive with the sounds of learning
The overgrown grass of the Cowichan Fairgrounds
will soon be home to a new VIU campus for the
Cowichan Valley.
The 3,500 square-metre building will provide
new teaching and research facilities and space for
a student body that was outgrowing the smaller,
two-building campus on Cowichan Way. The new
campus will be part of Cowichan Place, a community centre with art and recreation facilities.
“The new facility will allow more students to
stay and study in the Cowichan Valley,” said
Campus Principal Maria Lauridsen. “The
upgraded facilities will allow us to offer more
programs, including university courses.
Currently, students wishing to take science
courses have to go to the Nanaimo campus.”
Planning for a new campus began in 2003. The
project took a giant leap forward with the April
2009 announcement of $26.6 million funding
from the provincial and federal governments.
h Cowichan Campus Principal Maria Lauridsen is eager to get to work
on the site of the new Cowichan campus. PHOTO: MATT CARTER
Construction Begins
B.C.’s shellfish industry requires an
influx of new research and trained
workers in order to grow. VIU has
answered the call by placing a state of
the art, multi-use fisheries and
aquaculture research station in the heart
of the province’s shellfish harvest.
h Flexing its mussels: the new Deep Bay Field
Station will consist of a multi-use research
building connected to a lower support building and land-based seawater tank farm.
ILLUSTRATION: MCFARLAND MARCEAU ARCHITECTS
4
Journey Fall 2009
h (L) Shawn Atleo is
embraced by runner-up
Perry Bellegarde after
Bellegarde conceded
defeat on the eighth
ballot.
PHOTO: TED RHODES,
THE CALGARY HERALD.
REPRINTED WITH
PERMISSION OF THE
CALGARY HERALD.
However, VIU is seeking additional
funding to build vocational training
facilities and bring trades programs to
campus. They are currently taught at
district secondary schools.
Construction is expected to begin in
January 2010 and finish in 2011. The
campus will be built to a LEED gold
rating and the design will reflect the
local cultures of the Cowichan Valley.
To complete the design, VIU is
initiating a Cowichan Campus Master
Plan and inviting community and
university members to voice their
opinions on the design of the new
campus.
f For more information,
visit www.viu.ca/facilities/Campus_
Development/Cowichanplace.asp
Atleo Elected National Chief
First Nations chiefs across Canada have embraced VIU Chancellor Shawn
A-in-chut Atleo as their lead voice to advocate for First Nations issues.
At the Assembly of First Nations annual general assembly in Calgary in July,
Atleo was elected National Chief, succeeding outgoing chief Phil Fontaine. In
National Chief Atleo’s new role, he represents more than 630 First Nation
communities across Canada and will be a conduit between these communities
and the provincial and federal governments to articulate important issues faced
by the First Nation population in Canada.
Atleo, a hereditary chief of the Ahousaht First Nation, based his campaign on a
four pillar platform: increasing education and skills training for youth and
families; establishing First Nation land jurisdictions through treaty and title
rights; encouraging sustainable community economic development; and
strengthening the unity between First Nations communities across Canada, as
well as with non-Aboriginal Canadians.
“Canada was forged on strong relationships between Europeans and First
Nations,” Atleo said. “When our ancestors signed sacred treaties, there was
mutual recognition and respect. It’s time to reconcile these relationships. Both
parties need to realize that we are a stronger nation if we walk forward together.”
on VIU’s Innovative Shellfish Research Centre
In May 2009, workers began construction on the Deep Bay
Field Station, an offshoot of VIU’s Centre for Shellfish Research.
The 900 square-meter building will include an upland
seawater tank farm, demonstration shellfish farm, laboratories,
and seminar rooms. An entrance foyer, overlooking Baynes
Sound, will house interpretive displays promoting coastal
environmental health and research activities.
Built to platinum accredited LEED standards, the facility will
also demonstrate sustainable building technologies in a
coastal area under enormous development.
Unlike similar field stations, the Deep Bay facility will
feature more than research space. It will offer industry
training programs to increase the pool of skilled aquaculture
specialists and coastal ecology and shellfish aquaculture
education programs for school children and tourists. An onsite culinary training kitchen will double as a teaching lab for
the Culinary Institute of Vancouver Island and a preparation
area for caterers to service events and conferences.
Half of the funding for the $8.5 million field station was
raised by VIU and matched by the provincial and federal
governments in April 2009. The Field Station is expected to be
completed in July 2010.
f For more information, visit www.viu.ca/deepbay
Journey Fall 2009
5
STEPS
VIU Tourism Professor Stands Up for B.C.’s Small Towns
B.C. tourists are well aware of the
province’s “golden triangle” of Vancouver,
Victoria, and Whistler. But are they hearing
enough about the rest of the province?
While many rural communities are using
tourism to diversify their economies, a
number of them struggle to showcase their
natural and cultural assets to visitors,
according to Nicole Vaugeois, VIU
Recreation and Tourism professor and BC
Regional Innovation Chair in Tourism and
Sustainable Rural Development.
“Hosting visitors comes naturally to
people in small towns as they are usually
friendly and hospitable,” Vaugeois said,
“but there is more to being successful in
tourism than having attractions and
friendly people.”
h Vaugeois: helping rural
communities stir up
sustainable tourism.
PHOTO COURTESY NICOLE VAUGEOIS
In May, she sent three VIU students to join
a research group in Wells, a village of 200
people, 80 kilometers east of Quesnel, to
research the village’s marketing and
tourism practices before presenting a
sustainable tourism development plan to the
community. In effect, Wells received a week
of professional consulting for free and the
students gained real-world research
experience.
“We have great cultural narratives in B.C.,”
Vaugeois said. “Houseboating in the
Shuswap, cowboys in the Chilcotin, the
contributions of Chinese immigrants to
developing the province…they are all
unique, and these stories are just the sort of
authentic experiences today’s welltravelled markets are looking for.”
h Aluminum Boat Building graduates (L-R) Max Mielke, Grant Ayers, Marc Rei, and Jordan Brandback stand on board the Chetlo, VIU’s new shellfish research vessel that will operate out of VIU’s
Deep Bay Field Station. The 12-metre boat was built by the 2008 Aluminum Boat Building class
and launched in May 2009. The name is apt; Chetlo is the Chinook Jargon word for oyster.
PHOTO: MATT CARTER
New Programs
Bachelor of Arts – Digital Media Major
• A combination of media and culture theory
with digital media production: Internet,
photography, audio, and video.
www.mediastudies.viu.ca
Bachelor of Arts – Economics Major
• Become versed in international economies,
economic theories, financial services, and
market structures; develop skills in math,
communications, and reasoning.
www.viu.ca/economics
h (L-R) VIU Marketing & Recruitment Coordinator Dale Hunt (BA ’02) and First Nations
Student Services Liaison Jennifer Christoffersen (BA ’97) lead a song as part of a May land
blessing ceremony for the future campus space of Shq’apthut, VIU’s new Gathering Place.
Shq’apthut will be located in the southwestern corner of campus, adjacent to Career and
Academic Preparation, Building 205. PHOTO: MATT CARTER
6
Journey Fall 2009
Nail Technology Certificate
• www.viu.ca/ccs/certificates/nailtech.asp
Professional Esthetics Certificate
• www.viu.ca/ccs/certificates/esthetics.asp
STEPS
The Word on the Street
Comparing the visual cultures of Canada and Cuba
You aren’t likely to see a giant billboard
comparing George W. Bush with Adolf
Hitler in Canada. But you will in Cuba.
In Canada, protestors put graffiti and
posters on alleyway walls and power
poles to get their messages across.
However, in Cuba, citizens can be jailed
for posting a notice criticizing the state.
To study these differences, VIU Media
Studies professor Marshall Soules travelled across Canada and Cuba, taking
photos of posters, graffiti, murals, and
billboards. He posted the images at
www.imagedialogue.ca to enable further discussions on how politics are
communicated in the public sphere and
how public communications are regulated by authorities.
His research shows how the two
countries have ideological differences
in the way they manage their public
spaces. In Canadian cities,
advertisements rule the visual
landscape while citizen-produced
messages are limited.
