The University of Lethbridge’s Dhillon School of Business’ benefactor and honourary degree recipient Dr. Navjeet (Bob) Dhillon (LLD ’19) has been appointed as Officer to the Order of Canada.
The Order, which honours citizens who make extraordinary contributions to Canada, celebrates appointees’ “grit and passion [that] inspire us, teach us and show us the way forward.” Dr. Dhillon, a first-generation Sikh immigrant to Canada, was chosen for his “achievements in business, and for his unwavering commitment to philanthropy and higher education.”
That commitment to philanthropy and higher education has been directly transformational for the Dhillon School of Business. In 2018, Dr. Dhillon pledged a $10-million gift to the University of Lethbridge’s then Faculty of Management. In recognition of his generous contribution, the University renamed the Faculty of Management to the Dhillon School of Business. Dr. Dhillon continues to facilitate philanthropic donations to the Dhillon International Bursary fund, a scholarship that benefits international students, through his business partnerships.
“Dr. Dhillon is exceptionally deserving of this appointment,” says Dhillon School of Business dean Dr. Kerry Godfrey. “It was his entrepreneurial spirit, his determination and his perseverance that got him to where he is today, and allowed him to give back to students like ours who are just beginning their aspirational business journeys.”
“Because of Dr. Dhillon’s generosity and as part of his vision,” Dr. Godfrey continues, “the Dhillon School of Business has been able to accelerate its growth and development, with additional focus on the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively in the digital economy. The Order of Canada recognizes those whose service shapes our society, and Dr. Dhillon’s contributions are helping young people and ultimately Canada, prosper.”
Dr. Dhillon launched his career in real estate while still a teenager, buying a pair of houses in Calgary, renovating them and selling them for a profit. He founded Mainstreet Equity Corp. (TSX: MEQ) and soon moved into developing larger residential buildings. MEQ owns and manages, on a collective basis, almost 16,000 multi-family units with $2.6 billion in assets, achieved by consistent organic growth since taking Mainstreet public in 2000.
The Dhillon School of Business at the University of Lethbridge is known for its immersive experiential learning opportunities, connecting learners with industry, its supportive, personalized approach and for exposing students to emerging technology. Study options available in both Lethbridge and Calgary.