October 16, 2006

Kwantlen University College named one of Canada’s top employers

(Surrey, BC) Kwantlen University College has been named in Maclean’s magazine as one of the Top 100 Employers in Canada. In addition, Kwantlen was also selected as one of BC’s Top 30 Employers.

The annual report singled out 60,000 employers across the country with exemplary workplace environments and invited 10,000 employers to submit detailed information about their organization. The final list, Canada’s Top 100 Employers, is published annually in Maclean’s magazine by Mediacorp Canada Inc., the country’s largest publisher of employment periodicals.

“Kwantlen is proud to be recognized nationally as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers,” said Skip Triplett, Kwantlen president. “Kwantlen attracts and retains great employees who make many significant contributions to our students and to our communities.”

The selection of the top 100 employers is based on performance in several areas, including: physical workplace; work and social atmosphere; vacation and time off; employee communications; training and skills development; and health, financial and family benefits.

“We are honored to be included in this year’s list of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, as well as in BC’s Top 30 Employers,” said David Ross, Vice-president Administration and Student Services. “This is particularly gratifying because we are a large organization with four diverse campuses, in 3 cities, over 70 kilometres, in one of the fastest growing regions in Canada. With over 1,400 employees and 17,000 students annually, Kwantlen is several diverse communities within itself.”

For over 25 years, Kwantlen has continued to grow and evolve as a progressive undergraduate university, educating over 200,000 students to date. The Kwantlen community is comprised of many diverse professions, such as instructors, librarians, counselors, facility and technology personnel, and front-line student service staff, all who make many positive contributions to students and their communities through teaching, support services, volunteerism and community engagement.

Lesley Hemsworth, an award-winning English Language Studies faculty member at Kwantlen noted, “Kwantlen attracts professionals who are dedicated to enriching the lives of students. I love working with my colleagues in such a positive and progressive environment.”

Rahim Virani, a Kwantlen IET application systems programmer added, "I chose to work at Kwantlen University College because I felt comfortable joining and contributing to a very bright and service-centered group of people. I love what I do and the people I work with.”

Triplett added, “It is very rewarding to be part of an organization that provides comprehensive education to the region.  We work hard to create personal and professional development opportunities for our academic and support staff, allowing them to grow and further contribute to the overall well-being of our surrounding communities.”

To learn more about Kwantlen’s Top 100 Employer in Canada award, visit the website at: www.kwantlen.ca/topemployer

Kwantlen University College's mission is to create an exceptional undergraduate university environment committed to preparing learners for leadership, service and success. Kwantlen became a university college with degree granting status in 1995; and has a mandate to develop and offer baccalaureate degrees that will prepare students for well paid, fulfilling careers.

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Note: Interviews, photo opportunities, and related human interest stories can be arranged at your convenience.

For more information contact:

Peter Chevrier
Director, Marketing & Communications
Kwantlen University College
Tel: 604-599-2286
Email: peter.chevrier@kwantlen.ca