VIU Welcomes New Associate Vice-President, Community Partnerships

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is pleased to announce Richard Horbachewski as the new Associate Vice-President, Community Partnerships.

In this role, Richard will oversee VIU's advancement and alumni portfolios, community partnerships, Milner Gardens, and serve as VIU's Chief Advancement Officer and the Executive Director of the VIU Foundation.

"I am excited to join the VIU community and take on this diverse portfolio," says Horbachewski. "I am encouraged by the commitment President Saucier and the Board of Governors are making in creating a high performing, best practice advancement team at VIU. It is wonderful to join an outstanding team committed to advancing its strategic priorities through meaningful relationships with alumni and donors. I look forward to continuing to grow on the successes of the VIU team and build exceptional experiences for our students and support our academic teams in achieving success."

Horbachewski brings more than 15 years of experience and a depth of philanthropic knowledge to this role. He has served in the arts, higher education and health sectors; most recently at the Calgary Health Foundation and previously at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Horbachewski is a member of The Council for Advancement and Support of Education, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Canadian Association of Gift Planners and the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education.

"On behalf of the VIU community, I am delighted to welcome Richard as our new Associate Vice-President of Community Partnerships," said Dr. Deborah Saucier, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor. "He comes to us with a wealth of experience and knowledge in philanthropic leadership. I know he will be an important member of our VIU team."

When not working to connect his community to worthy causes, Horbachewski enjoys spending time with his family and taking advantage of the outdoors, including golfing, playing softball and hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. Horbachewski is excited to take up salmon fishing while on the Island.

Horbachewski started his new role with VIU on September 13, 2021.