This Issue: Vision

Issue: 5

October 2010

Greetings from the Alumni Association Chair

Dear Fellow Alumni,

As you have probably noticed, there has been a lot of discussion regarding "vision" at Kwantlen over the past year. With the recent re-designation to a polytechnic university, as well as the introduction of an official alumni association, there has been much to be determined about who we are, where we are going and how we are going to get there.

While a well planned vision is the foundation for the success of any organization, it is just as effective on a personal level. In this month's newsletter, you'll learn how to create your own personal "vision board," as well as learn how others have put vision into practice in their personal and professional lives.

This month's newsletter theme provides me with the perfect opportunity to thank our dedicated outgoing board members for helping to bring KUAA's vision to life over the past 24 months. A quick look around our website shows just how much has been accomplished in this short amount of time. On behalf of all Kwantlen alumni, please accept my sincerest gratitude for your hard work.

I ask all Kwantlen alumni for your support by participating in the upcoming AGM happening Monday, Nov.15 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. In addition to electing six members to the board, we will vote on a special resolution to adopt changes to the constitution and bylaws. We need your vote to ensure our alumni association becomes what we need and want it to be. Please RSVP online today.

I hope you will enjoy this month's newsletter. When it comes to vision, I believe American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best: "People only see what they are prepared to see."

Baltej Dhillon
Criminology Graduate, Class of 1986
Chair, Kwantlen University Alumni Association

Alumni Highlight: Open to Opportunity

Stephanie Cadieux

While Stephanie Cadieux may be considered a relative newcomer to the political scene, her strength in leadership and deep commitment to community is anything but new.

Long known for her determination and out-of-the-box approach to challenges, the 1994 marketing management graduate was elected to the BC Legislature as a representative of the Surrey-Panorama area just 16 months ago.

And though she hasn't been at her post long, according to her colleagues, Cadieux's energy, enthusiasm and character have already begun to pave the way for an exciting political career.

"We all have something to offer," said a humble Cadieux, who was voted one of Business in Vancouver's Top 40 under 40. "It may be a windy road, but that underlying commitment to your personal vision will get you there. It comes down to believing in yourself."

While having a clear vision is important in establishing big picture goals--whether personally or professionally--Cadieux says it is important to be open to new opportunities. "To me vision means constantly taking on new challenges," she said. "It is being able to paint a picture of the future for yourself and others because you know this is how it could be, how it should be, and how it will be. You may see very clearly the end goal, but you still have to find your way along the path."

Living with a spinal cord injury since a car crash at the age of 18, Cadieux has become a strong advocate for programs that help people who are living with physical disabilities to achieve their life goals and regain independence. In addition to working with 2010 Legacies Now to develop an accessible tourism plan for BC, Cadieux worked with the BC Paraplegic Association for eight years, most recently as director of marketing and development.

In addition, she has been an active community volunteer and was the president of Realwheels Society, Ambassador for the Rick Hansen Man in Motion Foundation, as well as a member of the advisory panel and a researcher with International Collaboration On Repair Discoveries (ICORD).

While Cadieux says she is excited about setting new goals for the future, she is quick to point out that she is also mindful of enjoying the here and now.

"My big goals are to be happy and healthy, to be surrounded by my family and friends, and to be able to do something that feels valuable to me. Right now, I'm experiencing all three and it feels great."

To learn more about Stephanie Cadieux, visit www.stephaniecadieuxmla.bc.ca.

Vision Boards: A New Way to See Your Future

When is the last time you sat down and made a list of your long-time goals and dreams--or asked yourself what you most want to be remembered for?
Chances are, most of us can't recall.

Unfortunately, however, if we haven't clearly defined our idea of success, there is not much chance in achieving it, says Bill Dosanjh, director and speaker at LB Seminars in Delta.

"We're very unlikely to stumble on our life's purpose and achieve what we value as success if we haven't figured out what that means to us," said Dosanjh. "There is no right or wrong plan, but to get results we need to get clear on what it is we want."

Specializing in educational courses that help people expand their personal and professional effectiveness, Dosanjh says there are four primary areas that should be considered when mapping out a vision for the future. These include: physical wellbeing; relationship and emotional health; career and wealth; and spiritual fulfillment.

"When people think about life ambitions, generally, they think primarily about money and career," he said. "However, that is just one aspect of it. We need to look at the whole picture--goals, dreams and [life] purpose."
Dosanjh said a vision for the future should be thought of in long-range terms--up to five, 10, 25 years down the road. Goals, he said, are generally short term and more concrete, while achieving one's life's purpose generally occurs over the course of an entire lifetime.

"If you have a vision of where you want to be, it's much easier to make decisions along the way. It accelerates everything."
Rather than preparing a simple written statement listing your goals, Dosanjh recommends creative a "vision board."

"People see in pictures," he said. Writing things down doesn't work as well. A mental image is far more powerful than words on paper."

To help alumni create their own vision boards, Dosanjh prepared the following steps and tips. MORE>>>

For more information or to learn about the LB's various courses, visit www.lbseminars.com.

Vision Guides Eagles to Success

Laurie Cyan, Surrey Parks, Recreation and Culture, Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts and Kwinten

When Kwantlen unveiled its first-ever varsity sports field last month at Newton Athletic Park, it wasn't just the athletes that were beaming with pride and joy.

Students, alumni, faculty, staff, board members, volunteers, residents and community leaders were also out in full force to celebrate another major milestone for the university.

However, nobody was more excited than Elise Le Brun, Kwantlen's director of athletics and recreation.

