For immediate release

Kwantlen's 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award winners revealed at the university's 30th Anniversary Gala

Metro Vancouver, BC – (March 7, 2012) – Kwantlen's newest Distinguished Alumni Award winners were recognized at the university's 30th Anniversary Gala held March 2, 2012 at the River Rock Show Theatre in Richmond.

300 guests including alumni, staff, students, and community partners were in attendance at the event when Shane King, a 1992 Business Alumni from Kwantlen was awarded in the Business and Industry category and Chief Kim Baird was awarded in the Public and Community category.

King, an Incorporated Partner with KNV Chartered Accountants LLP was recognized for outstanding achievements in his profession and for giving back to both the business and Kwantlen communities.

Baird of Tsawwassen First Nation was awarded in the Community and Public Service category for her work and leadership in the First Nation community and for setting a sustainability standard for other First Nation communities provincially and nationally.

Kwantlen's Distinguished Alumni Awards are presented annually to those who have enhanced the reputation of the university through their outstanding career, public and community service, athletic, arts and culture, or academic achievements. Currently Kwantlen has approximately 40,000 alumni.

"Baird and King were chosen from dozens of nominees that came forth and the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Alumni Association (KPUAA) is pleased to honour their accomplishments through this award", said Kristan Ash, Chair of KPUAA.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University Alumni Association is dedicated to supporting the continued success of Kwantlen alumni by providing them with valuable programs and initiatives; it aims to raise awareness of the value of higher education and make a positive impact on society locally and beyond.

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 and career advancement. Over 17,500 students annually have a choice from over 200 programs, including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.

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For more information on the Kwantlen Alumni Association, visit: www.kwantlen.ca/alumni

For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Marketing and Communications
604.599.2243
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca