For immediate release

Kwantlen Fashion Students Sweep Medals at B.C. Skills Canada Competition

METRO VANCOUVER, BC – (April 28, 2011) – For the second year in a row, three Kwantlen Polytechnic University fashion students swept the medals at the 2011 B.C. Skills Canada Competition in Abbotsford.

Competing on the post-secondary level in the fashion technology category, Kwantlen fashion and technology student Joanne Hu (Port Coquitlam) took home the gold medal while her peers Betty Zhao (Surrey) and Courtney Billinkoff (Vancouver) won silver and bronze, respectively. The scores of their designs were based on creativity, quality of pattern drafting and garment construction skills. The students had eight hours to complete the pattern drafts and sew fully lined garments which included a fitted, boned bodice and skirt.

As the gold medalist in the provincial skills competition, Hu will advance to the national Skills Canada Competition, which will take place June 1 - 4 in Quebec City, Quebec.

The Skills Canada competitions allow young Canadians, studying a skilled trade or technology, to challenge themselves to become the best in their discipline. Students compete at local, regional and provincial levels to win the right to represent their province at the national-level competition.

"These awards are a testimony to the rigour and relevancy of our Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Technology program," commented Barbara Duggan, dean of Kwantlen's Faculty of Design. "The dedication and capabilities of faculty for whom our students' success is their success and of course our students who are in themselves incredible, hardworking, and will make a positive impact on the apparel industry and profession in so many ways. Congratulations to all."

As the only four-year program of its kind in Western Canada, Kwantlen's Bachelor of Design (Fashion and Technology) program prepares students for careers in the global apparel economy in fashion design, production, marketing and computer technology.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 17,000 students annually have a choice from over 135 programs including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.

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For more information on Kwantlen's Fashion programs, visit: kwantlen.ca/design

For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 604.599.2243
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca