NEWS & EVENTS

June 6, 2023

Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples on whose unceded traditional territories our three campuses reside.

UNIVERSITY NEWS

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

As SFU celebrates the convocation of thousands of students this week, we can't help but reflect on our roots. In 1965, the university opened it doors to 2,500 charter students (the first students to attend SFU). Two years later, SFU again celebrated by granting its first earned academic degrees to 12 students, including the first PhD.

As the SFU community celebrates the graduation of our students, we are sharing stories from various faculties:

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES WITH CREATIVE AMBITION

Isabella Wang is an award-winning, published author graduating with a bachelor of arts, with a double major in English and world languages and literatures. She has overcome homelessness and cancer on the way to completing her degree. Wang has started her own non-profit and will be continue on to her master's in sociology at SFU.

USING REMOTE SENSING TO ASSESS FOREST FIRE TRENDS

Anmol Saini graduates with a major in computing science and a minor in geographic information science. In her last term, she completed an advanced remote sensing project which assesses forest fire risk variables and trends in B.C. by utilizing remote sensing concepts and technical methods to examine burned area extent and severity.

CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES SPARK BPK GRAD'S PASSION

Lara Gastaldello was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at a young age. She then volunteered at BC Children's Hospital to learn more about her own condition and to improve treatment for other kids. The experience sparked Gastaldello's curiosity about the human body. This week, she graduates with a degree in biomedical physiology and kinesiology at SFU.

AN UNCONVENTIONAL JOURNEY TO SUCCESS

Tim Holloway, a former firefighter turned business professional, defied the odds by enrolling in a part-time MBA program at SFU Beedie without an undergraduate degree. With an unconventional background in firefighting, real estate, as well as sports and entertainment, Holloway's journey showcases resilience.

GEOGRAPHY LECTURER DECOLONIZES THE CURRICULUM

Students and colleagues recognize Leanne Roderick as a thoughtful, collaborative and engaged teacher who isn't afraid to implement new approaches to learning. She piloted a labour-based grading system that values the effort put into a course rather than the quality of the outcome. Roderick’s commitment to personal growth and her responsiveness to the needs of students are key to her success.

CONGRATULATIONS LEANNE

INFLUENCING POLICY CHANGE AND IMPACTING RESEARCH

Forced labour and child labour are not relics of the past. Vulnerable people around the world continue to be exploited in modern slavery through supply chains. As director of SFU’s School of Public Policy and co-lead of the Restructure Lab, SFU forced labour expert Genevieve LeBaron is influencing public policy to tackle this important issue.

RESOURCES + OPERATIONAL UPDATES

APPOINTMENT OF A NEW GENERAL COUNSEL

SFU is pleased to announce the appointment of Francesca Hennigar as SFU general counsel. A supportive and energetic leader, Hennigar has served as acting general counsel since October 2022 and brings a wealth of multi-jurisdictional experience and a thorough understanding of the university landscape.

CONGRATULATIONS FRANCESCA

CONVOCATION PARKING NOTICE

Summer Convocation is happening Tuesday, June 6 to Friday, June 9. During those days, North lot parking will be reserved for graduates and their guests. In anticipation of increased traffic to campus during this time, please allow yourself extra time for your commute or consider alternate transportation methods such as public transit or carpooling.

FEATURE EVENTS

JOURNALISM AND DEMOCRACY IN NON-WESTERN CONTEXTS

June 7 | Hosted by Community-Engaged Research Initiative

Bruce Mutsvairo is a professor in the Department of Media and Culture Studies at Utrecht University, Netherlands. His expertise lies in the exploration of digital and data dissidents, journalists, activists as well as their utilization of online-based technologies to foster political and social transformation across the Global South. Mutsvairo will delve into the intricate connection between journalism and democracy, with a specific focus on non-Western environments.

HUMAN CENTRED AI: ENSURING HUMAN CONTROL WHILE INCREASING AUTOMATION

June 7 | Hosted by SFU School of Interactive Arts and Technology

In a discussion about human-centred AI, Ben Shneiderman will share insights on the importance of considering human values, ethics as well as user experience in developing and deploying AI systems. The talk will be followed by a Q&A session, providing an opportunity to share perspectives and engage in stimulating discussions with fellow attendees.

CELEBRATING HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT ADELLE BLACKETT

June 9 | Hosted by SFU Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Adelle Blackett is an acclaimed scholar, educator, advocate and international leader in human rights, trade law and labour rights. Her tireless work has advanced social justice and helped transform the narrative on anti-Black racism. Attend a free reception-style lunch and a fireside chat. Black faculty, staff and students are all encouraged to attend.

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