After six dedicated years as Simon Fraser University's chancellor, Tamara Vrooman ends her time in the role following June's convocation ceremonies.
"As the first in my family to attend university, I always knew the value of post-secondary education," says Vrooman, who served the maximum term as chancellor. "But after serving as SFU's 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."
The president and CEO of the Vancouver International Airport, Vrooman's relationship with SFU 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 SFU's vision and community and shaken nearly 22,500 hands across 72 convocation ceremonies.
"Tamara 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," says SFU President Joy Johnson. "She provided invaluable advice in those early days and continued to do so throughout her time at SFU, 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 SFU community."
Vrooman's accomplishments as chancellor include providing strategic advice as a member of the board, changing the Chancellor's Distinguished Service Award to recognize student leadership and contributing to the university's climate action work.
"SFU'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, SFU alumnus and former member of SFU350. "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."
Outside of SFU, Vrooman is chair of the Greater Vancouver Gateway Council and former chair of the Canadian Infrastructure Bank. She 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.
"Throughout her time on the board, Tamara has been a superb communicator, trusted thought partner and relentless advocate for students and the SFU community," says board chair Carol Herbert. "Her ability to analyze complex situations and recommend actions that are aligned with SFU's vision and values, combined with her business acumen and commitment to social impact, have helped us to strategically navigate a dynamic time at SFU and in the post-secondary sector."
Vrooman will be honoured during SFU's June convocation ceremonies, where she will address the graduating class for the final time. She will be succeed as chancellor by SFU alumnus and business leader Elio Luongo.
"As I end my time as chancellor, I want to simply say: thank you," says Vrooman. "Thank you to the students, faculty, staff, leadership, SFU Board of Governors, SFU Senate, alumni and Elders past and present who make this community so remarkable."
"There is no university on Earth like SFU. I truly believe that. We are not afraid to do things differently and to forge our own path all the while conducting world-leading research, developing innovative programs designed for the future and placing the SFU community at the heart of everything we do. I know that SFU 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."
SFU's convocation ceremonies run from June 8-12, 2026. Learn more on our website.
