Metro Vancouver, B.C. – Historic South Asian pioneers are paving the way for future leaders at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU).
The Vig family, led by Rana and Rupa Vig, is pleased to make a $20,000 contribution to KPU in support of the Mehfil Magazine Endowed Journalism Award. The donation was made possible by the generous supporters of the 100 Year Journey publication and event held on Nov. 29, 2014. The gift will help bring the Mehfil Magazine endowed fund to $100,000.
The 100 Year Journey was held in celebration of the contributions made by so many South Asian pioneers in B.C. and to commemorate the arrival of the Komagata Maru in Burrard Inlet on May 23, 1914. This inaugural event showcased inspiring stories of perseverance and humanity that helped make our communities so vibrant and diverse today.
“We are fortunate to live in such a diverse culture that celebrates the contributions made by pioneers of all cultural backgrounds. The Vig family has been a community leader for more than two decades and we are pleased to partner with them to celebrate the 100 Year Journey. We are grateful for their commitment to education in general, and in particular to KPU journalism students,” said KPU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alan Davis.
Storytelling has been a part of the livelihood of the Vig family, who founded Mehfil Magazine in 1993. It’s also been their passion – a passion which will now live on in the endowed journalism awards named after the magazine, and in the KPU students they support.
Committed to inspiring future journalists to reach their potential, the Mehfil Magazine Endowed Journalism Award was created to encourage discussion about what role or significance, if any, ethnicity and cultural background should have in contemporary journalism.
“Rupa and I are incredibly proud of our partnership with KPU. My brother Minto and I worked tirelessly to start Mehfil Magazine in 1993 and in doing so created a platform to showcase Indian culture as vibrant and relevant within the fabric of our lives in Canada. This vision now lives on as an endowed scholarship that will be available to journalism students for years to come,” said Rana Vig, founder of the 100 Year Journey.
The KPU Foundation builds community and corporate partnerships that benefit students, support faculty and enhance education. Each year, hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships and awards are given to students across disciplines. More on the KPU Foundation is available at kpu.ca/foundation.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 124 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
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Caption: Rana and Rupa Vig, along with their sons Arvind and Akash, donated copies of the 100 Year Journey to the Coast Capital Savings Library at KPU Surrey.
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
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