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Contact:
Thelma Finlayson, 604.291.4220/4054; thelma_finlayson@sfu.ca
Marianne Meadahl, Media & PR, 604.291.3210

Thelma Finlayson retired from SFU 25 years ago with an impressive career in the field of pest management, a graduate program she helped establish at the university. But she has continued to make the trek to campus ever since that retirement -- not only for science, but for students.

Finlayson, a Burnaby resident, is a special advisor to students experiencing academic difficulty. Now 90 years old, she has no plans to stop the job she considers crucial to students who may be at “the make or break point” in their academic careers.

“I've done a lot of research in my day, but by far my most worthwhile work has been with these students,” says Finlayson who, on average, counsels half a dozen students weekly.

Finlayson became involved with academic counselling, in addition to her work as a professor in SFU's biology department, more than 30 years ago, then helping students to devise academic programs to best suit their needs and abilities.

Her advice now focuses on helping students in difficulty figure out their options, such as how to apply for retroactive withdrawal if there are extenuating circumstances. She even offers to edit the letters they are required to write. “It's all spelled out in the calendar, but it's better to have an empathetic person who can help sort through it,” she says. “I help them to survive."

“Mostly,” she concedes, “I listen. I ask a few general questions and look at their transcripts to see if maybe there is a pattern related to their grades dropping. I give them my full attention. That can sometimes make all the difference.”

Finlayson, who was awarded an honorary degree from SFU in 1996, has a small research project to complete and still has an office in biology. “I should just finish it off,” she concedes, “but my time is better spent with students.”

Finlayson says students will sometimes return to let her know how her help paid off. Last Christmas, one student sent a dozen red roses. “I love to help people,” she says. “I'll keep doing it, with enthusiasm, for as long as they'll let me.”

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