Around the ring

United Way campus reaches goal—and then some
The 2006 UVic United Way campus campaign concluded in December, surpassing its goal and reaching a record $229,996. “More people gave this year and donors gave more than ever before. It’s extremely gratifying to make this sort of contribution to the Greater Victoria community,” says campaign chair Dr. Penny Codding (chemistry). Several individual events contributed to the campaign. The McPherson library book sale raised just over $5,000, and the Engineering Student Society’s Bug Push added a further $3,000. According to Codding, groups such as the Chemistry Students’ Society, the Commerce Students’ Society, the Hearts and Hands Craft Fair organizers, and departments that staged events or organized raffles, went above and beyond to make the campaign a success.

The write stuff, en français
Parlez-vous français? If so, the fourth annual French Writing Marathon is for you. Francophones and francophiles from across campus will gather on Jan. 12 to write creatively in a variety of styles for 12 hours straight. The marathon is open to all French-speaking faculty and staff. To sign up for one or all of the many workshops contact Hélène Poulin at lnpoulin@uvic.ca.

New book describes First Nations partnerships
Supporting Indigenous Children’s Development: Community University Partnerships is a new book by Jessica Ball and Alan Pence (child and youth care). The book describes nearly 20 years of partnerships between the school and 10 groups of First Nations in BC and Saskatchewan. The program was recognized by UNESCO as one of  20 best practices in the world that incorporate Indigenous knowledge in education. Partner communities experienced higher rates of student retention, completion and subsequent career development within graduates’ home communities compared to any previous post-secondary education for community members. For more information about the book visit the UBC Press website at www.ubcpress.ca/.