This Issue: It's Time to Celebrate!

Issue: 6

November 2010

Greetings from the Alumni Association Chair

Dear Fellow Alumni,

Thank you to all who attended the KUAA AGM and board of directors elections last night. We had a wonderful evening, and I am most pleased to welcome our new and current directors for 2010-11: Kristan Ash, Harpreet Bains, Marc Bains, Stuart Chase, Kelsey Filion, Sandra Hoffman, Andrew Liew, Nicholas Pavlich, David Shapendonk, Careena Sharma and Dylan Watson. Each brings a unique skill set and will join me in helping KUAA continue to grow and reach its goals.

My sincerest thanks to outgoing directors: Sendip Gill, Shane King and Jas Sandhu. Your hard work and support over the past two years is an incredible testament to your dedication to--and belief in--your university and fellow alumni.

There has been much accomplished since the last AGM so the theme of this month's In Touch e-news is "celebration." Along with 85 countries around the world, we are also observing International Education Week (Nov. 15 to 19). I welcome you to check out the many exciting events happening across all campuses, including a visit from celebrity chef Michael Smith on November 17th. Cheers!

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

Let's Party Contest

British Columbia isn't only known for its natural beauty--people think it's a great place to "party" too.

In fact, since it's home to multiple cultures from over 180 countries throughout the world, our province boasts a chance to celebrate something exciting every week.

In the first month of the year, alone, there are more than 20 celebrations and observances, including everything from Scotland's Robert Burn's night to Tu B'Shevat, a Jewish holiday that features meals of wheat, barley, figs, grapes, pomegranates, olives and dates.

Just this month, much of our Kwantlen region celebrated Diwali, an important Hindu, Sikh and Jain festival, often referred to as the "Festival of Lights." In addition to illuminating the home with a plethora of candles and lights, gifts are exchanged and festive meals are prepared. Most importantly, it is a celebration of the goodness of life. Now that's a party!

Just like our province and the Kwantlen region, our alumni membership is rich with culture and diverse celebratory traditions. We would like to hear about yours!

In 500 words or less, tell us about your favourite memory relating to a cultural celebration. The top three entries will be featured in the December 2010 edition of In Touch e-news. All entrants will receive a special gift from KUAA. Please send submissions to alumni@kwantlen.ca no later than December 3, 2010.

Triple Take: Celebrating the Power of Three

Ashley, Brittany and Christy Mann

Celebrating important shared milestones is nothing new to fraternal triplets Brittany, Ashley and Christy Mann. After all, the bubbly sisters have done pretty much everything together since the day they were born. MORE>>>

How To: Throw a Fabulous Dinner Party on a Tight Budget

StyleAtHome.com writer Heather Camlot says saving money doesn't have to mean sacrificing your sense of style. Read her tips on how to throw a dinner party that is chic and stylish without breaking the bank. MORE>>>

Women's Soccer Team Wins Provincials

The Kwantlen Polytechnic University Eagles women's soccer team successfully defended their provincial title with a 2-0 victory over the Langara Falcons at Newton Athletic Park this weekend in Surrey. MORE>>>

Business Corner with Kristan Ash
Celebrating Professional Change
What to do when it's time for something new

Kristan Ash, BBA 2003, Entrepreneur and Lean Consultant

Thinking back to graduation, the big, looming question on everybody's mind was "What's Next?" However, it appears that this infamous question continues to loom, from time to time, throughout our careers.

Whether faced with the question due to outplacement, a need for a new challenge or change, a desire to have a different work-life balance or simply interested in furthering your education, unfortunately, there is no crystal ball or magic wand that can land us where we want immediately. It takes time, thought and work!

Here are a few suggestions to help you through the process: 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:

Graphics Technician,Township of Langley ($25.96 - $30.52 per hour)

Social Media Marketing Wiz, Luckydog Productions ($10-$15 - work from home)

Accounts Payable Clerk, BC Recreation and Parks Association

YMCA's Youth Eco Internship program currently has a number of internship positions available (with more to come in the next month). The program is for youth (15-30) who have graduated from a post secondary institution and are currently unemployed or under employed (not working in their degree field). These are all full-time paid internships ($16/hr) that are environmentally or community focused and approximately three to four months in length. For more information, please visit www.psyeip.ca or call 604-684-3255.

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.

You shouldn't have...but I'm really glad you did!

It seems the moment we put away the pumpkins and Halloween candies, it's time to think about the next big celebration and, of course, holiday shopping. Gift giving during festivals and holiday celebrations is an ancient tradition observed by many different cultures. Knowing what to buy for the people on your list is not always easy, however. If you're stumped and need some fabulous ideas, check out these super-cool gifts hand-picked by the gift gurus at gifts.com.

Psychology Speaker Series: Careers and Graduate School Roundtable: November 22, 2010

The next event in our speaker series will focus on careers and grad school in psychology, and is a great opportunity to give back to the community by attending as a speaker or to learn more about what options are available for Psychology graduates. Please click here for more information or to register.

NEW BBA in Marketing Management

The BBA Marketing Management degree has now been approved by the Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development effective August 2010. We know that many are eager to learn all about it and to be among the first to secure a spot in the new program. MORE>>>.

Special Discount for Alumni

Just in time for the holidays, Multicultural Calendar is offering all Kwantlen alumni a 30% discount on all 2011 calendar products. Their beautiful wall calendar, which features original artwork, as well as the world's major holidays, observances and celebrations, is just $10.50 with discount. To order, click on link above. On order page, enter coupon code "discount30" in discount box. The discounted price will show up once you have completed the order. The discount is valid for all products, including the electronic calendar.

Disney's Approach to Quality Service
Seats are 75% Sold

Join your local business community as we welcome the world-renowned Disney Institute presenting Disney's Approach to Quality Service for an incredible day of learning, insight, and inspiration.

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

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.

Tweets of the Month

@OverlandParker: It's really hard raising a child by yourself, I don't know how my T.V. does it.
@AristotlesGirl: 'Maybe' is just Yes's way of saying No.
@Richter_Andy: Got excited by CNN headline "Monster Storms Across U.S.," then bummed when I found out it was about the stupid weather.