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Back on TWU campus a few decades later

91原创-Aldergrove MP Tako van Popta visits alma mater addressing his faith and political vocation
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MP Tako van Popta visited his alma mater, Trinity Western University, on March 15, speaking in chapel. (Marko Zolotarov/Special to 91原创 Advance Times)

Walking the grounds at 91原创鈥檚 Trinity Western University was a flashback for Tako van Popta.

Now a sitting member of parliament for the 91原创-Aldergrove riding, van Popta took a little ride down memory lane and share some of that during a visit to his Glover Road alma mater on Wednesday.

During his March 15 tour of TWU, the MP spoke at chapel, talking about living faithfully within his vocation as a politician.

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Following that, van Popta interacted with students in Dr. Leanne Smythe鈥檚 Canadian government and politics classes, where he spoke on his role and activities as Member of Parliament, answering questions from students during an informal coffee discussion.

鈥淚 was happy to see that the spirit of collegiality the school has is still strong,鈥 he said.

鈥淚 have fond memories of my time at TWU, and am grateful for the excellent academic education I received and opportunities for personal and spiritual growth,鈥 the MP shared, following his visit.

鈥淥ur children attended Trinity and I was proud to see two of my grandchildren on campus when I visited,鈥 van Popta added, noting he attended Trinity during the 1980s when he recalled the campus and student population were much smaller than they are today.

Prior to entering a career in politics, van Popta completed his undergraduate education from Trinity Western University and then obtained a law degree at UBC.

He was a lawyer for more than 30 years, beginning his journey as an articling student at McQuarrie Hunter LLP, and eventually becoming the firm鈥檚 managing partner.

Active in the community, he has also held the position of director at the Surrey Board of Trade and the Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association.

Describing himself as being dedicated to the service of others, van Popta also served two terms on the 91原创 Memorial Hospital board (1990-1998), and spent more than 10 years volunteering at Elim Housing Society, a seniors鈥 aging-in-place campus with locations in Surrey and Chilliwack.

In October 2019, he was elected to represent the riding of 91原创-Aldergrove in Canada鈥檚 federal Parliament.

He鈥檚 since served within the standing committee on public safety and national security, and he is currently a member of the standing committee on justice and human rights.

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MP Tako van Popta visited his alma mater, Trinity Western University, on March 15. In addition to speaking to students and addressing guest in the chapel, he also visited with TWU鈥檚 Provost Todd Martin (left) and university president Mark Husbands (right). (Marko Zolotarov/Special to 91原创 Advance Times)


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