(L-R) Devon Richards, co-chair, BBA accounting student with Richard Hosein, co-chair, policy studies student
For immediate release
February 12, 2013
KPU hosts fifth annual Student/Alumni Leadership conference - Do Something
(Metro Vancouver, BC) – On January 26, Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) Student Life and Development team hosted the fifth annual Student/Alumni Leadership conference titled, Do Something, at its Surrey campus.
High-school student leaders, and KPU students and alumni, gathered together for a day of inspiration, guidance, skill building, and networking. The event opened with keynote speaker Ryan Walter, former NHL player and Stanley Cup winner (now president of the Abbotsford Heat), who addressed the key behaviours of high performance leaders. Chris Turner, national award-winning writer and sustainability expert, also gave a keynote presentation and challenged participants to believe it is possible to make positive changes while still surviving and thriving in a new “green economy.”
“The students of today will be entering the workforce with major implications of today’s society at the forefront, which personal and global sustainability and international justice can only be achieved when responsibility is shared at all levels of society,” said Richard Hosein, co-chair, policy studies student. “I think there are tremendous benefits for students attending the conference to build the ‘soft skills’ needed to foster the leaders of tomorrow.”
Two days prior to the conference, a Spotlight on Student Leadership took place and featured KPU students presenting on topics as diverse as community leadership with the homeless and mentally ill, to empowering students in mathematics with the use of effective storytelling. Guest speaker Dr. Alan Davis, KPU president and vice-chancellor, shared his own “accidental leadership” growth as a student, while Kim Baird, KPU alumni and six-time elected chief of the Tsawwassen First Nation, concluded the day.
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 18,000 students annually have a choice from over 200 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.
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For further information on this event contact:
Kurt Penner
Faculty, Student Life & Development
Tel: 604.599.2927
kurt.penner@kwantlen.ca
For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Cara Johnson
Media Specialist
Tel: 604.598.6196
cara.johnson@kwantlen.ca