Reconnect and recharge this summer

As we approach the end of the summer semester, I’d like to take some time to reflect on the whirlwind of this past academic year. While we faced many uncertainties as we continued to navigate the pandemic, there was one constant that could be relied on: your unwavering dedication, patience, and support for one another. The sense of team at the Surrey campus made our transition back to in-person work an unqualified success, and I want to thank each of you for your role in this process. 

I really hope you have had, or will have, some relaxing down time with family and friends as we reach the midpoint of summer. With travel disruptions around the world, I know that many of us are enjoying 'stay-cations'. One way to make the best of staying home is to take in events offered by community organizations. These events are a wonderful opportunity to connect with our greater community and celebrate the diverse cultures that make Surrey so unique.

In the last few weeks, our community came together in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Canada Day, and just this past weekend, the Surrey Fusion Festival. SFU Surrey has been a proud supporter of these events for many years now, and I was thrilled to see so many members of our campus community in attendance. Looking to August, another community event coming up is the Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association’s Movies Under the Stars, which will take place on August 6, 13, and 20 at Holland Park.

As the summer semester begins to wind down, I encourage you to take the time to reconnect with friends, family, and our community, and events like these are a great way to do so. Rest up and recharge, as we have many more exciting events coming up in the fall to celebrate SFU Surrey’s 20th Anniversary. Mark your calendars for September 9th–we’ll be hosting our 20th Anniversary Campus Community Celebration with cake, live music, and more! Another exciting event to look forward to is our community Open House event, which will take place in late October. I encourage you to keep an eye out on our website for more details, coming soon.

I look forward to sharing in our 20th anniversary celebrations with you in the fall semester. Until then, enjoy the sunshine, stay cool, and have a wonderful summer!