The foundation, through Alpha Group, has given more than $700,000 in funding support to SFU

Photos: http://i.sfu.ca/sRXdJG

A laboratory at Simon Fraser University’s Surrey campus, designed to teach engineering students about sustainability and power generation, will be known as the Kaiser Foundation for Higher Education Laboratory.

A formal naming ceremony Tuesday recognized the support of the foundation —and the more than $700,000 in funding and equipment it has given to SFU over the past 17 years—and was attended by foundation founder Fred Kaiser and representatives of Alpha Group, which funds the foundation.

The lab houses an array of state-of-the-art power electronics equipment that provides students with valuable, hands-on experience as they study technologies related to power generation, electronics, circuits and embedded systems (computer systems contained within devices).

“This lab offers an engaged learning environment for our students that will equip them to contribute to a more sustainable world, ” said SFU President Andrew Petter.

Adds Fred Kaiser, foundation founder: "The Kaiser Foundation for Higher Education Laboratory will promote learning, research and innovation in power electronics and renewable energy technologies to prepare the next generation for the knowledge-based economy and a sustainable global environment."

Nimal Rajapakse, dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, calls the lab “a unique place where our students study and experiment with power electronic technologies” that are relevant to sustainable energy.

“The lab allows us to teach students concepts and solutions to problems that are relevant to industry. We are excited to train engineers who will contribute to the economic growth of BC and the world."

The foundation has been a long-time supporter of SFU’s Faculty of Applied Sciences, through student awards and a professional development speaker series.

Among the many contributions to SFU made by the foundation and Alpha Group:

• $300,500 in funding and equipment for the Kaiser Foundation for Higher Education Laboratory for power electronics
• $133,000 engineering science student endowment (undergraduate support)
• $80,000 Kaiser Foundation endowment (graduate student support)
• $55,000 for faculty and department support through a fund for student professional development
• $30,000 in donor designated student awards; and $25,000 to the Faculty of Applied Sciences development fund

Attendees later toured the lab where MSE professors Jason Wang and Merhdad Moallem showcased teaching and research initiatives that are underway related to new sustainability technologies.

As Canada's engaged university, SFU is defined by its dynamic integration of innovative education, cutting-edge research and far-reaching community engagement.  SFU was founded almost 50 years ago with a mission to be a different kind of university—to bring an interdisciplinary approach to learning, embrace bold initiatives, and engage with communities near and far. Today, SFU is a leader amongst Canada's comprehensive research universities and is ranked one of the top universities in the world under 50 years of age. With campuses in British Columbia's three largest cities—Vancouver, Surrey and Burnaby—SFU has eight faculties, delivers almost 150 programs to over 30,000 students, and boasts more than 130,000 alumni in 130 countries around the world.

Contacts:

• Karen Lee, Faculty of Applied Sciences communications, 778.782.8923, k_lee@sfu.ca
• Marianne Meadahl, University Communications, 778.782.9017, Marianne_Meadahl@sfu.ca

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Simon Fraser University: Engaging Students. Engaging Research. Engaging Communities.