Convocation celebrates a milestone, and the community behind it

Convocation is always one of my favourite times of year at Simon Fraser University.

There is something incredibly special about watching our graduands cross the stage and celebrating all they have accomplished. Each person arrives at that moment by a different path, but for every graduate, Convocation represents years of learning, hard work, and perseverance, as well as the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

This fall’s ceremonies are particularly meaningful as we welcome Elio R. Luongo as SFU’s 13th chancellor. Elio has deep roots at SFU as an alumnus and recipient of an Outstanding Alumni Award, and it is inspiring to see a member of our alumni community take on this important role at the university. Learn more about Elio and his connection to SFU.

As I reflect on the graduates crossing the stage this week, I’m reminded that while their degrees bear their names, many people have played a part in helping them get there.

Our donors are among them. Their generosity touches the student experience in so many ways, including scholarships, awards and bursaries that help make an SFU education possible; resources such as those from the SFU Library; food security initiatives including the SFU Food Pantry and emergency grocery voucher program; and new places and spaces for students to learn, experience, and connect, such as The Marianne and Edward Gibson Art Museum and the Black Student Centre.

I’m also grateful for our faculty and staff, whose contributions to Convocation itself can sometimes go unseen. They help with everything from parchment pickup and regalia to making sure our graduands are in the right place at the right time.

For many faculty and staff, that commitment to students extends even further. People such as Danny Leznoff, Ruth Silverman, Mary O’Brien, and Kathleen Fitzpatrick have also chosen to personally give back, supporting bursaries, awards, and programs that matter to them. Their generosity is another example of the many ways the SFU community comes together to support students.

To everyone crossing the stage this week: congratulations. I hope you take a moment to reflect on everything it took to get here, celebrate the people who supported you along the way, and take pride in all you’ve accomplished.

And to the donors, faculty, staff, family members, friends, and others who have helped our newest graduates reach this milestone: thank you.