The Ceremonies and Events Office (C&E) advances Simon Fraser University's strategic vision of engagement by producing key university celebrations and milestone events including convocation and the university's high-profile presidential, institutional, advancement, alumni, ceremonial, government and partner events. Producing over 75 events annually, C&E also maintains ceremony and event protocols and traditions at events held by the university.
We develop and implement a range of events showcasing SFU as a leading university defined by its dynamic integration of innovative education, cutting-edge research and far-reaching community engagement. The office also serves as the Chancellor's Office and consults and collaborates with the President’s Office, Advancement, Alumni Engagement, Government Relations, Research and other university leadership on the strategic alignment, conceptualization, programming and delivery of high-profile events or celebrations.
The Ceremonies and Events team is committed to reconciliation and decolonization. We promise to educate ourselves and others, to respectfully include Indigenous practices, protocols and ceremony into our events, and to continue building meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples across these lands.
Simon Fraser University holds 13 Convocation ceremonies at its Burnaby campus each year. These ceremonies include the conferring of academic and honorary degrees, and features the procession of graduands, faculty and dignitaries across the reflecting pond and down the grand stairway to Convocation Mall, led by the award-winning SFU Pipe Band.
In addition to Convocation, Ceremonies and Events collaborates with the SFU Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) to produce the ISC Honouring Feast, held during each Convocation week to honour and celebrate SFU's graduating Indigenous students.
Ceremonies and Events organizes events to celebrate ground-breakings, dedications, openings and naming ceremonies for new buildings and spaces on campus. These ceremonies recognize donors, architects, contractors, public officials and other major stakeholders involved in the project.
Hosted by SFU Chancellor Tamara Vrooman, and President and Vice-Chancellor Joy Johnson, this celebration recognizes community leaders whose service and accomplishments are exemplary. Recipients are recognized annually with the Chancellor's Distinguished Service Award and President's Distinguished Community Leadership Award, presented at a formal dinner reception.
Hosted by SFU President Joy Johnson, the Seasonal Reception provides an opportunity for the president and university to recognize and thank SFU’s donors, government representatives and community partners for their ongoing support and to highlight and celebrate the university’s achievements over the year.
SFU and the Alumni Council honour its most accomplished graduates with the Outstanding Alumni Award. These graduates are nominated by alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends of the university. Since the awards were first introduced in 1983, the Outstanding Alumni Awards event has become one of SFU's most celebrated traditions.
Ceremonies and Events collaborates with SFU Government Relations and municipal, provincial and/or federal governments to host announcements of various funding and/or resources granted to the university. Media is also frequently involved in funding announcements.
F T I