Celebrating Diversity | Embracing Inclusion Assisting Aboriginal students a priority and privilege Patrick Small Legs-Nagge celebrates a successful first year as Special Advisor to the President on Aboriginal Affairs
Altered textbook, altered reality How one student’s learning experience will help educators understand how they can help others experiencing trauma
Empowering Black students Helping students make important connections and access support
leadership heroism community leadership heroism community leadership heroism community leadership heroism community leadership heroism community leadership heroism community leadership heroism community leadership heroism community leadership heroism community leadership heroism community leadership heroism community leadership heroism community leadership heroism community leadership heroism community leadership heroism community leadership
GROW THE GIFT. FOR HER. FOR YOU. She encouraged, guided and inspired you to grow. Through her strength you found yours. Now, it’s time to celebrate the gift that she has nurtured and passed on to you. The Riva Spatz Women’s Wall of Honour provides a space to acknowledge the hard work and determination of women everywhere. Those who have fostered strength, leadership and community, and those to which these gifts have been passed on to. Your gift helps us deepen our roots, supporting inspiring women everywhere. Please help us continue the growth and donate today at msvu.ca/donate.
The Riva Spatz Women’s Wall of Honour womenswallofhonour.ca For more information, please contact giving@msvu.ca or call (902) 457-6470
Message from the President DR. MARY BLUECHARDT
The Mount was founded on a commitment to equality and inclusion – and these principles remain at the core of our University today. Our students, staff, faculty and alumnae share in a very rich culture here. We are part of a community representing more than 60 countries around the world, and you are a significant part of that community by acting as our truest ambassadors and supporters.
As you will read about in this issue of Folia Montana, we recently welcomed a new Special Advisor to the President on Aboriginal Affairs. In this role, Patrick Small Legs-Nagge is playing an important part in supporting the success of Aboriginal learners and ensuring meaningful relationships with the Aboriginal community, both of which are of great importance to the Mount.
I’m also pleased to report that we have undertaken to ensure some visible signs of our commitment to an inclusive campus environment, supportive of members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. For example, we raised the pride flag on a new pole affixed to the front of the Seton Academic Centre. As well, we installed four new picnic tables painted in the colours of the pride flag and painted the stairs up the hill to Evaristus Hall in the same colours. Our health services team also recently worked together with the Students' Union Pride Health Centre to host a dedicated health clinic for trans, non-binary and questioning students. We’ve been working on inclusion efforts at the Mount for some time, and will continue to lead campus-wide efforts while also supporting our students, faculty, and staff who are themselves advancing efforts with a focus on inclusion and diversity, including research and other endeavours. While we celebrate the gains that have been made to be more open and inclusive, we must always strive to do better as a society, a community and a university. It is our commitment at the Mount to ensure an environment that is supportive and inclusive of all. If you have ideas to help further our efforts, I would be happy to hear from you and encourage you to be in touch with suggestions for how we can move forward as a global community of Mount alumnae.
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Celebrating Diversity | Embracing Inclusion UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
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ALUMNAE PROFILE - KSENIA KHOLINA Nutrition graduate receives prestigious Quest Award
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ALUMNAE PROFILE - AMANDA MAY
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ALUMNAE PROFILE - JAMIE COOLEN
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A NEW PERSPECTIVE
A triumphant return to the soccer field
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EXCELLENCE EXEMPLIFIED
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A warm welcome
Can a used book alter learning?
Shattering biases
Celebrating outstanding teaching
RESEARCH PROFILE - SHANE THEUNISSEN
Welcome to the family
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MESSAGE FROM MSVAA
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUCCESS
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Record turnout for annual event
Getting an A+
BLACK STUDENT SUPPORT Connections and empowerment
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NEW CENTRE FOR ACADEMIC ADVISING AND STUDENT SUCCESS
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MOUNT 101 Supporting new students
ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS - SPECIAL ADVISOR
- Patrick Small Legs-Nagge
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ASSISTING ABORIGINAL STUDENTS A PRIORITY
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KEEPING PACE AT THE MOUNT
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MOUNT CELEBRATES PRIDE
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ALUMNAE AWARDS - Vanessa Yurchesyn - Ifeanyi Emesih
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MSVU VALEDICTORIAN
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RESEARCH PROFILE - DR. JESSIE-LEE MCISAAC
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ALUMNAE NETWORKS
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REUNION WEEKEND
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RESEARCH PROFILE - DR. SARAH REDDINGTON
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CLASS NOTES
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RETIREES
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IN MEMORIAM
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- Kathleen Chan
Providing voice for families
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GIRLS CONFERENCE
Building safe spaces and small craft
CONVOCATION 2018
Thinking in more open and fluid ways
Folia Montana The Magazine for Mount Alumnae and Friends
Editor’s Note
United we stand. Embracing diversity and inclusion is at the heart of Mount Saint Vincent University. It is inherent in the way the University operates, the culture it strives to create, and the education it offers. We all thrive when celebrating our differences is inherent in the way we work, connect, learn.
