For immediate release

October 20, 2010

Kwantlen’s sociology centre hosts its inaugural speaker series event featuring Lawrence Scanlan

(METRO VANCOUVER, B.C.) Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s CIR:CLE, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research: Community, Learning & Engagement, presents its inaugural speaker series event featuring one of Canada’s finest journalists, Lawrence Scanlan, who will discuss his observations on charity giving on Wednesday, October 27 at Kwantlen Surrey Campus Conference Centre (Cedar Building, 12666 72nd Ave, Surrey).

In this one-hour presentation, Scanlan shares his findings after a year-long journey where he spent one month in 12 different charitable organizations. His investigation uncovers unexpected stories from builder-volunteers in post-Katrina New Orleans to the ongoing fight against homelessness in Canada, revealing the new face of philanthropy including its players, politics, undeniable satisfactions and fundamental perils.

Scanlan’s presentation is the first of several CIR:CLE speaker events, free and open to the public, designed to explore social issues relevant to the community. Scanlan embodies the interdisciplinary, community-based values of CIR:CLE and his work is an archetypal example of what CIR:CLE stands for and promotes. Kwantlen sociology and criminology instructor, and CIR:CLE director Stephen Dooley, discusses the importance of the speaker series to the public, "We expect the presentation to describe one person’s desire to help, taking the first step to getting involved, looking at the potential pitfalls of good intentions, thinking critically about charitable organizations and maintaining a positive outlook on philanthropy.”

As a leader in innovative and interdisciplinary education, Kwantlen Polytechnic University offers all learners, regardless of background and preparation, opportunities to achieve the highest standards of academic performance. For more information, visit: kwantlen.ca

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About CIR:CLE

The goal of CIR:CLE is to create productive interdisciplinary partnerships between Kwantlen faculty, students, staff and members of local organizations and other community groups. We are focused on community development as a research process in the context of needs assessments, program development and agency program evaluations.

Our aim is to create meaningful opportunities for dialogue through research, speaker series, and other community events, to establish strong, mutually beneficial relationships with community partners, and to maintain a positive impact for members of a community through long-term engagement.


Upcoming events:

“Making Sense with the Sense of Humour”
Presented by Elaine Decker, Director of Educational Development, Kwantlen Polytechnic University

“Forbidden Phoenix”
Presented by Marty Chan, Playwright/Author


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For more information about the speaker events or Lawrence Scanlan’s availability for media interviews, contact:
Kevin Black
Admin Assistant, Social Sciences
Tel: 604.599.3463
kevin.black@kwantlen.ca

OR

For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Marketing & Communications
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca