Message from the Vice-President, Advancement and Alumni Engagement

In 1965, SFU opened its Burnaby campus to 2,528 students. Six decades later and across three dynamic campuses, we continue to be driven by an innovative spirit and a deep commitment to making a difference in British Columbia and beyond.

As we celebrate SFU’s 60th anniversary, we also celebrate our incredible community of alumni, donors, and partners who believe in our mission and contribute in many and varied ways to help us advance an inclusive and sustainable future. Thank you for all you do for SFU!

We are delighted to showcase the meaningful impact of your generous support in this special 60th anniversary edition of Engage.

Take a look inside two vibrant new buildings on Burnaby campus that promise to transform the SFU experience for diverse audiences. The First Peoples’ Gathering House is a place where Indigenous students, staff, and faculty can come together to practice, learn, and share in their cultural traditions—and an important step forward in SFU’s commitment to uphold Truth and Reconciliation. The Marianne and Edward Gibson Art Museum is SFU’s first purpose-built museum, creating a unique and accessible space that will contribute to culture, connection, learning, and community engagement across SFU and B.C.

We introduce you to Yabome Gilpin-Jackson, SFU’s first Vice-President, People, Equity and Inclusion, whose own journey and deep connections to the university propel her passion for helping all people flourish. Hear from three inspiring graduate students, who are pushing the boundaries of research in homelessness, cancer therapies, and mathematics education thanks to donor-funded support. Meet biological sciences professor Jim Mattsson, whose research into growing local blueberries off-season has the potential to change the future of food production and strengthen food security in Canada.

You will read about charter faculty member Alan Aberbach, whose visionary bequest gift in his will has benefited thousands of mature students through SFU’s Liberal Arts and 55+ Program. In the endowment financial report, you will find more information about SFU’s endowment and the significance of investing in this enduring way.

On behalf of everyone at SFU, we are grateful for your kindness, and wish you and your loved ones a peaceful holiday season and a happy new year.