UNews - Bob Dhillon

Dhillon School of Business benefactor to be recognized with honorary degree

trevor.kenney — Fri, 17 May 2019 20:39:40 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is thrilled to recognize international real estate developer Navjeet (Bob) Dhillon by presenting him with an honorary degree at Spring 2019 Convocation.

Dhillon’s vision of creating a business school that cultivates entrepreneurial leadership and inspires a spirit of innovation is being realized through his gift of $10 million that has transformed the Dhillon School of Business. He will be presented with a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at the Spring 2019 Convocation IV Ceremony, 2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 31, at the 1st Choice Savings Centre gymnasium.

“Bob Dhillon’s work ethic, perseverance and willingness to trust his instincts speak to his outstanding business sense and are a great inspiration to our students in the Dhillon School of Business,” says Charles Weaselhead, U of L chancellor. “We are excited to celebrate his desire to support innovative finance education at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and very pleased he has accepted our offer of an honorary degree.”

Navjeet (Bob) Dhillon

Navjeet (Bob) Dhillon came to Canada as a first-generation Sikh immigrant with no assets but much in work ethic and perseverance. At the age of 19, he began to dabble in real estate by buying under-valued properties, renovating them and then selling them for profit. It was a strategy that would eventually form the basis of his company, Mainstreet Equity Corporation.

Dhillon, with an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, introduced Mainstreet Equity Corp on the TSX in 2000. Its fundamental focus is to specialize in the acquisition of mid-market multi-family properties, usually consisting of less than 100 apartment units, upgrade them to market standards and offer renters a renovated apartment unit. Dhillon had identified an underserved niche in the real-estate market, and Mainstreet quickly established itself through this philosophy. The company’s portfolio grew from 272 units with a value of $17 million to more than 12,300 units and $2.0 billion in market value in 2019.

Through philanthropic ventures and a desire to give back to Canada, he has sought to create opportunities for students to be best positioned for tomorrow’s business world. Dhillon’s desire is to support innovative education through the implementation of futuristic learning ideals that focus on new technologies and new growth industries.

In 2018, he made institutional history by pledging a $10 million gift to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge as it transformed its Faculty of Management to the Dhillon School of Business. Dhillon sees his philanthropic activities as a call to action, inspiring and empowering more students to choose Canada as an educational destination and boosting the country’s intellectual capital.

Dhillon School of Business Scholarship Dinner brings in $50,000 for students

trevor.kenney — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 17:13:02 +0000

The Dhillon School of Business celebrated its annual Scholarship Dinner on April 13, 2018. This year’s event brought together 450 guests to honour Navjeet (Bob) Dhillon and raised $50,000 for student scholarships. The event was supported by Avail CPA as the premier event sponsor.

Both Mr. Dhillon and his wife Aman were honoured with star blankets, created by Anne Healy from the Blackfoot Nation.

The evening included a video debut featuring Dhillon, president and CEO of Mainstreet Equity Corp., whose recent $10-million gift to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ transformed the Faculty of Management into the Dhillon School of Business. Another video highlighted the newly named Dhillon School of Business and the vision that will propel the school forward.

Dean of the Dhillon School of Business, Dr. Robert Boudreau says the evening was an incredible success.

“It was a privilege to honour our benefactor Mr. Dhillon and his family and I was thrilled to see such incredible support for our school and our students from the community,” he says.

Both Dhillon and his wife Aman were honoured with star blankets, created by Anne Healy from the Blackfoot Nation, during the evening. The presentation was followed by the singing of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Honour Song by Billy Wadsworth, also from the Blackfoot Nation.

Now in its 31st year, the Scholarship Dinner has raised more than $1.5 million for student scholarships. This year, the event also raised money through Dhillon School of Business t-shirt sales for the families of students Farah Saegh and Brock Hirsche, who both tragically passed away this year, as well as the late Logan Boulet of the Humboldt Broncos, who was set to begin his studies at the U of L this fall.

Annual Scholarship Dinner to honour Bob Dhillon

trevor.kenney — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 16:30:54 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Dhillon School of Business will celebrate its 31st Annual Scholarship Dinner on Friday, Apr. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Coast Hotel and Conference Centre by honouring Navjeet (Bob) Dhillon.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's Dhillon School of Business will celebrate its 31st Annual Scholarship Dinner on Friday, Apr. 13.

