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KPU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL REPORT 2025- 2026

ABOUT THE

KPU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Top row L-R: Daman Garcha, Taylor Todd, Sukh Rai, Lovepreet Kaur, Vice-Chair; Andrew Blair Middle Row L- R: Jacqueline Tarantino, Past Chair; Henry Flowers, Chair; Priya Johal, Treasurer Bottom row: L-R Monty Puaar, Deepak Gill, Colby Davidson, Haney Romana

The KPU Alumni Association (KPUAA) became a registered society in 2008. Founders and directors are KPU alum who volunteer and support the growth of KPU by creating engagement opportunities for our alum. The KPUAA board of directors follows a governance model and is responsible for providing the strategic vision to achieve our mission and mandate of engaging a population of over 80,000 KPU alum.

MISSION The KPU Alumni Association will bring together KPU alum and help them build lifelong relationships with the university and the community, increasing the institution?s reputation and the impact that graduates have on KPU and the world.

2025

STRATEGIC VISION engagement within our 1 Enhance alum community the value of being 2 Enhance KPU alum the Alumni 3 Integrating Association into the life of KPU

More about the board of directors can be viewed on our website at alumni.kpu.ca/kpuaa

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIROF THE

MESSAGE FROM THE

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE KPU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

It has been another successful year for the KPU Alumni Association, marked by meaningful engagement, celebration, and growth.

Dear KPU Alumni Community,

In 2025?2026, we proudly supported more than nine alumni-focused events, including KPU's New Moon Gala as a Silver Sponsor in support of Indigenous students. We also celebrated the achievements of three outstanding alumni at convocation: Colleen Spier, recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award; Melody Pan, recipient of the Alumni Excellence Award; and Manvir Deol, recipient of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Their stories, along with those of 11 other inspiring graduates, were featured in the ninth edition of the KPU Alumni Magazine.

It?s with great excitement that I joined the Alumni Affairs team this past April. Although it has only been a short time, we have already made great progress in enhancing the alumni experience. I?m excited to learn more about the KPU alumni community and to be part of something so special. As a former KPU student, I?m proud to continue my journey with the university. Over the past 20 years, I?ve had the privilege of serving in a variety of roles across KPU.

We continued to enhance the alumni experience by expanding our Alumni Perks program with new discounts and services, while every graduate received a personalized StageClip to commemorate their convocation.

It?s incredibly rewarding to begin this new chapter by connecting with KPU?s talented alumni, celebrating your achievements, and strengthening our community.

At our 2025 Annual General Meeting, we thanked James Grange for his service as Past Chair and welcomed new leadership, with me assuming the role of Chair, Lovepreet Kaur as Vice Chair, and Priya Johal as Treasurer. We also extend our sincere gratitude to Jaqueline Tarantino for her exceptional leadership and lasting contributions to the Association over the past six years.

With the support of the KPU Alumni Association (KPUAA), Alumni Affairs has had a great year, bringing alumni together through initiatives such as the Business Insider Series, Co-op Connect, Rising Women in Leadership panel, and many more. We?re also pleased to introduce our new Alumni Pathways program, which creates new opportunities for alumni to engage with KPU and be recognized for their contributions.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of the Alumni Affairs Office, which continues to strengthen alumni engagement and advance our shared vision. Thank you to our Board, Alumni Affairs team, volunteers, and alumni community for your ongoing support. Together, we are building a strong, connected network that creates lasting opportunities for alumni, students, and KPU.

Henry Flowers Chair, KPU Alumni Association

I would also like to thank Nancy Armitage for her leadership and for building a strong foundation for KPUAA and Alumni Affairs. Her dedication, the team she fostered, and the relationships she developed have positioned us for continued success. We wish Nancy all the best in her retirement. I?m excited about what?s ahead and look forward to strengthening connections across our KPU alumni community. I can?t wait to get started!

