On Nov. 5, 2025, Esmail Bharwani was presented with an honorary diploma—Bow Valley College’s highest honour—during our Fall Convocation ceremony. This recognition celebrates his remarkable leadership, philanthropy and enduring commitment to education and community, which has made a lasting impact on generations of students.

That same day, Esmail announced a new gift to the College that will create an endowment to support new student awards within the School of Arts and Sciences, and establish the Esmail Bharwani Leadership Lecture Series, further deepening his legacy of giving back. In recognition of this gift and the Bharwani family’s long-standing commitment to the College, we are pleased to announce that the School of Arts and Sciences will be renamed the Bharwani School of Arts and Sciences.

The School of Arts and Sciences plays a foundational role in delivering university-level courses that help learners begin or advance their post-secondary journey. Reflecting Esmail’s commitment to accessible, career-focused education, the School offers flexible learning models like Open Studies, where learners can take individual courses to explore new fields, build essential academic and professional skills, or work towards credentials—on their own schedule, with online, evening and weekend options that support a wide range of learning needs. These offerings span disciplines such as arts, sciences and business, and reflect the College’s commitment to removing barriers, supporting diverse learners and aligning education with career goals. Learners can earn diplomas and certificates, take university transfer courses and keep the door open for undergraduate studies in the future. Financial awards will be available through the Bharwani School of Arts and Sciences to support students along the way.  

In his Honorary Degree address, Esmail shared: “Education is not a privilege. It is a right, a responsibility and a gift we are meant to share. Our primary goal is simple but powerful: to make education available to everyone, everywhere. No one should be denied the chance to uplift their life through learning.”

A journey shaped by education

Esmail’s belief in the power of education is rooted in his own experience. Growing up in Tanzania, he had to leave school after Grade 8—the highest level available in his hometown—because his family couldn’t afford to send him abroad. He helped send his siblings to university before moving to England in the 1960s to earn a professional accounting designation. There, he experienced firsthand the financial and cultural challenges faced by newcomers pursuing education.

In the early 1970s, Esmail immigrated to Canada with his family. Online courses allowed him to balance his studies with a busy life, and his pursuit of knowledge never wavered, earning two Master’s degrees and two professional designations. After retiring from a successful accounting practice, he enrolled in law school and graduated in 2004, becoming a lawyer at age 65—a testament to his lifelong commitment to learning.

Creating opportunities for others

Inspired by the transformative role education played in his own life, Esmail has made it his mission to help others access similar opportunities. He believes post-secondary education should be within reach for everyone, especially adult learners who often juggle multiple jobs, family responsibilities and financial pressures.

Through the Esmail Safana Farzana Fayaz Bharwani Foundation, the Bharwani family has supported students at Bow Valley College since 2011. Their generosity has already funded 137 awards at the College, supporting more than 130 learners in pursuing their education. These awards focus on supporting students from under-privileged and under-served communities, including single parents and newcomers.

The family’s commitment to education and to Bow Valley College 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 a vital entry point to post-secondary education, especially for newcomers who need to re-certify or earn new credentials.

A legacy of impact

Esmail firmly believes in the ripple effect: when one student succeeds, they uplift their families and give back to their communities. His philanthropy has helped hundreds of students pursue their dreams and build better futures.

“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.”

In recognition of his significant contributions to the Calgary community, Esmail has received numerous accolades, including the Order of the University from the University of Calgary and, most recently, the Top 7 Over 70 Award.