Alumni News
Alumni eNews
Issue: 2 July 2010
Greetings from the Alumni Association Chair 
Baltej Dhillon
Baltej Dhillon
Dear Fellow Alumni,
 
I wish to congratulate our newest alumni members on their recent graduation. Through your hard work at Kwantlen you have built a strong foundation for success and are on the road to achieving great things.
 
In my experience true success comes from following your heart and never giving up on what is most important to you. I was reminded of that recently when I was chosen as a torchbearer to represent our country in the recent Olympic Games.
 
The honour was of great significance to me: In 1988, just after I graduated with my diploma in criminology from Kwantlen, I was applying to enter the RCMP Academy when I found myself in the middle of an unprecedented national controversy over the right to wear a turban in place of the Stetson hat as part of my RCMP uniform.
 
The issue was raised to Parliament. It drew commentary from senior ranked RCMP and politicians, as well as sparked heated discussions in schools and coffee shops across the country. And while opponents filed a petition with the Supreme Court of Canada-and I had been subject to death threats-with much support, I was eventually victorious.
 
The victory was not only a proud moment for my family and the Sikh community but, I believe, for our entire country. If I had not followed my heart or fought for my dream, I may not be doing what I love today.
 
My message to you: Believe in yourselves and success is sure to follow.
 
Sincerely,


Baltej Dhillon
Criminology Graduate, 1987
Chair, Kwantlen University Alumni Association
Taking Orders: Fashion Grads' Label a Hot Commodity
Penniless FashionistaKwantlen fashion design and technology alumnae Brieanna Soo and Alecia Ebbels have created a major buzz in the Vancouver fashion scene since launching their edgy but feminine clothing label, The Penniless Fashionista, in 2007.
 
In fact, the ever growing brand-which fashion savvy women are said to be willing "to go penniless for"-has gained enough momentum in the last couple of years that Soo and Ebbels plan to take it North America wide this year.
 
"We are really excited that we are growing, but we feel that we still have a long way to go," said Soo. "We are looking forward to having boutiques in the USA carry our collection in the future."
 
Made for women who want "to stand out in a world of cookie cutter fashions," The Penniless Fashionista line is carried by some of Western Canada's most fashion forward independent boutiques including: Vancouver's Fine Finds, The Velvet Room Boutique, The Block, and Life of Riley; Victoria's North of Wednesday; and Calgary's Apt 22 and Shisomiso.
 
"Our collection is for women who are young at heart, want to have fun with their look and love to mix it up," Soo said. "Maybe one day she is dressed girly and sweet and the next day she is a rock star vixen."
 
The hard working duo-who had The Penniless Fashionista up and running within six months of their 2007 graduation-are already drafting patterns for their Spring-Summer 2011 collection. In addition, they are eagerly awaiting the in store release of their fall collection, which features hard lines mixed with soft shapes and structured fabrics that have delicate detailing.
 
For more information and to shop online visit www.pennilessfashionista.com.
8 Surefire Strategies to Hitting a Professional Hole in One
Golf etiquette that makes a positive impression
By Jacque Small, Business Coach, Catalyst Business Coaching
 
Summer is a time for fun and with that comes plenty of opportunities to mix business and pleasure-most notably on the fairways of company and charity golfing events.
 
Whether you are a long time golfer or new to the game, being aware of golf etiquette can help you make a positive impression both personally and professionally.
 
In fact, as many will attest, one of the truths of golf is that the way you behave on the course is likely the way you will behave when you are doing business. Follow these simple tips and you'll be sure to keep yourself on par and out of the "rough."
Find your Dream Job
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:
�  Product Developer, Arc'teryx Equipment
�  Marketing Intern, Ken Etheridge & Associates
�  Project/Design Coordinator, Fusion Designs
�  Financial Security Advisor, Freedom 55 Financial
 
For more information: [email protected] or 604-599-3401
 
Looking for work outside your major or want to know who Canada's Top 100 Employers are? Check out these interesting links:
�  Finding work outside your major
�  Canada's Top 100 Employers List 2010

Kwantlen proposes new BBA in Marketing Management Program
Kwantlen Polytechnic University Senate approved in concept a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing Management program focusing on contemporary digital media marketing with classes starting in the fall of 2011. Read more...
Class Notes
Do you have an update, announcement or some news (awards, accomplishments, marriages, new position) that you would like to share with your fellow alumni? If so, we would like to hear from you. Please email us your news at [email protected].
 
           
Kate Cheung, Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing graduate, receives the Governor General's Silver Medal. More.

Shelley Coburn, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Political Science graduate, receives Kwantlen's President's Outstanding Graduate Award for a bachelor's degree program. More.

Brandon Hastings, Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Leadership graduate, receives the George C. Wootton Award. More.
           
Charlene McMorris, Career Choices and Life Success program graduate, receives the Lieutenant Governor's Medal. More.
 
Shannon Reykdal, Community Support Worker Diploma graduate, receives the Governor General's Collegiate Bronze Academic Medal. More.
 
Amy Yiu, Diploma in General Studies graduate, receives Kwantlen's President's Outstanding Graduate Award for a diploma program. More.
Tweets of the Month
�   @TheSamael Twilight's sulky vampires are less frightening than a knitted cushion (links to movie review).
�  @linajk: There are three kinds of lies... Lies, Damned Lies and Tweets.
�  @kwantlenalumni Convocation!!! congrats to all the grads! You're now members of Kwantlen's Alumni Association! we're pleased to have you with us!
Kwantlen University Alumni Association
12666 72nd Avenue,
Surrey, BC V3W 2M8
[email protected]

KUAA welcomes story ideas and alumni written material. To submit a story or share your ideas, please email [email protected].
In This Issue
Greetings
Taking Orders
Golf Etiquette
Find your Dream Job
New BBA in Marketing Management
Class Notes
Tweets of the Month
Send to a friend
Alumni Links

Other Links