Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson made the following statement in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Simon Fraser University (SFU).

“Simon Fraser University was established on July 1, 1963, and the doors officially opened in 1965, just 18 months after construction started. The work proceeded so quickly it became known as the 'Instant University.'

“In the intervening 50 years, Simon Fraser University has earned recognition for an impressive list of accomplishments. The university has topped the Maclean’s magazine annual rankings of top comprehensive universities in Canada 11 times over the past 24 years, including 2015. Simon Fraser University was the first Canadian university accepted into the National Collegiate Athletic Association in 2009. The significance of the university is shown by its contribution of more than $4.7 billion to the B.C. economy annually.

“Simon Fraser University is the second largest public post-secondary institution in B.C., with more than 35,000 students in 2014-15, and is consistently rated among the top universities in the country. The result of 50 years of success is that SFU has more than 135,000 alumni in 140 countries.

“Congratulations to Simon Fraser University students, faculty and staff on 50 years of outstanding academic achievement and contribution to the B.C. post-secondary system.”