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KPU's Melville School of Business students, faculty and community are set to grow and thrive thanks to the Melville family's generous donation. A recent gift to Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) Melville School of Business provides more than a financial boost to the Lower Mainland-based institution. The $8 million donation from philanthro- pists George and Sylvia Melville will change student lives and the KPU community for years to come. The gift will financially support domestic and international business students in reaching their educational goals at the school, renamed the Melville School of Business in honour of the Melville family's generosity. "The scholarships and bursaries available to students will support more time allotted to their studies with less financial stress and could allow them to finish their credential sooner," says Stephanie Howes, Dean, Melville School of Business. "In addition, the gift lessens the debt burden, thereby setting up our students for more financial stability upon graduation. The Melvilles' gift also focuses on supporting teaching and learning technologies and professional development, enabling the Melville School of Business to use the most contemporary teach- ing technology aligned with industry standards. "As Dean of the business school, I am truly honoured to have the opportunity to learn from Dr. Melville and partner with him when engaging in continuous improvements within the school," Howes says. "The affiliation with Dr. Melville is a benefit to the entire university's reputation." Dr. George Melville is a past Chancellor at KPU and has dedicated years of service to its faculty and community. Together with his exemplary philanthropic work, this commitment reflects positively upon KPU. "To have someone of Dr. Melville's reputation invest in our university is validating for KPU," Howes says. "Dr. Melville's success and immense busi- ness knowledge and experience are benefits to our institution and therefore our school of business." Melville School of Business offers classes on all its campuses, which are located in Surrey, Langley and Richmond. Its 22 programs cover all areas of business and information technology. Each focuses on work integrated learning, where students directly apply what they are learning in class. Through their practicum and capstone experiences, they gain valuable learning about the application in the workplace, while making con- nections with industry leaders. "Our students are ready to work with a strong foundation in business upon graduation," Howes says. "The Melville gift also specifically supports the KPU Case Analysis Network (KPU CAN), a school-wide interdisciplinary student club. KPU CAN members now have access to funds to travel and represent their business school at internation- al case competitions, host events and their own case competitions, and build their supportive and learning network across the school robustly. "We are a student-centered, teaching-intensive polytechnic university with dedicated faculty and staff focused on student's positive learning experi- ence every step of the way," Howes says. ■ INVESTING IN THE FUTURE C R E AT E D BY BCBusiness I N PA RT N E RS H I P W IT H KPU | Melville School of Business STEPHANIE HOWES KPU's Melville School of Business students, faculty and community set to grow and thrive thanks to the Melville family's generous donation. CONTACT: FACEBOOK: kpumelville TWITTER: kpumelville INSTAGRAM: kpumelville WEBSITE: kpu.ca/business Surrey Main, Room 206 | 12666 72 Ave | Surrey, BC | V3W 2M8 PHONE: Main 604-599-3251 E-MAIL: business@kpu.ca