“City authorities marginalize posters
and graffiti by classifying them as
vandalism,” Soules said. “If you want
to put up a poster in downtown
Nanaimo, you are restricted to five
h Vancouver, B.C. A poster advertising an antiOlympic Games rally is taped to a recycling
container at the corner of Hastings and Main
streets in the Downtown Eastside.
h Havana, Cuba. Adolf Hitler, George W. Bush,
and Cuban ex-patriots Posada Carriles and
Orlando Bosch are pictured as the four aces
(assassins) in a deck of cards.
PHOTOS: MARSHALL SOULES
poles, while businesses have many
more options for putting up billboards
or signs to promote their cause.”
In Cuba, the government has a
monopoly on public messaging. Its
landscape is filled with giant billboards,
colourfully promoting the country and
the socialist revolution while denouncing enemies of the state. Unlike Canada,
there are few examples of commercial
advertising in public spaces.
However, Soules identified one
common theme in Canadian and Cuban
public messaging.
“Our countries worship heroes. One
of the things I discovered was that
every Canadian town has a war
memorial, and it’s often the most
beautiful piece of art in the community.
The Unknown Soldier is our hero, the
Canadian Ché Guevara.”
Journey Fall 2009
7
STEPS
Best of the Best
VIU celebrates athletic excellence with a brand new Wall of Fame
h (L-R) Mark Simpson and
Phys Ed professor Les Malbon
(Arts ’76)
h Danielle Gaudet (BTM ’03) and h George Macpherson (L)
Athletic Director Bruce Hunter
and Phys Ed professor
(Leisure Services ’81)
Mike Armstrong (Arts ’73)
The VIU gymnasium walls have witnessed nearly 30 years of
exceptional athletic achievements and will now capture
these achievements in a Mariners Wall of Fame.
The wall will pay tribute to VIU’s outstanding athletes,
coaches, builders, and teams, including the inaugural four
inductees: Mark Simpson, George Macpherson, the 1983
men’s soccer team, and Danielle (Gaudet) Hyde (BTM ’03).
Hyde was one of the most dynamic and consistent athletes
in Canadian varsity sports during her four years with the
women’s volleyball team from 1997-2001. She was named
CCAA women’s volleyball player of the year in 2000, CCAA
all-Canadian four times, and Mariner athlete of the year
three times. She won three provincial gold medals and
national bronze and silver medals in 1999 and 2000.
The 1983 men’s soccer team earned VIU’s first national
championship and was inducted in the team category. Led
by coaches Mike Armstrong (Arts ’73) and Les Malbon (Arts
’76), the team earned 12 wins and six draws, scoring 49 goals
while conceding only six on its way to defeating Seneca
College 1-0 in the national final. [For a look at the team’s run
h 1983 men’s soccer national champions
and (R) Student Services Executive Director
Darrel Mansbridge (Recreation ’75)
to the title, see page 17.]
Mark Simpson coached the men’s basketball team for ten
years, compiling a 120-24 record. His 1994 team won the
CCAA national basketball championship, the first team from
B.C. to do so. Many of his players have gone on to coach
teams of their own, including current Mariner coaches Tony
Bryce (Education ’94) and Bill McWhinnie (Education ’95).
George Macpherson, elected in the builder category, was
instrumental in developing VIU’s Athletics program in the
1970s. He came up with the Mariners moniker and created
and coached VIU’s hockey program for 10 years.
“It’s important for VIU Athletics to recognize and celebrate
past athletes and teams because there were many people
before me and the current athletes that put Mariner Athletics
on the map,” Hyde said. “Our success comes from years of
great athletes and coaches. They deserve to be honoured for
doing that leg work.”
If you want to nominate an athlete for the Wall of Fame,
contact Athletic Director Bruce Hunter at 250 · 740 · 6402 or
bruce.hunter@viu.ca.
Mariners 2009-10 Preview
Women’s Soccer
• 2008-09: 6 wins, 2 draws,
6 losses (5th place)
• Exhibition games against Alberta, Victoria, and the Vancouver Whitecaps prospects
will have the team in good
form.
8
Journey Fall 2009
Men’s Soccer
• 2008-09: 4 wins, 3 draws,
7 losses (6th place)
• New head coach Bill Merriman aims to get the lads
back into the playoff picture.
Women’s Volleyball
• 2008-09: 13 wins, 3 losses
(3rd place)
• The team remains strong following a provincial silver
medal in 2009 and national
gold in 2008.
Men’s Volleyball
• 2008-09: 13 wins, 3 losses
(1st place)
• The team is reloading to improve on a bronze medal at
the provincial championships.
PHOTOS: MATT CARTER
STEPS
VIU Mariners
Home Schedule
Tony Bryce Rewarded for
Coaching and Neckwear
SOCCER – MARINER FIELD
Fit to be tied on the sidelines, but undefeated
on the court
Basketball B.C. named VIU men’s basketball coach Tony Bryce
(Education ’94) 2008-09 Collegiate Coach of the Year. Bryce led
the Mariners to their first undefeated regular season in team history, and did so while uncomfortably sporting a new tie at every
game.
“I’m not a fan of ties, and the players knew that,” Bryce said.
“After a rough pre-season, I told them I’d wear a tie at every game,
as long as they kept winning.”
Eighteen straight wins tripled Bryce’s tie collection and propelled
him to the provincial coaching award, which reflected the commitment of the entire basketball team, Bryce said.
“The award really deserves to be shared by the players and my
staff. We all wanted to win and knew it would take all of us to get
there.That sense of teamwork is what made us successful.”
Date
Opponent
Women
Men
Sep 12
UBC-Okanagan
1:00
3:00
Sep 13
Thompson Rivers
12:00
2:00
Oct 11
Quest
12:00
2:00
Oct 17
Langara
1:00
3:00
Oct 18
Capilano
12:00
2:00
BASKETBALL – VIU GYMNASIUM
Sep 26
Alumni
6:00
8:00
Oct 10
Lewis and Clarke
TBA
-
Oct 16-17
VIU Tournament
TBA
-
Oct 30-31
Halloween Tournament
-
TBA
Nov 13
Langara
6:00
8:00
Nov 14
Langara
1:00
3:00
Nov 21
Camosun
6:00
8:00
Jan 15
UBC-Okanagan
6:00
8:00
Jan 16
UBC-Okanagan
12:00
2:00
Jan 22
Columbia Bible College
6:00
8:00
Jan 23
Columbia Bible College
1:00
3:00
Feb 12
Capilano
6:00
8:00
Feb 13
Capilano
1:00
3:00
Mar 4-6
BCCAA Provincial Championships
VOLLEYBALL – VIU GYMNASIUM
Nov 6
Fraser Valley
6:00
7:45
Nov 7
Fraser Valley
1:00
2:45
Nov 20
Camosun
6:00
7:45
Nov 27
Douglas
6:00
7:45
Nov 28
Douglas
1:00
2:45
Jan 29
Selkirk
6:00
7:45
Jan 30
Selkirk
12:00
1:45
BADMINTON – VIU GYMNASIUM
h Fifth-year Mariners (L) Carson Williams (BA ’09) and (R) Henry Bui congratulate
coach Tony Bryce on another spectacular tie. PHOTO: BRENT DUNLOP
Golf
• 2008-09: 27 points
(3rd place)
• The Mariners and 2008
provincial bronze medalist
Josh Logan look to chip away
at the provincial leaders.
Badminton
• 2008-09: Bronze medal at
provincial championship
• There are high expectations
for the host team of the
provincial championship in
February 2010.
Feb 20-21
BCCAA Provincial Championships
Women’s Basketball
• 2008-09: 11 wins, 7 losses
(4th place)
• The skill of Kayla Gromme
and the size of 6’5 Alicia
Grossi will bolster the offense and defense.
Men’s Basketball
• 2008-09: 18 wins, 0 losses
(1st place)
• It’s hard to improve on an
undefeated season, so the
team is making a push for
playoff success.
