News & stories
Feature stories
Stories, profiles and interviews with UVic alumni and features from the UVic Torch magazine.
Sweet summer reads from UVic Alumni Relations
May 6, 2025
We help you pick from a crop of interesting alumni books for readers of all ages.
Indigenous names given to alumni awards
Čeyɫəm, Dr. Elmer George from Songhees First Nation bestowed the Lək̓ʷəŋən word and J,SIṈTEN, Dr. John...
2024: UVic alumni in the news
December 20, 2024
In 2024, UVic alumni were creating, leading, innovating and generally making a difference in the world, whether through art, sport, health, science, education or business. Here are nine UVic grads...
Joy rides
December 4, 2024
After 28 years in business together, Landyachtz founders and UVic grads Mike Perreten and Tom Edstrand are still on a roll, producing planet-friendly world-renowned skateboards.
Bringing law school to the north
December 4, 2024
Twenty years later, graduates of UVic Law’s Akitsiraq program are key players in the Inuit legal landscape.
A shot to save lives
December 4, 2024
UVic grad Rory Hills is working on an ingenious nanoparticle vaccine that could be a game changer in protecting against coronaviruses, including ones not yet discovered.
Making change, together
December 4, 2024
Social Work alumna Kelly Terbasket helped create two organizations rooted in Indigenous beliefs to help challenge biases and fight the effects of colonization.
Goodwill dog
December 4, 2024
Humanities graduate and UVic employee Rob Johns, BA ‘91, took a special goodwill trip to Ukraine over the summer with therapy dog, Tango, to bear witness to the devastation of war.
Green by design
December 4, 2024
UVic grad Emma Fanning co-founded Little Fox Design in her quest to find sustainable industry practices.
Helping hats
December 4, 2024
UVic grad Ben Miller started Wirth Hats to honour his late friend and help fund mental-health support for those who need it
My business
We profile enterprises run by UVic alumni.
Business grad brings French connection to macaron shop
February 14, 2025
From salted caramel to kimchi, there’s something for everyone at Yann Fougère’s colourful and adventurous Bon Macaron Patisserie.
Benny energy
December 4, 2024
UVic grads Paige Cey and Julie Letizia poured their passion into Benny, an energy drink that promises to give you a boost without the nasty extras.
Creating planet-positive solutions
September 6, 2023
Science grad Parmjot Gill co-founded Kite, a venture studio that helps work through problems to create world-class companies and a cleaner, more sustainable resource industry
Leading the charge
July 24, 2023
BCom grad Andrew Johns is helping drivers go electric with a new network of charging stations
Distill my beating heart
April 20, 2023
Mechanical Engineering grads Darcy Lane, BEng ’06, and Brandon Fry, BEng ’10, are helping fuel the craft distilling revival with their custom-made stills
Ask an expert
We learn useful tips and life hacks from UVic alumni.
Food tour operator dishes on culinary tourism
July 8, 2024
UVic Poli Sci grad Bonnie Todd keeps tourists and curious locals well fed and informed with her Off the Eaten Track walking food tours.
For the thrill of it
June 19, 2023
Bestselling author and Writing alumna Gail Anderson-Dargatz delivers some need-to-know tips to start up a literary novel or a fast-paced thriller
Alum shares tips on mental wellness
April 20, 2023
UVic triple grad and campus counsellor Adam Tran offers up some life hacks on caring for your health and well-being.
Cyber security expert offers life hacks
April 19, 2023
UVic double grad Nav Bassi shares his dos and don'ts when it comes protecting yourself online.
Change-up
We profile UVic alumni who recently made a bold life change.
Where the Magic happens
February 7, 2025
Engineering grad and TCG Machines founder Graeme Gordon ditched the oil and gas industry to parlay his passion for Magic: The Gathering trading cards into a thriving business.
Capturing memories
May 1, 2024
Chelsea Warren turned her focus from science to photography to fulfill her creative drive and run her own business.
Fits to a tea
November 8, 2023
Business grad Zet Le gave up a corporate job to make his dreams come true by starting Y Not Today, a unique Bingsu ice-cream and bubble-tea business in Calgary.
A kind word for social workers
April 20, 2023
Social worker Amy Pinnell left public service to start her own business, sharing messages and products to ease the load of her colleagues in the field.
Vox alumni
Alumni share stories in their own words.
Adventures in teaching
December 4, 2024
Education grad Nya Harle finds joys and challenges working in São Paulo, Brazil, where personal connection takes centre stage.
Now boarding
May 1, 2024
UVic social work alumna and debut author Amy Mattes, BSW ’17, writes about the enduring joy of skateboarding and why kickflips might help kick-start creativity.
Different fires
May 24, 2023
How a return to wildfire fighting in BC helped Writing grad Kelly Bouchard reboot from the stress and exhaustion of his work with Toronto’s homeless.
Wheels, words and healing
April 20, 2023
Martin Bauman discovered the life-changing power of stories during a cross-country bike ride for mental health.