In the fall of 2020, Simon Fraser University remotely installed Chancellor Tamara Vrooman and President Joy Johnson in a meaningful ceremony that signified a new era of hope and opportunity. Joined and viewed by 5,500 members of the university community, including alumni, donors, staff, faculty, students, local government, and friends, the Installation Ceremony launched and animated the incoming president and chancellor’s key priorities of reconciliation, equity, diversity and inclusion, and student experience.
The path to reconciliation was affirmed by the introduction of a new tradition of including Indigenous drumming and singing into the ceremony, and new regalia for the president and chancellor that were redesigned to feature Coast Salish motifs. As well, included in the ceremony were an Elder from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, who provided a traditional welcome to the guests, and the Squamish Nation artists who blessed the gowns and shared the meaning of their work.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) was woven throughout the ceremony. All the speakers have led and championed EDI in their work. Representing diverse age groups, perspectives and backgrounds, six of the 10 speakers were female, four were from the BIPOC community, and the president was joined by her wife.
In regard to student experience, the focus on students was evident in the speaker remarks; two of the three speakers invited to respond to the president and chancellor were leaders in the student community.
SFU’s installation ceremony fully embodied the university’s vision and priorities.
From the Judges
Effective program, with beautiful use of Indigenous cultural elements elements included in the ceremony. Impressive attention to detail and impactful graphics. The gift boxes were the perfect touch. Well done.