Journey Fall 2009
9
F E AT U R E
On Top of the Botto
In February, second-year tourism student L-A Shibish (centre, green jacket) went on a twoweek field school to Antarctica, which she called “the greatest classroom on Earth.” She and
70 students from around the world studied aboard their ship and on the Antarctic mainland,
surrounded by icebergs, glaciers, and thousands of penguins. PHOTOS AND TEXT BY L-A SHIBISH
Drake Passage » After two days
at sea on the dreaded Drake
Passage, I stood on the ship’s
deck, watching the horizon for
our first glimpse of land south of
the 64th parallel. The winds,
coming from deep across the
frigid Antarctic plateau, were
flesh-gnawing and tried to pry us
off the ship. I felt humbled by the
awesome forces of nature.
10
Journey Fall 2009
Goudier Island » We encountered the
remains of a huge blue whale skeleton.
I lay down on the rocks to take a photo
of the bones, and after a few minutes
felt something tapping my sleeve. I
turned my head to discover two Gentoo
penguin chicks pecking at my jacket. It
left me wanting to protect these curious
creatures.
m of the World
Whaler’s Bay »Between 1904 and
1966, 175,250 whales were
slaughtered and processed onshore.
The decaying buildings, machinery
and giant oil tanks are a grim
reminder of the human exploitation
of Antarctica’s natural resources. I
was disgusted with the fact that
these sites, scarring the landscape,
were never cleaned up, yet thankful
for the ugly reminder of that era, so
that we don’t forget.
Bailey’s Head »Bailey’s Head is
home to a Chinstrap penguin
colony, estimated at 500,000. As
we landed on a black volcanic rock
beach, the smell of guano brought
tears to my eyes. There is no
vegetation here, but the guano
takes on a green colour in the
summer, speckled with white down.
The ability to interact so closely with wildlife is one of the reasons tourism in Antarctica is increasing exponentially—
there is also camping, mountain climbing, snowmobiling, even parachuting. With the potential to destroy the pristine
Antarctic environment, tourism needs to be delivered and managed in an environmentally sensitive manner so
generations will be able to enjoy the distinct wildlife and geographical features. It will also ensure that the penguins
will continue to welcome us. J
f To learn more about Shibish’s journey, visit her blog at www.antarcticlashibish.com
Journey Fall 2009
11
C O V E R F E AT U R E
12
Journey Fall 2009
Spawn #1, a comic book featuring an
assassinated CIA agent who returns to
Earth from Hell, was the launch pad for
one of the major success stories of the
1990s entertainment industry. Since its
release in 1992, more than 130 million
Spawn comic books have been sold
around the world, and the character has
been featured in films, television series,
videos games, and toy lines. Behind the
success of Spawn are internationally
famous illustrator Todd McFarlane and
VIU visual arts graduate Terence
Fitzgerald (Arts’92), a native of Duncan,
B.C. With Fitzgerald handling the
business operations of the McFarlane
Group, they grew a two-person
operation into a billion-dollar brand with
120 employees in four countries.
Fitzgerald has won a Grammy Award,
Emmy Award, MTV Music Video Awards,
and a MuchMusic Video Award. He can
now add VIU’s Distinguished Alumni
Award to that collection. After 15 years
with McFarlane and hanging out with top
Hollywood celebrities, Fitzgerald is back
on Vancouver Island and charting a new
path in the entertainment industry.
BY DAVID FORRESTER
h Production drawing of a scene from the
third season of Spawn: the Animated Series.
ILLUSTRATION: COURTESY TERENCE FITZGERALD
Journey Fall 2009
13
L
C O V E R F E AT U R E
Like most Canadian boys, a young Terence
Fitzgerald loved hockey, baseball, and comic
books. But while others grew up dreaming of
winning the Stanley Cup or the World Series,
Fitzgerald’s aspirations weren’t as clear.
“I didn’t want to be a fireman, didn’t want to be a cop, didn’t want
to play hockey,” Fitzgerald said. “I liked to draw, but according to my
dad you couldn’t make a living as an artist.”
In high school, an aptitude test determined that Fitzgerald was best
suited for a career as a garbageman or stockbroker. His high school
counsellor talked him out of a career as an architect and a general
dislike for science killed a fleeting aspiration to become a pharmacist.
Through it all, Fitzgerald remained interested in drawing but it took a
chance meeting with a legendary comic book artist to finally convince
him to follow his dream.
I
h Fitzgerald, 21, at his first comic book signing at
Legends Comics in Victoria, B.C.
14
Journey Fall 2009
n 1987, Marvel Comics artist Todd McFarlane stood in
Cowichan Secondary School’s auditorium and gave a group of
eager young artists a simple request: draw a tree. McFarlane
was looking for a new background artist to work with him on The
Amazing Spider-Man. In the group was Fitzgerald, whose understanding of comic books helped him secure the position with McFarlane.
“Everyone else spent a half hour drawing a beautiful tree, but you
can’t spend a half hour on each tree when you have 22 pages of a
comic book to fill,” Fitzgerald said. “Todd wanted someone to rough it
out fast. He could go in later and make it look good.”
Fitzgerald discovered early on that life with McFarlane would be
fast paced and full of adventure. “Todd was on a bi-weekly schedule
with Spider-Man, and always worked right until deadlines,”
Fitzgerald said. “On deadline day, we’d jump into my ’73 Mustang
and I’d drive 100 miles per hour to get us to the Nanaimo airport in
time to courier his artwork to Marvel. Todd would still be drawing on
the drive there. If we hit a bump, what was once a drawing of a dog
would become a tree.”
McFarlane remembered their deadline dashes well. “We were like
clockwork on our ‘milk runs,’ as we called them,” he said. “Once, we
drove right onto the runway as the plane was taxiing in order to make
sure we got the artwork delivered on time.”
Fitzgerald was motivated by these experiences to enrol at then
Malaspina University-College to pursue a future in visual arts. As he
was about to graduate, Fitzgerald received an opportunity to join
McFarlane in a new venture in Portland, Ore. Angry that they were
unable to keep the copyrights of their own characters, McFarlane and
Career Highlights
six other Marvel artists left the comics
giant to create their own comic book company, Image Comics. Reflecting the fighting spirit of his hockey idol, Gordie Howe,
Fitzgerald’s decision to go to battle was an
easy one.
“I’ve always had a balls-to-the-wall
attitude, so the move to the States to take
on a billion dollar company like Marvel was
too much to be passed over,” he recalled.
“Plus I knew Todd wasn’t going to fail. You
don’t become the number one comic book
artist in North America and not be special
and talented.”
Now with their own company, McFarlane
and Fitzgerald began producing the first
Spawn comic. It was a revolution in the
comic book industry: the first monthly
comic book to be printed on glossy
magazine paper, move outside the
traditional borders and use the entire page
for artwork, and use computers to colour
their illustrations. “We always asked what
h Steven Spielberg examines a McFarlane Toys
replica of a scene from Jaws, his triple-Academy
Award winning film.
“As we became successful, other groups
started sniffing around wondering how they
could get a piece of the action,” McFarlane
said. “It was tough for me to be drawing and
be out there shaking hands, so Terence’s
role was to build relationships and identify
legitimate business opportunities while I
remained focused on the artwork.”
Eventually Hollywood came knocking on
the duo’s door. Fitzgerald moved to Los
Angeles and the company produced a
feature film, animated series, and several
music videos. “Success in Hollywood is all
about relationships,” Fitzgerald said. “You
have to play the scene, have to be in the
inner circle or you’re gone once the next big
thing comes along.”
The Gaelic word
Sgeulaiche is tattooed
on Fitzgerald’s left
forearm and translates
to storyteller. Life in
Hollywood can be filled
with scandal, gossip,
and outlandish tales
and the tattoo is
extremely fitting for a
man who has an
endless supply of anecdotes from his days in
L.A. “Unless you live in Hollywood, you
can’t understand how bizarre, different, and
unique the community is,” he said. “I was in
a little sushi place on Sunset Avenue in L.A.
and Christina Applegate asked to try the
prawn heads I was eating, but didn’t want to
touch them. Where in the world do you get
to hand-feed a star other than Los Angeles?”
