Simon Fraser University’s school of medicine has received a whopping $40 million gift from the Stephens family, after whom the school in downtown Surrey will be named.
This, the largest single donation in SFU’s history, was revealed Friday on behalf of the family, led by Ratana and Arran Stephens – co-founders of Nature’s Path and principals of Que Pasa.
Their gift to the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine will support research and innovation, training for students as well as critical infrastructure.
Ratana thanked SFU for partnering with their family “in bringing this vision to light.”
Arran noted B.C. is facing a “profound and urgent challenge – a critical shortage of family doctors leaving far too many people without access to the care they need. I know people have said that for two years they’ve been trying to get a family doctor without success.
“Supporting this medical school is not just about education, it’s about strengthening the future of our health care system and we want to acknowledge the important partnership of the province of British Columbia whose leadership and investment are helping make this new school possible,” the philanthropist said. “This is a shared effort and a meaningful step forward for health care in this province.”
SFU President Joy Johnson said their “visionary gift is transformative” for the new school as it prepares to take in its first 48 students in August. Subsequent cohorts are expected to increase to 120 students by 2035.
“This visionary gift is transformative for SFU’s new school of medicine as we prepare to welcome our first students in August 2026,” she said. “We are deeply grateful to Ratana, Arran and their family for their extraordinary generosity, which will enhance the future of medical education and health innovation in B.C.”
Surrey’s is Western Canada’s first new medical school in nearly 60 years.
Premier David Eby noted this state-of-the-art medical school “will make Surrey a hub of innovative, high-quality health care.
“The SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine will train the next generation of doctors right here in B.C., which will help more people find a family doctor close to home.”
Eby thanked the family for their “remarkable generosity.”