"I would like to applaud the Chambers of Commerce for seeing the power and impact of a slightly different kind of export - one that does not involve a manufactured product in the traditional sense, but one that contributes mightily to our province's and our country's productivity and global influence," said Dr. Deborah Hurst, associate dean of AU's Faculty of Business. Hurst accepted the award on behalf of AU president, Dr. Frits Pannekoek.

"As Canada's leading distance and online education university, we export knowledge and education, and we do that on a global level. This award is an acknowledgement of the value of these exports and confirms their impact on our dynamic, global knowledge economy," she said.

Athabasca University has students in more than 80 countries worldwide. The university has derived more than $7.5 million in revenue from exports over the past three years.

For more information, contact:

Jim McLeod
Manager, Events and Community Relations
780-428-7285
jmcleod@athabascau.ca