Editor donalee Moulton Quantum Communications Managing Editor Lori Lancaster, Alumnae Relations University Advancement Folia articles written by donalee Moulton and MSVU Communications. Thanks to both. University Advancement Anne Thibodeau Beth Pyesmany-Arsenault Denise Green Erin Patrick Lori Lancaster Marguerite Holland Meghan Bolhuis Rachel Crozier Design & Production Rand Gaynor Digital Imaging, Prepress Film and Printing Advocate Printing & Publishing, Pictou, NS Fulfilment Services Russell House Contact Us | Address Change | Class Notes Alumnae Relations, University Advancement Advancement House Mount Saint Vincent University Halifax, NS B3M 2J6 Canada T: 902-457-6470 / 1-888-MSV.ALUM (678-2586) (Toll free in Canada / USA / Bermuda only) F: 902-445-3962 E: alumnae@msvu.ca W: msvu.ca/alumnaeandfriends
This issue invites you to be part of that celebration. In these pages you will read about the work the Mount is doing to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for students from across the street and around the globe. That work is extensive. Last year, the University became the first in Nova Scotia to raise a wikuom on campus as a space for Indigenous gathering and education. A new Aboriginal garden is being installed now, near the Aboriginal Student Centre. Here students, faculty and staff will grow plants with Indigenous significance, including ceremonial plants. The Mount’s Black Student Support program connects Black students with people who share similar values, culture, backgrounds, and experiences. It’s a way of making students feel even more at home – and a recognition that for all of us there are times when we need support. This issue also highlights the work of Dr. Jessie-Lee McIssac, who knows firsthand that policy is important to what ails us. One critical aspect of McIsaac’s work is her focus on supporting and engaging marginalized families with young children. She plans to involve families in a photography project through which they can visually share their experience of accessing programs for their young children. Amanda May, who accepted her Master’s degree in Education as this issue of Folia Montana was going to press, shares her journey as a student experiencing trauma. Using a technique known as altered textbooks, May reimagined and reshaped – literally – her grade 8 math textbook. An altered book is a form of mixed media artwork that changes a book from its original form into something different, thereby altering its appearance or intended meaning. In the process, it spotlights critical issues and insight. Now working toward her PhD at the University of Ottawa, May hopes tools like an altered textbook can be used by educators to give voice to students with trauma. Giving voice is the first step.
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We hope you enjoy reading this issue of Folia. Going forward, we will be issuing Folia in the spring.
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Mount Saint Vincent University
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A Warm Welcome
Denise Green, new Executive Director for University Advancement
Passing by Advancement House at the far end of
campus this past fall, one might have noticed some wonderful changes – new windows, new siding, and some new green space! As the external pieces of Advancement House blossom, so do the internal workings of the office that has recently welcomed a new leader.
woman in a leadership role and as a parent raising a daughter, I found myself connected to the mission of the Mount,” she noted. “This focus also aligns well with trends among women in philanthropy. In the years ahead, women donors stand to reshape giving in Canada.”
