SFU's new medical school gets $40 million gift, biggest in university's history

Simon Fraser University (SFU) has secured its largest-ever donation of $40 million from Ratana and Arran Stephens, founders of Nature’s Path organic foods, to fund its new medical school. The gift, announced in May 2024, will support student training, research, infrastructure, and community impact for the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine, set to open in Surrey, British Columbia, in August 2026. The donation will enable the school to launch with 48 students, expanding to 120 by 2035. It will also fund primary care research, student spaces, and technology, while reinforcing Indigenous approaches to care. SFU president Joy Johnson called the gift ‘transformative,’ emphasizing its role in advancing medical education and health innovation in the province. The Stephens family, known for their work in organic food and food security, expressed a commitment to supporting healthcare professionals. ‘The healing of the sick and the education of those who will dedicate their lives to that work are perhaps the noblest callings,’ they stated in a joint message. This marks the first new medical school in Western Canada in nearly six decades. British Columbia’s Premier David Eby praised the donation, calling it ‘remarkable generosity’ that will make Surrey a hub for high-quality healthcare. The school’s first cohort will focus on serving diverse communities across the province, including urban, rural, remote, and Indigenous populations. Erin Morantz, SFU’s vice-president for advancement, noted the partnership will enable long-term investments in community wellness. Dean Dr. David Price highlighted the school’s vision of community-grounded, innovative medical education. The Stephens family has previously supported SFU through bursaries, food security programs, and a food systems lab, reinforcing their commitment to education and health.