May 28, 2010 - 4:45am
Wahid Ali, Investment Advisor TD Waterhouse, is the new
chair of Vancouver Island University Foundation. Ali joined the VIU Foundation
as a Director in 2007 and is active in the annual Business Breakfast and
Festival of Trees – both
fundraisers for scholarships, awards and bursaries for VIU students.
“We have
an ambitious goal to increase our endowments substantially over the next three
years. There is fantastic community support,” Ali said. “One big step is to
have Vancouver Island University in the forefront when people think of the
quality of life in the regions we serve.”
“I want
people to think about what they can do for VIU and what the university does for
them. As VIU grows, so will the economy, vitality and culture in our
communities,” Ali said.
Ali
assumes the chair from George Hrabowych, partner in the Nanaimo firm of Herold
Engineering, who served in the position for the last two years.
Bruce Williams, Manager - Community Relations and Senior on
Air Weather Host - ‘A’ British Columbia, will serve as vice-chair.
Williams is also looking forward to his role as vice-chair.
“VIU is one of the most innovative and impacting factors on the economic, business, social and
cultural growth of our communities on Vancouver Island. I’m looking forward to
the VIU Foundation’s role in supporting that growth and expanding investment in
students.”
The
Foundation, founded in 1994, is the charitable arm of VIU. In 2009, the
Foundation raised $1,125,221 to support students with scholarships and
bursaries, and provide new teaching and learning equipment. The VIU Foundation
endowment reached $12.4 million in 2009.
The VIU
Foundation raises funds through special events such as the annual Christmas
Festival of Trees, spring Business Breakfast, an annual appeal, and promotion
of planned gifts and legacies.
For
further information, visit: viu.ca/giving, call 250-740-6216 or email foundation@viu.ca
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Tags: In the Community
