Ian Johnsrude Memorial Fund

Ian was a wonderful member of the VIU community who was a lifelong learner, innovator, and brought a high level of excitement and enthusiasm to his work. He firmly believed that while ancillary operations are not academic programs, they provide one of the most important interfaces between VIU's students and their learning environment, as well as with the larger community.

Ian started his career at VIU in early 2014 as Manager of the Student Residences. At that time the residences were a separate entity from VIU called Western Student Housing. Ian oversaw the transition that made the residences a direct part of the university community – a significant and important change for VIU. He was also an active member and leader on numerous committees at VIU, including the Risk Threat Assessment Team, the COVID-19 Operational Coordination Committee, the COVID-19 Emergency Operations Centre, and the 2019-2020 VIU/CUPE 1858 bargaining team. 

Ian will be remembered by his friends and colleagues for his witty sense of humour, his incredible work ethic and his ongoing and continued support for everyone he worked with. He was a visionary, an agent of change, and a servant leader. His appreciation for innovation and technology was something he loved sharing with anyone who would listen. Ian always worked to remove barriers for others to grow and develop and he was an advocate for students, a manager who took the development of his staff seriously and a colleague who looked ahead for solutions and improvements before many even realized there was a concern. Ian always believed that Student Residence needed to provide more than shelter for students and worked hard to create an emotionally and academically supportive environment where everyone belonged. He will also be remembered as the best dressed person in the room.

Ian was passionate about living with intention and creativity in his personal life, and had many hobbies including marathon running, playing his guitar, listening to podcasts and reading. He is survived by his young daughter and wife, with whom he loved to spend time cooking, having sing-alongs and enjoying coastal living. He will be sorely missed.

The money raised for this fund will be going to the Ian Johnsrude Student Housing Bursary, which we hope will be an ongoing yearly award given to a student starting their first year at VIU and living in the VIU Student Residence. Our goals is to raise $20,000.

Thank you for contributing to his legacy at VIU.