Going the extra mile: Mary O’Brien

Since joining SFU in August of 2023, Mary has actively engaged with students, faculty, staff, and the broader community while helping to shape the future of graduate studies. With a strong commitment to helping SFU advance its philanthropic goals through her academic leadership, she also personally donates to support students through the SFU Food Security Fund and the Faculty of Graduate Studies Scholarship Fund.

Why do you support SFU?

I support SFU because I believe in the university and appreciate its commitment to effect change in society. My own values align with those of SFU. Although I’ve only been here for two years, I see the positive impact that an SFU education has on students and, in turn, the impact that our graduates have on their communities. My donation directly supports students as they complete their credentials.

What impact do you see your support having at the university? 

I believe that students can’t do their best work if they are hungry and/or worried about where their next meal will come from. I hope that my monthly donation can have a small impact on individual students who might have struggled to put food on their table. More specifically, I hope that the donation will allow SFU students to focus more of their time and attention on their studies.

Why do you believe it is important to support SFU and, more broadly, higher education in Canada?

Postsecondary education matters now more than ever. The cost of tuition coupled with the high cost of living in Canada—and more specifically in the Lower Mainland—mean that attending university is out of reach for some. By directly supporting programs that ensure a direct impact for students, I feel as though my donation is contributing to individual students’ personal and professional growth as well as stronger, better-informed communities.