MP Mark Warawa officially presented TWU with Knowledge Infrastructure Program funding on Monday. Excitement and enthusiasm were the reigning emotions on Monday when Langley MP Mark Warawa presented Trinity Western University with more than $2.5 million in federal funds.
More than 70 people attended the presentation at TWU. Announced by the prime minister on Aug. 5, the Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP) is "a two-year, $2-billion economic stimulus measure supporting infrastructure enhancement at post-secondary institutions across Canada." TWU received $2.6 million of that financing.
"We've heard from you, we've listened and now we are providing the funding. Here at TWU, my alma mater, I am pleased to announce the funding of three significant projects under the KIP program," Warawa announced. There is $298,000 going towards the library, $661,000 for upgrading information and communications technology, and $1.65 million for the expansion of the Neufeld Science Centre.
"That means researchers will have the tools to be global leaders and be able to pursue world-class excellence. And that is what Trinity Western is known for," Warawa said. On hand to receive the funding were project leads Alma Barranco-Mendoza, the executive director of IT and associate faculty of computing science; university librarian Ted Goshulak; professor of biology and dean of the faculty of natural and applied sciences Ka Yin Leung; and TWU president Jonathan Raymond.
"Today this underscores yet another form of partnership and the importance of partnering outside of the university so that the university connects and has an impact on the world," Raymond said. "We are moving forward very intentionally, developing the strategic thinking and strategic planning that is taking the university to this next level. We believe that this will help us be better partners in the global community, will position us to have a larger impact nationally, and it's going to position us better in the way we serve British Columbia."
Following the presentation, Dr. Raymond opened the floor for questions and the audience heard more of the specific details concerning the three projects. Goshulak shared how the library renovation will improve space overall since the present configuration is keeping the facility from growing.
Barranco-Mendoza told how the influx of funding will greatly improve TWU's computer servers, telecommunication capability, and data transfer. Leung explained his dreams for the future, seeing the expansion of the new science wing that will offer graduate programs in both chemistry and biology.
Currently the faculty of natural and applied science conducts world-class research into diabetes, cancer, and bacteria pathogens, and now offers a master of science in nursing. "I think this is the most remarkable university in Canada," Raymond remarked. "Like a computer chip you don't have to be big, you just have to be well designed, well connected, and well resourced to have an impact, and that well describes Trinity Western University."
To read the official news release from the Office of the Prime Minister visit: http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?category=5&id=2717.
TWU in Langley, is an independent Christian liberal arts and sciences university enrolling approximately 4,000 students. It offers 42 undergraduate majors, ranging from biotechnology, education, nursing, theatre and music, to psychology, communications and biblical studies. TWU's 16 graduate-degree programs include counselling psychology, business, theology, linguistics, and leadership, and interdisciplinary degrees in English, philosophy and history.
TWU holds Canada Research Chairs in Dead Sea Scroll Studies, Developmental Genetics and Disease, and Interpretation, Religion & Culture.
And for more about TWU, go online to: www.twu.ca.
© Langley Advance 2009
