REMEMBERING PETER PODOVINIKOFF

The KPU Foundation has lost a true pioneer. Peter Podovinikoff, the founding Chair of the KPU Foundation dating back to when it was established in 2000, was a building block to what the Foundation is today. He has left an indelible mark on KPU and the KPU Foundation through his generosity, knowledge, and commitment to supporting education. He will be deeply missed.

Peter Podovinikoff spent his whole career building communities, a philosophy he’s brought to his lengthy association with Kwantlen Polytechnic University. A pastpresident of Envision Financial, B.C.’s third-largest credit union, he was no stranger to giving back.

In his role as a member of the KPU Foundation board, Podovinikoff cultivated relationships with business leaders for the past two decades, extolling the merits of the university and encouraging them to fund student scholarships. He introduced KPU to late lumber baron Ike Barber, a noted education philanthropist, eventually securing a one-milliondollar endowment that has increased access to education for many.

In 2006, in recognition of his dedication to social rights and commitment to public service and community, KPU (Kwantlen University College at the time) awarded Peter Podovinikoff an Honorary Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa). Dr. Podovinikoff commented, “I feel humbled. This is an unexpected honour. I don’t do the work I do for honour. I do it to make communities better places for everyone.” Dr. Podovinikoff’s advice to the graduates of that convocation ceremony was simple: “I encourage all of you to never stop learning and never hesitate to be actively involved in your community.”

In a 2021 interview, Podovinikoff was quoted as saying, “You can only sell something if you believe in the product you’re selling, and I very much believe in KPU, I’m proud of the kinds of things they’re doing.” In that same interview he said, he believes supporting higher education is as good a cause as any. “If we have an educated society, we’re all better off.”

It is difficult to quantify just how much impact Peter Podovinikoff has had on KPU and the KPU Foundation, but it is safe to say that he has been a cornerstone to the development of the KPU Foundation, which has raised millions of dollars for student support. Simply put, the KPU Foundation would not be what it is today as a vehicle for generous donors like you to support student success without the expertise and guidance of Peter in the beginning and throughout. His more than 20 years of volunteer service to the Foundation has changed lives.

The KPU Foundation board of directors was proud to help establish the Peter Podovinikoff Memorial Endowed Scholarship this year, an endowment that will honour his legacy forever. Thank you to all of those who contributed. If you would like to contribute to this fund, please visit give.kpu.ca.