Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
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Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
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Description area
Dates of existence
History
The Ceremonies and Events Office manages and produces Simon Fraser University's ceremonial, social, fundraising and special events and maintains SFU's traditions and protocol. It is the main office (along with the Registrar's Office) responsible for Spring and Fall Convocation ceremonies.
The Office coordinates many other events throughout the year, primarily for the President's Office, University Advancement and Alumni Relations. The office responsibilities include formal university events such as building openings; ceremonies such as SFU Remembers; donor recognition events; staff/employee recognition and awards events.
Prior to 1982, the Registrar's Office was responsible for convocation ceremonies, while the President's Office organized other ceremonial functions. Over the years, the title "Ceremonies Officer" was used by various university staff in the Registrar's Office.
In February 1982 the position of Director of Ceremonies was formally created when Donna Laws, assumed this position in addition to her role as Secretary to the Board of Governors. She held both positions until her retirement in 1993, when she was succeeded as Director of Ceremonies by her long-time associate, Marilyn Pankratz. The position of Secretary to the Board of Governors was taken over by another university staff member.
The Director of Ceremonies reported to the Vice-President, University Development until 1987, when the reporting relationship changed to the Vice-President for SFU at Harbour Centre (1987-1992), Vice-President Harbour Centre and External Relations (1992-1994), Office of the President (1994-2002), and the Vice-President, University Advancement (2002-).
Chief officers:
- Donna Laws, Director, 1982 - 1993
- Marilyn Pankratz, Director, 1993 - 2004
- Holli Edgelow, Director, 2004 -