Darrel Mansbridge had a long and storied relationship with VIU that goes back more than four decades. He enrolled as a student at Malaspina College in the early 70s and then returned as an instructor after completing a Master of Science degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies. He later served as Executive Director of Student Affairs.
Darrel made significant and lasting impacts during his career at VIU and was committed to his students, colleagues and the communities served by VIU. He found great joy in seeing others develop and excel as he quietly ensured they had the support needed to succeed.
As a passionate educator, Darrel taught thousands of students, many of whom have become leaders in the recreation and tourism industry across Canada. He was also keenly interested in the Mariners athletics program. Darrel mentored numerous instructors across the institution and in particular in the department of Recreation and Tourism. As an instructor and Chair of the Department of Recreation and Tourism he led the evolution of a small diploma program to one of the largest Recreation and Tourism programs in the country. Under his leadership, VIU added the Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Management in 1998, and the Master of Arts in Sustainable Leisure Management in 2010. We can also credit him with the introduction of the cooperative education model at VIU.
In honour of Darrel, friends and family have created a fund to establish an annual award for students in the Recreation and Tourism program. The award will support a student completing the second year of the Recreation and Sport or the Tourism Studies diploma who will be entering the Tourism Management degree program. Selection will be based on a demonstrated resiliency to pursue their studies/overcome barriers, academic achievement, community involvement and impact made during their co-op experience, field school or community based projects.
