March 15, 2024
Bev Betkowski
An entrepreneur, community leader, and University of Alberta [U of A] graduate, Nizar J. Somji has been elected as the university’s 23rd chancellor.
Nizar J. Somji was elected by members of the University of Alberta Senate to succeed Peggy Garritty. He begins a four-year, non-renewable term after he is installed as chancellor during spring convocation in June.
During more than 30 years of leadership developing new initiatives, forging strategic partnerships and driving innovation, Somji founded multiple successful businesses. He is best known for launching Matrikon Inc., a leader in industrial automation, which he grew from a one-person venture to a global company operating in five continents. He currently leads the Jaffer Group of Companies, which has invested more than $130 million in Alberta through ventures in construction, staffing, information technology, realty, hospitality, petroleum and property management.
A U of A graduate, Somji holds a master’s degree in chemical engineering. Dedicated to supporting advances in industrial innovation, Somji has funded two engineering research chairs at the U of A, leading to many developments in process control and automation that were adopted by several multinational corporations.
He currently serves on EPCOR’s board of directors and as chair of KV Capital, a Western Canadian equity fund enterprise. Somji has also served as chair of Redline Communications and Zafin Inc.
His expertise as a seasoned corporate executive also extends to the community. He served on the U of A board of governors and, more recently, volunteered for eight years as global director of campus development and operations with Aga Khan University and Hospital, which has primary campuses in Pakistan and East Africa.
The chancellor is the ceremonial head of the university and presides over all degree-conferring ceremonies, such as convocation.
In addition to chairing the senate, whose mission is to “inquire about any matter that might benefit the university and enhance its position in the community,” the chancellor, who serves in a volunteer capacity, is a member of the board of governors and represents the university at ceremonial occasions.
The University of Alberta Senate, an independent body of diverse community leaders and university representatives, is valued for its role in successfully examining, fostering and celebrating the achievements and excellence of the University of Alberta, resulting in an enhanced relationship with the community.
Source: University of Alberta
Ismailimail 
Thanks to the IsmailiMail for posting this great news. On 16th March 2024 when the news was received by me I wrote the following email to my grou[p email listing across the world:
“Dear All:
You may have already heard about this great news but, if you have not, this is indeed amazing especially in view of the fact that Nizar Somji has been a great community leader in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada for the past many decades.
He was National JSF (Canadian Jamati Services Fund – JSF Convenor) and personally I have had the opportunity to work with him very closely. A meticulous worker with farsightedness and I still remember his many accomplishments including elaborate post-evaluation reports for JSF which we worked on together and which have proved extremely useful for the very important JSF Project since then. Shukar Almamdulillah.
We convey our heartiest congratulations to Mr. Somji for his great achievements and wish him success in his new position. Ameen.
Best wishes, warm regards, affectionate thoughts, prayers and Ya Ali Madad.
Kamrudin A. Rashid
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