Metro Vancouver, BC – (February 8, 2012) – Kwantlen Polytechnic University student, Matt DiMera beat out student journalists from across the country, winning two national awards at the Canadian University Press' John H. McDonald Gala on Saturday, January 14, 2012 in Victoria. B.C.

DiMera won in both the Excellence in News Writing and the Excellence in Investigative Reporting categories for his extensive coverage of the Kwantlen Student Association. DeMera is the news editor for Kwantlen's campus newspaper The Runner and is in his third year in Kwantlen's Bachelor of Journalism program.

"I am so honoured that all of the hard work done by myself and The Runner over the last year has been recognized on a national level," says DiMera who hopes to seek out a career in political and advocacy journalism when he graduates.

The John H. McDonald Journalism awards were created in 2003 to celebrate and reward excellence in Canadian student journalism.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for more than 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and Academic & Career Preparation. Over 17,500 students annually have a choice from over 200 programs, including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.