KPU FOUNDATION REPORT TO DONORS 2022

We at Kwantlen Polytechnic University respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and study in a region that overlaps with the unceded traditional and ancestral First Nations territories of the Musqueam, Katzie, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen, Qayqayt, and Kwikwetlem peoples; and with the lands of the Kwantlen First Nation, which gifted its name to this university.

In the cause of reconciliation, we recognize our commitment to address and reduce ongoing systemic colonialism, oppression and racism that Indigenous Peoples continue to experience.

Message From The President And Vice Chancellor

As some of you may know, I was originally scheduled to finish my current term as President and Vice Chancellor in August 2023. However, as the Board of Governors looked at KPU and its opportunities and challenges post pandemic, it decided to undertake a reappointment process to continue my term until August 2025. This was approved by the Board of Governors last November 30th.

My main task is to ensure the next president is set up for success and so we also decided to extend our current strategic plan, Vision 2023, for an additional three years so the new president has some time in their role before having to begin a new strategic planning process. This strategic plan update, Vision 2026, (kpu.ca/ opa/planning) is beginning its journey through the university to gain feedback from all interested parties. Vision 2026 builds on the core principles and goals of the previous plan, while also adding a new section on Justice, which will see several initiatives and goals, including:

» Implementation of xéʔelɬ: Our Pathway Towards Systemic Transformation. xéʔelɬ is KPU’s first Indigenous strategic plan. xéʔelɬ is about shifting the culture at KPU to one where the responsibility of systemic transformation is shared amongst the entire KPU community to recognize and advance the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

» Advancing Antiracism across KPU.

» Advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility across the University.

KPU also recently established an office of anti-racism to implement the recommendations of the institution’s Task Force on Anti-Racism. The office will be headed by an associate vicepresident for anti-racism, which on an interim basis will be Dr. Asma Sayed, task force chair and Canada Research Chair in South Asian Literary and Cultural Studies.

I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead these vital initiatives over the coming years and I hope to work with many of you to help make KPU the most welcoming, supportive, inclusive institution possible for all learners and employees.

I would also like to take this opportunity to honour the passing of KPU Foundation board member Peter Podovinikoff. Peter was the founding director of the KPU Foundation in 2000 and served an amazing 22 years on the board in various positions, including board chair. He was instrumental in overseeing the development of the Foundation’s initial investment strategy and was the driving force behind the establishment of the Irving K. Barber endowment. Peter’s dedication, knowledge and passion for helping students has impacted thousands of lives and we are grateful to have been able to work with him.

Thank you to all of KPU’s donors and volunteers for your generous investments in our outstanding university and dedicated students.

Alan Davis, PhD President and Vice Chancellor