Kwantlen News

For immediate release

June 3, 2008

Kwantlen awards $24,500 in entrance scholarships to Surrey students

(SURREY, B.C.) In recognition of outstanding academic standing and leadership, Kwantlen Polytechnic University awarded the following three Surrey high school students with entrance scholarships: Keri Van Gerven from Fleetwood Park Secondary received the President’s Award valued at $14,000; Betty Zhao from Johnston Heights Secondary received the Honour Award valued at $7,000; and Kyle Chutskoff from Frank Hurt Secondary received the Merit Award valued at $3,500.

“Receiving this award makes me feel extremely honoured and confident that Kwantlen was the right school to attend,” explained Van Gerven, who is enrolled in the bachelor of arts degree program. “I am looking forward to the quick commute to Kwantlen, smaller class sizes, meeting new people and starting new and exciting courses.”

“It's an honour to receive this award,” remarked Zhao, who is enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Design in Fashion Design and Technology degree program and plans to be a home economics teacher. “This award has boosted my confidence and made me feel as if there's enough potential in me to make a greater difference.”

For Chutskoff, the award came as a complete surprise, “I was truly shocked when I received the award. It felt really good that all my hard work throughout the years, both academic and community, had paid off.” Chutskoff plans on completing an Applied Science (Engineering) certificate at Kwantlen and pursue a career in engineering.

Nominated by a representative from their high school, the Leaders of Tomorrow awards are given to top academic high school students who will be pursuing full-time studies at Kwantlen. President’s Awards, Honour Awards and Merit Awards are each awarded to four South Fraser region school districts including Richmond, Surrey, Delta and Langley. In total 12 awards were presented totaling $92,000.

Kwantlen’s mission is to create an exceptional undergraduate learning environment committed to preparing learners for leadership, service and success. On April 22, 2008, B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell officially announced university status for Kwantlen, renaming us Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Legislation is required to enable the transition in status and we expect to begin the 2008 academic year under our new name and new identity. In the meantime, we will be changing our name for marketing purposes but not for legal or contractual matters.

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For more information, contact:

Audrey Wang
Manager, Communications
Tel: 604.599.2385
audrey.wang@kwantlen.ca