NEWS & EVENTS

June 1, 2023

Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples on whose unceded traditional territories our three campuses reside.

 

UNIVERSITY NEWS

SFU RANKED #1 IN THE WORLD FOR SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

SFU is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future—and our impact is recognized around the world.

In the 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings—which measure universities’ strengths in advancing the United Nations’ sustainable development goals—SFU is number one for its global impact on sustainable cities and communities, and fifth in the world for climate action. 

 

As a community, we honour the culture, resilience, contributions and history of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples at SFU and beyond. Throughout June, join us in celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Month through events, activities, resources and stories. It is also an opportunity to actively participate and learn more about the university's priority of upholding Truth and Reconciliation. 

For the LGBTQIA2S+ community, Pride is a chance to reflect on the past, look forward to the future and join in celebration. It is important to remember that Pride Month has its roots in protests and resistance, from the Stonewall Riots, to Canada’s first gay rights protests, to ongoing fights today for justice, visibility, equality and inclusion. Discover the work being done by SFU community members to elevate LGBTQIA2S+ peoples, as well as opportunities to celebrate.
 

ANNOUNCING THE 2022 STAFF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT FOR LEADERSHIP

Kris Nordgren currently serves as SFU's Assistant Registrar, Student Services - Senate & Academic. Nordgren is recognized for being a supportive leader who mentors his team to achieve work excellence. Although he is known for being humble about sharing the secrets to his success, winning this award persuaded him to share some thoughts.

 

As the SFU community prepares to celebrate the graduation of our students, we will be sharing stories from various faculties in the next couple of weeks:

For graduand Reese Findler, pursuing Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies was a natural fit. Emerging from the theatre world to organizing fundraiser performances for the LGBTQ+ community, Findler is deeply committed to social justice issues.

“I chose not to do one thing with my degree, I did a lot with it.” Alyssa Zandvliet majored in Indigenous Studies, acted as co-president of ChangeSFU and has an array of distinct achievements. In fall 2023, Zandvliet will pursue her master’s degree through SFU’s Individualized Interdisciplinary Studies program.
 

SCHIZOPHRENIA IN THE CONTEXT OF THE "CHINA DREAM"

Why do people diagnosed with schizophrenia in China hear “voices” of state leaders? SFU anthropology professor Jie Yang interviewed doctors, caregivers, patients and family members and observed experiences of pressure, subordination and self-preservation by those who felt excluded from the “China Dream.” 

 
 

RESOURCES + OPERATIONAL UPDATES

 

SFU CENTRE FOR DIALOGUE NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Aftab Erfan brings extensive experience as a facilitator and dialogue host for contentious issues. She has previously served as the City of Vancouver's inaugural Chief Equity Officer, an instructor and adjunct professor in the UBC School of Community and Regional Planning, and UBC's Director of Dialogue and Conflict Engagement.

With her vision, passion for dialogue and strong record of success, Erfan is the leader who can advance the very successful programs and relationships at the Centre for Dialogue and across SFU that will continue to make a difference for BC.

The Centre for Dialogue would also like to thank Laurie Anderson, who served as Interim Executive Director and ably led the Centre for Dialogue team and their critical work.

 

Do you know an SFU staff or faculty member who has made significant contributions to international sustainable development on behalf of the university? Please nominate them for the Chris Dagg award and help us recognize their impact. Nominations are due Monday, June 12.

 

SPOTLIGHT YOUR RESEARCH AND EXPERTISE WITH THE MEDIA

Contact us at mediarelations@sfu.ca with your idea/topic. Possible themes for June and beyond are:

  • New research and stories
  • National Indigenous History Month, Pride Month (June)
  • World Oceans Day: new research (June 8)
  • Summer themes: Wildfires, water quality, floods, heatwaves, and water restrictions; wildlife interactions
  • International: Ukraine's counter-offensive; US politics and elections; summer travel; world conflicts and protests; Artificial Intelligence effects on workforce and economy; oil demand/prices; economy and climate
  • B.C.: Go By Bike Week (May 29 - June 4), provincial by-elections (June 24), labour shortages, police financing, real estate and gentrification
  • Canada: Alberta election results; Bank of Canada interest rate announcement (June 7); real estate; expected "retirement wave"; shopping for deals, food prices and cost of living; healthcare issues and health policy; China relations
 

FEATURE EVENT

VOLCANISM IN THE EARTH SYSTEM: EXPERIMENTAL INSIGHTS

June 7 | Hosted by SFU Earth Sciences

Honorary Degree Recipient and Canadian geoscientist Donald Dingwell is regarded as one of the world's leading volcanologists. He is internationally known for his experiments on the physical properties of volcanic systems, including their kinetic processes and eruptions. Dingwell and his team have been pivotal in advancing what we know about the physiochemical properties of molten systems, and their influence on magmatic, volcanic and ore-forming processes.

 

EVENTS AND WEBINARS

June 2

June 4

June 6

June 7

June 7

June 7
 

Have content to share with the SFU community? Submit it to this newsletter.

Looking for a past newsletter? Visit the archive.

Connect with SFU
LinkedInFacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube