Wednesday, November 5, 2025 (Calgary, AB) – Bow Valley College is proud to announce a generous donation from Calgary philanthropists Esmail and Safana Bharwani that will support students in the School of Arts and Sciences for decades to come.
The gift creates a new endowment for student awards and establishes the Esmail Bharwani Leadership Lecture Series. In recognition of this great gift, the School of Arts and Sciences will be renamed the Bharwani School of Arts and Sciences.
In addition, Esmail Bharwani has been bestowed an honorary diploma as a champion of continuing education, the college’s highest honour.
The Bharwani family have generously supported education at Bow Valley College since 2011. This support is rooted in their deep belief that when a student succeeds, they lift up their family and their community.
Growing up in Tanzania, Esmail Bharwani was only able to finish grade 8 at home, and his family could not afford to send him away. Through dedication and sacrifice, he went on to earn a professional accounting designation, two master's degrees, eventually becoming a lawyer at age 65.
“Every step I took in advancing my education opened new doors, broadened my horizons, and deepened my hunger for knowledge,” he said. “It was not always easy—there were challenges and obstacles—but with persistence, support, and good advice, I never gave up. I want others to have the same opportunities I worked so hard to secure.”
The family’s commitment to education is already visible on campus through the Esmail and Safana Bharwani Hall and Theatre. This latest gift reflects their belief in Bow Valley College as avital entry point to post-secondary education, especially for newcomers who need to re-certify or earn new credentials.
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Bow Valley College is Calgary’scollege with local impact and global reach, serving more than 15,000 students.We launch our students by preparing them for in-demand jobsthrough high-quality, future-oriented education. We advance ourgraduates into careers in healthcare, technology, business, entertainment arts,social services, and more, contributing to our economy and community. We evolveour students through work-integrated learning, upskilling, and reskilling.Proud to be named one of Canada’s Top 50 research colleges, our appliedresearch focuses on health and educational technology, and social innovation.Home to the Digital Entertainment Nexus, Calgary’s first esports arena, and theBears varsity team, Bow Valley College is celebrating 60 years of studentsuccess. Learn more about the opportunities we create at bowvalleycollege.ca.
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