A Welcome from the Chancellor
Traditionally, a chancellor’s role is to serve as the ceremonial head of the University, to preside over convocations, and to confer degrees to graduating students. As an ambassador, I will advance the University's interests and celebrate and share the successes of our students, faculty, and staff. I will also participate in discussions on what the community needs from Kwantlen.
I believe that a post-secondary education is very important for the well-being of the whole community. Not only does it provide an individual with a better income, health and lifestyle, but it also provides them with more choices in life. My parents only had a Grade 5 and a Grade 10 education, but they strongly believed in making sure that their children had a good education. I was fortunate that my older brothers paved my way, so it was expected that I too would go to university. A family member attending a post-secondary institution is the single-most important factor which influences whether someone will attend a college or university. So it is really important that we encourage and support first-time attendees.
Education has served me well. It has given me career choices, enabled me to travel, allowed me to support my family, and with it, I have accomplished a great many things that have surpassed my own expectations and dreams. I want others to experience the same and more.
While many people join post-secondary, relatively few complete post-secondary. I believe that in a prosperous country like Canada, we have an obligation to do more for our youth to encourage them to both attend post-secondary, and to complete their studies. Kwantlen can play a pivotal role in working with our communities to make this happen.
Kwantlen recognizes that its responsibility is to allow every student to flourish, each in his or her own way. We are positioned to be one of Canada's most innovative universities, committing ourselves to meeting the educational needs of our students, to responding to the changing labour market demands, and to serving one of Metro Vancouver's most dynamic and fast growing regions — the South Fraser region. It is my honour and privilege to serve as Kwantlen's first chancellor and I look forward to a great future ahead.
Sincerely,
Arvinder Singh Bubber
Chancellor
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
