Music

Don't give up if it's in your heart. It's exciting what can happen when you just try, advises Continuing Studies alumna Janis Dunning. She believes that there is no expiration date to learn something new.

Few things stimulate the brain as much as music does. Whether playing an instrument or simply listening to a favourite song, music activates many different parts of the brain.

There are several well-known health benefits to engaging in creative endeavors, but sometimes actually getting into a right headspace is easier said than done. So what are some things you can do to get those creative juices flowing?

From the earliest markings upon cave walls, to the rhythmic beating of drums, cultural dance or even the creation of written language, people have been driven to express themselves through art since the earliest days of our species.

with instructor Mary Byrne   By Therese Eley, Marketing Services Mary Byrne was at home with her four month old son when she got a phone call from Continuing Studies at UVic asking if she would be interested in teaching a course on

We are sad to announce the passing of one of our most committed students, Nan Walmsley. Nan passed away peacefully at home, Sept. 13, surrounded by her family. She lived 97 fulfilling years.

Taking a look at how participation in an intergenerational choir might foster social engagement and caregiver well-being, improve quality of life for persons with dementia, and reduce some of the stigma surrounding memory loss.

After nearly a decade working for Continuing Studies at UVic, it goes without saying that Preston Randall is an integral part of the team. He knows the division’s systems, people and workflows like the back of his hand.

"My wife thought I was nuts!" laughs instructor Jan Randall, as he recalls all the research and work he put into preparing for the first course he taught with Continuing Studies three years ago. "But it was stuff I was really interested in and I didn’t even really care if people actually signed up for it or not." 

For an avid traveler, the thought of finding a job that allows you to help others fall in love with travel, sounds pretty sweet, doesn’t it? Well this is exactly what Janet gets to do every day at the office. Now, while the idea of traveling is one most people fantasize about, don’t forget there’s a heck of a lot of hard work involved.

"Nan" Walmsley celebrates her 90th birthday this year but shows no sign of slowing down in her quest to learn new things. Since fall 1998, she has taken around 165 courses through Continuing Studies.