A message from Michael Stevenson
Since 1965, SFU has grown from a small, innovative institution with a fresh mission and a local student base to a major Canadian university with an expanding presence in the global arena. We now have campuses in Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey with a total student enrolment of more than 30,000; six faculties, 60 departments and schools, and 63 institutes and centres; and partnerships with more than 100 leading universities in 39 countries, including our first international dual-degree program in China.
In recent times, SFU, like other universities, has sought to advance our distinctive vision and mission with a clearer visual identity and tag line. We wanted a brand that would build on SFU’s heritage and success, inspire us to move forward and strengthen our position as a world player.
Jim Rimmer, perhaps Canada’s premier font designer, was clearly up to the task. His bold rendering of our new logo (see banner above) is a clear and contemporary representation of the letters SFU, the abbreviation by which we are most widely known. The brand statement — Thinking of the World — speaks to the role the university plays in uncovering the mysteries of the world through basic research as well as responding to the needs of the wider community through the applications of research. In addition, it upholds SFU’s enduring commitment to active social engagement both locally and internationally.
I believe this new visual identity will contribute to a greater recognition of SFU’s collective presence and achievements, and a more consistent impression of the university’s unique values and commitments. As we think of the world, the world will think of SFU.
Michael Stevenson
President and Vice-Chancellor
