media release

SFU celebrates spring convocation ceremonies this week

June 10, 2024

Simon Fraser University students graduating this spring will commemorate their achievements during convocation ceremonies from June 11 to 14 at SFU's Burnaby campus. 

For many of these students, convocation marks the first time that they will cross the stage in front of family and friends, as many of their high school graduation ceremonies were cancelled due to the pandemic. The ceremonies will commence at 9:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on each day and will start with SFU's world-class pipe-band procession guiding graduands into Convocation Mall. 

The ceremonies will see honorary degrees conferred on seven distinguished individuals, beginning on June 11. Learn more about the recipients here.

Honorary degrees will be bestowed on:

  • Celebrated pipe-band drummer J. Reid Maxwell, Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa, June 11 (9:45 a.m.)
  • Journalist and author Daphne Bramham, Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, June 11 (2:30 p.m.)
  • Haida scholar Kii’iljuus, Doctor of Science, honoris causa, June 12 (9:45 a.m.)
  • Innovation leader, Gerri Sinclair, Doctor of Science, honoris causa, June 12 (2:30 p.m.)
  • Elder Margaret George, Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, June 13 (2:30 p.m.)
  • Composer and sound activist Hildegard Westerkamp, Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa June 14 (9:45 a.m.)

Ceremonies will recognize graduands in the following faculties:

  • Arts and Social Sciences, June 11 (9:45 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.) & June 12 (9:45 a.m.)
  • Business, June 12 (2:30 p.m.)
  • Applied Sciences, June 13 (9:45 a.m.)
  • Health Sciences, June 13 (2:30 p.m.)
  • Science, June 13 (2:30 p.m.)
  • Environment, June 14 (9:45 p.m.)
  • Education, June 14 (2:30 p.m.)

Media are welcome to attend the ceremonies. Please note: Media passes are for working media only. If family or friends are convocating, please sit in general seating. To arrange parking and accreditation, please contact SFU's Communications & Marketing office, mediarelations@sfu.ca or 778.782.3210. 

Ceremonies are approximately one and a half hours in length and commence with speeches from Chancellor Tamara Vrooman and SFU President Joy Johnson. The honorary degree is then conferred (approximately 20 minutes into the ceremony) followed by the recipient's speech. After a class valedictorian address, the formal procession of graduands across the stage follows.

CONTACT

JEFF HODSON, SFU Communications & Marketing 
jdhodson@sfu.ca

Simon Fraser University
Communications & Marketing | SFU Media Experts Directory
778.782.3210

ABOUT SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

Who We Are
As Canada’s engaged university, SFU works with communities, organizations and partners to create, share and embrace knowledge that improves life and generates real change. We deliver a world-class education with lifelong value that shapes change-makers, visionaries and problem-solvers. We connect research and innovation to entrepreneurship and industry to deliver sustainable, relevant solutions to today’s problems. With campuses in British Columbia’s three largest cities—Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey—SFU has eight faculties that deliver 364 undergraduate degree programs and 149 graduate degree programs to more than 37,000 students. The university now boasts more than 180,000 alumni residing in 145+ countries.

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