While relationships are paramount to
success in Hollywood, Fitzgerald discovered
that the city focuses on business first and
true friendships were rare. “If you’re
Where in the world do you
get to hand-feed a star
other than Los Angeles?
everyone else in the industry was doing and
figured out how to beat them,” Fitzgerald
said. “When we launched Spawn, people
had never seen anything like it. It pioneered
a new era of comic books.”
The inaugural issue of Spawn sold 1.7
million copies, making it the best-selling
independent comic book to date.
Capitalizing on the success, Fitzgerald was
instrumental in transforming the Spawn
empire into an international conglomerate,
producing action figures, films, television
series, and music videos.
• 1992 First year sales of
Spawn comic book average over 1 million per
month, a new record
• 1994 McFarlane Toys revolutionize the action figure
industry, becoming the
fourth largest toy company in North America
• 1997 Associate Producer
on New Line Cinema’s
Spawn the movie
• 1998 Emmy Award for
Outstanding Individual
Achievement in Animation for Spawn the Animated Series on HBO
• 1998 Grammy Award nomination for Best Short
Form Music Video as Producer on Pearl Jam’s “Do
the Evolution”
• 1999 Licensing Magazine’s Top 30 Licensing
Agents Under 30 Award
• 1999 Emmy Award for
Outstanding Animated
Program for Spawn the
Animated Series
• 1999 Grammy Award for
Best Music Video, Short
Form as Producer on
Korn’s “Freak on a Leash”
• 1999 MTV Music Awards
for Best Rock Video and
Best Editing for Korn’s
“Freak on a Leash”
• 2002 MuchMusic Video
Award for Best Rap Video
as Producer on Swollen
Members’ “Breath”
• 2006 Producer/Director of
Disturbed’s “Land of Confusion” music video
Journey Fall 2009
15
C O V E R F E AT U R E
People will
always
want to be
entertained
and taken
out of their
world for
an hour or
two
making someone money, they love you to
death, but as soon as you don’t, you’re cut
aside,” he said. “I lived in L.A. for 10 years
and I can count on one hand the number of
people I could call on in an emergency.”
Fitzgerald did make make some lasting
friendships, though. He spoke highly of
Nelly Furtado and her work ethic and was a
close friend of comedian Chris Farley,
whose passing in 1997 affected him deeply.
Fitzgerald, a “huge” Pearl Jam fan, was
ecstatic to meet vocalist Eddie Vedder and
produce a video for their song “Do the
Evolution” in 1998. It was the band’s first
music video in seven years and earned a
Grammy nomination.
h (L) Pearl Jam vocalist Eddie Vedder and Fitzgerald
look over the storyboard for Pearl Jam’s “Do the
Evolution” video.
I
n 2007, Fitzgerald made a tough
decision: wanting to tackle a new
industry and experience the thrill of
the pursuit again, he left McFarlane and
joined Dussault Apparel, a high end
clothing company that listed Gene
Simmons as a collaborator.
Unfortunately, the move coincided with a
three-month Writer’s Guild of America
strike, which cost Los Angeles an estimated
one billion dollars. The flagship Dussault
store on Melrose Avenue in downtown L.A.,
home to numerous internationally
renowned fashion houses including Ralph
Lauren, Vera Wang, and Marc Jacobs, went
a month without a single customer
entering its doors. “It was the right idea at
the wrong time,” Fitzgerald said. “If it had
been two years earlier, everyone involved
would have been millionaires.”
16
Journey Fall 2009
h (R) Chris Farley and Fitzgerald at the L.A. movie
premiere of Spawn.
Today, Fitzgerald is back in Duncan,
planning his next foray into the quirky but
stable entertainment world. “People will
always want to be entertained and taken
out of their world for an hour or two,”
Fitzgerald said. “They want someone to
make them laugh, cry, rescue them, and
make them forget all of life’s problems.” To
that end, Fitzgerald is currently developing
a television pilot for HBO, which he
describes as “Six Feet Under meets the L
Word, all situated around a bonzai class,
with a couple of killings thrown in for good
measure.” He has also been involved with
Torso, a film starring Matt Damon and
produced by David Fincher that is expected
to begin filming this year.
Fitzgerald still maintains he is unsure of
what he wants to do when he grows up, but
he is relying on two principles that have
served him well to guide his business
decisions. “It has to make sense in your head
and you have to feel it in your heart,” he
said. “Taking a paycheque and not doing
what you love is a lot harder than doing
what you love and maybe not making a lot of
money.” J
h Fitzgerald shows off his VIU Distinguished Alumni
Award with his wife Amy (L) and mother Mary (R)
at VIU’s June convocation.
F E AT U R E
The Spirit of ’83
In 1983, the men’s soccer team earned VIU’s first national championship in athletics. The
tough, rowdy, colourful group was led by two young coaches who emphasized
teamwork, grit—and the music of The Doors. Twenty-five years after their undefeated
season, Journey brought the team back together to reminisce about the championship
game. BY MATT CARTER
h The team mobs Gunnar Myhrer after he puts
the Mariners up 1-0 against Seneca College
Journey Fall 2009
17
F E AT U R E
A Close-Knit Family
Mike Armstrong (coach, Arts ’73): In the previous season, we
earned a bronze medal in the playoffs. Quite a few players
from that team returned. There was no recruiting. Whoever
showed up, that’s who you had.
Les Malbon (coach, Arts ’76): Now VIU is a volleyball school,
but in the ’70s and ’80s it was a soccer school for sure.
MA: We changed in our hotel rooms, so we had our kit on, and
drove the van right up to the sidelines. It was rocking. We had
it cranked up with L.A. Woman. When we opened the doors
and all jumped out, everybody must have been wondering,
“What is this? Who are these hayseeds from the Island?”
LM: We blow in there, the van stops, the doors come busting
wide open, the tunes are cranked, and we’re out of our
minds. They were in the middle of their warm-up. It’s the
national semi-final. They’re hosting the tournament. And
Todd Odgers (Phys Ed ’84): We were
predominantly working class Island
lads, many of whom were the first in
their families to go past high school.
Brian Johnston (Phys Ed ’84): We had
very good team chemistry. At least half
of the team was in Phys Ed, so a lot of
us were taking courses together.
Darren James (Education ’84):
Possession, skill, and dominance. If the
other team never touched the ball, they
couldn’t score.
Opening the Doors
h (L-R) Back row: Bob Kanigan, Bruce Benedict, Chuck Nowakowski, Lanny Cronan, David Kohse,
Chuck Nowakowski (Municipal
Gavin Bowers, Ray Frogner, Rory Panton. Front row: Mike Armstrong, Darren James, Gunnar
Government Cert. ’89): The team
Myhrer, Doug Chase, Mike Fredrich, Brian Johnston, Todd Odgers, Les Malbon
always listened to Jim Morrison before a
game—he was there in the van
they turned and they stopped their whole warm-up. And I
spiritually. We were never ready to play until the opening
knew without a shadow of a doubt that we would beat
whistle sounded. Our pre-game preparations resembled the
them. We had them right there.
Bad News Bears.
Rory Panton (Commerce Dipl ’88): We would practice at a
different field and come late to the games. The Doors and
L.A. Woman blared from the van’s stereo. It psyched us up
and psyched out our competition. We were the bad boys of
the college league.
Raymond Frogner (Arts ’84): We were often late to games. I
don’t know if we showed up late on purpose. We didn’t
always stay in the nicest places and they were usually far
from the playing fields. We also stayed out late the nights
before most games, so that may have contributed to it. At
one game in Kamloops, we showed up so late that the other
team was waiting for us on the field. When we got out of the
van, they gave us a round of applause.
LM: We deliberately rolled in late to our national semi-final
game against Capilano. We actually came late enough that
they were wondering where the hell we were.
18
Journey Fall 2009
The National Championship Game
LM: For our team, Mike and I were the manager, coach,
trainer, water boys, the whole thing. When Seneca came
out, they had three coaches, a trainer, physiotherapist, two
or three different uniforms, and brand new soccer balls for
every player.
RF: The Seneca players on the sidelines were wearing these
full-length raincoats with hoods and everything. We
thought it was just bizarre. They also had a fancy bus and a
full staff, including a guy that videotaped the game, which
was big in 1983. They were obviously well-funded. We had
to raise money just to get to Vancouver.
