Surrey, B.C. – One of Vancouver’s most engaging storytellers is also one of Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) most distinguished alumni.
Vancouver Province sports reporter Steve Ewen was named a Distinguished Alumni by the KPU Alumni Association at the university’s fall convocation ceremony today, Oct. 6.
Ewen, a New Westminster resident, graduated from Matthew McNair Secondary in Richmond in 1988 and enrolled in journalism at Kwantlen in 1989. At the time, it was a one-year program, based out of the Richmond campus.
Ewen did his two-week practicum at the NOW newspapers and was hired full-time upon graduation. He eventually became the sports editor of the Coquitlam NOW.
He moved to The Province newspaper in 1994, first taking on the high school sports beat and eventually covering the Whitecaps, Vancouver Canadians, BC Lions and Vancouver Canucks full-time.
He was named to the Vancouver Canadians broadcast and journalism hall of fame in 2014, won the Tom Borelli Award as National Lacrosse League media person of the year in 2015 and a Paul Carson Media and Broadcast award for leadership and courage in 2016.
But the greatest story Ewen has ever told – and indeed the one that means the most to those around him – is how he kicked cancer in the butt in 2010. He spent six months in hospital, had 20 sessions of radiation and underwent eight operations, all the while chronicling his fight – the story of a lifetime – in his typical fashion on his blog.
“I hate that everyone hates talking about cancer and there are so many stigmas about the disease, so much misunderstanding. It's not an automatic death sentence,” said Ewen. “Amazing things are happening.”
Ewen continues to bring hope and inspiration to others through his blog and public speaking engagements. He has also taken part in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, raising thousands for the BC Cancer Foundation.
Asked how Kwantlen contributed to his long and highly successful career as a reporter, Ewen said, "Kwantlen gave me the tools and the contacts to have success in journalism. Instructors like Charlie Giordano, Ian Mulgrew and Neil Graham were able to pass along what life was really like at both the community newspaper and daily newspaper level. That proved invaluable.
"That said, what I'm most proud of, as a Kwantlen journalism graduate, is the students the program is turning out now. They're ridiculously advanced. It's a credit to the all-star journalism faculty that the school has put together."
KPU Alumni Association chair Lindsay Civitarese lauded Ewen’s multiple passions for journalism, for KPU, and for his tireless support of cancer research.
“I’m quite proud of Steve. His is a story of courage and success, and on behalf of the KPUAA, I’m so grateful we can be part of it. Not only has Steve excelled in his career as a sports journalist, he has remained connected to KPU, taking time to connect with students who want to pursue their dreams, just as he pursued his."
Photos of Ewen from today's convocation ceremony are available for download on Flickr.
About Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at kpu.ca.
Media contact:
Corry Anderson-Fennell
Manager, Media and Communications
t: 604.599.2840
c: 604.828.5232
corry.anderson-fennell@kpu.ca
Tatiana Tomljanovic
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
tatiana.tomljanovic@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
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