Metro Vancouver, BC - Over $55,000 in industry donor awards went out to Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) students last week at the school of horticulture's annual Scholarship and Awards Celebration.
Each spring, the school acknowledges student achievement in various KPU horticulture programs: greenhouse and nursery production, landscape design and installation, plant health, urban ecosystems, and turf management.
The celebration – held in KPU Surrey's conference centre – saw students rubbing shoulders with donors and networking with industry partners. Appetizers and floral decor at the event included vegetables, fruit and flowers grown by horticulture students at the school's facilities in Langley.
Over 55 awards were given out to students this year: a testament to the strong connection KPU's school of horticulture has with the horticulture industry.
"The award helps lessen the financial burden of going to school and allows me to focus on studying and trying to attain good grades," says Matthew Cooper, a current turf management student and one of the evening's award winners. "I'm very grateful to all the donors, Kwantlen Polytechnic University and all the faculty and staff.'
The awards were chosen based on various criteria, such as academic performance, program participation, demonstrated ability in the field, community involvement and leadership skills.
"Our donors and their generosity make a major contribution to our students' lives," says Joel Murray, associate dean of the faculty of science. "Without the gracious support of our donors, our students would find it much harder to pursue their education and achieve success in their field."
Keynote speaker Tab Buckner, KPU turf management graduate and manager of parks operations for the Township of Langley, ended the evening with a speech inspiring students to look forward to successful careers in the horticulture industry.
KPU's school of horticulture will be hosting an information session on Tuesday, April 15 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in room 1030 at KPU Langley, 20901 Langley Bypass. Faculty and alumni will be speaking about exciting new degree programs, the school's two-year diplomas and the various citations and apprenticeships available to part- and full-time students. To register, email horticulture@kpu.ca or call 604-599-3422. For more information, visit: kpu.ca/hort.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses–Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley–offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 145 programs, including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
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Caption: Students mingled with donors and industry partners at the KPU school of horticulture's Scholarship and Awards Celebration.
Media contacts:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
Triona King
Communications and Event Specialist
Faculty of Science
t: 604.599.2048
triona.king@kpu.ca
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@KPUmedia
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