Nicole Poole Executive Director, KPU Alumni Association and Director, Alumni Affairs

KPUAA DISTINGUISHED

ALUMNI AWARDS COLLEEN SPIER 2025 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT

Since 2008, the KPU Alumni Association has proudly recognized outstanding alum who exemplify excellence in their fields and make a lasting impact in their communities. Each year, the Distinguished Alumni Awards honour individuals who elevate KPU?s reputation through exceptional achievements in their professions, industries, and through meaningful public or volunteer service. In 2025, we were thrilled to present this prestigious award to Colleen Spier, Melody Pan and Manvir Deol, three remarkable alum whose accomplishments reflect the spirit, innovation, and leadership that define the KPU community. Their stories inspire us all, and we are proud to celebrate their contributions in this year?s report.

Working in partnership with First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples, Spier and her team at the Indigenous Justice Secretariat are responsible for developing and implementing transformative justice strategies to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples involved in, and negatively impacted by, the criminal and child welfare systems. ?Knowing that Indigenous over-representation in the justice system is, in part, a result of colonial systems of justice that do not serve Indigenous people, I pursued a career where I could support nations in reclaiming and rebuilding their Indigenous justice systems, laws and institutions, wherein culture grounds the work, and healing people and communities is the focus,? says Spier. Spier?s academic journey began at KPU as a single mother with a Grade 9 education. After earning her Grade 12 Dogwood Diploma through KPU?s Adult Basic Education program, she enrolled in the Associate of Arts Degree in Psychology program, graduating in 2002 with a President?s Outstanding Graduate Award. During her time at KPU, Spier served as a student representative on the university?s Indigenous Advisory Committee. Driven by a passion for advocacy, Spier went on to pursue a law degree at the University of B.C. and was called to the bar in 2008. In 2010, she opened her own law firm, Spier & Company Law, and in 2011, she became one of the first Indigenous child protection mediators in the province, earning the Susanna Jani Award for excellence in mediation in 2022. ?My professional achievements are attributable to the support, encouragement and mentorship I received, and continue to receive, from students, staff and instructors at KPU,? she says. ?Being honoured through receiving a Distinguished Alumni Award from KPU brings me immense pride and indescribable elation. KPU provided me with the foundation for who I was to become, and for who I am today.? Spier?s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others is why she?s deserving of this award, says Nancy Armitage, former Director of Alumni Affairs at KPU. ?Despite the adversity she faced along the way, Colleen has built a successful career through her hard work and determination,? she says. ?Her dedication to advocating for Indigenous Peoples and giving them a voice has made a profound impact in transforming the legal landscape, and we?re proud to honour her.? Spier has been recognized throughout her career with several awards, including a Premier?s Award for Organizational Excellence in 2021, a King?s Counsel Designation in 2023 and a King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025 for her dedication and impact in reconciliation and justice transformation.

OUTSTANDINGYOUNGALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT

MANVIR DEOL Deol runs two successful and growing businesses ? one being Plan Your Space, an architectural showroom that helps homeowners gain a clear vision of their ideal floorplan before starting construction. The idea came to him when he was building a home for his family. ?When I got to the framing stage, I realized the house wasn?t what I had envisioned in the original plans, which ended up costing me nearly $15,000 in changes,? he says. ?I wanted to create a space where clients can walk through their dream home or business and see how it feels before they break ground.? Just three years since its launch, Plan Your Space has completed over 350 floor plans with portfolios including single family homes, restaurants, medical clinics and financial institutions such as Vancity. Drawing on his bachelor?s degree and marketing background, Deol also founded a marketing agency in 2014 called CLIQMedia, which has collaborated with developers across Canada and is responsible for all of the marketing done at Plan Your Space. Deol?s success at a young age earned him a spot on the BCBusiness magazine?s 30 under 30 list, which celebrates young leaders who are innovating in their industries and finding new ways to create change. For Deol, no dream is too big. ?Life is too short not to try new things or chase the ideas that excite you,? he says. ?Taking risks, even when the outcome is uncertain, has been the most rewarding part of my journey. Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone ? that?s where vision becomes reality.? Deol?s connection to KPU has remained strong since his graduation. He?s currently employing and mentoring a KPU student intern, and strives to continue to find ways to provide students with opportunities to grow, learn and eventually lead. He?s been an inspiration to current students, says Nancy Armitage, former Director of Alumni Affairs at KPU. ?Manny is a role model to students who have a dream of starting their own business and making a difference in their community or industry at a young age,? she says. ?His drive, determination, resilience and courage truly set him apart and we could not be prouder of what he has accomplished.?

