For immediate release

Largest Music Award Ever Offered at Kwantlen

METRO VANCOUVER, BC – (June 9, 2011) – Kwantlen Polytechnic University is pleased to announce the largest scholarship ever offered to a student in the Music program. The Katherine Cummings Award, valued at approximately $5,000, will be awarded to a student either entering or currently enrolled in Kwantlen's Music Diploma program.

"This will be a very valuable scholarship for a student studying musical performance at Kwantlen," commented Music Department chair Dr. Zdenek Skoumal. "To a deserving student this award brings both encouragement and the opportunity to focus entirely on their studies."

The first recipient of the Katherine Cummings Award is Surrey resident Jonathan Michel, who has just completed his first year as a voice major in the Diploma program. Although originally pursuing a career in public relations, Jonathan could not suppress his love of music, and decided to enroll in a music program. Kwantlen provided the perfect educational environment to support his decision. Jonathan has an extensive background as both a singer and an instrumentalist, and he plans to become a teacher.

Kwantlen offers a variety of music courses at its Langley campus, integrating theoretical, historical, and performance studies. With more than $1 million dollars in scholarships and awards available at Kwantlen and the potential for a music degree on the horizon, the university is continuing to attract talented musicians from the Lower Mainland and beyond.

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 of over 135 programs including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.

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For more information on Kwantlen's music programs, contact:
Zdenek Skoumal
Chair, Music Department
604.599.3314
zdenek.skoumal@kwantlen.ca

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