Andy Sidhu will be the University of the Fraser Valley’s third chancellor.The chancellor is appointed by the UFV board of governors upon the recommendation of the Alumni Association and consultation with the UFV senate.
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.
UFV Alumni Association chair Nav Bains said, “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.”
Bains said, “Andy is a good friend and strong supporter of UFV and has been for many years. A long-time member of the South Asian Studies Institute board, Andy has deep connections and roots in the Fraser Valley region and has the ability to advocate for UFV with the diverse community throughout the Valley. We’re very happy to have him joining us in this role.”
UFV board chair John Pankratz said,“In Andy Sidhu, the UFV board of governors welcomes an experienced community leader with deep international experience.We are thrilled.”
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 region.
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.
Sidhu said, “I’m extremely honoured and proud to join the University of the Fraser Valley in this capacity.”
He added, “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.
Sidhu is best known for founding B.C.’s first multi-language newspaper, the Punjabi Patrika. Printing 15,000 copies every Friday in English and Punjabi, the Patrika was established as a beacon of inclusivity and multicultural connection nearly 22 years ago.
Sidhu received an honorary degree from UFV in 2017 in recognition of his community service.
UFV started the practice of appointing a chancellor after receiving university status in 2008.
“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 Queen’s 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.
