Welcome to SFU’s October 2024 convocation ceremonies! It is wonderful to mark this milestone with you.

When I was in university, I majored in history. My studies taught me a very important lesson: the future does not just happen to us. Rather, it is created by dedicated people working together towards a common goal. As you celebrate this milestone and move on to the next stage of your life, I encourage you to think not just about your immediate futures, but also how you can contribute to the lifelong work of future-making.

You graduate into a world full of change and uncertainty; one with many complex challenges and few easy answers. But I truly believe that the skills you’ve learned and the relationships you’ve formed here at SFU have prepared you to build a more inclusive and sustainable world for all of us.

Wherever you go from here, please know that the SFU community will always be in your corner, cheering you on. We are so proud of you.

From all of us, our heartfelt congratulations.

Tamara Vrooman, O.B.C., LLD (hon.)
Chancellor 

Every convocation is a reason to celebrate. But this one—for many of you, the first graduation ceremony you have been able to attend in person—feels especially important.

I know how hard you have worked to complete your programs and receive your diplomas. This is an enormous personal accomplishment, and you should be very proud. But I want to emphasize that you gained more at SFU than just a degree.

Through assignments, research and community engagement, you learned the skills and tools you need to engage in some of the most critical challenges facing our world today, from the climate crisis to democracy to health outcomes. You formed relationships with classmates, faculty and staff that will help carry you through the rest of your life. And in doing so, you inspired me—and many others, I know—with your acts of kindness and empathy, curiosity and care for those around you.

I am so grateful that I got to meet and be inspired by you. On behalf of everyone at SFU, thank you and congratulations.

Joy Johnson, PhD, FCAHS, FRSC
President and Vice-Chancellor

As co-chair of SFU’s Alumni Council, I congratulate you on graduating from SFU! This is an accomplishment that has taken significant time, energy, and support to achieve. 

As your journey continues as an SFU alumnus, SFU is here to help you expand your personal and professional network through our alumni events and initiatives, and to support your success by offering a selection of alumni benefits that include career services, library services and preferred rates on programs that address your personal and professional interests and development.

Please keep your email and mailing addresses up to date with SFU so we can help you make and maintain connections, inform you of upcoming events, and let you know about opportunities to remain involved and engaged with our great university.

Like any strong community, we take pride in your accomplishments—so please keep us informed of your life journey, and watch our social media channels for information on the accomplishments of fellow grads.

Alumni are SFU’s greatest ambassadors. Be bold, chase your dreams and know SFU is proud of you!

Congratulations, fellow alumni! 

Barbara MacPhail Burns, BA ‘95
Co-Chair, SFU Alumni Council

You can learn more about your alumni benefits at www.sfu.ca/alumni.