I recently had the honour of attending two wonderful events celebrating student engagement at SFU.

The first was a Student Volunteers Appreciation Banquet on April 12 at the Burnaby Hilton Metrotown.

It was the first-ever gala honouring the contributions of 24 student volunteer groups from all three campuses. And with a cheering section of more than 300 students and staff, it was quite the party!

Two weeks later, SFU tipped its hat to the Community Advisors who work in our residences at an appreciation and awards banquet at the Diamond Alumni Centre.

SFU is blessed with a deep pool of talented and committed student volunteers who make a positive difference to SFU campus life every single day.

By supporting their student peers, they help to make ours a university where students feel welcome and empowered. They also serve as wonderful role models for what it means to be an “engaged student.” 

But as the students I recently spoke with reminded me, volunteering is not just about giving. Receiving is also part of the equation, and they were quick to emphasize how much gratification and value they gain from their experiences.

Clearly the opportunity to make a genuine contribution to the health and strength of our campus communities equips students for life in an ever-changing and challenging world. And that’s one of the key goals of our new Strategic Vision.

I’m grateful to all our student volunteers.  They are the living proof that the road to the “engaged university” is most definitely a two-way street!