ALUMNI EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENT DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT

MELODY PAN Pan graduated from KPU?s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in 2008. As an immigrant from China, she faced significant challenges, including adapting to a new language, culture and professional landscape. ?Our entire KPU cohort were full-time nurses balancing parenting, careers and education,? recalls Pan. ?KPU supported our needs and created a space for us to succeed. I've since worked with outstanding KPU alumni I deeply admire.? Pan?s education led to a thriving career in nursing and military service. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (EdD) in organizational leadership in health administration, she continues to work at the intersection of health equity, inclusive leadership and public service. Pan credits KPU with helping her find her leadership voice. ?Great leaders create leaders, and KPU is a true leader in higher education,? she says. ?I came from a background where leadership meant staying quiet, but at KPU, open dialogue was encouraged ? it changed my perspective. KPU shapes individuals who go on to lead and make lasting contributions to health care in B.C. and beyond.? Pan is actively engaged in her community through local neighborhood volunteering and Navy outreach initiatives. In recognition of her longstanding commitment to community service, she was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024. As a navy reservist, Pan supports women and visible minority sailors from diverse multicultural backgrounds, contributing to greater inclusivity and morale within the Canadian Armed Forces. She also advocates for internationally educated nurses and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion ? principles that played a key role in her success as a student at KPU. ?Many immigrants arrive in Canada without financial or familial support,? she explains. ?KPU gave people like me ? members of a marginalized group ? a fair start. They gave us the platform that we needed to take off.? Pan?s colleague and fellow KPU alumna, Mei Liu, nominated Pan because she exemplifies how dedication, resilience and empathy can drive meaningful change. Liu says Pan?s journey from nursing student to a leader in health care and the Canadian Navy showcases the power of lifelong learning and perseverance. ?As a recent recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, KPU is so very pleased to recognize Hong Yan Melody Pan with the 2025 Alumni Excellence Award,? says Nancy Armitage, former Executive Director of the KPU Alumni Association. ?With her recent accomplishments and dedicated service to both her community and her country, Melody serves as a wonderful example to students and alumni, and we are immensely proud of her.? Pan hopes her experience inspires current KPU students to find their voice and use both informal and formal leadership to drive positive change in their communities. 8

FUTURE ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT

MEHREEN MUNDI A champion for Mental Health Advocacy, Mehreen Mundi blazed a trail as a student leader, mental health advocate and change-maker. during her time at KPU. Growing up in an immigrant South Asian family, she witnessed firsthand the stigma surrounding mental health ? and made it her mission to rewrite that narrative for future generations. Driven by purpose, Mehreen pursued a bachelor of arts in psychology with a minor in counselling, where she excelled academically with a stellar 4.2 GPA. But her impact went far beyond the classroom. As a Student Ambassador for KPU?s Student Affairs, she was a welcoming force on campus, helping organize events like the Student Mental Health Fair and supporting fellow students with compassion and care. Her advocacy extended into groundbreaking research. Mehreen contributed to the Matsuba Applied Developmental (MAD) Lab and co-founded the Building Essential Skills in Therapy Lab ? both focused on expanding access to mental health support. She also serves as a call taker for the Community Helpline for Incarcerated People, offering trauma-informed, non-stigmatizing support to those often overlooked. Mehreen's contributions during her academic career at KPU made her a highly deserving recipient of the 2025 Future Alumni Award and we were delighted to welcome her into the alumni community during KPU's February 2026 convocation ceremonies. Since graduating from KPU Mehreen has begun her master?s in counselling, continuing her journey toward becoming a clinical psychologist. Her vision? To create inclusive, stigma-breaking mental health interventions that empower individuals to speak openly, seek help and heal.

ABOUT THE FUTURE ALUMNI AWARD The award recognizes a future alumni that was a KPU student at the time of nomination, who has shown significant service, leadership, and vocational achievement at KPU. The award is moderated by the Student Leadership Awards Selection Committee comprised of KPU faculty, staff and KPU Alumni Association board directors.

