Archive News 2021
VCC president Ajay Patel recognized by Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards
Vancouver Community College (VCC) is proud to share that our president and CEO Ajay Patel has been recognized with one of this year’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards.
This prestigious people’s choice award honours inspirational immigrants who have made a positive impact on their communities since arriving in Canada and recognizes the achievements of all immigrants including community advocates, volunteers, successful entrepreneurs, and cultural icons.
“It is extremely humbling to be amongst this cohort of distinguished leaders. This award is really a tribute to those who paved the way, many generations ago, for all of us as visitors to this land. The challenges, barriers, and discriminations they faced, and sacrifices they made so that immigrants like me could achieve our goals is what this recognition is about. I invite everyone to not forget these sacrifices as we shape the future,” says Ajay.
Born in Fiji, Ajay moved to Canada in 1975 and grew up in East Vancouver. He graduated from VCC’s Human Kinetics program in 1992 and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia. He is a provincial leader in sports and international education and was confirmed as president of VCC on Jan. 24, 2020.
Ajay adds, “To my immediate and extended family members, please know this recognition reflects the love and support from every one of you. And to my friends and colleagues, thank you for continuing to inspire me every day. I am deeply grateful.”
VCC is now doubly proud as our Vice President, Students and Community Development Jane Shin was also honoured with a Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award in 2019.
Past winners from B.C. also include Senator Yuen Pau Woo, SUCCESS CEO Queenie Choo, Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan, and BroadbandTV Corp Founder Shahrzad Rafati.
This year’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards winners were announced on Thursday, Nov. 18 and can be viewed at www.canadianimmigrant.ca and in Canadian Immigrant magazine.
Congratulations Ajay!
Learn more about VCC’s Leadership Team and new Strategic Innovation Plan that will re-shape our campuses and programs to best meet the evolving needs of B.C. students and industry.