On behalf of his alma mater, I wish to offer congratulations to Amrik Virk, British Columbia’s new Minister of Advanced Education.

The recently elected MLA for Surrey-Tynehead graduated from SFU in 1987 with a BA in Economics and History, and he has been an ambassador for the spirit of community engagement ever since.

You can find his full bio online, but suffice it to say that it’s gratifying to have someone with Mr. Virk’s deep professional experience and people skills at the helm of this important portfolio. A former RCMP officer and dedicated grassroots volunteer, Minister Virk has served on the board of the Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation, the board of Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and the advisory group that helped develop plans for SFU's Surrey campus continuing studies and community engagement activities.

I applaud anyone who makes the commitment to a life of public service. It’s critically important and often under-appreciated work. SFU looks forward to working with our new advanced education minister on issues and priorities of importance to students, families and the future of our province.

Best wishes Minister!