CALGARY - Bow Valley College donors Wayne, O.C., and Eleanor Chiu have been given the 2016 Council for Advancement and Support of Education's (CASE) Benefactor Award at the CASE Conference for Community College Advancement in San Diego, United States, from October 5-7, 2016.

The CASE Benefactor Award recognizes individuals, foundations or businesses for outstanding contributions to community colleges. Recipients embody the ideals of philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism in the service of community, technical and junior colleges. The Chius were the first Canadians to receive this award in 13 years.

"Wayne and Eleanor Chiu's affinity and support for Bow Valley College started as volunteerism, grew into leadership and now shines as a leading example of philanthropy. Over the years they have both shared their time and talent to advance the College, not only in becoming the largest community college in Alberta, but in developing strong programming around social entrepreneurship. In the community, the impact of their Trico Charitable Foundation is resounding and continues to grow. The community, including our community college, is and will continue to be stronger and richer because of these extraordinary people," said Sharon Carry, Bow Valley College President and CEO.

Wayne and Eleanor Chiu donated $3 million to Bow Valley College in 2014, the largest single contribution in the College's history. In honour of this gift, the College renamed their School of Business to the Chiu School of Business. Wayne Chiu was also a former member of the College's Board of Governors.

Wayne Chiu is the CEO of Trico Homes, Inc., and along with his wife Eleanor, founded the Trico Charitable Foundation. Through the foundation, the Chius promote community development via sustainable entrepreneurial social profit organizations.

To learn more, please go to the CASE Benefactor Award.

Bow Valley College - Calgary and region's only Comprehensive Community College - with more than 15,000 full- and part-time students, is a leader in business and health career training, community studies, adult upgrading, and English Language Learning.

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) is a professional association serving educational institutions and the advancement professionals who work on their behalf in alumni relations, communications, development, marketing and allied areas.

Wayne Chiu is the founder of Trico Developments Corporation and Trico Homes Inc. He is a Mechanical Engineering graduate from the University of Manitoba. Wayne and Eleanor are supporters of the Kids Cancer Care Foundation, the Calgary Chinese Community Services Association, and many other charitable community events and organizations. Wayne Chiu was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2015.