The Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognizes alumni who are under 30 years old, have demonstrated excellence professionally or through community service, and have been involved with KPU or alumni activities since graduation.
2018 Winner
Manager, Grant Thorton LLP
Board Member and Treasurer, Jericho Arts Centre
As a BBA undergraduate student at KPU, Gagan was an exceptional KPU Co-op Ambassador completing five co-op terms in education, government and public practice. In each of his Co-op terms, Gagan consistently received exemplary feedback from his employers particularly noting his strong work ethic, innovation in problem solving, interpersonal skills, and humble leadership qualities. He went above and beyond the basic responsibilities. He readily took on mentorship roles with new employees and engaged in volunteer activities.
After graduation from KPU in 2015, Gagan proceeded to make a significant mark in the world as a graduate student in the Masters of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) program at the University of Saskatchewan, having since graduated with a CPA designation, and as a professional Manager with the top CPA firm, Grant Thornton in Vancouver.
Gagan was promoted to senior accountant within 8 months of starting with Grant Thornton. His exceptional work performance, technical knowledge, leadership qualities and the ability to build lasting relationships with clients paved the way for a few promotions, most recently to Manager within 2 years after starting, which is typically reserved for those with 3 years of experience as a senior accountant.
In terms of his community involvement, Gagan has continued to give back to KPU in countless ways. Most notably, he created an annual scholarship for KPU students, which recognizes their academic, community and campus involvement. He also serves as a board member and treasurer of the Jericho Arts Centre, a not-for-profit theatre located in the west end of Vancouver.
2017 Winner
Brittany McNeill, BA in Psychology/Minor Counselling, 2014
Brittany was awarded a Leaders of Tomorrow Entrance Scholarship during her studies at KPU and graduated with an impressive 4.0 GPA. She did this while juggling her active involvement with athletics and her humanitarian work in the community.
Brittany has always had a passion for working with youth. She worked for five years at the Boys and Girls Club and is currently a technical soccer coach for Burnaby Girls Soccer. Brittany has also been recognized with the Joseph Segal Leadership Award for her outstanding leadership qualities. Since graduation, Brittany has worked in a number of positions always proudly infusing her experiences as a KPU alumna into all she does. In December 2017 Brittany will complete her teacher education program and plans on being an elementary school teacher and through this, she looks forward to playing an integral role in youth education.
A dedicated KPU athlete and proud Eagles alumna, Brittany played on the varsity women’s soccer team for 5 years. Also being recognized for a number of athletic awards including the SIRC-CCAA Academic All Canadian Award, CCAA National Scholar Award, BCCAA Academic Excellence Award and the President’s Outstanding Athlete Award. Prior to graduating Brittany was part of the host committee for the CCAA National Tournament.
In addition to all this, Brittany is also passionate about humanitarian work. She volunteered at the Surrey Urban Mission to support women and their community meals program. In 2009 Brittany worked in Ghana for six months as a teachers’ assistant supporting a group of elementary students.
2016 Winner
Hayley Woodin, Bachelor of Journalism, 2014
Multimedia reporter, Business in Vancouver
Hayley Woodin is a multimedia reporter with Business in Vancouver, where she co-hosts BIV's daily business program on Roundhouse Radio, and appears weekly on Global BC. She graduated from KPU's Bachelor of Journalism program in 2014, sits on the advisory committee for the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade's Company of Young Professionals, and is a board member of the White Rock Youth Ambassador Society. "I'm fortunate to be where I am because of the opportunities I had at KPU. From internships, to hands-on classes, to my first full-time job, all of my experiences at KPU really did serve to launch my career."