ABBOTSFORD – Abbotsford-Based Punjabi newspaper publisher Andy Sidhu will become the University of the Fraser Valley’s third Chancellor, it was announced this week.
A long-time proponent of community engagement and integration, Sidhu will take over from Dr. Gwen Point, who served as UFV’s second Chancellor from 2015 to the present, following two terms by Brian Minter.
“I’m extremely honoured and proud to join the University of the Fraser Valley in this capacity,” Sidhu said. “UFV has a rich history of in inclusivity and community leadership. Needless to say I’m very excited to contribute as we move forward together.”
An accountant by trade before emigrating from Malaysia in 1974, Sidhu worked first on a dairy farm, then as a bookkeeper with the Canada Farm Labour Pool, where over the course of his 21 year career he became an unofficial ambassador, bridging gaps in culture and language between local businesses and people emigrating from the Punjab.
Sidhu is best known for founding an Abbotsford-based newspaper, the Punjabi Patrika, which publishes weekly in English and Punjabi. Sidhu received an honorary degree from UFV in 2017 in recognition of his community service.
As Chancellor, Sidhu will act as ceremonial head of UFV while serving as a member of the Board of Governors and the Senate. He will also preside over convocation, conferring UFV degrees, diplomas, and certificates, and serve as an ambassador for UFV at major events. The Chancellor is appointed by the UFV Board of Governors upon the recommendation of the Alumni Association and consultation with the UFV Senate. UFV started the practice of appointing a Chancellor after receiving university status in 2008.
“By recommending him as UFV’s next Chancellor, the Alumni Association sought to recognize Andy Sidhu as a hard-working and community driven business leader who will serve as an excellent role model for our students,” said UFV Alumni Association chair Nav Bains.
UFV Board Chair John Pankratz couldn’t agree more. “In Andy Sidhu, the UFV Board of Governors welcomes an experienced community leader with deep international experience,” added Pankratz. “We are thrilled.”
In addition to making financial donations to local health care and recreational initiatives, Sidhu has volunteered with more than a dozen groups, including the UFV South Asian Studies Institute, the Abbotsford Foundation, Indo-Canadian Business Association, Abbotsford Community Services, and Abbotsford Hospice.
“I very much look forward to working with Andy Sidhu as UFV’s Chancellor,” said UFV President Jackie Hogan. “Andy is a respected business leader, and as the recipient of a Queens Diamond Jubilee and Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity award, his community commitment speaks for itself.”
Sidhu will officially be installed as Point’s successor at a special installation ceremony in the coming months.
