Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/609048
26 simon FALL 2015 (TERRY FOX) TERRY FOX FOUNDATION IN THE 50 YEARS since Simon Fraser University opened its doors to 2,600 students, the people who have become a part of its community have been engaging the world. The individuals who have strolled the Academic Quadrangle over the years come from diverse backgrounds: tech leaders and thought-provokers; activists and artists; sports stars and Canadian heroes; politicians and poets. There's the scientist whose work in both biology and comput- ing science is getting to the root causes of asthma in children. The hip-hop artist who's become the host of one of Canada's most popular radio programs. The former Olympic athlete whose foundation helps young people in Africa with their education. The environmental economist who's helping international governments meet their climate change goals. The runner who inspired a nation to fund cancer research. And the family who has created an observatory to teach young people to love the night sky. These trailblazers, disruptors, entrepreneurs and artists have not only shaped SFU into the world-class institution that it is today, they have also both engaged and changed the world around us. The challenge, of course, is choosing whom to highlight. The list of accomplished graduates, professors and leaders is long, but the standouts in this group are worthy of some extra time in the spotlight. From its modest beginnings in Burnaby just 50 years ago, SFU now has a lasting impact on the world thanks to these change makers. SPOTLIGHTING THE DYNAMIC PEOPLE WHO HAVE ENGAGED THE WORLD » BY CARLEIGH BAKER, LISA MANFIELD AND ANICKA QUIN «