Spring Forward: Time for Growth and Rejuvenation

Issue: 10

March 2011

Greetings from the Alumni Association Chair

Dear Fellow Alumni,

You don't have to look too far to see that the signs of spring are upon us. From the budding crocuses to chirping birds and longer days, there's an exciting new season afoot.

For me, spring signifies rebirth, renewal and regrowth. It's when I feel most MORE>>

Tools for Success: Affinity Partnerships

In an effort to expand alumni offerings, KPUAA is currently inviting expressions of interest to develop affinity rewards programs, which provide valuable outside benefits, discounts and services for Kwantlen graduates.

Potential services could involve credit cards, investment services, insurance, travel and vacation, accommodations, automotive services and rentals, entertainment and sports, fitness and personal training, etc. Potential products could include vehicles, clothing, food and pharmacy, office supplies and computers, cameras and electronics, cellular phones and mobility devices, etc.

If your business currently provides these or other types of products or services, and you are interested in developing an affinity rewards program with Kwantlen, please respond to the EOI Alumni Affinity Program by March 29, 2011. The document can also be found at http://www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca. Click on "Browse for Bid Opportunities" and then search by institution name.

Alumni Highlight ~ A Legacy of Pride

From business to science, design, fine arts, trades and technology, communications, horticulture, healthcare and more, Kwantlen has produced more than 34,000 graduates who, every day, are making important contributions to their fields and society as a whole.

As we welcome nominations for the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Awards, KPUAA revisits our past winners. Click on their photos below to hear their inspiring stories.

Distinguished Alumni Award Nominations Now Open

KPUAA is excited to announce that the nominations for the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Awards are now open! Nominations must be received by the Alumni Office by Friday, July 1, 2011. Applications may be submitted by email to alumni@kwantlen.ca, by mail, or in person at Kwantlen's Surrey Campus, Cedar Building - Room G1020, or by FAX to 604.599.3138. Download the 2011 application package now!

Nominees may be former Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Kwantlen University College, or Kwantlen College graduates.

Is it Time for a New Spring Makeover Chez You?

8 interior design tips from Kwantlen alumna Tanya Schoenroth, BA, BADID

With the damp and dreary weather nearly behind us, spring is the perfect time for a fresh, new makeover - not just for ourselves, however; for our homes too! It's also a popular time for moving and for some of us, it might even mean a buying a new house. 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 here and begin searching for your dream job today!

This Month's "Hot Job" Highlights

1. SNAP Environmental Outreach, Green Timbers Heritage Society

2. Associate, Account Manager, GroupHEALTH Global

3. Senior Settlements Analyst, BC Hydro

Career Services News:

Remember the days of co-op and practicums? As Kwantlen graduates, we know very well how important a "hand's on" education has been to our own careers. Check out this interesting article from MACLEANS.CA: Get me a job-or give me my money back!

Business Corner

Spring Time = Growth and Rejuvenation

By: Nicholas Pavlich, KPUAA Director

Nicholas Pavlich

It's almost spring! I know this as my wife's flowers are starting to peek from the ground of her winter hibernating garden. Spring is a time for re-growth and a great time to reflect on the immediate past and review plans for improving one's surroundings.

Whether a seasoned business and management professional or, perhaps, a person in the early stages of career development, we are constantly pausing to reflect on ways to improve focus, productivity and results. Anything less means you cannot stand at the forefront of success, however that is measured. MORE>>

Kwantlen in the News

Kwantlen President David Atkinson to Depart Leaving a Legacy of Growth

After three years of work transforming Kwantlen Polytechnic University from a university college into a university, President and Vice-Chancellor David Atkinson will be leaving the university to join Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta as their president. MORE

Kwantlen Student: "Canada's Breakthrough Designer"

On Thursday, February 10, third year student Earl Mabaquaio's passion for fashion awarded him top prize as "Canada's Breakthrough Designer" during Montreal Fashion Week. MORE

Kwantlen Business Students Beat all Canadian Universities in Marketing Competition

A team of Kwantlen Polytechnic University business students finished ahead of rival teams from the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University and the University of Alberta at the prestigious Intercollegiate Marketing Competition (IMC) on February 26. MORE

Kwantlen Students Fight Back Against Homophobia

A new initiative at Kwantlen Polytechnic University is fighting back against homophobia to create a more inclusive campus for all students. MORE

Upcoming Events

Kwantlen's annual Fashion Design & Technology show "THE SHOW"- Tuesday, April 5

Fashion Design & Technology Workshop/Lecture Shingo Sato and Timo Rissanen (April 15, 16, 17)

2011 Kwantlen Eagles Golf Tournament - May 25, 2011

Lecture: The Blue People of Avatar: (Mis)representations of Indigenous Peoples in Media and Popular Culture - Thursday, March 24th at 1pm in the Aboriginal Gathering Place. Email gatheringplace@kwantlen.ca for more information.

Alumni Professional Directory

Did you know KPUAA offers a free professional listing to all alumni, whether they are business owners, consultants or company employees? In addition to providing great networking opportunities, the alumni professional directory is a way for Kwantlen alumni to support one another and, in some cases, offer fellow alumni discounts on products and services. For more information, please View/Search the Kwantlen Alumni Professional Directory.

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

@cpinck: Heard the geese start to return this morning. I just hope they don't go overboard on Facebook with pictures from their vacation.
@itamusedme: Ever decide to run a red light, and the guy in front of you chickens out?
@cherhole: The news would never be depressing if the gang from Sesame Street reported it.
@shariv67: I've got to stop believing everything I think.