Exciting, vibrant and diverse Richmond is a city that honours its agricultural roots and fishing heritage while embracing the opportunities that come with growth and strategic development. Kwantlen Polytechnic University(KPU) is Richmond's university, and it's growing alongside the eclectic Island city.
KPU has consistently kept up with the times by providing Richmond residents with educational opportunities in careers that are relevant and sought-after. Case in point: the Bachelor of Design, Fashion and Technology is KPU Richmond's flagship program. It is the only degree-granting fashion program west of Ontario. It is so well-regarded that Lululemon Athletica founder Chip Wilson, helped fund a new $36-million school of design offering innovative education in fashion, interior, graphic and product design at the Richmond campus. Wilson and his wife Shannon donated $8 million, combined with $4 million from Lululemon; this $12 million gift is being matched by the Province of British Columbia and KPU, to launch the Chip and Shannon Wilson School of Design at KPU Richmond.
"The donation will help fund research and development in technical apparel," said KPU president and vice-chancellor Dr. Alan Davis. "The new school will be transformative for KPU and for BC's design industry."
KPU Richmond also offers a wide range of arts, science, business and marketing degrees. This fall KPU will unveil its newest program, the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Agriculture.
"KPU Sustainable Agriculture is a unique and leading-edge program that offers a comprehensive perspective on sustainable food production and focuses on the growing demand for healthy, locally produced foods and the creation of a robust regional food system," said Dr. Davis. "Students in this program will benefit from hands-on learning at a teaching and research farm, exploring how near-urban agriculture and food systems can be an integral part of sustainable 21 st century cities and their economies."
Dr. Davis believes KPU's most important role is to respond to community and job market needs, "in order for our students to leave with the skill set to be successful in the workplace and be a productive member of society. By marrying the hands-on approach of polytechnic with a university background, our graduates are not only job ready, but they also have a broad social understanding of the world."
KPU offers intensive teaching coupled with small class sizes so students get the best possible education. "We also offer adult education for those who want to return to a post-secondary institution," adds Dr. Davis.
Mayor Malcolm Brodie has been an outspoken advocate for KPU for decades. "As Mayor of the City of Richmond for the past 12 years and as a resident for over 30 years, I have experienced firsthand the rapid growth that has transformed our community," said Brodie. "The success of our community depends on its ability to provide our flourishing economy and expanding population with the opportunity of education and job training. The presence of KPU Richmond is a vital component of our future. The City of Richmond and KPU are committed to the same vision for our community a dynamic city that celebrates multi-ethnicity and believes in offering its citizens the opportunity to work and learn within their own community."
