Sandra Richardson, CEO of the Victoria Foundation, was made an honorary doctor of laws at the University of Victoria on Thursday.
Since taking over as head of the philanthropic organization in 2001, Richardson has grown the Victoria Foundation assets from $20 million to $357 million.
It now delivers about $1 million every month in grants to support community development.
Her leadership and commitment have also been credited with an enormous impact on assistance and development in the community.
Programs supported by the Victoria Foundation have helped improve the quality of life for more than 5,000 participants, while its Vital Signs report is used by community agencies as a roadmap showing where assistance is needed most.
Three others were also honoured. B.C. lawyer Joseph Arvay was recognized for his legal work on behalf of disadvantaged people, receiving a honorary doctor of laws degree.
Holocaust survivor and educator Robert Waisman received a honorary doctor of laws degree.
Ambassador Nicholas Kuhanga, an educator and political leader in Tanzania, is to be granted an honorary doctor of education degree today.
