The Simon Fraser University (SFU) School of Medicine has received a transformational $40‑million gift from the Stephens family, the largest single donation in the university's history.
The Stephens family, led by Ratana and Arran Stephens, co-founders of Nature's Path, principals of Que Pasa, and leaders in the global organic food movement, made the gift to advance community well-being and social responsibility.
In recognition of this gift, one of the largest to a school of medicine in Canada, the school will be named the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine. The donation will support student training, research and innovation, community impact, and critical infrastructure.
"This visionary gift is transformative for SFU's new school of medicine as we prepare to welcome our first students in August 2026," says SFU President Joy Johnson. "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."
Ratana and Arran Stephens are values-driven entrepreneurs and longtime philanthropists. This $40-million gift is their largest philanthropic commitment.
"As we approach the later chapters of our lives, and as we reflected on where we could make the most meaningful difference, the SFU school of medicine emerged as the most important change-maker of our time," say Ratana and Arran Stephens. "No one fully understands the weight of sickness and suffering until they themselves have been ill or injured. The healing of the sick, and the education of those who will dedicate their lives to that work, are perhaps the noblest callings a human being can pursue. We believe deeply in supporting those on the front lines of treating the wellness and overall well-being of people throughout our communities."
As the first entirely new medical school in Western Canada in nearly 60 years, the Stephens Family School of Medicine will strengthen B.C.'s health-care system by training the next generation of primary-care physicians dedicated to improving the health of B.C. families across urban, rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.
"The new state-of-the-art medical school will make Surrey a hub of innovative, high-quality health care," says Premier David Eby. "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. This new school is just one way our government is improving health care in British Columbia and south of the Fraser. Thank you to the Stephens family for their remarkable generosity."
Past contributions to SFU from the Stephens have funded bursaries, student food security programs, experiential learning, and the Food Systems Lab. Ratana and Arran Stephens have been honoured by many awards, including SFU's President's Distinguished Community Leadership Award in 2024.
"Over many decades, the Stephens family have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the health of both people and the planet, a vision that aligns closely with SFU's mission for advancing an inclusive, sustainable future for all," says Erin Morantz, vice-president, advancement and alumni engagement. "This partnership with the Stephens family enables investments at a significant scale to support primary care research, student spaces, and technology, which will benefit the wellness of our communities for generations to come."
The school of medicine is designed to advance primary care, the foundation of health care, where innovative approaches to education, research and partnerships have the greatest potential for individual, community and system impact. The first class of 48 medical students will begin their studies in August 2026. The size of each cohort will gradually increase to 120 students by 2035.
"This school was built on a bold vision: to deliver medical education grounded in community, innovation, and Indigenous approaches to care," says Dr. David Price, school of medicine dean. "We are very thankful to the Stephens family for this extraordinary gift that will help us educate future health care leaders, expand primary care research and training, and accelerate our impact across the province."
