This past weekend I had the pleasure of meeting leaders of tomorrow – and of today for that matter! – at the annual Leadership Summit hosted by Student Services on the Burnaby campus.

This student-run, high-energy event aims to strengthen leadership skills in young men and women who are already exemplary models of civic engagement.
 
I can't tell you how impressed I was to encounter more than 100 students prepared to devote their precious time and talent to becoming even better leaders.
 
As mentors, counsellors and coaches, they've already discovered the myriad benefits of volunteerism and civic engagement.

They already appreciate the value of lessons learned when someone gives freely to a cause they care about. They already know first-hand how being engaged prepares an individual to be not just a more confident and capable student, but a stronger and more resilient person.
 
It was a great end to a week that included the grand opening of the Build SFU Think Tank, headquarters for Simon Fraser Student Society's $65-million initiative to build a new student union building and stadium on the Burnaby campus.    
 
This exciting venture involves a significant partnership between the Society and the University, and is another wonderful example of SFU student engagement.
 
I was delighted last year when the SFSS revived the student union building initiative. The need for such a facility and stadium has grown immeasurably over the years along with SFU’s student population.
 
The new building will function as an activity centre, supporting student interaction and involvement in various campus activities, and enhancing the student experience.

And the new stadium will provide students greater opportunity to enjoy and support SFU’s varsity teams, and to welcome the growing number of fans who are following their NCAA triumphs and tribulations.
 
During all phases of the project’s development, the Think Tank will encourage dialogue, and offer students opportunities to participate in and contribute to the development of these facilities. 

On January 30th, for example, the project team will present several architectural firms at an open student forum. Students will then have an opportunity to provide feedback so a firm can be retained before April.
 
I am both impressed by and appreciative of the student society’s efforts to move this project forward, and by the support it has received from the general student population.
 
SFU's new vision speaks to the value of "engaging students" by equipping them with "the knowledge, skills and experiences that prepare them for life in an ever-changing and challenging world." It also commits SFU to fostering "supportive campus and learning environments."
 
The students I encountered at these two events not only demonstrated their commitment to these goals, but also showed how student efforts can go a long way to helping SFU achieve them.