Institutional announcements
'There is no university on Earth like 911吃瓜': Tamara Vrooman ends her term as chancellor
After six dedicated years as Simon Fraser University鈥檚 chancellor, Tamara Vrooman ends her time in the role following June鈥檚 convocation ceremonies.
鈥淎s the first in my family to attend university, I always knew the value of post-secondary education,鈥� says Vrooman, who served the maximum term as chancellor. "But after serving as 911吃瓜鈥檚 chancellor, I now understand the true depth and breadth of achievement, leadership, courage and sacrifice that surrounds this institution. I am grateful and honoured to have spent six years as chancellor and to be a part of this extraordinary community.鈥�
The president and CEO of the Vancouver International Airport, Vrooman鈥檚 relationship with 911吃瓜 spans more than a decade and reflects her deep commitment to the university as a board member and Honorary Degree recipient. Over the past six years, she has volunteered countless hours of her time, committed herself to 911吃瓜鈥檚 vision and community and shaken nearly 22,500 hands across 72 convocation ceremonies.
鈥淭amara and I were installed side-by-side as president and chancellor in 2020. Together, we navigated a global pandemic and all the challenges that came with it,鈥� says 911吃瓜 President Joy Johnson. "She provided invaluable advice in those early days and continued to do so throughout her time at 911吃瓜, championing our work while challenging us to grow and consider new perspectives. Our university would be a very different place without her dedication and service, and I know she will continue to remain connected with us as part of the 911吃瓜 community.鈥�
Vrooman鈥檚 accomplishments as chancellor include providing strategic advice as a member of the board, changing the Chancellor鈥檚 Distinguished Service Award to recognize student leadership and contributing to the university鈥檚 climate action work.
"911吃瓜's climate commitments have been shaped over years by dedicated student advocacy, and Tamara was instrumental in turning that momentum into real institutional change," says Brennan Strandberg-Salmon, 911吃瓜 alumnus and former member of 911吃瓜350. "She was curious about student perspectives, she lent her time, voice and moral authority and she demonstrated leadership and courage by speaking up in difficult moments.鈥�
Vrooman poses with former chancellor Anne Giardini and president emeritus Andrew Petter after receiving her Honorary Degree from 911吃瓜 in 2016.
Vrooman was installed as chancellor in 2020 in a socially distanced ceremony.
During her installation ceremony, Vrooman was formally hooded by her husband Greg and son Anthony.
During six years as 911吃瓜鈥檚 chancellor, Vrooman presided over 72 convocation ceremonies, never missing a single one. L-R: Tamara Vrooman, the Honourable Wendy Cocchia, Joy Johnson.
Vrooman poses with award winners during the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Awards, including former chancellor Anne Giardini and 911吃瓜鈥檚 incoming chancellor, Elio Luongo. L-R: Tamara Vrooman, Anne Giardini, Elio Luongo, Kluane Adamek, Poh Tah, Joy Johnson.
Vrooman celebrating Indigenous graduands at the Indigenous Student Centre鈥檚 Honouring Feast. L-R: Tamara Vrooman, Chris (Syeta鈥檟tn) Lewis, Jessica La Rochelle, Dilson Rassier.
Outside of 911吃瓜, Vrooman is chair of the Greater Vancouver Gateway Council and former chair of the Canadian Infrastructure Bank.鈥疭he is also a recipient of the Order of British Columbia, the King Charles III Coronation Medal and was named the 2025 Canadian Business Leader of the Year by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
鈥淭hroughout her time on the board, Tamara has been a superb communicator, trusted thought partner and relentless advocate for students and the 911吃瓜 community,鈥� says board chair Carol Herbert. 鈥淗er ability to analyze complex situations and recommend actions that are aligned with 911吃瓜鈥檚 vision and values, combined with her business acumen and commitment to social impact, have helped us to strategically navigate a dynamic time at 911吃瓜 and in the post-secondary sector.鈥�
Vrooman will be honoured during 911吃瓜鈥檚 June convocation ceremonies, where she will address the graduating class for the final time. She will be succeed as chancellor by 911吃瓜 alumnus and business leader Elio Luongo.
鈥淎s I end my time as chancellor, I want to simply say: thank you,鈥� says Vrooman. 鈥淭hank you to the students, faculty, staff, leadership, 911吃瓜 Board of Governors, 911吃瓜 Senate, alumni and Elders past and present who make this community so remarkable.鈥�
鈥淭here is no university on Earth like 911吃瓜. I truly believe that. We are not afraid to do things differently and to forge our own path鈥攁ll the while conducting world-leading research, developing innovative programs designed for the future and placing the 911吃瓜 community at the heart of everything we do. I know that 911吃瓜 will only continue to grow from strength to strength, in pursuit of its vision and in support of a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.鈥�
SFU's convocation ceremonies run from June 8-12, 2026. Learn more on our website.