Where excellence meets purpose

April 16 brought 170 people together for one powerful purpose: to celebrate exceptional SFU graduates from around the world who inspire, innovate, and make a positive difference.

The Outstanding Alumni Awards event paid tribute to five remarkable individuals who have spent years translating their SFU education into action. From influencing directions of entire industries to creating meaningful change in their communities, from taking unconventional routes to redefining what success looks like, these alumni embody what it means to be resilient, adaptable, and intentional.

Each of our honourees recounted their unique stories through nostalgia, humour, and a deep appreciation of family, friends, educators, the special connections they nurtured at SFU, and the beloved physical spaces they made these memories in.

They spoke not just about their achievements, but their pride as SFU alumni and the key moments that defined them. It was in their stories that we learned more about the decisions and values that led them to where they are today. 

Here are a few highlights about each honouree, from the sentiments they shared with the crowd.

As a changemaker whose bold leadership and service are driving impactful philanthropy and community resilience, Grace credits SFU with building her confidence to step into unfamiliar and challenging spaces—both professionally and personally. 

While earning a degree was important, Grace emphasizes that the true value of SFU lies in being part of the thoughtfully engaged community committed to shaping a better world. SFU was a place of learning and exploration, and it helped build a solid foundation to empower her to take risks and trust her own voice. 

Watch Grace’s video to learn more about her journey. In her reflection, she shared:

“Through SFU’s communications co-op program, I was introduced to a field I hadn’t previously considered, and securing a co-op position with the Vancouver Canucks proved to be a turning point for me, it opened doors I didn’t even know existed.”

Igor is a tech entrepreneur and product leader who is scaling innovation with integrity—and who strongly believes in developing and supporting SFU students, particularly those pursuing ventures and entrepreneurship, so they can also turn bold ideas into reality.

Inspired by the legacy of SFU alumnus Terry Fox, Igor’s dream is for students to have wins that were not previously thought possible. He believes that there is a visionary and adventurer in all of us, no matter what we do, and that it’s our responsibility to aim high, never quit, and to build a future of Canada that we can all be proud of.

Watch Igor's video to learn more about his journey. In his reflection, he shared:

“One thing that we really need in Canada is a strong local tech ecosystem. And that’s companies, that’s people that work here that choose to start companies here. And it starts at SFU.”

Igor is a tech entrepreneur and product leader who is scaling innovation with integrity—and who strongly believes in developing and supporting SFU students, particularly those pursuing ventures and entrepreneurship, so they can also turn bold ideas into reality.

Inspired by the legacy of SFU alumnus Terry Fox, Igor’s dream is for students to have wins that were not previously thought possible. He believes that there is a visionary and adventurer in all of us, no matter what we do, and that it’s our responsibility to aim high, never quit, and to build a future of Canada that we can all be proud of.

Watch Igor's video to learn more about his journey. In his reflection, he shared:

“One thing that we really need in Canada is a strong local tech ecosystem. And that’s companies, that’s people that work here that choose to start companies here. And it starts at SFU.”

A leading forensic anthropologist and biomedical scientist bridging research excellence and pathways for future science innovators, Janna credits SFU’s commitment to innovative, cutting-edge research with instilling high academic standards, rigour, and critical thinking skills—tools she continues to rely on in her career today.

Janna says that SFU is an institution she feels most connected to, despite studying and working at many universities. She attributes this lasting bond to the positive, well-rounded experience she had as a student and her strong desire to give back. Janna believes that success in academic is never achieved alone, and that mentors and collaborators—particularly strong women leaders at SFU—played a pivotal role in shaping her approach to research, leadership, and mentorship. One of the most rewarding aspects of her career now is mentoring the next generation of biomedical scientists, clinicians, and forensic anthropologists.

Watch Janna's video to learn more about her journey. In her reflection, she shared:

“I credit SFU with being the first institution where I first learned how to translate knowledge into action, and where I learned the beginnings of how to educate and empower communities and the next generation of students.”

Don is a trailblazer in spatial data technology leading with generosity and putting people first while transforming the industry. He frames his career as a result of opportunity, timing, and the support of others, and also highlights SFU as central to his life and career, from forming lasting friendships and being mentored by faculty, to seeing the next generation of his family graduate from the same alma mater.

Through building a company over three decades, Don emphasizes a commitment to doing good alongside doing business, and to prioritize community, employees, and customers. Reflecting on the teachers, mentors, colleagues, friends, and family who supported him, Don called on us to “show up” for others, just as many people showed up for him.

Watch Don's video to learn more about his journey. In his reflection, he shared:

“Going to SFU was great. It was my first choice…. And I would say my time at SFU, and just what I learned and how it shaped me and my career, has been instrumental.”