Thank you!

I’m finding it difficult to come up with a few short sentences to sum up the extraordinary year we’ve had together.

In 2021, we accomplished so much as a community. And I could list all those accomplishments here, from cross-organization efforts to support B.C. Flood Relief to tangible actions we’ve taken towards fighting climate change and creating a more equitable and inclusive campus environment.

But I know all of us are eager to shut down our computers and enjoy some rest and relaxation this holiday season, so instead, let me just say: thank you.

To our students, thank you for bringing such life back to SFU’s campuses this term. It was a joy to see you making s’mores at the fire pits in Convocation Mall, studying in the Student Union Building and meeting friends in real life for the first time. Amidst the challenges of adjusting to in-person learning, I hope you were able to make exciting connections and learn something new.

To our staff, your hard work facilitated our safe return to campus. From performing critical administrative duties and keeping up with ever-changing health guidelines to planning our first in-person convocation ceremony since 2019, you stepped up to the challenge of keeping the university running smoothly through this truly unprecedented time.

To our faculty, who once again adapted course outlines, Canvas pages and research projects to work in a new environment, I am so grateful for your dedication to supporting our students. Your flexibility and willingness to innovate helped ensure that students experienced a smooth transition back to in-person learning this fall.

The SFU community does not exist without each of you. And I’m so proud of all that we’ve done—and all that we’ll do together in the year to come.

I hope you can enjoy the time ahead with friends and loved ones, and best wishes to you all until we reunite in the new year.

Sincerely,

Joy Johnson