U of L to honour Dhillon at annual scholarship dinner

Successful business students at the University of Lethbridge will be honoured today, at the program’s 31st annual scholarship dinner.

So will Calgary businessman Navjeet (Bob) Dhillon, who recently pledged $10 million to enhance and expand the university’s finance and business courses.

Over its first 30 years, the scholarship dinner raised more than $1.5 million in support of student scholarships. This evening’s event will raise further funds for student scholarships, while highlighting the program’s planned transformation into the Dhillon School of Business, the future of finance and business education at the University of Lethbridge.

Dhillon, an innovative and transformational entrepreneur, created a real-estate empire by identifying an underserved niche in the market, supporting it with resources and nurturing its massive growth. He sees the same opportunity and potential in the University of Lethbridge.

“The future of Canada depends on education,” says Dhillon, a first-generation Sikh immigrant who holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at Western University in London, Ont., in a release.

“I wouldn’t have achieved the success I’ve had if it wasn’t for education. Supporting innovative education is key to launching Canadian talent in today’s connected world.”

Bob Boudreau, dean of the new school, says he’s excited about the school’s future.

“It has been a tremendous year for us and going forward, we could not be more excited about the direction we are headed and the opportunities Mr. Dhillon’s gift have created,” he says.

“We have a history of being at the leading edge of finance and business education and with his additional support, we will continue to push ahead and offer an educational experience like no other.”

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