By Whitney Sharp

Teaching is not an easy job. It requires dedication, determination, and perhaps most importantly, passion. It’s exactly these qualities, along with the desire to make a contribution and share their knowledge, that have lead KPU faculty members to recognition and high praise in their respective fields.

Sharon Greeno, an instructor and the program head of fashion marketing at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) Chip and Shannon Wilson School of Design was awarded one of Vancouver Fashion Week’s Industry Originator Awards for her work in advancing the local fashion market. Originally starting at KPU as a guest speaker over 20 years ago, Greeno continued her relationship with the university, hosting field trips with local retailers, and providing feedback on final projects. Eventually, she taught her own class. She was hooked. Now, more than two decades later, Greeno’s hard work has helped build KPU’s fashion marketing diploma program into one with an outstanding reputation for producing reliable, talented professionals and her continued dedication has yielded countless opportunities for students.

Fashion marketing is a two-year diploma program blending studies in fashion, business, marketing, and communications. Outside of the program, the Wilson School of Design offers a range of certificate, diploma and degree programs in various design disciplines including fashion and technology, graphic design, product design, interior design, and technical apparel.

Galib Bhayani, a long-term member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, has been a faculty member in KPU’s criminology department since 2009.  Recently awarded Surrey’s Police Officer of the Year award, Bhayani also leads the Surrey RCMP’s first ever community mobilization process which aims to improve outreach and engagement with the community. At the university, he’s worked tirelessly to develop original social justice programming that responds to issues around poverty, addiction, and mental health. In addition to his recognition as police officer of the year, Bhayani received the Order of Merit for the Police Forces from the Governor General, in acknowledgement of his exceptional service.

KPU offers six unique programs for students interested in criminology including certificate, diploma, and degree options. Outside of criminology, the Faculty of Arts at KPU features a broad range of courses in 19 distinct disciplines.

KPU is committed to supporting students throughout their entire education—from application to graduation. For more information about Kwantlen Polytechnic University, or to see a full list of programs, visit kpu.ca or email study@kpu.ca