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KPU Celebrates a Successful 2011-2012 Athletic Season

METRO VANCOUVER - (March 23, 2012) - KPU's varsity athletes and coaches took some timeout from their tracksuits and uniforms last night to join Athletic Department administrators, sponsors and donors at the 2011-2012 KPU Eagles Athletic Awards Banquet at the Coast Hotel and Convention Centre in Langley.

Hosted by KPU students, Kelsi Their and Jason Racanelli, this annual event celebrates the outstanding athletic accomplishments of KPU's student-athletes, as well as their academic achievements, leadership and community involvement throughout the varsity competitive season. After a warm welcome by President Dr. John McKendry, the 125 guests were addressed by key note speakers, Stephanie Tait and Matt Hill, founders of the “Run For One Planet” environmental action foundation (www.runforoneplanet.com) who delivered the message that setting intentions and goals and always bringing your best to all that you do is of paramount importance because you may not know who you will inspire and influence along the way.

Highlights from the Banquet included third-year forward and Business Administration – Human Resources student, Shanay Sangha (Richmond), who was named the 2011-2012 President's Outstanding Female Athlete and Most Valuable Player for women's soccer. Shanay completed the 2011 PACWEST league season on top of the league's leaderboard with 11 goals scored in 12 games; most of which were either opening or game-winning goals for the KPU Eagles. She was also named the PACWEST Women's Soccer Player of the Year and 1st Team All-Star, as well as being named a Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) All-Canadian and CCAA Athlete of the Month.

Fourth-year badminton athlete and Business Management student, Willis Kwee (Richmond), took top honours and was named the President's Outstanding Male Athlete for the 2011-2012 varsity season. Willis completed the 2011-2012 season with a PACWEST Provincial silver medal and a CCAA National bronze medal; both in men's doubles.

The event also honoured two graduating Eagles athletes; fifth-year Marissa Dionne (Delta) and fourth-year Thomas Johnston (Surrey). Both decorated soccer athletes, Marissa (2007- 2011) competed in 4 provincial championships; winning two back-to-back Provincial titles (2009 and 2010), competed in two National championships (2009, 2010) and won a CCAA National bronze as well as named a 2nd Team All-Star in 2009. Thomas (2008-2011) has been awarded the BCCAA/PACWEST Academic Excellence Award 3 consecutive times as well as the CCAA National Scholar Award twice; both achievements which require honours standing.

To view the full list of award recipients, visit www.kpu.ca/eagles.

KPU 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 about this story or the Eagles Athletics Program, contact:
Elise Le Brun,
Director, Athletics & Recreation
Tel: 604.599.2980
athletics@kpu.ca

For more information about KPU, contact:
Joanne Saunders,
Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 604.599.2243
joanne.saunders@kpu.ca