Dr. Malwinder S. Dhami of Abbotsford continues his philanthropic journey with an extraordinary act of generosity – establishing the twelfth endowed leadership award at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV). Known for his commitment to supporting students in their educational pursuits, Dr. Dhami introduced the Dhami Family Endowment Leadership Award (Social Innovation Research), an award that will support students in graduate studies.

Dr. Dhami’s dedication to education was celebrated during his visit to the UFV campus on January 29th, where he was warmly welcomed by Joanne McLean, President and Vice-Chancellor of UFV, Susan Mide Kiss, Vice-President of Community Engagement, Garry Fehr, Associate Vice-President of Research and Graduate Studies, and Tracey McKone, Associate Director of Relationship and Fund Development.

In addition to the newly established award, Dr. Dhami’s generous portfolio includes support for various fields such as Nursing, Halq’emeylem, Punjabi, Agriculture, Dental Assisting, Criminology, and Education. His generosity extends to students transferring from Chandigarh, India, as well as those enrolled in other programs at UFV. Beyond awards, Dr. Dhami has also made significant contributions to UFV programs and initiatives, including the South Asian Studies Institute, UFV Student Union Society Food Bank, Athletics, Peace and Conflict Studies, and more.

Recognizing his substantial contributions, Dr. Dhami was acknowledged for his generosity and extensive community work with an honorary degree in 2018.  As a UFV Ripple Maker, he has been honored with the Loyalty paddle for recognition of 15 years of giving and the Lifetime paddle, symbolizing cumulative donations exceeding $100,000.

Dr. Dhami reflected on his support, “Students are our future. For students to have a bright future they need access to good education. My family believes in education which is why we like to help students by donating and creating these endowments to support students to achieve their dreams.”

Student awards funded by donors like Dr. Dhami not only alleviate financial burdens, but also serve as catalysts for self-belief and the pursuit of dreams. These awards cover various expenses, including tuition, textbooks, rent, food, and transportation, enabling students to focus on their studies and personal growth.

Those interested in making a difference like Dr. Dhami can visit ufv.ca/giving or reach out to Devon Bailey, Manager of Relationship and Fund Development, at devon.bailey@ufv.ca for more information on how to support the educational journey of UFV students.