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August 2025

Photos of SFU in the 1960s provided by charter alumnus Rick McGrath.

In this issue: Alumni Council highlights, creating space for women in STEM at SFU, a new student award for 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy, and more!

A YEAR OF GROWTH AND IMPACT

As senior volunteers embedded across SFU’s ecosystem, the SFU Alumni Council members regularly engage with senior leadership, the Board of Governors, and institutional partners—ensuring alumni voices are heard at the highest levels. This past year, they have played a pivotal role in advancing many of SFU’s priorities by offering insights, advocacy, and leadership through committee service and consultation.

CHECK OUT THE HIGHLIGHTS

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN!

The Outstanding Alumni Awards honour exceptional SFU graduates from around the world who inspire, innovate, and challenge the status quo.

Help us spotlight the incredible impact of our SFU alumni community by submitting a nomination for mentor, colleague, friend or community leader that inspires you! Nominations close on August 25.

CREATING SPACE FOR WOMEN TO THRIVE IN STEM

Canada has made progress attracting more women into STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), but there is still significant work to be done. That’s where SFU donors like Bruce & Edith Fingarson are looking to make a difference.

NEW: SFU PRIDE STUDENT LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY AWARD

2SLGBTQIA+ students are powerful advocates, educators, and changemakers—but their work is often unpaid, unrecognized, and emotionally demanding. A new award at SFU has been established and will provide:

  • Financial support to ease the burden of advocacy work
  • Public recognition of courageous leadership
  • A platform to inspire others and drive systemic change.

In case you missed it...

  • SFU named Canada’s top university for innovation in WURI global rankings for fifth year SFU article
  • Meet Ata Malfuzi (MA ’23), a member of the SFU Alumni Council SFU article
  • NSERC contributes $9 million in new funding for science research SFU article
  • Red Leafs swim star—Tori Meklensek— is taking SFU’s varsity swimming program to historic new heights
  • Eighteen years later, SFU Surrey’s baby boom grows up SFU article

We share news on our social channels and link to news articles featuring alumni in our 'alumni in the news' section of the website. Follow us to keep up-to-date on alumni and SFU news!

Events

  • August 1 - October 3 | Birding to Change the World—SFU Reads (online)
  • August 9 | (Vancouver)
  • August 16 | (Vancouver)
  • September 5 | Crafting Cocktails Workshop: Cheers to 60 Years (North Vancouver)—details available later this month!
  • September 24 | 60th Anniversary Alumni Celebration (Surrey)—details available later this month!
  • On-going | Continuing Studies Info Sessions (online)

Did you know: SFU alumni have access to a variety of discounts, including to events and performances like the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the Vancouver Rise FC, Broadway Across Canada, the PNE, and more! Explore your discounts

Update your info

The SFU Alumni team is planning events across the globe this year. Don’t miss out on event invitations happening where you live:

  • update your mailing address in 60 seconds
  • add our email (alumni@sfu.ca) to your contacts

Discover home insurance savings with TD

Our affinity program partner, TD Insurance provides SFU alumni with preferred rates and flexible coverage on home, condo and tenant insurance. Plus, with the TD Insurance Savings Commitment they will work with you to find all the ways you could save on home insurance. You might already be doing things that can save you money, like having a connected alarm for water damage and theft or fire in your home.

Connect with us online

We share news on our social channels. Follow us to keep up-to-date on alumni and SFU news!