You have earned this moment. You have worked hard in your studies, deepened your knowledge, and broadened your horizons.
Growing tensions abroad and an opioid crisis at home have fueled anxieties and fears.
And the devastation caused by hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria is a disturbing portend of what our failure to address climate change might hold in store.
The Oslo Peace Institute reports that there have been fewer wars and fewer war deaths in the past 10 years than at any time in the past century.
But nothing makes me more hopeful than looking out at all of you.
I am particularly reminded of the "We Are All SFU" event held earlier this year in Freedom Square following the announcement of the US travel ban on citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries.
The same spirit and determination was on display last month, when so many from SFU joined the Vancouver Walk for Reconciliation, an affirmation of our shared commitment to Canada's Indigenous peoples.
I would like to believe the activism and sense of purpose that motivated our community to take part in those events was nurtured here at SFU.
It was deeply gratifying, therefore, to see how widely these values are held by our students, faculty and staff.
As you take from this university the knowledge, skills and capacities you need to achieve personal success, I urge you also to take with you commitments to social justice and engagement.
In the course of improving your own lives, spare some time and energy for improving the lives of others and making the world a better place.
Today, you join a community of 150,000 alumni around the world, remarkable people who are already engaged in making their lives and their communities better.