51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏ

Adam Walter (BA ’14, MBA ’25), a proud member of the Leq'á:mel First Nation, first came to 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏas a transfer student, earning his BA in 2014 with a major in Political Science and minor in History. 

During his undergraduate degree at SFU, Adam completed a co-op placement with what was then Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada gave him the opportunity to remove legal barriers for self-governing First Nations looking to access capital debt markets, an experience he says helped shape his decade-long career in public policy. Today, Adam brings his energy and experience to Vancity’s Enterprise Strategy team, and is excited to stay connected giving back through his new role on the 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏAlumni Council. 

What is a highlight of your career so far?

During my time in public policy, a major highlight was helping secure $13 million from the Government of Canada to support the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning. Dechinta is a transformational initiative in the Northwest Territories that delivers accredited, land-based post-secondary education grounded in Indigenous knowledge. That funding enabled Dechinta to reach more northern communities and increase student access across the region. 

Today, I’m proud that my work supports the growth of cooperative, values-based banking. A huge motivator in my career has been creating positive impact. Working for a financial institution where members and communities are at the centre of the business model allows me to contribute to change in new and meaningful ways.

Why did you choose to get involved with 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏin this way?

Post-secondary education has had an enormous impact on my life trajectory. I was, at best, a mediocre high school student, but university allowed me to pursue subjects that I was genuinely passionate about, and everything really clicked. Although I’ve finished my degrees, joining the Alumni Council keeps me an active member of the 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏcommunity and gives me the chance to give back to an institution that has done so much for me. 

As a proud member of the Leq'á:mel First Nation, I’m also particularly excited to help showcase the achievements of SFU’s growing number of remarkable Indigenous alumni.

What are the benefits of staying connected to your alma mater, especially at this stage of your career?

For me, it keeps me learning. The raison d’être of a university is to cultivate the creation of new knowledge. In day-to-day life, as professional and family responsibilities continue to build, it is easy to fall into routine. Remaining connected to your alma mater exposes you to emerging trends and new ideas, providing opportunities to challenge assumptions and the status quo.

What advice would you give to students nearing graduation or recent graduates?

Don’t mistake a good plan for the only plan. Your path may surprise you, and that’s often a good thing. I thought I knew exactly where I was headed, but my interests evolved and unexpected opportunities appeared. Pay attention to yourself and if something resonates deeply, follow that thread to see where it leads.