News & stories
Feature Stories
Stories, profiles and interviews with UVic alumni and features from the UVic Torch magazine.
Crime Story
November 4, 2025
Writing grad Deb Miller Landau has earned acclaim for her true-crime account of the shocking murder of Lita McClinton, a case involving racial bias, domestic violence and other difficult issues.
In the Valley of Lost Devices
November 4, 2025
Eve Bennett and her team at MeepMeep pivoted their sports-oriented locator to help find lost health devices, like hearing aids, reducing stress on seniors and their caregivers.
Now you know me
October 28, 2025
UVic alumnus Joe Gallagher, who is a leader in Indigenous health and wellness, collaborated on a book with his friend John Matterson, a settler, to explore truth and reconciliation together.
The art of health
October 27, 2025
UVic double alumna Lyana Patrick helps decolonize education through work on issues of Indigenous health and justice. The Simon Fraser University professor is also a filmmaker, whose new work,...
Beyond the numbers
May 26, 2025
UVic History alumna Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO of YVR, has earned national acclaim as a gifted, compassionate leader who can navigate organizations through turbulent times to produce a...
My Career
UVic alumni tell us all about their career paths.
The sounds of science
October 6, 2025
Geophysicist Jeffrey Zurek became hooked on Earth science, particularly the mysteries of volcanoes, as a child. Now, he shares his passion for discovery in a lively science podcast.
On with the show!
September 11, 2025
Fine arts grad Sarah Dodd has forged a thrilling career as a writer and showrunner for top Canadian television shows. Her latest project, Private Eyes West Coast, is set in 樱花影视.
Where I Live
UVic alumni give us a tour of where they live around the world.
Where I Live: Tokyo
November 3, 2025
UVic arts grad Annamarie Sasagawa gets caffeinated, puts on her running shoes and takes us for a tour Japan’s dynamic capital.
Where I Live: Edinburgh
September 4, 2025
From castles and canals to the charms of Old Town, Christina Spicer says there’s something magical about Scotland’s capital.
Making It
UVic grads who are making a difference with their creations.
Business grad makes world鈥檚 best vermouth
October 20, 2025
Michela Palmer’s Esquimalt Vermouth & Aperitifs has gained international acclaim by keeping its ingredients and approach local.
Science grad turned ice-cream maker keeps it chill
August 11, 2025
Ten years ago, UVic Science grad Dan Edler, BSc ’06, decided to ditch his government job and try his licks at the ice cream business.
Vox Alumni
Alumni share stories in their own words.
Outside, Looking In
November 4, 2025
A UVic geography field school helped Sarah Boon foster a love of the outdoors that sustained her through personal turbulence, and later fuelled her writing career.
Life is a Carnival
May 23, 2025
As a recent Theatre grad in her 20s, Jackie Adamthwaite put her production skills to work on a cruise ship, stage managing shows for an international crowd at sea.
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.
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.
Cake it to the limit
May 26, 2025
Cookbook author and musician Lyndsay Sung, BA ’00, rocks the cake world with her colourful, creative takes on classic bakes. Here, she dishes on top decorating tips, tools, cookbooks and...
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.