"To see the look of pride on our athletes' faces when they were preparing for their first home game on their field was something else," said Le Brun. "Hearing them cheering in excitement and chanting the Eagles name before a game--it makes all of the planning and preparation worth it."

Le Brun has more than the field opening to celebrate this year, however. In addition to completing the refurbishment of the Surrey campus gymnasium and fitness centre, Kwantlen captured its first provincial title (women's soccer) and first national medals (women's soccer and women's badminton)--lofty achievements Le Brun believes were possible thanks to the implementation of a strong vision statement.

"In the earlier years, the mission of the department was [simply] to provide competitive opportunities for our students," said Le Brun. "When we transitioned from a university-college to a university in 2008, it was necessary that the vision also shift to that of a university athletics program."

Adding to her desire to revisit the department's vision statement, however, was a comment made in 2006 by a former student-athlete who had represented Kwantlen for four years. When asked why she came to Kwantlen, the student replied: "Anyone can make a Kwantlen team."

Le Brun said she was saddened by the fact that the student didn't feel a sense of pride in her long-time involvement. So, from that day on, she made it her mission to redefine the Kwantlen Eagles athletics experience.

"Many of our alumni athletes did not have the opportunities that our current athletes have," she said. "In renewing the vision, it became evident that we needed to improve the facilities and infrastructure to support student-athlete success. We are truly fortunate to have a president who is committed to the success of our current teams and athletes, as well as those in the future."

Le Brun said creating a vision statement and communicating it to all of the stakeholders was an important part of the process.

"I see the visioning process as being organic and one that must continue to evolve. However, you need something concrete that people can be passionate about and contribute to," she added.

"There is no question that we've come a long way in a short time. However, vision is about long term planning. It is my hope that this rapid growth will instill pride and connectedness to Kwantlen, and that our alumni will join us on the journey to continue shaping an athletics program that athletes, students and community will be proud of."

You're Invited to the Alumni Association Annual General Meeting and Reception!

AGM: November 15

Join us for the annual general meeting of the Kwantlen University Alumni Association (KUAA) and a networking reception.

This will be a great opportunity to network with fellow alumni, enjoy hors d'oeuvres and desserts, and get to know what the alumni association has accomplished over the past year.

As a member you will also have an opportunity to exercise your rights by electing directors to six vacant positions and voting on a special resolution that proposes changes to the constitution and bylaws. More information on the business of the AGM and the proposed changes can be found here.

Event Details:
Monday, November 15, 2010
6:00-7:30 PM
Surrey Campus, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
12666 72nd Avenue, Surrey, BC

RSVP online by November 8 and be entered into a prize draw.

For more information, please contact the Office of Advancement, Alumni Affairs, at (604) 599-3137 or alumni@kwantlen.ca.

Business Corner with Kristan Ash
Mentorship: One Avenue to Success

Kristan Ash, BBA 2003, Entrepreneur and Lean Consultant

If you ask any successful individual what his or her secret is, most will tell you that they had great mentors.

Like a good vision statement, mentors act as a valuable guide. Often, he or she will help you: assess your strengths and weaknesses, develop skills for success and determine a long-range career plan.

However, for people new to business or just starting a career--or for those who have never had a formal mentor--it can be challenging to reach out and access a mentor. Here are five simple steps to finding the right mentor for you: MORE>>>

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:

Sugoi Performance Apparel: Credit Analyst, Full Time
Prospera Credit Union: Marketing Database Analyst, Full Time
PHH ARC Environmental Ltd: Project Coordinator, Occupational Health & Safety, Full Time
BC Recreation and Parks Association: Communications Coordinator, Part time

Click here for a complete list of job opportunities or, for more information, please contact a Career Services coordinator at careers@kwantlen.caor 604-599-3401.

Disney Institute to Share Valuable Business Insights

Kwantlen Polytechnic University School of Business is proud to host the word-renowned Disney's Approach to Quality Service program, presented by the Disney Institute on November 30, 2010.

This is a rare opportunity to take an exclusive look at the "business behind the magic" from Walt Disney World© Resort insiders, who will share the successful business practices and unique philosophies that have made the Disney name synonymous with creativity, quality, and innovation the world over.

For tickets or more information visit www.kwantlen.ca/business.

Speaker Series: Careers in Psychology
November 22, 2010

The next event in our speaker series will focus on careers in psychology. This is an excellent opportunity to network and gain insights into careers in psychology. This event is free of charge. To register and for more information, please click here.

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 alumni@kwantlen.ca.

Ryan Lebek, Diploma of Technology in Environmental Protection graduate, received Kwantlen's President's Outstanding Graduate Award for a diploma program, while Kylie Van Eaton, Bachelor of Arts in English graduate and Surrey resident, received Kwantlen's President's Outstanding Graduate Award for a bachelor's degree program.

Both awards were presented at the university's 2010 Convocation ceremony held Oct. 7 at the Surrey Campus.

Call for Focus Group Participants: A research project entitled "Research Assistants at Kwantlen Polytechnic University: Positioning and Training for Success" is in need of former Kwantlen research assistants to be part of a focus group. For more information, please contact Ann McBurnie at 604-576-0904.

Tweets of the Month

@bloomizzle: Does the start of hockey season always coincide with Canadian Thanksgiving?
@AngelJustos: Twitter needs an operating manual. Anyone got the manual out there?
@ThatEricAlper: Today in '88, Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon left Billboard's Hot 200 Album Chart after a record breaking 741 weeks
@GeneHunt: Didn't 'Seasonal Affective Disorder' just used to be called 'Winter'?