An inclusive association for all SFU alumni

On February 15, 2023, members of Simon Fraser University’s Alumni Association (SFUAA) voted in favor of voluntary dissolution, changing the association from a legally separate organization to an internal SFU entity which includes an appointed alumni council. 

The change was made in partnership between SFU and the current SFUAA Board of Directors, aligning the university’s alumni program with industry best practices and modernizing its governance. The new model also creates wider inclusivity, enabling all SFU alumni to immediately become part of SFU’s Alumni Association upon graduation.    

Prior to the vote, SFUAA’s governance model remained largely unchanged since its inception in 1969. Until now, SFU graduates have been required to opt-in to become members of the SFUAA, leading to less than 1% of SFU’s Alumni being official members of the association. 

The decision comes following a long period of extensive consultation and collaboration. Since 2015, SFU and the SFUAA have worked together with two separate consulting firms to analyze the structure and effectiveness of the SFUAA, with the most recent consultation being conducted in January 2022 by The Discovery Group. The recommendations in both reports included transferring fiduciary responsibility to SFU, moving to an appointed council, and ensuring direct relationship between alumni and the institution. 

Pat Lougheed, current president of the association and former president and board member Jasmine Cumberland are both pleased with the evolution of the association. 

“This change has been collaborative and welcome,” says Lougheed. “As one of the many past stewards of the SFU Alumni Association, I think we all ultimately want the best for current and future SFU alumni—a big part of that is facilitating lasting connections with and between fellow alumni, and championing initiatives that serve all of us.”

“Your relationship with your alma mater is a lifelong one,” adds Cumberland, “and one that your alumni association helps nurture. I’m glad to see this change, which will bring more members of the SFU alumni community together and increase our active contributions to the university.” 

SFU is deeply committed to supporting our diverse and growing alumni community. 

We are proud to see this inclusive governance model adopted. And we look forward to increasing alumni involvement within the university and furthering access to alumni resources and supports for every graduate from SFU.

SFU is excited for this next chapter and looks forward to honoring the legacy of the association as a legally separate entity and thanks all of those, past and present, for their continued commitment and support to SFU’s growing alumni community.