New chair for VIU Foundation

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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