(L-R) Brendan Rutley (KPU Turf Club) with Peter Sorokovsky (WCTA Turfgrass Research Chairman)
For immediate release
March 12, 2013
KPU turfgrass diploma students ace WCTA conference experience
(Metro Vancouver, BC) - Twelve Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) turfgrass diploma students travelled to Penticton, BC, from March 2-5 for the 50th Western Canada Turfgrass Association (WCTA) Annual Conference.
During the three day event students learned about the industry’s latest products, listened to encouraging presentations, and networked extensively with industry professionals. Students contributed over 160 hours of volunteer efforts to make the event possible. Their efforts included an Alumni Pub Night that was attended by 70 turfgrass managers, exhibitor setup and take-down, a silent auction booth, as well as assisting at the annual general meeting. Three of the students played in the annual Dave Creamer Memorial hockey game, where they potted four goals for the winning Islander team. The students also raised money by conducting two Putting for Research competitions and three 50/50 draws.
At conference closing students presented the WCTA with a $2,000 cheque for turfgrass research. Students were able to raise funds by organizing events throughout the school year, as well as through their involvement in the conference.
WCTA President Tab Buckner, KPU turfgrass alumni, lauded the students at conference closing, saying, “Kwantlen students did a phenomenal job with setup, administration and fundraising. All their hard work was greatly appreciated by the WCTA.”
The WCTA represents western golf course superintendents, sports-field managers, lawn care professionals and the supply industry.
In KPU’s turfgrass management diploma program students learn how to manage the largest green spaces in our communities and are involved in the ongoing development of the turf management field lab. Many graduates seek employment in the golf industry and other opportunities exist in a broad range of related businesses and public sector jobs. For more information please visit: kwantlen.ca/hort/turf.
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 and 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. Please visit: kwantlen.ca.
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For more information about this event contact:
Stan Kazymerchyk
Turfgrass Management Instructor
Tel: 604-599-3295
stan.kazymerchyk@kwantlen.ca
For more information on KPU contact:
Cara Johnson
Media Specialist
Tel: 604.598.6196
cara.johnson@kwantlen.ca