Simon Fraser University just received a $40 million donation from the Stevens family to support its new medical school, opening this August. Erin Morantz, SFU's Vice-President of Advancement and Alumni Engagement, joins to explain what a gift that size actually does — and why the name on the building is the smallest part of the story.

The Stevens family has been part of the SFU community for years. During the pandemic they delivered Nature's Path products to make sure students were fed. Their $40 million gift now supports capital construction, research with a focus on prevention and healthy living, student funding, and lectureships — the kind of infrastructure that government grants and tuition alone cannot cover.

More than 70% of SFU donors are alumni, and Erin makes the case that alumni show up in ways that go far beyond cheques. She also makes it plain that a five dollar a month contribution to the food security fund helps someone. The scale of the gift changes. The principle behind it doesn't.

Topics: SFU medical school, university philanthropy, alumni giving, Stevens family donation, charitable giving Canada

GUEST: Erin Morantz | http://give.sfu.ca

Originally aired on 2026-06-29

Simon Fraser University just received a $40 million donation from the Stevens family to support its new medical school, opening this August. Erin Morantz, SFU's Vice-President of Advancement and Alumni Engagement, joins to explain what a gift that size actually does &mdash; and why the name on the building is the smallest part of the story.
The Stevens family has been part of the SFU community for years. During the pandemic they delivered Nature's Path products to make sure students were fed. Their $40 million gift now supports capital construction, research with a focus on prevention and healthy living, student funding, and lectureships &mdash; the kind of infrastructure that government grants and tuition alone cannot cover.
More than 70% of SFU donors are alumni, and Erin makes the case that alumni show up in ways that go far beyond cheques. She also makes it plain that a five dollar a month contribution to the food security fund helps someone. The scale of the gift changes. The principle behind it doesn't.
Topics: SFU medical school, university philanthropy, alumni giving, Stevens family donation, charitable giving Canada
GUEST: Erin Morantz |<a href="http://give.sfu.ca"> http://give.sfu.ca</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-06-29

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.