Monthly Luncheon - Dr. Ralph Nilson, President & Vice-Chancellor

11:00 - 11:40 am         Networking
11:40 am                     Buffet is open
12:05 – 12:10              Greg Phillips, Chair

• Message from Chair & Welcome
• New member introduction 
• Prize Draws – invite VIP to draw the prizes
  • Member Profile
  • 50/50 Draw

12:15                           Keynote Speaker
Dr. Ralph Nilson, President & Chancellor of Vancouver Island University. Vancouver Island University has over 16,000 students and employs over 3,000 people in our community. VIU has an economic impact on Nanaimo in excess of $400 million annually. Hear Dr. Nilson’s idea of an ‘Education Enterprise Centre’ in Nanaimo to complement our brand as a ‘cap and gown’ town — referring to the 2,100 diplomas and degrees they grant each year. Would an Education Enterprise Centre make sense, and drive business, in our economy? How about for your financial future? Don’t miss this important keynote speaking event at our January luncheon!

Dr. Ralph Nilson has been the President and Vice‐Chancellor of Vancouver Island University (VIU) since 2007. Under Dr. Nilson’s leadership, VIU is evolving as a values‐based institution that supports faculty and staff to create an exceptional learning environment for students. VIU has become recognized as a national leader in advancing reconciliation through partnership with First Nation communities,advocating for and investing in transformational change. As the leader of a regionally engaged university,Dr. Nilson works closely with Indigenous communities and local/regional governments, businesses and non‐profit organizations to ensure relevant, responsive and innovative educational programs built on relationships of trust, mutual respect and inclusiveness. His continued engagement on issues of population health supports the developmental focus of his work on the social determinants of health and in particular his emphasis on education as key to addressing issues of inequity.
Dr. Nilson also emphasizes the importance of the University in international outreach and in particular building a global connection to the local region. VIU attracts well over two thousand international students from over ninety countries annually which ensures VIU is a portal for, and regional leader in,
international contributions to awareness, dialogue and nation building.
Crystal Dennison, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools Foundation to speak about the success of their Foundation12:45                                    Kim Smythe, closing remarks
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