Canada’s tycoon donates $10m to university

Toronto, March 15

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Canada’s top Sikh real estate tycoon Bob Dhillon donated $10 million to the University of Lethbridge in Alberta on Wednesday. The university has renamed its business school after him. It will henceforth be called the Dhillon School of Business.

Calgary-based Bob (Navneet) Dhillon is the president and CEO of the real estate giant Mainstreet Equity Corporation, which he started from the back of his car in the 1980s. 

With its assets over $1.5 billion, the company owns over 10,000 apartment units across Canada. 

The university said the Dhillon School of Business will drive futuristic learning and focus on new technologies such as blockchain, cryptocurrencies and new growth industries, including artificial intelligence and robotics.

“I’m a first-generation immigrant and I’m very fortunate that I’m in a position to make this contribution. This is my way of giving back to Canada,” said Dhillon, whose family hails from Tallewal village near Barnala in Punjab. Dhillon, who is an alumnus of Bishop Cotton School in Shimla, said: “I am an immigrant and a businessman and I’m extremely thankful for the opportunities I’ve had growing up here in Canada.”

University Vice Chancellor Mike Mahon said the donation will be transformational for his institution. — IANS