President's Message

Convocation marks an important milestone in your life.  I join with others in offering you my warm congratulations on this extraordinary achievement.  In addition, I would like to express my thanks to members of your family and all others who made it possible for you to pursue your studies at Simon Fraser University.  They believed in you, they supported you, and they share in your pride.  This is also an important day of accomplishment for them.

Our convocation ceremony is unique to Simon Fraser, but is built upon imagery and symbolism that reflects the mediaeval origins of our University’s inheritance. Led in academic procession by the stirring sound of our six-time World Champion SFU Pipe Band, the robed graduands pass two-by-two into Convocation Mall, accompanied by faculty and dignitaries in their colourful regalia.  It is a special moment in a magnificent setting to be remembered for years to come.

At SFU, almost 80 percent of our graduating classes take part in the ceremony. Few other Canadian universities can boast this record of attendance, which reflects the spirit of our institution and its students.

Thank you for joining us for this very special event in your life and in the life of your University.

Andrew Petter
President and Vice-Chancellor

Chancellor’s Message

On behalf of Simon Fraser University, I am honoured to welcome you to Convocation.

The seeds of this exciting day were sown almost five decades ago when 2,500 bright young minds crossed the threshold of this fledgling institution on September 9, 1965. Those first students, and the scholars who mentored them, embraced a commitment to discovery, diversity and dialogue that still distinguishes SFU.

Look around Convocation Mall and you will see the youthful, creative energy that launched SFU still flourishes. We have grown not just in size but also in spirit. Our three campuses now welcome more than 30,000 students each year, and our newest graduates will join an alumni family that numbers more than 110,000 and spans the globe. 

Today is the moment to mark a job well done, a time to celebrate the effort and accomplishments of our students. But this is no farewell.

Tomorrow—or at least, one day soon—we will look forward to welcoming these graduates back. Because we know this ceremony is really just a well-appointed way station along the road to lifelong learning and engagement. Travel well.

Carole Taylor
Chancellor

Alumni Association Message

As President of SFU’s Alumni Association I wish to compliment you on achieving your academic goal and welcome you to our dynamic and diverse community of over 110,000 alumni in 130 countries.

At Convocation, a fellow graduate will award you our alumni pin, a symbol of your Association membership.  Your membership entitles you to numerous benefits and services.  Please visit our alumni website for details: www.sfu.ca/alumni.html.

On life’s journey, your Alumni Association will be here to keep you informed and involved in the future of SFU.  Join our Online Directory, other social media groups and register for alumni email forwarding to stay updated on your benefits, opportunities and unique events.

Like any community, we take pride in your accomplishments. We invite you to stay connected, share your latest achievements and to be our ambassadors to the world showing how your SFU education is making a difference. 

Congratulations, fellow alumni!

Chris Hilliard, BA ’88, BA ’06
President, SFU Alumni Association