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Public Relations diploma graduate, Cathy Yeomans has received the Governor General’s Academic Medal at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s 2008 Convocation ceremony held at Kwantlen’s Surrey campus
For immediate release
June 11, 2008
Kwantlen honours White Rock graduate with Governor General’s Academic Medal
(SURREY/ WHITE ROCK, B.C.) Public relations diploma graduate, Cathy Yeomans has received the Governor General’s Academic Medal at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s 2008 Convocation ceremony held at Kwantlen’s Surrey campus.
On behalf of the Governor General of Canada, this medal is awarded annually to a Kwantlen student. Considered the highest academic honour Kwantlen can bestow, the winning student has, in the opinion of the selection committee, attained the highest academic standing in the graduation year of a two-year diploma program. Kwantlen Polytechnic University will match the Governor General’s Medal with $500.
Kwantlen is Cathy Yeomans’ university. She initially chose Kwantlen because it is the only university that offers a two-year diploma program in public relations (PR), but she soon realized that Kwantlen could benefit her in other ways.
After taking a leave of absence from work due to a serious back and knee injury, Yeomans was ready to seek a new career and took a series of personality/profession tests to find the profession best suited for her. “All of my tests kept leading to a profession in PR,” explained Yeomans. After researching university PR programs, Yeomans chose Kwantlen and received a two-year grant from Service Canada. Yeomans explained, “Kwantlen seemed like the best fit for me. Based on the class descriptions, I would get the most thorough education compared to the rest.” Yeomans added, “As a mature student, I really wanted this opportunity to change my field and start making a better income—I knew this goal couldn’t happen without a credential.”
After her acceptance into the program, Yeomans quickly caught on and graduated with a 4.21 GPA. Maintaining her grades was a hard thing to do, but Yeomans was able to successfully persevere with the support from her peers and instructors.
“My classmates helped me tremendously, and the instructors were awesome—They helped me stretch myself and see my true potential.”
Her one piece of advice to anyone considering going back to school: “I encourage you to never be afraid to ask for help, both from Kwantlen peers and instructors. Learning from many different perspectives not only helps with assignments and projects, but also helps you expand the way you think and enriches your education.”
For more information about Kwantlen’s public relations diploma program and the Centre for Applied Design and Communications, visit: kwantlen.ca/applied-design
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