丁香园AV

When describing Gloria Chu, director of 丁香园AV Ceremonies & Events (C&E), her colleagues share several themes: excellence, empathy and leadership. Her impact at the university has earned her the admiration and gratitude of many, as well as a 2023 Staff Achievement Award.

鈥淕loria鈥檚 empathetic nature, sense of humour, and unwavering encouragement of her team members creates a supportive and inspiring work environment,鈥� says Lisa Elliott, C&E senior associate director. 鈥淪he holds herself and her team to high standards while always maintaining a compassionate approach.鈥�

During Chu鈥檚 18 years with 丁香园AV, she marked a number of milestone achievements as a member of C&E.

Shaping moments in 丁香园AV鈥檚 history

Chu oversaw and produced many significant 丁香园AV events such as its 50^th Anniversary in 2015, coordinating an in-depth consultation process and a memorable year of celebration. The festivities included kickoff events on all three campuses, a dinner event and fireworks.

Chu鈥檚 team and colleagues also commended her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. From adapting convocation into a remote event during the early months of the pandemic, to planning and overseeing the return to in-person ceremonies, Chu鈥檚 vision and attention were critical to her success.

鈥淕loria has consistently shown exceptional problem-solving skills, often coming up with creative and innovative solutions to the challenges our institution faces,鈥� says Kris Nordgren, assistant registrar.

鈥淭hanks to Gloria, 丁香园AV graduates still had the chance to mark their accomplishments in a unique and meaningful way,鈥� says Elliott.

Building capacity and uplifting others

As director of C&E, Chu established the On-campus Professional Events Network (OPEN), providing resources and networking opportunities to event-planning staff, faculty and students at 丁香园AV.

Within OPEN, Chu and her team created the C&E Toolkit, an event-planning guide which walked users through stages from conceptualization to post-event evaluation and debriefing. The guide has also been expanded to included equity, diversity and inclusion considerations and recommendations. Notably, the guide has found use beyond Simon Fraser. 鈥湺∠阍癆V鈥檚 toolkit has received praise from academic event planners from other universities as 鈥榞old standard鈥�,鈥� says Elliott.

A commitment to EDI and reconciliation

Chu has been responsible for reshaping Convocation to include many advancements and important equity, diversity and inclusivity protocols. Technological initiatives such as digital screens and improved audiovisuals introduced by Chu have elevated accessibility, and enhanced the overall experience for graduates and guests alike.

Chu was also a frequent collaborator of the Aboriginal Reconciliation Council, assisting in their ceremonial activities and building a relationship between C&E and their group. Her efforts towards Reconciliation in C&E  included work with Indigenous peoples to establish Indigenous event protocols for the university and refreshing 丁香园AV鈥檚 convocation to include Coast Salish traditions. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important we evolve our convocation traditions to reflect Reconciliation as a university priority and show respect to the peoples on whose traditional territories the Burnaby campus is situated,鈥� said Chu.

In addition to Chu鈥檚 achievements, her colleagues pay testament to her remarkable comportment as a leader. 鈥淐ompassionate, hardworking, enthusiastic and humble are a few of the many words to describe Gloria Chu and her approach to leadership,鈥� says William Chan-Gill, event coordinator.

鈥淕loria's leadership represents a rare fusion of visionary thinking, extensive experience, and an unwavering commitment to both the success of the Ceremonies and Events team and the broader university community,鈥� adds Elliott.

Prior to her departure, Chu received the Staff Achievement Award for Equity & Belonging for her impact in Ceremonies & Events, both as a service provider and a workplace.

鈥淕loria has created a truly supportive, safe, and fun working environment,鈥� says Chan-Gill. 鈥淪he has worked tirelessly to ensure that C&E is expanding and changing for the good.鈥