Dhillon, the president and CEO of Mainstreet Equity Corp., recently pledged a $10-million gift to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, transforming the Faculty of Management to the Dhillon School of Business. The Scholarship Dinner, through the Dhillon School of Business and its advisory board, annually recognizes the contributions and citizenry of an outstanding member or members of the southern Alberta community.

Over the first 30 years of the Scholarship Dinner, more than $1.5 million has been raised in support of student scholarships. Friday’s event will celebrate the contributions of Mr. Dhillon, raise further funds for student scholarships and highlight the transformation of the Dhillon School of Business, the future of finance and business education at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

“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,” says Dr. Bob Boudreau, dean of the Dhillon School of Business. “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.”

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 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ 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 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. “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.”

Transformational gift from Calgary real estate magnate initiates Dhillon School of Business

trevor.kenney — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 14:00:26 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge today announces the transformation of its Faculty of Management to the Dhillon School of Business, which will have a strategic focus on finance and business innovation.

In recognition of Bob Dhillon’s generous contribution, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is renaming the Faculty of Management to the Dhillon School of Business.

Navjeet (Bob) Dhillon, President and CEO of Mainstreet Equity Corporation, pledged a $10-million gift to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, the largest donation announcement in the institution’s history. In recognition of Dhillon’s generous contribution, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is renaming the Faculty of Management to the Dhillon School of Business.

Along with a new name, the business school will build on its current curriculum by expanding its focus on finance and business innovation, entrepreneurism and internationalization. For example, the Dhillon School of Business will emphasize futuristic learning through innovative subject areas and new technologies such as blockchain, cryptocurrencies and new growth industries, including artificial intelligence and robotics.

As an innovative and transformational entrepreneur, Dhillon 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 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

“The future of Canada depends on education,” says Dhillon, who holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at Western ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. “I wouldn’t have achieved the success I’ve had if it wasn’t for education. I’m a first-generation Sikh immigrant and I’m very fortunate that I’m in a position to make this contribution. This is my way of giving back to Canada. Supporting innovative education is key to launching Canadian talent in today’s connected world.”

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon sees Dhillon’s support as transformational.

“Our university was founded by forward-thinking mavericks, people who identified a need for a university in southern Alberta, and who pushed ahead with a wholly unique model that set the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge apart,” says Mahon. “Here we are 50-plus years later and we’re still looking ahead, pushing boundaries and creating an educational experience like no other. This gift, this commitment from Mr. Dhillon, will help drive us forward.”

Dr. Bob Boudreau, dean of the Dhillon School of Business, says that both the Lethbridge and Calgary campus will offer the latest in hands-on training technology with a focus on integrating theory and research into practice.

“Our faculty has a history of creating transformational opportunities for students including: providing them with flexible learning options at our two campuses; creating access to cutting-edge technology like the Centre for Financial Market Research and Teaching, the best equipped academic trading centre in Western Canada; and immersing students in experiential education through professional development programming, co-op, international exchanges, work studies and more.”

Through the U of L, Dhillon eyes opportunity in an underserved market. With strong connections to the region’s business sector through industry partnerships and investment, innovative academic programming and a vibrant and growing immigrant population, he sees the framework of a destination university town rivaling any in Eastern Canada and the United States.

“I was very fortunate that the importance of education was drilled into me by my family, my parents, my brother, really everybody around me growing up,” says Dhillon. “Education is what drives successful global nations and Canada is unique in that there is so much opportunity here. The U of L is a world-class university that the world needs to discover.”

Dhillon is keenly aware of his position as an industry leader and similarly a pioneer for his community. He does not see his philanthropy as a solo act but rather a call to action.

“I am an immigrant and a businessman and I’m extremely thankful for the opportunities I’ve had growing up here in Canada,” he says. “We all have a chance to give back to this country and to do so through education is critical for our country’s young people. I want to see our youth succeed. I want to see Canada prosper. We can do that through education, by making the Dhillon School of Business a leader in financial and business innovation and Western Canada’s destination for finance and business education.”

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