“As a woman in a leadership role and as a parent raising a daughter, I found myself connected to the
Denise Green joined the Mount community as Executive Director of Advancement in September 2018. As the leader of Advancement, Green will further the University’s priorities in the areas of fundraising, donor and supporter stewardship, and alumnae relations. An experienced fundraiser and team leader, Green joins the Mount from United Way Halifax where she fulfilled a range of roles with increasing responsibility and success over the past 11 years. Her most recent position was Director, Major Gifts and Donor Stewardship. She has more than 17 years of social sector experience, including in the arts and health services. Green is a go-getter by nature and passionate about making a difference. What drew Green to the Mount was the University’s strong tradition and enduring focus on social responsibility and the advancement of women. “As a
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mission of the Mount." Together with Lori Lancaster, Manager of Alumnae Engagement, and the Mount Saint Vincent Alumnae Association, along with team members from University Relations, Green is looking forward to working with you, our extensive world-wide network of close to 34,000 alum, to help understand your needs and wants, ultimately leading to a stronger connection and greater affinity to our wonderful institution. Come visit us or connect anytime. To reach Green, connect at denise.green@msvu.ca. FM
Folia Montana The Magazine for Mount Alumnae and Friends
Ksenia Kholina receives NSHRF Quest Award Award recognizes “the greatest promise and potential for excellence in health research”
Quest award winner Ksenia Kholina
Applied human nutrition graduate Ksenia Kholina is the first Mount student to win the prestigious Quest Award from the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation (NSHRF). Kholina, of Saint Petersburg, Russia, is the 2018 recipient of The Quest - John Ruedy Award, which is presented to the graduate student researcher who demonstrates the greatest promise and potential for excellence in health research. She was chosen from among applicants with the highest standing in NSHRF’s Scotia Scholars Award competition. “It is always exciting when we identify the Quest winner, but this year it is doubly so,” says NSHRF CEO Krista Connell. “This is the first time the recipient is from the Mount, which highlights the excellence of the Mount’s research programs, and that research excellence in NS is spread across all our post-secondary institutions.” Kholina’s research is examining the role of early infant feeding practices in chronic disease prevention. She is working under the supervision of Dr. Kyly Whitfield, an assistant professor for the Department of Applied Human Nutrition. Before coming to Halifax to study at the Mount, Kholina studied medicine and worked in a clinical research setting in Russia. “To start a new path in
a different country and be recognized like this is mind blowing,” she says. Working with chronic disease patients in Russia inspired Kholina to study nutrition. “I decided I wanted a career that focused on prevention as opposed to treatment, because that’s how we can make the greatest impact in terms of public health.” Now Kholina will be working with Whitfield on projects that have the potential to generate new knowledge to guide infant feeding best practices.
“I decided I wanted a career that focused on prevention as opposed to treatment, because that’s how we can make the greatest impact in terms of public health.” “I will be following Haligonian infants who are exclusively consuming human milk, both from the breast and a bottle, over the first six months, measuring milk intake and tracking their growth trajectories,” she says. “Dr. Whitfield and I hope this work will help to better understand how babies here in Nova Scotia are actually fed, and whether this can influence growth and development.” FM 2018 - 2019
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Folia Montana The Magazine for Mount Alumnae and Friends
Altered textbook, altered reality A recent Mount grad explores her personal learning experience to help educators understand how they can help students experiencing trauma Three years ago, Amanda May was browsing through a used book sale. In a bin of discarded books she uncovered a memory – and started on a journey that has changed her life and may one day impact the lives of students in Canada and around the world. The book she found at the bottom of the bin: her grade nine math textbook. “When I saw it, the struggle I had as a learner came rushing back. I was determined to understand that struggle,” says May. “As a person with a history of traumatic childhood experiences, I never questioned or reflected upon my educational experience until recently as an adult. "Altering a book can be healing, life affirming, and stimulate growth and change." I never before asked, ‘Who am I as a learner in the context of adversity?’” May’s struggle and subsequent understanding are discussed and dissected in a new piece of writing: her Master’s thesis, which May completed earlier this year. The 124-page document, entitled The Scar Runs through the Pupil: An Autoethnographic Inquiry details the Nova Scotia native’s personal issues as a learner in the context of trauma and the implications this has for educators looking to engage and support students dealing with upheaval in their lives. “Prior to entering kindergarten, I had suffered a traumatic eye injury allegedly inflicted by my mother, spent six weeks in the hospital, was removed from the care of my
mother, and was uprooted into the foster care system. These were all life-altering events,” says May. “In this study, I delve into the phenomenon of student learning within the context of such adversity.” The math textbook plays a central role in understanding the implications of that phenomenon. Using a technique known as altered textbooks, May reimagined and reshaped – literally – her grade 8 textbook. An altered book is a form of mixed media artwork that changes a book from its original form into something different, thereby altering its appearance or intended meaning. In the process, it spotlights critical issues and insight. “Altering books provides a symbolically rich canvas with which to express one’s inner life and emotional well-being. The process of making art intentionally through creatively altering a book can be healing, life affirming, and stimulate growth and change. It can also help systems – including the educational system – understand the diverse needs of those they are here to help,” says May. In her case, she made the altered textbook by using childhood photographs and images that exemplify her learning narrative. “I cut, ripped, glued and altered the pages with found objects to create a tactile, interactive experience for the reader,” May says. “My life story of adversity is embedded here, and this represents the intersection between the adversities faced during my time in foster care and my struggles as a learner. The two are inseparable.”
