Recipients of the 2013 Contribution to Student Life Awards
Top Row (L-R): Maisie Ferrer, Kevin Shen, Maria Marcakis, David Dryden, Julie Pocock, Kylie Mantei,
Devon Richards, Kristin Lehal, Stephanie Dick, Andrew Code, James Grange, Viktoriia Kovalska
Front Row (L-R): Sophia Sun, Jacqueline Nobauer, Maria Goldin, Marissa Dionne, Harman Boparai,
Nikka Bagasbas, Alysha Rogers
Recipients missing from photo: Muhjah Abousaleh, Richard Hosein, Jared Penland
For immediate release
April 10, 2013
KPU celebrates student leadership and service
(Metro Vancouver, BC) - Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) celebrated 28 outstanding contributors to campus life and the community at the Celebration of Leadership and Service Reception on April 4, 2013, at its Surrey campus.
Twenty-two students received the Contribution to Student Life Award for their generosity within the KPU community. Recipients from business, arts, health and science, were recognized for their contributions to club leadership, the New Student Orientation Leader Team, KSA’s START program, peer mentor programs, coaching and more. Each recipient has held a volunteer position for at least one year, while at the same time, been enrolled in full time studies and maintained good academic standing. “Although we do what we do because we are passionate about it, recognition is always appreciated,” said David Dryden, a second time winner of the award.
Six students received the Giving Back Citizenship Award to recognize their voluntary leadership in the community. The 2013 recipients are Karveena Bains, David Hunt, Steven Moore, Andrews Owusu, Alysha Rogers and Teri Rajandran.
“Being recognized for contributing my time to the community is like the icing on top of the cake,” said Andrews Owusu. “It is already fulfilling to invest my time in being able to make sure the children and youth I work with are smiling. It is very meaningful and I am grateful and honoured I was able to receive this award.”
Opening the reception was Mark Brand, local social entrepreneur and restaurateur, who took questions from the audience about running businesses that “give back” in Vancouver’s downtown eastside. Brand encouraged students to use their passions to service the needs of their own community. Kristan Ash, board of directors, Kwantlen Alumni Association, echoed this in her challenge to the audience to do something every day that makes a difference. Jane Fee, deputy provost and associate VP academic, congratulated students on their accomplishments and encouraged awardees to continue on in their service and leadership.
“It really is a privilege for us to help students actively grow their leadership skills,” said Kurt Penner, faculty, student life and development. “The many services they contribute to, both on and off-campus, are tremendous gifts to their peers and communities.”
The Student Leadership awards program is in its second year of existence. The award program saw an increase in the number of applications and awards given out this year–a trend that KPU hopes continues. The awards are given out annually following an application period in spring.
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 more information about the Celebration of Leadership & Service please contact:
Theresa Voorsluys
Coordinator, Student Life & Recreation
Tel: 604-599-2415
theresa.voorsluys@kwantlen.ca
For more information about KPU, contact:
Cara Johnson
Media Specialist
Tel: 604.598.6196
cara.johnson@kwantlen.ca