The Torch

The UVic Torch Alumni Magazine is published biannually by the University of Victoria and the UVic Alumni Association and distributed free of charge to approximately 56,000 UVic graduates and supporters.

The magazine builds active interest in UVic by striving to reflect its high level of academic, research, cultural and athletic achievement; the accomplishments of outstanding alumni; the current intellectual, cultural, and social life on campus; and the university’s heritage.

View the latest issue and archives.

California greening

Two UVic Engineering grads, Aaron Fyke and Tyson Woeste, are leading the push for cleaner energy from a home base in sunny, star-filled Los Angeles.

Healing technology

The Victoria Hand Project team, led by alumnus Michael Peirone, designs low-cost 3D-printed prosthetics for amputees in need while providing UVic students with valuable skills and training.

Hidden wonder

Puppeteer and UVic theatre grad Ingrid Hansen stars in hit children’s shows and navigates the “complex universe” created by legend Jim Henson—all while never being seen.

World of words

Star poet, UVic associate professor, filmmaker and world traveller Shane Book (BA ’99) finds inspiration in hip-hop, jazz and never staying in one place.

Print matters: between sisters

In a new book for youth, Aggie and Mudgy: The Journey of Two Kaska Dena Children, UVic anthropology alumna Wendy Proverbs traces the 1,600-kilometre voyage of sisters forced from their remote village to Lejac Residential School.

A passion for justice

Renowned legal scholar and judge Marion Buller (BA ’75, LLB ’87) brings vast experience, optimism and enthusiasm to her new role as UVic chancellor.

Star student

Astrophysicist and UVic alum Louise Edwards was one of the first Black Canadians to earn a PhD in physics. She’s an expert on the evolution of galaxies, her face has appeared on a Canadian stamp—and she’s only getting started.

Change-up: The biking baker

Theatre grad Markus Spodzieja went from the stage to starting a unique kosher bakery.

Space to Grow

Astrophysicist and UVic alum Julie Claveau has taken a fascinating career trajectory to her current work on the James Webb Telescope, which will reveal new secrets of the universe.

A decade of Schulich leaders

Prestigious scholarship program celebrates 10 years of creating tomorrow’s tech innovators.

Psychedelics revisited

Could magic mushrooms and ecstasy reshape mental health care in Canada? Two UVic grads weigh in from the frontlines of the psychedelic renaissance.

The confusion of colonial ceremonies

Acclaimed writer and recent UVic grad Kim Senklip Harvey recalls her life to date in ceremonies—and lineups, many lineups.

Diagnosis on the double

UVic neuroscientist Olav Krigolson is investigating a mobile test to rapidly flag cognitive impairment—potentially leading to diagnosis years earlier than current practice.

Stress and the city

UVic grad and cognitive neuroscientist Robin Mazumder studies how urban design affects our mental well-being.

Print Matters: Blood type

Michael LaPointe’s debut novel blurs the lines between facts and fictions.

Brain gain

PhD student and former Vikes swimmer Taylor Snowden-Richardson, BSc ’19, is studying how a cognitive-training system designed for athletes can help people with Traumatic Brain Injuries.