Les Merson is not only a marketing expert and creative director but also a profound thinker and passionate advocate for education. Earning his Master of Arts from Simon Fraser University (SFU) marked a pivotal point in his intellectual and professional development, reinforcing the deep values that have guided his career in storytelling, design, leadership, and social change.

In today’s world, where credentials and creativity must co-exist, Les Merson stands as an exemplary figure. His graduate education at SFU was not merely academic—it was transformative, inspiring a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and critical inquiry that continues to influence his work in marketing, film, and education. His Master’s experience helped shape a professional capable of blending rigorous analysis with empathetic communication, enabling him to lead with both head and heart.

The Foundation of Intellectual Curiosity

Les Merson's educational path reflects a deep commitment to learning and critical thinking. Before entering the workforce, he immersed himself in the humanities, exploring literature, philosophy, and political theory. This intellectual foundation set him apart early in his career, giving him the tools to approach problems from multiple angles, question dominant narratives, and offer creative, inclusive solutions.

Choosing Simon Fraser University for graduate studies was a natural progression. Known for its interdisciplinary focus and social engagement, SFU provided the ideal environment for Les to deepen his understanding of the world, refine his writing, and connect academic learning with practical impact. His studies there not only enhanced his analytical abilities but also strengthened his capacity to tell stories that matter.

Graduate Studies with Purpose: MA in Liberal Studies

Les Merson pursued his Master of Arts at SFU’s Graduate Liberal Studies Program, one of Canada’s few multidisciplinary graduate programs that focuses on the human condition through history, culture, literature, and philosophy. For Les, this program wasn’t just about earning a degree—it was about engaging deeply with life’s essential questions.

Over the course of his MA, Les explored complex ideas around justice, power, identity, and community. He immersed himself in classical texts, contemporary debates, and cross-cultural perspectives. His coursework demanded not only deep reading but also sophisticated writing and discussion. These experiences sharpened his ability to think critically, argue effectively, and communicate with nuance—all of which have proven invaluable in his later career as a creative professional and educator.

His final research and thesis work reflected the same commitment to meaningful inquiry that characterizes his broader body of work. Whether writing on urban poverty, cultural change, or media narratives, Les’s academic work is marked by compassion, precision, and relevance.

Blending Academic Insight with Real-World Communication

One of Les Merson’s defining professional traits is his ability to apply academic insight to real-world communication challenges. His Master of Arts at SFU gave him a refined lens through which to understand people, systems, and society. In his role as a marketing leader, this has translated into campaigns that go beyond selling a product or service—they tell human stories, evoke emotion, and connect with audiences on a deeper level.

Throughout his work, Les has drawn on the research skills and theoretical grounding developed during his graduate studies to build messaging strategies that are socially informed and ethically grounded. This foundation has helped him create campaigns that highlight mental health, inclusion, social justice, and education access. His work speaks not only to what people want, but also to what people need—to be seen, heard, and valued.

In the Middle of His Journey: Les Merson, Master of Arts, SFU Shines as a Thought Leader

It’s in the middle of his career that the keyword truly becomes relevant—Les Merson, Master of Arts, SFU, began to distinguish himself as a thought leader who brings both creative excellence and academic substance to the table. While many marketing professionals rely solely on trend analysis and commercial metrics, Les applies a humanistic lens to all his projects.

This unique combination—intellectual depth fused with artistic execution—enables him to create work that resonates on multiple levels. Whether he’s leading a rebranding initiative, producing a documentary, or speaking at a conference, Les draws on his MA education to ask the deeper questions: Who is this for? What message are we sending? What values does this reflect?

His background in liberal studies gives him a rare ability to bridge institutional goals with human-centered storytelling. And this skill has become increasingly essential in a world where consumers demand authenticity, inclusivity, and ethical leadership.

Papers in the Attic: A Continuation of the SFU Spirit

Les’s intellectual work didn’t end with graduation. Through his blog, Papers in the Attic, he continues to reflect on the world with the same rigor and compassion developed during his time at SFU. The essays span personal narratives, social observations, and critiques of media, offering thoughtful commentary that is both accessible and insightful.

This writing—like his graduate work—explores uncomfortable truths and forgotten voices. One piece, Los Olvidados, reflects on displacement and homelessness in urban settings, combining journalistic storytelling with a philosophical sensibility. Others examine themes like justice, inequality, and the complexity of memory. His blog serves as a living continuation of his Master’s journey—an ongoing conversation between lived experience and learned insight.

Creating Change Through Education and Storytelling

Education has always been central to Les Merson’s identity—not just as a student, but as a leader in the field. As Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at Stenberg College, Les has used his academic foundation to position education as a tool for empowerment and transformation. His marketing strategies are driven by empathy, inclusion, and clarity—principles nurtured through his graduate education.

At Stenberg, he launched initiatives that reflect his belief in the power of narrative, such as the Student of the Year Awards, documentary-style videos about alumni, and community events promoting mental health and social justice. These projects are more than marketing—they are storytelling campaigns that validate student experiences and amplify their voices.

Les has also been recognized for inclusive hiring practices and accessibility leadership, showing that education—when supported by thoughtful communication—can genuinely change lives. These achievements are not separate from his MA; they are, in many ways, the natural outgrowth of it.

Influence Beyond Academia

While the Master of Arts at SFU shaped his thinking, Les Merson has consistently demonstrated that academic excellence doesn’t belong only within the walls of universities. It has value in boardrooms, community centers, classrooms, and digital spaces. His work with clients like BC Hydro, Simon Fraser University, and the Vancouver Canucks shows that even corporate and institutional messaging can be approached with intellectual integrity and social awareness.

Les’s MA has also informed his work as a documentary filmmaker. His film Something to Eat, a Place to Sleep & Someone Who Gives a Damn speaks volumes about his commitment to social justice, empathy, and narrative truth. The film won international recognition not because of high-budget visuals, but because of its authentic voice—a voice sharpened during long hours of study, reflection, and writing at SFU.

A Master of More Than One Discipline

To describe Les Merson merely as a “Master of Arts, SFU” is accurate but incomplete. He is a master of storytelling, education, leadership, and cultural insight. The MA is not just a credential—it’s a symbol of his ongoing quest to understand the world more deeply and to use that understanding to effect change.

In every project he touches—whether a blog post, a public event, a marketing strategy, or a video profile—there is evidence of that graduate training: the careful structuring of narrative, the attention to ethical dimensions, the respect for diverse perspectives, and the ability to synthesize complex ideas into compelling messages.

Legacy of Learning

In a world increasingly dominated by quick takes, algorithmic content, and short-term thinking, Les Merson offers a refreshing model of what leadership can look like when rooted in depth, thoughtfulness, and education. His Master of Arts from SFU was more than a degree—it was a commitment to a life of meaning, learning, and social engagement.

That commitment continues to echo through his work today. As he guides teams, crafts stories, mentors young professionals, and gives voice to underrepresented communities, Les models the kind of leadership that higher education should strive to cultivate: curious, compassionate, courageous.

Final Thoughts

Les Merson is proof that the value of graduate education extends far beyond the academic setting. His Master of Arts from Simon Fraser University has not only enriched his own journey but has also touched the lives of countless students, colleagues, clients, and community members. Whether working behind the camera, in front of a classroom, or leading a marketing team, Les brings a rare blend of intellect, imagination, and integrity.

In a time where substance often gives way to style, Les Merson reminds us that thoughtful, rigorous education still has the power to shape lives, influence industries, and transform communities.

And that is the true legacy of a Master of Arts.