Enthusiasm and curiosity drive leadership

By Karin Pokrishevsky

“Ask Eugenie, Eugenie will know.”

It’s a phrase often echoed through the corridors of the Student Services’ office.  Eugenie Ko, the 2018 Lifetime Achievement winner is considered a great mentor by her colleagues and a highly trusted employee. After 36 years at the university, Ko’s steadfast commitment as director of administration, vice provost, students and international, has also earned her the 2018 SFU Athletics and Recreation Director’s Award.

The Lifetime Achievement Award highlights constant leadership and devotion, while the Director’s Award recognizes a key staffer who has made a lasting contribution to SFU Athletics and Recreation. Ko’s work ethic and accomplishments encompass these attributes.

Constantly referred to as the go-to person in Student Services, Ko’s colleagues praise her behind-the-scenes work.

She helped launch SFU’s first Sexual Violence Support and Prevention Office (SVSPO) which works to advise and support the entire SFU community on topics surrounding sexual violence.

“Eugenie ensured the office was designed according to our needs and worked with designers, university partners and external agencies,” says SVSPO director CJ Rowe who values Ko’s commitment to SFU and its community. “She guaranteed the space was set up to support survivors of sexual violence.”

Ko’s enthusiasm and curiosity drives her to take on a variety of projects and initiatives. For example, she helped develop an effective administration plan for SFU’s National Collegiate Athletic Association program. As well, she’s a willing participant and volunteer at university-wide events such as the annual United Way Book Sale.

Says colleague Leanne Dalton, “her continuous work with the financial and logistical administration of Student Services and support emphasizes Eugenie’s absolute dedication to precision and integrity.”