UNIVERSITY NEWS

CHRIS (SYETA'XTN) LEWIS RECEIVES SFU CHANCELLOR'S DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Giving back to the community has guided alumnus Chris (Syeta’xtn) Lewis’s commitment to helping SFU achieve its vision of a more equitable, diverse and inclusive tomorrow. A former chair of SFU’s Board of Governors and co-chair of the Aboriginal Reconciliation Council, Syeta’xtn has helped SFU in its path to reconciliation.

WHY A BAN ON CONVERSION THERAPY ISN'T ENOUGH

Health Sciences professor Travis Salway researches the unjust and avoidable harms to sexual and gender minority populations. His collaborative work is helping inform policies and practices to prevent these harms, while building networks of support.

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LIFE-CHANGING SFU EXPERIENCE INSPIRES ALUMNUS TO PAY IT FORWARD

When Robert Chen arrived at SFU in 1998 to pursue his master's degree in economics, it was his first time venturing outside of his home country. Luckily, he quickly found a second home at SFU's Department of Economics. Fuelled by a desire to give back to his alma mater, Chen pledged a financial contribution to the Economics Student Leadership Fund.

"I see it as my responsibility now to pay it forward," says Chen. "I believe that there is always room to help, no matter how big or small."

MEET ROBERT

RESOURCES + OPERATIONAL UPDATES

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING DURING COVID-19

The pandemic is a challenging and uncertain time. If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, please reach out for support.

SFU's Human Resources webpage has tools available related to COVID-19, well-being and resilience and mental health. Staff and faculty can also access the Employee and Family Assistance Program.

POP-UP VACCINATION CLINIC AT VANCOUVER CAMPUS

If you need a COVID-19 vaccine and are at SFU’s Vancouver campus on Tuesday, October 19, stop by the Teck Gallery at Harbour Centre from 12 p.m.-7 p.m. for your first or second dose. The clinic is open to anyone 12 and older. No appointment is necessary.

VIEW CLINIC DETAILS

IT'S TIME TO SPOTLIGHT SFU'S EXCEPTIONAL ALUMNI

You are invited to nominate candidates for the Outstanding Alumni Awards—one of SFU's most celebrated traditions. Each year, exceptional SFU alumni from around the world are honoured through the awards. The deadline to submit a nomination is Monday, November 8.

ARE YOU WORKING ON INNOVATIVE CLIMATE SOLUTIONS?

A call is now open for proposals under the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) Theme Partnership Program. PICS supports complex—and critically important—climate mitigation and adaptation research projects, funded up to $1 million. The deadline to submit a letter of intent is Monday, November 15.

KEEP CAMPUSES SAFE WITH JUST A FEW CLICKS

If you haven’t submitted a vaccine declaration yet, you can submit your confidential declaration online or by emailing covid19@sfu.ca to request a fillable form.

IF YOU SEE SOMEONE IN DISTRESS, DO YOU KNOW HOW TO HELP?

SFU Health & Counselling offers a variety of workshops and resources. On Wednesday, October 20, join a workshop to learn how to ask someone about suicidal thoughts and connect them with various SFU and community-based services.

FEATURE EVENT

October 14 | Hosted by SFU Public Square

2021 STERLING PRIZE CEREMONY AND LECTURE

Sdahl K’awaas (also known as Lucy Bell) is the recipient of the 2021 Nora and Ted Sterling Prize in Support of Controversy for her bravery in calling out racism in the heritage field and advocating for change in an era of reconciliation. Tune in to hear from Sdahl K’awaas at a lecture and ceremony spotlighting her work.

October 15 | Hosted by SFU Public Square

SUMMONING THE NERVE TO LEAD

Martha Piper and Indira Samarasekera, former presidents of UBC and the University of Alberta, tackle the issues facing women in leadership roles in their new book, Nerve: Lessons on leadership from two women who went first. The book will be launched with a conversation and Q&A hosted by SFU president Joy Johnson.

Leading up to the event, learn more about these women leaders and why they say there is still work to be done.