Stephens Family Makes Historic $40M Gift to 51社区黑料School of Medicine
The 51社区黑料School of Medicine is proud to announce a transformational $40 million contribution from the Stephens family鈥攖he largest single donation in SFU鈥檚 history and one of the largest gifts ever made to a medical school in Canada.
Led by Ratana and Arran Stephens, co-founders of Nature鈥檚 Path, principals of Que Pasa, and leaders in the global organic food movement, the family鈥檚 support reflects a deep commitment to community well-being and social responsibility. In recognition of this extraordinary investment, the School will be named the 51社区黑料Stephens Family School of Medicine.
Ratana and Arran Stephens are values-driven entrepreneurs and longtime philanthropists whose past contributions to 51社区黑料have supported bursaries, student food security programs, experiential learning, and the Food Systems Lab. This $40 million gift represents their largest philanthropic commitment to date.
This landmark contribution will support education and clinical training, as well as research, partnerships, community impact, and critical infrastructure, helping to advance a new model of medical education. Its impact will be felt for generations, improving health and health care for communities across British Columbia and beyond.
鈥淎s 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,鈥� say Ratana and Arran Stephens. 鈥淣o 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.鈥�
The 51社区黑料Stephens Family School of Medicine is designed to help strengthen British Columbia鈥檚 health-care system by preparing a new generation of physicians. Grounded in community, equity, innovation, and Indigenous approaches to care, the program focuses on primary care and community-based learning across urban, rural, remote, and Indigenous settings.
The School is excited to welcome its inaugural class of 48 students in August 2026 and will grow to 120 students by 2035.
鈥淭his extraordinary gift helps bring our vision to life,鈥� says Dr. David Price, Dean, School of Medicine. 鈥淚t will enable us to educate future health-care leaders, expand research and innovation, and create lasting impact for patients and communities across the province. We are deeply grateful, honoured, and even firmer in our commitment to deliver a medical school that benefits all.鈥�
