Dr. Irving K. Barber (right) and Arvinder S. Bubber, Kwantlen chancellor

For immediate release

Kwantlen Honours Dr. Irving K. Barber with Honorary Doctor of Laws

METRO VANCOUVER, BC – (June 16, 2011) – Kwantlen Polytechnic University awarded Dr. Irving K. Barber, one of BC's most prominent entrepreneurs, with an Honorary Doctor of Laws at the 2011 Convocation ceremony held on its Surrey campus.
Irving (Ike) K. Barber was born in Alberta in 1923. He dropped out of school in grade 11, but because of his service in World War II, he was given the opportunity to continue his education.  Dr. Barber graduated at the age of 27 with a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry from UBC in 1950. He credits this 'second chance' at education as his starting point for the success he has enjoyed both personally and professionally, and the experience that has motivated him to become an ardent supporter of education.

Dr. Barber spent all his working life in the forest resource industry, working with BC's communities and its people. In 1978, at the age of 55, he founded Slocan Forest Products Ltd.  and under his stewardship of over 20 years, Slocan grew to be a dominant public forest products company in Canada.

Dr. Barber, over five decades, has worked to ensure that BC's forests benefit British Columbians. He has a strong commitment to strengthening British Columbia and improving the quality of life for BC residents. His generosity has been instrumental in helping to establish programs to promote research and education. Among his many accolades Dr. Barber is a recipient of the Order of BC, an officer of the Order of Canada, and a companion in the Canadian Business Hall of Fame.

"I hold Kwantlen in high regard for its ability to build pride in students and help them realize their potential. I am truly humbled and honoured to be recognized by Kwantlen with this doctorate." states Dr Barber.

In 2010, Dr. Barber made the largest donation in the history of Kwantlen creating the $2.5M—Irving K. Barber Endowment for Educational Opportunities. This Endowment was created to open doors to education for individuals who would never otherwise have such an opportunity.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 17,000 students annually have a choice from over 135 programs including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.

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