Student clubs are an essential part of university life, providing opportunities for students to engage, learn, and build lasting connections.
At Kwantlen Polytechnic University, the launch of two new clubs — the KPU Pinoy Club and KPU Political Science Club — aims to enhance the student experience by fostering cultural appreciation and stimulating academic discussion.
These clubs, supported by the Kwantlen Student Association, contribute to a diverse and active campus life.
The KPU Pinoy Club was founded to create a sense of belonging and support for students of Filipino heritage at the university.
“The motivation stemmed from a desire to foster connections, celebrate Filipino heritage, and embody the spirit of ‘Bayanihan’ (working together), promoting mutual support and cooperation among our members,” Sheena Dela Torre, one of the club’s founders, wrote in an email to The Runner.
The club’s roots trace back to 2021 with a small group of Filipino students determined to offer emotional and moral support to newcomers navigating university life and a new cultural environment.
The club organizes various events throughout the year to celebrate Filipino culture and strengthen community ties.
Upcoming key activities include a “Fall/Christmas Party” in December, which will be a traditional celebration with gift exchanges and games, “Winter Singalingan” in February, which will be a karaoke-themed gathering for students to celebrate the start of the spring semester, and “Spring Kwentuhan” in May, a storytelling event to inspire and uplift students.
These initiatives aim to create a supportive network where students feel valued, empowered, and connected, Dela Torre wrote. The club also welcomes non-Filipino students interested in learning about Filipino culture.
To learn more about or join the club, email [email protected] or request to join its Facebook group by visiting www.facebook.com/groups/kpupinoy.
For students passionate about politics and law, the KPU Political Science Club offers a platform for deep discussions and professional growth.
In an email to The Runner, club president Gurveen Khehra wrote that the club was established to bring political science and criminology majors together, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world engagement.
“By creating a space for open dialogue, informed discussion, and critical thinking, we aim to empower students with the tools necessary to understand political issues,” Khehra wrote. “We intend to provide a platform for diverse perspectives by encouraging students to engage with political topics respectfully.”
The club plans to host debates and discussions on Canadian and international politics, as well as have guest speaker sessions featuring political figures, professors, and lawyers to provide insights and mentorship. To support students with resources and information on law school and public policy careers, the club will also organize Law School Admission Test (LSAT) preparation sessions and career workshops.
The club’s activities are open to all students, not just those majoring in political science.
“[All] students who feel this club would be beneficial to them, whether to educate them further on politics, provide information on law schools, or just to help make friends, are encouraged to join,” she wrote.
To learn more about the KPU Political Science Club and stay up to date with events, visit its Instagram page @kpupolisciclub. The page includes a link which leads to a form for students to fill out to join the club.
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