Act ivit ies and Event s ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES Convocat ion The KPUAA continues to play an integral role at KPU?s convocation ceremonies. Hosting the Alumni Lounge we continued our tradition of providing each graduate who signs up for Alumni Perks an opportunity to play Keys to Your Future to win a prize. We were also thrilled to be able to offer each grad a Stageclip to celebrate the moment they crossed the stage. This was made possible by the generosity of the KPU Alumni Association. Many of alum participated in Convocation. KPU Alumni Association Board directors Deepak Gill, Sukh Rai and Lovepreet Kaur, along with alum, Zena Mitchell shared a message during the ceremonies, welcoming grads to the alumni community.

M elville Alu m n i Br eak f ast * KPU Alumni collaborated with Melville School of Business to bring alum together and hear their insights on alumni engagement at KPU

Wilson Sch ool of Design Gr ad Sh ow Alum returned to Richmond campus for the annual grad show to re-connect with former classmates, faculty, future alum and visit the Alumni Affairs table.

New M oon Gala* Sponsored in part by the KPU Alumni Association, this year?s New Moon Gala was an opportunity to learn from many indigenous voices, who generously shared their life experiences with guests.

Facu lt y of Healt h Pin n in g Cer em on ies KPU Alumni participated in several pinning ceremonies, including the Health Care Assistant's program ceremony (pictured right) over the course of the year; presenting new alum from each program with

M elville Alu m n i M ixer * The Melville Alumni Mixer event was a celebration of connection, community and the incredible alum from the Melville School of Business. * Event sponsored by t he KPU Alumni Associat ion

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ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES Melville School of Business Pitch Compet it ion The KPUAA continues to build strong relationships with each KPU Faculty, including the Melville School of Business. KPU alum, and Wilson School of Design/Melville School of Business faculty member Natasha E Campbell organized the inaugural edition of this milestone event, giving us the opportunity to connect with our future alumni. Special thanks to the five outstanding alumni judges: Kyle Sanker, Ryan Chandra, Darcy Rai, Sara Jonsdottir, and Larisa Gorodetsky who generously gave their time, and shared their insights throughout the day.

Vaisakhi Parade KPU Alumni joined other members of the KPU community at Surrey's Vaisakhi Parade in April 2025

KPU Communit y Day We participated in the 3rd Annual KPU Community Day at the KPU Richmond campus in May 2025. The free, all-ages open house featured live entertainment, interactive department booths, campus tours, games, and refreshments.

Pictured front row: Ryan Chandra, Darcy Rai and Kyle Sanker Back row: Alumni Officer, Jasmine Bassi, Larisa Gorodetsky, Director of Alumni Affairs, Nancy Armitage

Account ing St udent s of Kwant len Net working event Alum Wajeeha Rahman and Gursimrat Gill shared their tips on networking at the ASK Networking event in November 2025

BFA Grad exhibit ion opening recept ion We joined the Bachelor of Fine Arts Class of 2025 at the opening night of their grad exhibition, titled Before Tomorrow, in April 2025

MENTORSHIP & NETWORKING Handshakes & Headshot s at t he 2025 AGM The highlight of Handshakes & Headshots at the 2025 AGM was the Leadership in Action panel discussion. Panelists Stephanie Cadieux, Jennifer Cudlipp, and Winston Sayson shared candid reflections on their journeys, offering valuable insights and personal perspectives that resonated deeply with attendees. The discussion was expertly moderated by KPU alum and faculty member Natasha Campbell.

A virt ual net working plat form by Ten Thousand Coffees

The evening exemplified the power of alumni connections and the impact of shared learning within the KPU community.

From l-r: Natasha Campbell, Winston Sayson, Jennifer Cudlipp, Stephanie Cadieux

Melville Indust ry Insider*

Journalism Alumni Panel*

Alum Andrew Blair and MJ Dewji shared their insights during the 17th edition of the Melville Industry Insider Series in September 2025

Four Journalism alum shared how their education at KPU gave them a leg up in skills, confidence, critical thinking, and a deep commitment to the truth.

Andrew Blair, (2nd from left) and MJ Dewji (far right) with other panelists.

From l-r: Sobia Moman, Elizabeth Douglas, Sara Chappelle, Kier Junos.

