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PHILANTHROPY

Giving Back to the Community is a Top Priority

KWANTLEN POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

Mr. Bubber’s passion for education continued into his role as the first Chancellor of Kwantlen Polytechnic University.  Mr. Bubber was appointed to the Board of Governors in 2001 and chaired the board from 2002 to 2007.  He was installed as the First Chancellor of the University and served two three-year terms from October 2008 until October 2014.  During his two terms as chancellor, he also served as a member of the Board of Governors, Senate and the KPU Foundation Board He is very passionate about encouraging students to stay in high school and pursue their own passions through post-secondary education.  He was awarded an honorary degree from KPU in recognition of his tireless dedication to post-secondary access, and the success of students south of the Fraser.

SPARK EDUCATION FOUNDATION

In 2003, Arvinder Bubber, along with other South Asian community members founded the SPARK program. The SPARK program first started as an initiative between SPARK, the Surrey School District and Kwantlen Polytechnic University. 

 

It provided students with counselling, and academic and financial support as a way to encourage students in high school who are at risk of dropping out, or are economically or culturally challenged, to stay in school and pursue post-secondary education. The program garnered provincial recognition when the Government of BC announced it would support this initiative and joined SPARK’s efforts thereafter. 

Notable Positions Held:

  • Board of Governors - Kwantlen University College: 2001 - 2007

  • Chair of the Board of Governors - Kwantlen University College: 2002 - 2007

  • Vice-Chair of BC Premier’s Asia Pacific Trade Council: 2005 - 2007

  • Council member of Simon Fraser University - India Advisory Council: May 2006 - Present

  • Chancellor of Kwantlen Polytechnic University: Oct 2008 - Oct 2014

  • Board of Directors - Fraser Health Authority: May 2009 - Sep 2012

  • Honorary Director - Surrey Board of Trade: June 2014 - June 2015

  • Treasurer and Board Director - Surrey Board of Trade: June 2015 - June 2017

  • Regional Economic Scorecard Committee - The Vancouver Board of Trade: Jan 2016

  • BC Children’s Hospital Foundation - ANOM Advisory Council for 9 years until Apr 2018

  • Council member of Simon Fraser University - Surrey Community Advisory Council: Aug 2016 - Present

  • Treasurer and Board Director of Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS): June 2018 –To present

Donations & Sponsorships Provided:

  • Multiple scholarships at KPU for disadvantaged students

  • Sponsored Diwali Gala at SFU

  • Generous contribution along with ICBA for SFU Punjabi classes

  • Support to various local non-profit organizations for soccer tournaments, wrestling club and other sports

  • Sponsor of various events of the Indo-Canadian Business Association

Awards:

  • Honorary Degree "Doctor of Laws" from Kwantlen Polytechnic University in 2014

  • Elected ‘Fellow’ in recognition of his distinguished service to the Chartered Accountants of BC in Dec 2009

  • Elected ‘Fellow’ in recognition of his distinguished service to the Chartered Professional Accountants of BC in Dec 2015

  • Awarded the ‘Roll of Honour’ by The Board of Governors of The Punjab Public School, Nabha

  • Business Excellence Award (Business person of the year) in 2010 from the Surrey Board of Trade

  • Association of Funding professionals - Outstanding Philanthropist award in 2014

  • Recognition from Surrey School District (36) for community spirit, vision and exceptional commitment and support of education and SPARK program

  • Darpan’s Extraordinary Achievement Award

  • Appreciation from Kwantlen for SPARK

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