Bob Kanigan (Phys Ed ’84): They had this attitude that we
didn’t even belong on the field. We weren’t even from
Vancouver, just some small-town team from the Island.
BJ: The weather was so bad they were thinking of cancelling
the game.
Gavin Bowers (Phys Ed Dipl ’84): The field was a travesty. In
the right hand corner, there was mud, four inches thick.
looping… I think it was a free kick, and he ran from midfield
and headed it and it kind of looped over the goalie and went
in. I can still see it now.
RP: It was the wettest soccer game I ever played. But the
weather played into our game because it slowed them down.
BK: Gunnar hit the cross from pretty far back, about 12 or 15
yards out, and buried it. Then he ran about 80 yards to the
other end of the field with the rest of us chasing him in a
mob. It was beautiful.
RF: The weather was perfect for us. We grew up playing in
weather like this.
GB: We were running uphill after that. The last 20 minutes
were a battle. We were exhausted and cramping up.
Lanny Cronan (Phys Ed Dipl ’86, BEd ’96): During the first 30
seconds of the game, I got possession of the ball at our eighteen. I cut to the inside to move the ball past their striker, he
tripped me and I ended up face-first into the quicksand of a
pitch, soaked and covered in mud. Only 89 minutes to go.
Bruce Benedict (Commerce Dipl ’84): Seneca enjoyed much
of the possession of the ball. I got completely exhausted and
asked to come off the park, as I didn't want to be the guy
who let the team down.
RF: There was a big divide in the Seneca team. There was one
big group of Italians—I recognized their swear words when
they yelled at the ref—and the other half of them were
Jamaicans. And those groups hardly spoke to each other.
Very different to how close our team was.
Victory
Gunnar Myhrer (Phys Ed Dipl ’84): Bruce had the ball on the
left wing, deep in the Seneca end. I was playing rightmidfield, and had made my run to the far post. Bruce sent a
long, high cross into the box. The keeper left his line to go
punch the ball out. He had mistimed his approach, so I said
“I’m getting this ball!” As the ball went over his outstretched
hands, I ran onto it and headed it down into the open net.
MA: I had walked over to the far side of the field because it
was too tense, I couldn’t stand it anymore. So I was
standing on the same side as Gunnar. There was a long,
Where are they now?
• Bruce Benedict: Controller, CruisePlus
Management, Nanaimo, B.C.
• Gavin Bowers: Head of Athletics and
Physical Education, Glenlyon Norfolk
School, Victoria, B.C.
• Doug Chase: Teacher, Alberni District
Secondary School, Port Alberni, B.C.
• Lanny Cronan: Teacher, Mountain View
Elementary School, Nanaimo, B.C.
• Mike Fredrich: Teacher, Cochrane High
School, Cochrane, Alta.
Mike Fredrich (Education ’84): Once we scored our goal,
Seneca College poured it on and we held on for dear life.
Doug Chase (Phys Ed Dipl ’84): Freddy made the save of the
year in the final. A Seneca player was inside the eighteen
yard line and nailed a shot to the far post where Freddy dove
and steered it wide.
TO: I think we were all a bit surprised when the final whistle
blew and we had held onto that one goal lead.
LC: My fondest memory was racing to Freddy at the final
whistle, seeing the joy of accomplishment in everyone’s eyes.
LM: We had one hell of a defence. What were the goals
against? Eight goals in 18 games? That was ridiculous. I can’t
think of any team that does that. It wasn’t the best talent
that I’ve coached. But it was the best team I’ve ever coached.
Alfredo Moon (Phys Ed ’84): Two last words: “Mojo Rising!” J
• Raymond Frogner: Associate Archivist,
University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.
• Darren James: Teacher, Stelly’s Secondary School, Saanichton, B.C.
• Brian Johnston: Teacher, Frances Kelsey
Secondary School, Mill Bay, B.C.
• Bob Kanigan: Truck driver, Haggard
Trucking, Port Alberni, B.C.
• Alfredo Moon (Phys Ed ’84): Supervisor,
Service Canada, Nanaimo, B.C.
• Gunnar Myhrer: Teacher, Woodlands
Secondary School, Nanaimo, B.C.
• Chuck Nowakowski: Territory Sales Man-
ager, Dare Foods Ltd., Victoria, B.C.
• Todd Odgers: Associate Director of Intercultural Education, Norquest College,
Edmonton, Alta.
• Rory Panton: Power Engineer, Vancouver Island Health Authority, Qualicum
Beach, B.C.
Coaches
• Mike Armstrong: Sport, Health, and
Physical Education professor, VIU,
Nanaimo, B.C.
• Les Malbon: Sport, Health, and Physical
Education professor, VIU, Nanaimo, B.C.
Journey Fall 2009 19
ALUMNI IN VIEW
Intestinal Fortitude
When Tanya (Wood) Griffiths (BSc ’00) was 15, she hated biology. Fifteen years later, she’s one
of the top young biologists in Canada. The transformation started with ABE science classes at
VIU, which led her towards gastrointestinal bacteria research. Her rapid advancement in that
field has been recognized with VIU’s 2009 Alumni Horizon Award. BY MATT CARTER
A
t an average length of eight metres, human intestines
contain the majority of bacteria in our bodies. It takes
a special motivation to enjoy poking around in them
to collect bacteria through biopsies or by getting up close
and personal with feces. For Tanya Griffiths, it’s a family
connection that drives her dedication to study gut bacteria.
“My mom has Crohn’s disease,” Griffiths explained. “I
thought getting into this research would be a great way to
learn more about her condition and in some small way
contribute to inflammatory bowel disease research.”
Back in high school, a career filled with research, lectures,
20
Journey Fall 2009
and international conferences on gastrointestinal research
was an unimaginable path.
“After Science 10, I vowed that I would never take another
biology course,” Griffiths said. “I wasn’t captivated by
vegetation.”
Oops. After high school graduation, she realized that she
needed those biology courses to enter a nursing program. In
1994, she enrolled in ABE biology courses at VIU’s Cowichan
campus, where instructor Linda Revere encouraged her to
consider a different career path.
“Tanya was vibrant, eager, and asked fantastic questions,”
PHOTO: COURTESY TANYA GRIFFITHS
The Alumni Horizon Award is
given to a graduate for
outstanding achievement
within 10 years of obtaining a
credential from VIU. Past
winners include fish disease
researcher Dr. Chris Whipps
(BSc ’97), now an assistant
professor at the State
University of New York, and
marine mammal ecology
expert Alison Keple (RMOT Dip.
’96, BSc ’99), a teacher at
Cowichan Secondary School.
10 Ways
to Leave
a Legacy
to VIU
B Make a bequest to VIU in your
will.
C Leave a specific dollar amount
or a percentage of your assets.
D Leave assets such as stocks,
mutual funds, or real estate.
E Name VIU beneficiary of your
RRSPs or RRIFs.
F Create a charitable gift annuity
making a planned gift to VIU
while receiving income for life
from the gift.
h VIU President Ralph Nilson (L) and Chancellor
Shawn Atleo (R) present Griffiths with the Alumni
Horizon Award
Revere said. “I recommended that she turn her attention to a
biology degree and become a doctor.”
Griffiths’s research at VIU was considered so exceptional
that she was able to bypass master’s studies and go directly
into a fully funded doctoral program at UBC. She followed
her PhD with a post-doctoral research position with the
University of Calgary’s Gastrointestinal Research Group, led
by Dr. Kevin Rioux.
“Our work focused on how common drugs used to treat
inflammatory bowel disease may affect gut bacteria,” Rioux
said. “She has a tremendous breadth and depth of technical
expertise in molecular biology. Her contributions are quite
unique.”
Griffiths returned to UBC in 2008 to study medicine. When
she graduates in 2012, she’ll be one of the first VIU graduates
to have PhD and MD beside their name.
“Learning medicine is like nothing else,” Griffiths said.
“It’s exhilarating, demanding, enlightening, and challenging
all at the same time.” J
G Name VIU beneficiary of your
existing life insurance or
purchase a new policy with VIU
as beneficiary.