KPU Ent repreneurs Club Panel

Co-op Connect s*

KPU alum, Manny Ball, MJ Dewji, and David Dryden shared stories that left the audience inspired and motivated during the KPU Entrepreneurs Club panel in May 2025 ity.

Thirteen alum returned to KPU to participate in mock interviews with Co-op students at the 2025 edition of Co-op Connect.

* Event sponsored by t he KPU Alumni Associat ion

From l-r: Manny Ball, David Dryden and MJ Dewji

Open House Alumni Panels The highlight of Alumni from the Faculty of Arts and Melville School of Business shared their insights and advice with the next generation of students. Mayuresh Ambekar, Aryan Bansal, James Grange, Priya Johal, Liz Penner, Sonia Sharma and Taylor Todd generously gave up their time on a Saturday to participate in these panels.

A virt ual net working plat form by Ten Thousand Coffees L-R: Panel Moderator, Geeta Schallig, Mayuresh, Sonia and James during the Arts panel

L-R: Aryan and Priya at the Business panel

Creat ive Writ ing Reading Event * Sponsored by the KPU Alumni Association, the Creative Writing Reading event showcased alum and student stories and poetry. During the alumni panel, alum shared their insights on creating their own path and building a writing community.

Rising Women in Leadership* A night to remember at In Bloom: Rising Women in Leadership where KPU alum from a range of industries offered powerful and inspiring insights. Many thanks to all the panelists for sharing their insights and wisdom: Kim Baird, Ieda del Bianco, Vanessa Fors, Antonio Iamartino and Amy Robinson.

Golden Hour: Illuminat ing t he Fut ure of PR* Sponsored by the KPU Alumni Association, and brought to life by public relations program students, this networking and professional development event provided alum with an opportunity to hear from public relations and media experts while reconnecting with classmates and faculty. Many thanks to alum Lesley Chang, Peter Seney-Coletta and Kaila Wolf for the valuable insights they shared, and to PR alum, and board director Colby Davidson for representing the Alumni Board. * Event sponsored by the KPU Alumni Association From l-r: Faculty member, Colleen Dunbar; Colby Davidson and Alumni Affairs team member, Jasmine Bassi

ALUMNI PERKS AND PRIVILEGES The KPU Alumni Association was pleased to continue expanding our alumni perks and privileges program through the Alumni Perks app. This year we welcomed several new Perks Partners, including two *alumni-founded businesses. We continue to build out the Alumni Perks platform with the addition of national perks partners, and new opportunities for promotion of alumni-owned businesses launching in 2026.

New perks part ners t his year Bright Nest Cleaning Credit Counselling Society

Gateway Theatre *Inner Resilience Counselling & Wellness

*Loughlin Wu Immigration West Coast Rinse

We continue to collaborate with our affinity partners, who provide discounted services to alum while also generating revenue for the Alumni Association. Our Affinity partners include: -

Artona Group Bell Mobility Convocation Flowers Canucks Sport and Entertainment

- TD Home Insurance - TD Life Insurance - TD Small Business Insurance

Alumni Magazine This year the magazine was dedicated to featuring 13 stories of note.

The digit al version can be viewed at alumni.kpu.ca/magazineiss9

Stay Connected : Communicat ion That Inspires At KPU Alumni Affairs, we believe in the power of connection? and we?re always finding new ways to keep our alum informed, engaged, and inspired. Each month, we reach over 46,000 alum through our newsletter, sharing stories, opportunities, and updates from across the KPU alum community. We also send a special welcome newsletter several times a year to newly minted grads, helping them stay connected from day one.

LAUNCH THE APP TODAY! For more information on alumni perks, privileges and services, contact the Alumni Affairs office at alumni@kpu.ca

Learn more at kpualumniperks.com

The Convocation newsletter, introduced in 2023, is sent twice a year to all graduating students. It?s packed with helpful information to make their big day even more memorable, and to introduce them to the benefits of joining the KPU alum family.

KPU Alumni Want to explore more? All our programs, events, and initiatives are just a click away at alumni.kpu.ca.

KPU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2025- 2026 Keep in touch wit h what ?s happening at KPU and wit h our act ive alumni communit y. alumni.kpu.ca KPUalumni KPU Alumni Kwant len Polytechnic Universit y 12666 72 Avenue Surrey, BC V3W 2M8