KPU brings 2nd community day to Tech campus
Locals can learn more about the university’s initiatives and services on May 25
KPU will host its second annual community day on May 25 at the Tech campus. (Submitted)
Kwantlen Polytechnic University is hosting its second community day on May 25 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm at the Tech campus in Cloverdale.
First launched last year at the Richmond campus, the free annual event is about welcoming people ranging from KPU sponsors and donor organizations to government representatives and other community partners to learn more about the university’s initiatives. This community day will celebrate Cloverdale residents along with KPU staff and students.
“There’s so much that happens within our doors, and we don’t want people to just pass by and not come in and have a conversation with us,” says Kim McGill, manager of community engagement and major events. “It’s being a good community neighbour.”
Community day has locals learn about the programs and services KPU provides, such as campus planning, research, and renting a space at the university for an event.
Attendees of all ages will be able to check out live entertainment at the event, which features a DJ and community groups sharing demonstrations like square dancing and gymnastics. There will also be interactive activities, a kids’ zone, and animal visitors coming in, she says.
The KPU Future Students’ Office will give a tour of the tech campus, allowing people interested in studying trades or other disciplines to look at the site’s layout, learn more about what programs are offered, and check out the shops. They will also get one-on-one time with a recruiter to discuss opportunities and what they need to know about applying to KPU, McGill says.
There will also be booths run by different KPU facilities and service areas, including the Career Development Centre, for people to visit and network with.
“We do have a community zone area where we have United Way coming in. We have Big Brothers and Big Sisters coming in with a booth. So there’s some community networking opportunities for individuals as well,” McGill says.
Large lawn games, like golf, will be at the event as well as a scavenger hunt, where participants will get to visit certain places on site. People are encouraged to register for the event to get the chance to win prizes like Apple AirPods. The first 300 registrants will also get a ticket for a free lunch provided by restaurant Nando’s.
Since a hospital is under construction across the street from the campus, parking can be a challenge, so registrants will be sent information on possible overflow parking opportunities as well as more details about the event and what they can expect, McGill says. People can also drop-in, but they will be asked to register when they arrive at the event.
During the beginning of the event, KPU’s Community Impact Award will be presented to this year’s winner. The award’s intent is to “recognize individuals and organizations who are strong partners of KPU and making a difference in regional communities of relevance to KPU,” reads the university’s website.
The City of Richmond was the previous award recipient, and Mayor Malcolm Brodie attended the community day event at KPU Richmond in 2023, McGill says.
Since Richmond and Cloverdale have not had as many community events as the other campuses, McGill says her team wanted to kick off community day at these sites before it continues to move through all of KPU’s locations each year.
McGill hopes attendees keep KPU at the top of mind, whether that be a business thinking about hiring the university’s graduates or a student wanting to finish their degree or take some courses.
“It’s really a unique event, where we’re not asking for anything more than just come on in and have a chat with us and hear a little bit more about what we do,” she says.
“Have some fun, be entertained, but also be educated on what your neighbour is up to and what we could offer them in their future, should they be interested.”
To register, visit kpu.ca/communityday/.