H Set up a charitable remainder
trust with VIU as beneficiary,
using the gift for the remainder
of your life.
I Establish a gift of residual
interest giving your property to
VIU upon your death, while
using it during your lifetime.
J Remember your loved ones
with a memorial gift.
1) Contact Julie Keenan,
Manager, Major Gifts &
Legacies,  ·  ·  or
julie.keenan@viu.ca.
Journey Fall 2009
21
ALUMNI IN VIEW
Meet VIU’s First
Valedictorians
Valedictorians represent their graduating class and address their peers at convocation. At
many universities, the student with the highest marks in his or her graduating class is named
valedictorian. At VIU, valedictorians are chosen by a committee made up of graduating
students, the registrar, convocation secretary, and a faculty member from the Senate. The
committee considers community and campus contributions when making its decision.
EP: The division between faculty and students is not absolute. Both are on a
journey of knowledge, but faculty members are just further along. Learning, for
me, transitioned from a passive absorption
process from the unquestioned expert to
an interactive dialogue within a supportive
framework. I learned to value the quality of
my own thought processes and questioning in relation to perceived authority.
Bridgette Alexandra (BEd ’08)
Amber Hieb (BBA ’09)
What are the main challenges for
the Grads of 2008-09 as they
head out into the “real world”?
BA: Recognize everything you learn in university is transferable to some level and
degree. Dig deep, find your transferable
skills and sell yourself to prospective
places of employment.
Scott Bastian (BTM ’09)
What was the most important
thing you learned at VIU?
BA: I am quite capable of attaining any goal
I set my mind to. I learned the value of a
challenging opportunity and that help and
support are only a question away.
SB: It’s better to be hated for what you are,
than to be loved for what you are not.
22
Journey Fall 2009
Elizabeth Plant (BA ’09)
AH: Individuals are more likely to listen to
me if I listen to them first. Stats and facts
preached from above will not change the
status quo. Real change, hearts and minds,
comes from a place of common ground. As
well, build your network; the potential to
effect change is greatly increased with
more people on board, even if their views
oppose yours. True strength lies in the differences between us.
SB: Figuring out what the “real world” is.
Everyone can create his or her own world,
but be wary of trying to fit into someone
else’s world while neglecting your own
goals and needs.
AH: The changing face of work. We might
have six to 10 different jobs over our lifetimes, and many of those jobs don’t exist
yet. If you add the coming environmental
and energy crisis it makes it tough to find
long-term security. Of course, the flip side
of this is the excitement of the uncertainty!
EP: Maintaining a sense of optimism and
possibility. Create a role for yourself and
PHOTOS: MATT CARTER
embrace change; although scary, change is
a great opportunity for innovation. Grads of
’09 need to have faith in their abilities to
create the future they want in somewhat
difficult circumstances.
Festival of Trees
Alumni Online Auction
What are your plans for the
immediate future?
BA: I’m going to continue teaching while
researching small businesses and masters
programs.
SB: I’m working full time for BC Ferries,
continuing my term with Ladysmith town
council, and looking for new and exciting
opportunities that could challenge me and
take me to new places. I’m also planning to
regain control of a work-life balance—
that’s possible after graduation, isn’t it?
AH: I have just accepted the position of volunteer coordinator with Haven Society in
Nanaimo. I believe, as Marjorie Moore said,
that “volunteering is the ultimate exercise
in democracy. You vote in elections once a
year, but when you volunteer, you vote
every day about the kind of community
you want to live in.” My long term plans are
to complete a law degree and work in
social and environmental advocacy.
Give our students a gift of success.
The Festival of Trees is the university’s largest annual
fundraiser, which supports equipment upgrades,
scholarships, bursaries, and awards.
This year, the Alumni Office is proud to host an online
auction to assist these fundraising efforts. Donate a prize to
the online auction and gain exposure for your company.
To donate, contact:
David Forrester
Manager, Alumni Relations
 ·  · 
david.forrester@viu.ca
15th Annual Festival of Trees Schedule
EP: I am preparing to write the MCAT, a
medical school admissions test. In addition,
I’m reading fluffy books for pleasure, practicing yoga, and playing with my dogs. J
• November 20, Gala Dinner
• November 21-22, Festival Family Days
• November 27, Festival Lunch
• November 28, Public Day
• November 29, Seniors Day
f www.viu.ca/festival
Out of the Frying Pan and Into Your Kitchen
Bring the culinary delights of VIU’s award-winning chefs into your own home!
VIU’s culinary department has published the first in a series of cookbooks featuring
recipes from culinary and baking students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Recipes From
the Culinary Institute at VIU: Volume 1 features 76 recipes ranging from appetizers to
main courses and desserts, including Grilled Oysters with Mango BBQ Sauce, Blue
and White Wine Soup, and Roasted Breast of Duck with Buttermilk Blinis and
Blackberry Port Sorbet.
Cooks of all skill levels can pick up the cookbook at the Upper Cafeteria for $20.
Proceeds will support Culinary Arts students and the publication of the second
cookbook in the series.
Journey Fall 2009 23
FO
A
LU
L IMON I I N V I E W
Alumni Reception in Japan
Alumni and friends are invited to join VIU President Dr. Ralph
Nilson and new Dean of International Education Graham Pike
for a networking reception at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo,
Japan, on Friday, October 9, 2009. Meet fellow alumni, get the
latest news from campus, and share your VIU stories. If you are
interested in attending or would like more information, please
contact alumni@viu.ca before Friday, October 2.
Business Alumni Unite!
h Class of 2009 Business graduates on their way to convocation
If you are a VIU business graduate, you are invited to
join a new VIU Business Alumni Association.
More than 1,000 students have graduated from
business programs at VIU since 1969. Association
coordinator Terry Dolan (Commerce Dipl. ’89) sees the
collective strength and expertise of those graduates as
a valuable resource for fellow alumni and students.
“Our business grads are leaders,” Dolan said. “They
could make a powerful networking group and be
mentors for current students.”
Business alumni from graduate, undergraduate,
diploma or certificate programs can contact Dolan at
terry.dolan@viu.ca to get involved.
First Senate Alumni Representative
Stephen Littley (BA ’01), a barrister and solicitor with the Bastion Law Group in
Nanaimo, is the first VIU Senate alumni representative. He was appointed by the university president on nomination by the Alumni Office and will serve a three-year term.
“I have always had a personal interest in continuing my connection to Malaspina and
VIU,” Littley said. “The Senate alumni position will allow me to provide input on
issues that are important to alumni and ensure that VIU continues to command
respect as an academic institution.”
Littley earned his high school diploma at VIU before earning a Bachelor of Arts with a
double major in Anthropology and Psychology with Distinction. He was involved with
campus politics as president of the Malaspina Students Union in 2000 and 2001, president of the Navigator Newspaper Society in 2000, and a member of the Malaspina
University-College Board of Governors in 2001.
The VIU Senate is a 41-member body that provides academic governance and direction for the university through six standing committees.
f For more information, visit www.viu.ca/senate.
24
Journey Fall 2009
ALUMNEYE
AlumnEye
Let us know about your new job,
promotion, wedding,
family addition, travels, or
further academic achievements
at journey@viu.ca.
Georgina Jones (Dental Assistant ’72)
received a Distinguished Service Award
from the Certified Dental Assistant
Association of British Columbia (CDABC)
for her dedication to the dental assistant
profession and exemplary volunteer
service with the CDABC. For the past
nine years, she has taught dental
assistant, dental hygiene, and
prosthodontics (prosthetic dentistry)
courses at the College of New Caledonia.
Christine Thomson (Theatre ’79) has
worked in costume design for
television and film in Alberta and
Vancouver since 1991, following 12
Kerplunk!
A Gabriola Island community music program
for preschoolers was the launching pad for
the hippest new act in Canadian children’s
music.
Teachers Tina Jones (Jazz ’93) and Dinah
Desrochers taught students about a wide variety of
musical instruments through fun songs. They brought in
guitarist Aaron Cadwaladr (BA ’02) and drummer Phil Wipper (Arts ’88) to help record
their songs, and named the group The Kerplunks.
Their self-titled CD caught fire in 2008, earning the Western Canadian Music Award
for Outstanding Children’s Recording, the Canadian Folk Music Award for Children’s
Album of the Year, an Independent Music Award nomination for Best Children’s Song,
and a Juno Award nomination for Children’s Album of the Year.
“You can’t get a better audience than kids because they are so honest,” Jones said.
“If they dig what you’re doing, they bust out with dance moves. If they don’t dig it,
they walk away.” PHOTO COURTESY THE KERPLUNKS
years as a costume designer with
professional theatres. Recent credits
include television productions Santa
Baby, Santa Baby 2, and Wild Roses.
She was also the costume designer for
the long running CBC series North of
60 and costume supervisor for
Brokeback Mountain.
David Wong (Cook Training ’98),
Canada’s 2009 Bocuse d’Or
competition representative, is the new
executive chef at Vancouver’s Fairmont
Pacific Rim, opening in January 2010.
Home is Where the Art Is
Stephanie Watkins (Interior Design ’04)
is host of Island Homes on Shaw TV.
She follows homeowners on tours
through their homes, focusing on the
stories behind their glamorous and
funky design decisions.
“I created the show to combine my
love for the television and film industry
with interior design and residential architecture,” Watkins said. “I’m very
lucky to be able to share how people
live with an audience every week.”
Island Homes airs on Fridays at 6 p.m.
Erin (Fletcher) Perkins (BA ’01) is a
freelance writer and photographer
living in Czar, Alta., about 40 km west
of the Saskatchewan border, with her
husband Dan (BA ’02) and their twoyear-old son. A former managing
editor of the Navigator, Perkins has
remained in journalism since
graduation, with stops in Nanaimo,
Parksville, Ladysmith, Yellowknife,
and Inuvik.
Andrew Robinson (BA ’01) went on
from his First Nations studies at VIU to
complete a master’s degree with a focus
on Self-Government at the University
of Northern British Columbia. He
worked with Nisga'a Lisims
Government and was the general
manager for the McLeod Lake Indian
Band. Robinson is now an independent
officer of the B.C. Legislature and
delivers a child and youth advocacy
program across the province.
Lindsay Windecker (BSc ’02) is the
Marketing and Events Coordinator for
the Downtown Nanaimo Partnership
Society. She also serves as the public
relations director for Young
Professionals of Nanaimo.
Home Cooking
Jarrett Beaulieu (Cook Training ’90),
Executive Chef of the Ritz-Carlton
luxury resort in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt,
visited the Nanaimo campus in June to
tour his former kitchen and catch up
with his culinary instructors. Beaulieu
has also worked in five-star restaurants
in the United Arab Emirates, Singapore,
Finland, and Kenya.
Journey Fall 2009 25
ALUMNEYE
Cha keen na kwaut (Pamela Jack) (BA
’03) is on the last leg of her master’s
degree in Social Work. She has worked
for Kw’umut Lelum Child and Family
Services for the past six years but is
taking a leave to work as a postsecondary advisor for the Penelakut
Tribes. In addition to her biological son,
Jack has adopted four children and is
dedicated to improving provincial
adoption laws.
Miguel Maciel (MBA ’03), his wife,
Huang Tzu Chuang, and his son, Li An,
live in Aguascalientes, Mexico. He
works as Operations Manager for
Donaldson Inc.
Heather Roderick (BA ’04) credits the
communications skills she learned at
VIU for her success in the international
sponsorship business. She is currently
preparing a team of rink board
specialists to do the advertising at four
venues of the 2010 Winter Olympic
Games.
Kathleen Scott (BA ’04) has opened her
own clay art business, Mud Otter
Pottery, in Port Alberni, B.C.
h True north strong and skilled:
Canadian gold medallist Brian Davis
Photo: Matt Carter
Playhouse Perfection
Brian Davis (Carpentry ’09) won a gold
medal at the 15th Canadian Skills Competition in Charlottetown, P.E.I. in May.
The Olympic-styled event is the largest
vocational competition in Canada, featuring more than 500 students and apprentices competing in 40 skilled trade
and technology categories.
Davis was tasked with a complex construction of a children’s playhouse and
was given 14 hours over two days to
complete it.
“At the beginning, I looked at the project and thought I’d be done on the first
day,” Davis said. “But as I got into the
details, I started to sweat a little bit.
After the first day, I sat down with [VIU
carpentry instructor] Jessie Chalmers
(Carpentry ’97) and we came up with a
new game plan.”
They mapped out a strict timeline,
and it worked. None of the competitors
was able to finish the playhouse in time,
but Davis, who estimated he was only 20
minutes away from being done, impressed the judges with his overall
handiwork to take the title.
26
Journey Fall 2009
Lauren Trimble (Graphics Dipl. ’05)
moved to Montreal in 2007, learned
French, reconnected with old friends,
and found work as an in-house graphic
artist at Hubschercorp—designing
ribbons! Her newer work can be seen at
www.laurentrimble.com.
h Alex Casewa shows off his dinnerware at
the 2009 Eat! Vancouver food festival at BC
Place. PHOTO: SHARON STEVENS
Plate Today, Plant Tomorrow
Entrepreneur Alex Casewa (BBA ’07) wants
you to throw away his plates, but don’t put
them in the trash. Put them in the garden.
Casewa’s Earthen Trading Company
produces Earthens, biodegradable and
compostable single-use dinnerware
made from dried Indian Areca palm tree
leaves. The leaves are purchased from
farmers and molded into sturdy bowls
and plates by rural villagers.
It’s a win-win process: consumers get
chemical-free tableware that is sturdy,
h (L) Carmella Luvisotto and Wellington
student Christine Morrison, winner of the
Most Outstanding Junior Baritone Sax
award at the West Coast Music Festival in
2008 and 2009. Photo: Matt Carter
Super Conductor
Music educator Carmella Luvisotto
(Jazz ’92) won an Excellence in Culture
Award for consistently leading her
students to major awards at Canadian
and international music festivals,
including the West Coast Jazz Festival,
MusicFest Canada, and the Lionel
Hampton International Jazz Festival.
“I was very honoured to be
recognized,” said Luvisotto, a teacher
at Wellington Secondary School in
Nanaimo and director of the Wellington
Jazz Academy. “I strive to provide
music students with the same
encouragement and opportunities that
I received from my music instructors in
high school and at VIU.”
attractive, and kind to the environment
and the Indian employees are able to
improve their lives.
“By purchasing waste leaves from
Areca farmers, we supplement them
with additional income,” Casewa said.
“Employees are paid more than
minimum wage and receive medical and
education allowances.”
It’s up to businesses to take a leading
role in producing environmentally
sustainable products, Casewa said.
“Businesses are at the top of the
capitalist food chain. If we don’t provide
eco-friendly alternatives, society will
never change, even if people want to.”
Earthens are available in more than 100
stores in B.C. To see the complete product
line, visit www.earthentrading.com.
Sarah Devantier (BA ’06) completed a
Master of Science degree in cognitive
science at the University of Western
Ontario. She presented her thesis,
Physicians’ Use of Goal-Oriented
Categories: The Effects of Expertise, at
The International Conference on
Thinking in Venice, Italy. Devantier is
now in a doctoral program at Western.
Serene Smyth (BA ’08) earned a
2009/10 CIHR Frederick Banting and
Charles Best Canada Masters
Scholarship as part of her graduate
studies in the College of Kinesiology at
the University of Saskatchewan. She is
also teaching Kinetics courses and is
proud to be one of the youngest
instructors at the university.
June Jefferies (BA ’07) remains busy
with “life after 75.” Along with
painting and playing the violin and
piano, Jefferies is editing a novel,
written by a friend in England.
Ray Anthony (Child and Youth Care –
First Nations Dipl. ’09) won the 2009
Governor General’s Bronze Medal for
the top GPA in a VIU diploma program.
He is the coordinator of the Cowichan
Intercultural Society’s Community
Bridging program, which matches
immigrants, refugees, or other new
Canadians with volunteer host families.
Lisa Mitchell (BTM ’07) and her partner
recently moved from Nanaimo to
Regina, Sask. She has been hired as the
Tradeshow and Convention Manager
for Tourism Regina.
