For immediate release

February 17, 2009
 

Kwantlen's first university graduating class

(METRO VANCOUVER, B.C.) Kwantlen Polytechnic University held its first university convocation ceremony and celebrated the graduation of its first students as a university.

“Our graduates will receive diplomas that proudly display our new name, Kwantlen Polytechnic University,” said David W. Atkinson, president and vice-chancellor. “I wish to extend my congratulations to all Kwantlen students graduating at our convocation ceremony.”

This year’s convocation marks many firsts for the university. It is an especially important event because it is Kwantlen’s first graduating class as a university. For the first time in Kwantlen’s history its certificates, diplomas and degrees were also conferred by Kwantlen chancellor Arvinder Singh Bubber, who is also the first Indo-Canadian to be appointed chancellor of a Canadian university.

During convocation, two graduates were honoured with the President’s Outstanding Graduate Award. Psychology graduate Cindy Parry and environmental protection in technology graduate Preet Bal were this year’s recipients. This award encourages Kwantlen students to excel in their chosen fields of study and to participate in university, student and community activities to the benefit of others.

Earlier, during the morning ceremony, Kwantlen was presented with its official university mace by Kwantlen First Nation Chief Marilyn Gabriel and Kwantlen First Nation artist Drew Atkins. Atkins carved the mace specifically for Kwantlen. It had a variety of traditional First Nation components in it that also connect to Kwantlen and represents the hard work, perseverance and tireless effort of Kwantlen students.

As a new and distinct university, Kwantlen offers formal acknowledgment that knowledge is converging and that the kinds of programs that colleges and universities offer are also converging in new and creative ways. Kwantlen will continue to provide unique educational opportunities meeting diverse student needs, marking extraordinary opportunities and responsibilities before it.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University brings with it a tradition of providing access pathways for students with difference talents and abilities, and opportunities for all who are willing to work hard to realize their goals. Key to Kwantlen’s new mandate is an enhanced capacity to integrate research and external community engagement within a learning environment that places students at the centre of all that the university does.

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For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Peter Chevrier
Director, Marketing & Communications
Tel: 604-599-2286
peter.chevrier@kwantlen.ca

 

 
Kwantlen convocation ceremony processional.



Invocation led by Chief Marilyn Gabriel of the Kwantlen First Nation.


   
Left to right: Kwantlen chancellor Arvinder Singh Bubber, chair of Kwantlen Board of Governors
Scott Nicholl and Kwantlen president and vice-chancellor David W. Atkinson give opening remarks.


 
Presentation of the Kwantlen mace. On behalf of Kwantlen Polytechnic University, chancellor
Arvinder Singh Bubber accepts the Kwantlen mace from Kwantlen First Nation artist Drew Atkins.


 
Left to right: President's Outstanding Graduate Award recipients Cindy Parry and Preet Bal.



Left to right: Chief of the Kwantlen First Nation Marilyn Gabriel, Phyllis Atkins, artist Drew Atkins and Kevin Kelly.


 

 
Proud Kwantlen graduates celebrate at convocation with beloved family and friends.