Our new Dr. Ralph Nilson Centre for Health and Scence accommodates the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Practical Nursing, Health Care Assistant and Chemistry programs. Built to LEED Gold standards, the building transforms the heart of the Nanaimo campus, stimulating undergraduate research and collaboration, and meeting the demand for trained professionals in critical industries.
Impacts:
- Addressing increased demand for health professionals. New facilities will provide superior learning spaces, and technologies to train highly qualified health care professionals to serve the region’s aging population.
Health
Features:
- Clinical Skills Lab and a Simulation Centre to replicate the complex clinical settings future healthcare professionals will encounter
- Ideal for training in critical care, emergency, and home care
Science
Features:
- New space to accommodate the renowned chemical analysis research and training by Applied Environmental Research Lab (AERL)
- Creation of a new BSc in Chemistry with modern labs and flexible class space
Your Gift Matters Here!
Jane and Frank in 1962 volunteering for the "I Back Mac" campaign to establish community colleges in the region.
Jane and Frank Gregory have been dedicated volunteers and supporters of VIU since our humble beginnings. In 1962, Jane and Frank (now deceased), as students from the University of British Columbia (UBC), came home to Nanaimo as part of “I Back Mac” - a campaign by UBC’s fourth President Dr. John B. MacDonald - to generate support locally for a community college. It was a successful campaign, and in 1969 Malaspina College (now VIU) was founded. Jane served as a member of the Board of Governors, acting as Chair twice over the years, and is the Founding Director of the Milner Gardens and Woodland Society and the International High School at VIU. In 1999 we celebrated Jane’s years of service to the institution by bestowing her with an Honorary Doctorate of Laws. Her husband Frank was an original Foundation board member, and former secretary of the Board of Governors. They gave generously of their time and money to us, in addition to volunteering for various other organizations in the greater Nanaimo community and beyond.
In early 2018, Jane made a gift in their names in support of the completion of the Employee Lounge in the new Centre for Health and Science. We want to sincerely thank Jane for this gift in support of Imagine VIU, and for the continuing support they have given us over the years.