Aldo Javier Michel (BBA ’08) is on pace
to finish his Licenciatura in Economics
at Universidad Catolica in Bolivia in
December. He has been working at an
internship in the Bolivian Parliament,
analyzing audits of the Bolivian
External Debt. He hopes to start
working at the Bolivian Central Bank.
Charles Reid (BBA ’08) is living in
Tisdale, Sask., working at RBC Royal
Bank as Senior Account Manager of
Business Banking.
Carol Bob (BSc ’09) received a $5,000
Aboriginal Ambassador award from the
Natural Sciences and Engineering
Research Council of Canada (NSERC),
one of only two awarded in 2009. As an
Aboriginal Ambassador, she plans to
travel to Aboriginal communities in
Alert Bay, Haida Gwaii, and Kincome
Inlet to share her research experiences
and promote science education to
children. She is interesting in receiving
offers to visit other communities;
contact her at carol.bob@viu.ca. J
Start Spreading the News
Black Press named 44-year-old Alberni
Valley News rookie reporter Wawmeesh
Hamilton (BA ’06) its best Vancouver
Island-based junior reporter for 2008.
As well, School District 70 (Port Alberni)
honoured the paper and Hamilton for
his education reporting.
The awards are a credit to his passion
for community journalism. “I like having
my finger on the pulse of the community
and writing about it,” Hamilton said.
“People have a right to know what their
public representatives are doing.”
Hamilton was pursuing philosophy at
VIU and hoped to earn an MA at UBC.
But that all changed after taking a
journalism class.
“It was like playing with a
kaleidoscope as a kid,” said Hamilton,
who started studying journalism in his
mid-30s. “You turn it and at the right
point, everything becomes clear.”
Craig’s Cuisine Hits the Spot
Chef Melissa Craig (Culinary Arts ’98), winner of
the prestigious 2008 Gold Medal Plates Canadian
Culinary Championship, was White Spot’s
celebrity chef for spring 2009.
Craig was featured in a series of television
commercials along with White Spot executive
chef Chuck Currie. Together they developed a
seasonal “Tastes Like Spring” menu for White
Spot, influenced by Craig’s recipes.
In Whistler, Craig is well-known as the executive chef of the ultra-hip Bearfoot Bistro. In
2009, it was named the best restaurant in
Whistler by B.C.’s largest annual culinary award
showcase, Vancouver Magazine’s Restaurant
Awards. PHOTO: COURTESY BEARFOOT BISTRO
Journey Fall 2009 27
THE HOME STRETCH
Face to Face with the
Italian Renaissance
h VIU student Gillian Nichol
in Venice, Italy.
PHOTO: MARILYN ASSAF
BY GILLIAN NICHOL, AS TOLD TO MARILYN ASSAF
Since 1997, VIU has offered the Liberal Studies Study Abroad in Italy program. It’s an
opportunity for students, alumni, and community members to study art, architecture,
literature, music, science, and philosophy of the Italian Renaissance. John Black, cochair of VIU’s Liberal Studies department, says that the value of these trips is the experiential learning. “When you study the Italian Renaissance and you're surrounded by the
very buildings where those works of art were created, the books were written and the
philosophy developed, you get face to face contact with living history,” he said. “It’s
very different than reading a textbook.”
VIU student Gillian Nichol went on this trip in May 2009. She learned a lot about the
Italian Renaissance—and herself.
I
packed a suitcase and temporarily
left my job and family behind—
three kids, husband, three horses,
three dogs—to live and study for a
month in Florence. It incorporated my
desire to travel to Europe, satisfied a
craving for knowledge and debate with
other like-minded individuals, and the
chance to see original works of master
artists I had dreamed of seeing since
childhood. This journey allowed me
time to slowly soak in the karma and
culture of this stunning Italian city.
If you allow it, the ancient energy of
Florence will gently embrace you as if
you were long-lost family. Our student
groups weren’t tourists or sightseers.
We were Florentines.
By the second week, I was greeted
regularly by the smiles of grocery
28
Journey Fall 2009
clerks. I made friends with a Scottish
artist who managed the Fabriano paper
shop, and endured some friendly
teasing whenever I went into a
neighbourhood cappuccino shop. It
quickly became a pleasant daily ritual.
The owner of the shop admired a sketch
I had done in Piazza del Signoria, so I
gave it to him.
My memories of Italy still churn up a
small heartache, months later: the
unmistakable peace and serenity of a
Brunelleschi chapel; an unexpected
lump in my throat and tears while
listening to the solemn, magical Sunday
morning mass in the basilica of St.
Mark’s Square in Venice; waking up to
the turquoise jeweled waters of Cinque
Terre, on the Italian Riviera; following a
wizened, white-haired Italian woman
down a dirt path and into her small
apartment, where she gave me lemons
to ease the sun-bloomed freckles on my
cheeks; and climbing the stairs to the
rooftop of the Duomo on the last day
and saying goodbye to Florence.
Back at home, I felt like a bit of
stranger to myself—and to my
bewildered family. Being in an entirely
new environment without the security
blanket of North America changed who
I am. I not only explored, ate, and
breathed the Italian Renaissance, but I
delved deep into myself. I pondered
what the world was about, how
relationships work, the direction of my
life, and my purpose on earth, during
our all-too-brief lifetime.
The photo albums and train ticket
stubs will help me carry these
memories forever, not to mention the
new friendships I made along the way.
I’ll continue to learn about great
works of literature, art, and political
minds in the Liberal Studies program
at VIU. I am hoping to return to Italy
to search for the tiny piece of my heart
that I left behind. Maybe I’ll even see
my sketch from Piazza del Signoria
again, hanging on a corner wall in my
favourite cappuccino shop. J
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Celebrate 40 Years of Malaspina College
All alumni are invited to VIU’s Nanaimo campus on Thursday, November 26, 2009 to
celebrate the 40th anniversary of Malaspina College. Take a trip down memory lane
and reconnect with former teachers and classmates. Contact the Alumni Office at
alumni@viu.ca or 250 · 740 · 6215 for more information.
20th Annual RBC
Charity Golf Tournament
September 15, 2009
Fairwinds Golf & Country Club
Nanoose Bay, B.C.
Partial proceeds to support student
scholarships
Contact Susie Caswell
250 · 740 · 6216
VIU Basketball Alumni Games
September 26, 2009
VIU Gymnasium
Nanaimo, B.C.
www.gomariners.ca
CONTINUING STUDIES @ VIU
Vancouver Island
Leadership Conference
Presented by VIU Business Students
November 12-14, 2009
Nanaimo, B.C.
www.vilc.ca
U
MAKE TIME FOR
2009 Festival of Trees
In Support of Vancouver Island
University students
November 20-29, 2009
Nanaimo Campus
For more information, including
volunteer and sponsorship
opportunities, contact Festival
Coordinator Renee Bohun
250 · 740 · 6258
renee.bohun@viu.ca
www.viu.ca/festival
2009 BCCAA Provincial
Badminton Championships
February 20-21, 2009
VIU Gymnasium
Nanaimo, B.C.
www.gomariners.ca
T
he part-time, online, evening and
weekend courses offered for adults
through the Centre for Continuing
Studies at VIU make learning accessible
for everyone.
Whether you are seeking career
advancement, academic fulfillment,
artistic stimulation or simply love
learning, you can find it here.
Small class sizes, distinguished
instructors and a community-centred
learning experience all come together
in a unique environment. Many adults
find a wealth of inspiration, stimulation,
personal rewards and new friendships
here. We hope U will too.
viu.ca/ccs
Journey Fall 2009 29
Buy or Sell –
And Help
VIU Students
When VIU alumni, staff, faculty, or students buy or sell a house
with realtors Rob Grey (Arts ’83), Dave Hammond (Business ’72),
or Ken X. Westfall, 25% of the commission will be donated to
student awards, scholarships, and bursaries.
For more information,
contact the Alumni Office
at 250 · 740 · 6214
* This program is not intended to solicit property already listed.
Rob Grey
Ken X. Westfall
Dave Hammond