Enriching the student experience is at the heart of the university’s Thelma Finlayson Centre for Student Engagement, opening Oct. 11 in Maggie Benston Centre at the Burnaby campus.

Named for the 98-year-old former SFU biology professor, who spent almost four decades after retirement advising as many as 8,000 struggling learners, the space will be devoted to fostering student success.

The centre is fittingly named, given Finlayson’s “boundless generosity and compassion towards students” as a volunteer advisor, says Rummana Khan Hemani, director of Student Success.

Finlayson, who helped establish SFU’s first academic advising centre and continued counseling students on campus twice weekly until three years ago, will be at the centre’s official opening 3-5 p.m. in MBC Rm. 2000.

“I was so surprised to learn that they were naming the centre after me, I couldn’t believe it,” she says. “All I know is, this will be good for the students,” who “need our help, more than ever.”

The Finlayson centre will provide a central, welcoming space where students can receive personalized information, guidance and advice on academics and co-curricular learning opportunities, says Tim Rahilly, associate VP-students.

“The space and its programs and services will definitely offer more opportunities for students and support student-led initiatives.”

Often when they begin university students “feel lost” and “just want to find someone who’ll listen,” says Finlayson.

“They’re away from home, everything is different, and it’s not always easy to cope. The students all share a similar desire to do well.

“I tried to help them feel a little more confident. I never judged, I just listened, and showed them some options. I told them, ‘you’re adults now, it’s up to you to choose.’”

An entomologist who helped found SFU’s pest management program, Finlayson is an SFU honorary degree recipient and a member of the Order of Canada.