Richmond, B.C. – Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) held its biggest awards night yet, with hundreds of KPU students taking home a record-breaking $810,000 in scholarships, bursaries and awards last night.
Hosted by the KPU Foundation at Richmond’s River Rock Casino Resort, the 27th annual scholarships and awards dinner saw around 450 students, donors, guests and KPU representatives come out to celebrate student success and achievement.
The event was the biggest awards night in the university’s history, with the most dollars donated and most awards – over 550 – received. The following number of students from these KPU communities received awards:
- Delta: 56 students
- Langley: 64 students
- Richmond: 81 students
- Surrey and White Rock: 258 students
“As a result of this financial investment from donors, we are able to focus on our studies and balance our other commitments, instead of having to worry about the money needed to fund our education,” said Sarah Quinn, a second-year classical voice performance major who spoke at the event. "Personally I can say scholarship funding has also instilled a greater sense of belonging at KPU – and motivated me to do the best that I can in my studies, at KPU and in the community.”
The keynote on behalf of donors and industry was given by KPU Chancellor Dr. George Melville, a long-time supporter of the university on a personal and professional level. In 2012, Melville and his wife Sylvia donated $500,000 to found KPU Richmond’s Melville Centre for Dialogue, the largest contribution to the university at the time.
“At KPU we are extremely pleased to be able to have opportunities such as this that bring our donors and the students benefiting from their generosity together,” said Steve Lewarne, CEO of the KPU Foundation.
“For our donors, it's an opportunity to see the level of excellence that their investment is providing. For our students, it serves as an opportunity to offer their thanks to the individuals and corporations that have made their education at KPU a reality. On behalf of KPU and the KPU Foundation, I would like to thank all of our scholarship award donors and congratulate all of the KPU students who consistently demonstrate why KPU students are a worthy investment.”
Each year, the KPU Foundation hosts its annual scholarships and awards night in one of the communities KPU serves. In addition to providing students with recognition and financial support, the event allows donors to meet their award recipients and network with future potential employees. KPU students also have the chance to connect with community leaders who understand and value the importance of post-secondary education.
The KPU Foundation builds community and corporate partnerships that benefit students, support faculty and enhance education. Each year, hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships and awards are given to students across disciplines. More on the KPU Foundation is available at kpu.ca/foundation.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at kpu.ca. .
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
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