For immediate release
Metro Vancouver, BC – On May 23, 2013, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) student David Dryden was recognized with Surrey's Top 25 Under 25 award by the Surrey Board of Trade at their third annual awards event. The evening celebrates the incredible initiatives of Surrey's youth under the age of 25, and winners are chosen based on an analysis of their business or community achievement, leadership ability, community involvement, professional achievements and uniqueness of their business or community projects.
“KPU is proud to participate in the Surrey Board of Trade’s Top 25 Under 25,” said Jeff Norris, KPU CAO and Executive Director of External Affairs. “The inspirational young leaders recognized by this award embody the core values of KPU. Regardless of a person’s background, when given an opportunity, they can make a tremendous difference in our community. We would also like to offer our congratulations to all the current, future and past KPU students who have won this award, including David Dryden. David is a remarkable young man and we are proud that he chose KPU for his university education."
Dryden, a fourth year business student in KPU’s Entrepreneurial Leadership program, is a member of the University’s President's Ambassadorial Team. He has worked with local companies and individuals on behalf of the University to promote brand awareness and KPU’s vision. Most significantly, he has helped raise $20,000 over the past two years to establish an endowment fund for student scholarships.
For the past three years, Dryden has been a member of the Student Leadership Conference Planning Committee and has contributed to many other events at KPU, including Open House, Career Day and Science Rendezvous.
Outside of campus, Dryden is heavily involved in the community. This fall, he was selected to be the Chair of Coast Capital Saving’s new Young Leaders Community Council, leading a team in the evaluation and distribution of community grants.
Dryden is active in sports and is a director and zone representative for BC School Sports, the organization which oversees all high school athletic competition. He is also the head coach of the senior badminton team at Fraser Heights Secondary, the 2012 Provincial Champions.
"KPU and the School of Business have provided me with the fundamentals to succeed in my many endeavours in life,” said Dryden. “I can incorporate the skills and knowledge learned at KPU into the community initiatives I am involved in—whether it be working on a committee, chairing a council or coaching a sports team. I could not have earned this award without the support of the KPU community."
All recipients of Surrey’s Top 25 Under 25 must be 25 years of age or younger prior to May 23, 2013, be working or worked on a business or community project in Surrey (including students) and/or be working in the Surrey business community, and/or be contributing/have recently contributed to a business or community related project in Surrey.
For more information about the Surrey Board of Trade visit businessinsurrey.com.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 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, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 18,000 students annually have a choice from over 200 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.
-30-
For more information about KPU, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Communications and Marketing Services
Tel: 604.599.2888
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca