Descriptions of Ceremonies and Events at SFU

As part of SFU's commitment to keep in touch with its graduates, the Alumni Relations Office and Ceremonies & Events staff work together to create events to give alumni living in British Columbia, Canada and other countries the opportunity to gather to hear updates and news from SFU.  Attended by the President and/or other senior University administrators, these events are held in locations in which there are significant numbers of alumni. 

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The Alumni Annual Gathering and General Meeting (AAGGM) is a signature event of the Alumni Association of SFU.  Generally held in May, the event provides alumni with the opportunity to vote for their Board of Directors and to learn of the activities of the Alumni Association over the past year.  Following the relatively brief AGM and elections process, a guest speaker is invited to speak on a topic related to the social gathering that follows.  Past AAGGM's have featured a wine tasting event and in 2007, a film screening featuring shorts by SFU students and alumni.

Every year, annual donors and planned giving donors are invited to a reception at the SFU Burnaby campus to meet and mingle. This is an opportunity for donors to get an update from the university and hear how their contributions impact students and the community. 

Spring Convocation (seven ceremonies) is normally held the second week in June, Tuesday through Friday, while Fall Convocation (four ceremonies) is normally the Thursday and Friday prior to the Thanksgiving long weekend in October.

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This annual event, held after Fall Convocation is an opportunity for the President and Chancellor to thank the many faculty and staff members who work together to make Convocation a success. The team includes: A/V Services, Campus Security, Ceremonies & Events Office, Diamond Alumni Centre, Dining Services, Document Solutions, Facilities Management, faculty marshals, The Learning Centre, Parking Services, Public Affairs and Media Relations, SFU Pipe Band, Student Services and their many volunteers from across all campuses, student ushers and the VPs and Deans.

Because leadership is central to Simon Fraser University's composition and mission, the President publicly recognizes community leaders whose service and accomplishments are exemplary. He does so through the President's Distinguished Community Leadership Award.

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Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated throughout India and around the world. SFU’s President hosts a celebration at SFU Surrey featuring South Asian performances and cuisine. The objective is to celebrate SFU’s accomplishments in our India Strategy and growing relations with the Indo-Canadian Community in BC and to raise funds to support student mobility scholarships which offer SFU Students an opportunity to gain valuable experience by working and volunteering in cities and villages throughout India.

A major fundraising breakfast to raise money to support student athletes and develop scholarships to attract the best athletes to SFU's programs. The breakfast also celebrates the achievements of the past year through Athletics awards.

This event is hosted by the SFU President and SFU Dean of Business to honour those who have shown leadership in advancing diversity in business. Proceeds from the event go to the Nancy McKinstry Endowment, which supports the scholarship presented at this event - The SFU Nancy McKinstry Graduate Scholarship for Leadership in Gender Diversity.  SFU established the endowment to honour Nancy McKinstry and build on her legacy.

Each year, Simon Fraser University and the SFU Alumni Association honour its most accomplished graduates with Outstanding Alumni Awards. These graduates are nominated by alumni, faculty, staff, students, and SFU's many friends in the community. In addition, the Alumni Association honours one student per year with a $2000 Outstanding Student Leadership Award. Since the awards were first introduced in 1983, the Outstanding Alumni Awards event has become one of SFU's most celebrated traditions.

Simon Fraser University hosts this annual event to thank the community for its support and to provide an update on SFU Surrey’s latest activities and achievements.  Proceeds go to the SFU Surrey Close to Home Awards Endowment Fund.

This event is an opportunity for the President and University to thank SFU donors and supporters for their contributions and to celebrate the University’s achievements in the year. For the past four years the event has been held at the Segal Graduate School of Business.

The SFU Awards Dinner brings together faculty, staff, select students and community members who have been the recipients of prestigious awards and honours in the previous years. Held at the Diamond Alumni Centre, this event is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the very best of SFU.