SFU Surrey opening gala dinner

Minister of Advanced Education Murray Coell
Surrey
Friday, Sept. 8, 2006

It’s a pleasure to be here to celebrate B.C.’s newest campus, and to honour the shared vision of the Province, Simon Fraser University and the City of Surrey that has resulted in this breathtaking space.

I’d also like to welcome my colleagues who are joining me in representing the provincial government tonight: MLAs Harry Bloy, Mike de Jong, Kevin Falcon, Dave Hayer, Richard Lee, John Nuraney and Mary Polak.

I know that their constituents – and all residents of Surrey and the communities nearby – have already begun to reap the benefits of having a world-class research university south of the Fraser River. And with this spectacular campus, opened by Premier Campbell and President Stevenson this morning, I believe

In the past four decades, Simon Fraser has earned a reputation as an innovative university –one that creates distinctive new programs and pursues new and productive areas of research.

It’s SFU that is giving comfort to an aging baby boom generation with David Vocadlo’s work that could well lead to developing a way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. It’s SFU that is playing a key role in the biggest science experiment in history through the Atlas Data Centre, where data from a particle physics experiment of unprecedented scope, will be analysed and stored. And it’s SFU where a team of researchers with widely varied expertise is working on ways to find and make antibiotics that can defeat the growing number of new infectious diseases.

With 20 per cent of its new seats devoted to graduate studies, I know we can expect amazing research results from this new Surrey campus, too. SFU Surrey is already contributing to the university’s reputation, with degree programs breaking new ground in such diverse fields as digital arts, industrial mathematics and educational technology. 

SFU Surrey is a rising star in our post-secondary constellation of 26 public institutions, and almost 120 campuses and regional centres. Those institutions hold a key to our future – for students preparing to live fulfilling lives, for communities who need the knowledge those students are acquiring, and for industries who depend on an educated workforce.

I am grateful to those who support our post-secondary system – and I see many such supporters here tonight. You know the value of advanced education, and you show it. You’ve given generously to Simon Fraser University and its new Surrey home. And you’re helping SFU Surrey provide South Fraser residents with the education they need to live, learn and prosper – as our province fulfills its promise, and its destiny.

Thank you.