A Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) grad is one of two winners of a national award to support a professional starting a career in educational fundraising.
KPU anthropology alumna Jaya Dhillon is a recipient of the TD Insurance Meloche Monnex Fellowship in Advancement, which is disbursed through the Canadian Council for the Advancement in Education (CCAE). Recipients complete a one-year placement at a CCAE member institution, rotating through a variety of advancement work experiences while receiving mentorship from established educational fundraisers.
“It is definitely priceless for me,” says Dhillon about receiving the fellowship. “I have been interested in fundraising since I was a teenager, this type of work allows me to do something I love.”
Dhillon will participate in placements within KPU’s alumni affairs, advancement, and marketing and communications departments.
“It lets me give back to KPU, which is the most exciting part as it is a great community that has done so much for me,” she adds.
Last year, Dhillon worked for KPU’s office of advancement through Canada Summer Jobs, a government program that gives funding to trusted employers to help them create quality jobs for young Canadians.
Her efforts were focused on bringing awareness to the need for increased support for students with disabilities and students who have faced greater challenges from systemic racism or other equity, diversity and inclusion challenges. In doing so, Dhillon contributed to a prominent Giving Tuesday campaign that raised $101,000 to support KPU students through increased participation from alumni and employees.
“We are very pleased and fortunate to have received a TD Insurance Meloche Monnex Fellowship for Jaya,” says Steve Lewarne, executive director, advancement and alumni affairs. “It will allow her to continue to build on the excellent work she did for us as a Canada Summer Jobs student.”