| Greetings from the Alumni Association Chair
Baltej Dhillon
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We are
thrilled to be sending you the first issue of In-Touch E-News, a monthly,
electronic newsletter to keep Kwantlen alumni informed of career opportunities,
professional development tips and trends, new alumni programs and benefits,
updates on fellow graduates and the latest university news.
In the
past year and a half we have seen many firsts including the appointment of the
association's first board of directors, the launch of "Tools for Success," including the new alumni professional directory, as well as the start
of an alumni benefits and rewards program.
Moving
forward we will focus on finalizing our mission and mandate, as well as
continuing to grow the association and its programs. As always, we look forward
to hearing your comments and suggestions.
Sincerely,
Baltej
Dhillon
Criminology
Graduate, 1987
Chair,
Kwantlen University Alumni Association
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2010 Distinguished Alumnus Scott Piccott
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Kwantlen
University Alumni Association (KUAA) is pleased to announce the winner of this
year's Distinguished Alumni Award is Scott Piccott, a successful real
estate developer who overcame the adversity of severe learning disabilities to
become one of Canada's youngest self-made millionaires.
"This
really means a lot," said the 2002 Business Management graduate and founder of
Calgary-based Scott Reid Enterprises Inc.
"It feels fantastic. I feel very compelled to give back and help others make
their dreams come true."
As a
child, Piccott was diagnosed with Dyslexia and dealt with nine different
aspects of learning disabilities including challenging auditory perception
issues. Reading, writing, spelling and mathematics were next to impossible for
the early part of his life.
"The
challenges I faced were pretty extreme," said Piccott. "I'd see things
backwards. Numbers and words just didn't make sense. There was a lot of
hardship."
Though
it was an uphill battle-which included the need for voice to text computer
software, audio text books, tutors and volunteers to read Piccott exam
questions and then transcribe his answers-he managed to graduate high school,
earn his diploma at Kwantlen, launch a successful real estate development career
and author a soon to be published inspirational book about his life story.
Piccott
says he owes his success to the many people that helped and believed in him
over the years but gives special thanks to his mother who continually fought
for extra support and resources.
"My
mother never gave up," he said. "She was my unwavering supporter. I never could
have made it this far without her support and encouragement."
Click this video link to hear
Scott's complete story. |
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Aboriginal Gathering Place Opens at Kwantlen |
Kwantlen
Polytechnic University's Aboriginal gathering place opened at the Surrey campus
May 28, giving Aboriginal students a space where they can feel supported and
share their experiences with the university community during their studies.
The
construction of the gathering place reaffirms Kwantlen's close relationship
with First Nations peoples, including the Kwantlen First Nations-from whom the
university takes its name-as well as the Katzie, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen First
Nations.
"It's
an absolutely wonderful place, expressing as it does the heritage and culture
of all First Nations people," said David Atkinson, president and vice
chancellor at Kwantlen.
The
110-square-metre area, made possible by a $600,000 grant from the Province, is
equipped with computer stations and will offer orientation and
elder-in-residence programs, along with student support in the form of tutoring
and advising programs.
"The
gathering place will not only provide a place for the Aboriginal students but
for the whole of Kwantlen to come together," said Darlene J. Willier, First
Nations education coordinator.
Designed
by Vancouver-based firm Public: Architecture + Communications Inc., the
gathering place recently earned a 2010 BC Wood Design Award in the interior
beauty design category from the Canadian Wood Council, as well as the 2010
Innovation Award from Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC).
The
official opening of the gathering place was attended by community members,
representatives from government and Kwantlen, along with chiefs from the
Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen First Nations.
For
more information visit www.kwantlen.ca/news.
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Find your Dream Job
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Did you know hundreds
of employers seeking talented Kwantlen alumni and students advertise job
opportunities on Kwantlen's online job posting
system? Register today!
This Month's "Hot Job"
Highlights:
· Retail
Accounting Clerk, Canadian Springs
· Employee
Development and Training Coordinator, Prospera Credit Union
· Product
Developer, Oceanic Sportswear Ltd.
For more information: careers@kwantlen.ca or 604-599-3401
Career Services Workshops:
· Resume Writing Skills and Cover Letter Tips - Details
· Interview Preparation Tips - Details
BC Job Futures
Wondering what your
future in the BC labour market looks like? A recent government report concludes
labour demand in our province is expected to grow by 80,000 workers in the next
10 years. Check out the story in the Vancouver Sun.
|
Get Involved - Give Back Week is Coming!
September 20th-26th, 2010
|
Kwantlen is challenging students, staff, faculty and alumni to lead or join in an activity (or more) during the week of September 20th-26th.
Sign up to be an Activity Leader or join an activity. Registration will be a minimum $10 donation to Free the Children.
For more information see: http://www.kwantlen.ca/get-involved.
|
| KUAA Accepting Applications for Board of Directors |
KUAA
is currently accepting applications for five board of director positions coming
up for election in November. If you are interested in this
important role, please email alumni@kwantlen.ca or call Carla Giles at
604-599-3137.
|
| Tools for Success: How To Mingle Like a Pro |
No matter what industry
you are in, face-to-face networking events provide a wealth of opportunities to
build important business relationships, meet potential clients or connect with
future employers.
However, the ability to
strike up a meaningful conversation with a stranger or someone you barely know
takes practice. To mingle like a pro at your next professional "mixer," try
these helpful tips from certified image consultant Kimberly Law of Personal
Impact International:
· Approach people standing on their own or in
groups of three or more. When approaching a group of two you may be
interrupting a private conversation and it could become awkward or
uncomfortable.
· The buffet lineup can be a great place to strike
up a conversation. However, resist spending all your time there as it will not
make the best impression.
· Juggling
food and drink can present challenges when meeting people, shaking hands or
while trying to carry on a conversation. Eat ahead of time or wait until you
have had a chance to make your way around the room.
· When meeting and greeting someone, be sure to
make eye contact, smile and shake hands. Introduce yourself with your first and
last name and, if appropriate, state your relationship to the host.
· Ease up on "sales" pitches. Instead, show
interest with questions, small talk and light conversation. Be sure to avoid
topics like politics, religion, sex or money.
· Do not use nicknames or shorten a person's name
without asking permission. Listen to how people introduce themselves and follow
their lead.
· Always wear your name tag in the regular line of
vision: on the right, close to the shoulder.
· Give and receive business cards respectfully.
When a business card is offered to you, hold it respectfully and look at it
before putting it away. When offering your business card, present it so it can
be read, with the printing facing the person receiving the card.
Kimberly Law of Personal Impact
International is a certified image consultant who works with individuals and
businesses to enhance professional image and communication. For more
information visit www.personalimpact.ca.
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Kwantlen University Alumni Association
12666 72nd Avenue,
Surrey, BC V3W 2M8
alumni@kwantlen.ca
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