Inside an image "The metaphor of the pocket visually represents the things we carry. Inevitably, the pocket is impacted by what is carried. The im ages of the pockets represent the diversity of learners. Readers of my thesis are invited to unbutton, unzip, and untie the pockets and notice how the pocket is impacted by what is carried. "
The cover title, for example, was altered from Mathematics 8: Focus on Understanding to Aftermath: Focus on Understanding and bound with an eye patch. As you open the book cover, there is a photograph of a fabric tapestry on the inside cover. “Each individual thread represents the messy, chaotic and often hidden, yet significant parts of one’s life,” explains May. While the altered textbook was central to May’s personal journey of discovery, its potential use as a classroom tool reflects the critical need to give voice to students with trauma. “Many students live in difficult circumstances, and trauma broadly affects a diverse population of students,” May notes. My study highlights the importance of understanding the emotional learning journeys of students, particularly students in foster care,” says May. “I hope it’s a story educators across Canada will continue to tell.” FM
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Jamie Coolen receiving her degree in May, and one of Jamie’s drawings.
Shattering biases Jamie Coolen graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Her degree is more than a sign of her academic excellence. It is proof that she, like other students with high-functioning autism, is capable of doing whatever she puts her heart and mind to. Jamie, from Whites Lake, Nova Scotia, was diagnosed with autism several years ago. Although her initial learning curve was steeper than for others her age, by middle school Coolen was excelling academically. In high school, she found success as both a stellar student and an artist. She decided to focus her university studies on science. Small class sizes, encouraging faculty and staff, and an alumnae connection (her mother is a graduate of the Mount’s Bachelor of Business Administration program) are what drew Coolen to the Mount. “I’ve learned that I can excel in academic environments and hope that people who told me I wouldn’t can see me now. I didn’t fail despite the odds I faced in this degree,” she says. Coolen is a firm believer that others with autism shouldn’t be afraid to take on post-secondary education, especially with services like those offered by the Mount’s Accessibility Services department, which helps students identify and access accommodations and supports that are unique to their needs. They promote self-advocacy and an equitable learning environment so every student can reach their full potential. 10
“You need to look at your academics and understand your strengths coming into it,” Coolen says. “If you want to do it, there’s no harm in trying.”
Breaking down barriers through art Although she’s been busy with academics these last few years, Coolen has still found time for her artistic pursuits. She hopes to shatter biases about autism through her art, which takes many forms. Coolen’s drawings are intricate in nature; her pieces are detailed reflections of the world around her.
"I didn’t fail despite the odds I faced in this degree." Her most recent project challenges the incorrect assumptions people have about autism through a “factor-fiction?” style myth-busting video (now in its final stages of production). Some of these assumptions include that those with autism are incapable of empathizing with others or that they aren’t interested in making friends. “There is a fear of not understanding how to go about interactions and accidentally hurting someone in the process,” Coolen explains. “Just because someone may not act as you expect doesn’t mean your assumptions about them are true.” FM
Folia Montana The Magazine for Mount Alumnae and Friends
A new perspective on life After treatment for cancer, Kevin Abraham makes a triumphant return to the soccer field Kevin Abraham has learned that
on the soccer field and in life one attribute is essential: resiliency. Almost two years ago after a particularly rugged game, Abraham found himself in pain and short of breath. His mother suggested he visit a walk-in clinic. The clinic recommended an x-ray. The x-ray revealed a growth on the fifth rib on his right side. “The doctor wasn’t certain whether this was cancerous, but there was no doubt there was a tumor,” says Abraham. He was 23 years old. Several treatment options were examined. Finally, Abraham underwent surgery to have the fourth, fifth and sixth ribs and all of the lateral muscles removed. New
muscle was created using GoreTex and muscle from his abdomen. Recovery time is usually seven to 10 days. Abraham was out in four. “If the surgery had been done five years ago, they told me I would have been in a coma the surgery is so painful,” says Abraham, a political science major. Today the New Waterford native is back on his feet – and on the field. His recovery continues, but Abraham is determined to reclaim his life. “This put my life into perspective,” he says. “You hear about people getting cancer all the time, but you never really think it will happen to you. Now I just want to get out and do things.” One of those things is playing soccer. During a chance encounter
with a friend, Abraham was introduced to two members of the Mount Saint Vincent Mystics soccer team. They mentioned they needed a goalie, and Abraham was interested – but tentative. The Mount’s coach reached out and Abraham was medically cleared to play. “The fact I’m back on the soccer field is a miracle,” says Abraham. “Being away from soccer was really tough.” Being back on the field and being part of a team has been beneficial, he adds. “Playing with the team really improved my confidence and recovery. I feel good on the field.” On December 23rd, Kevin Abraham was one year cancer-free. FM
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A round of applause for: President and Vice-Presidents’ Advanced Career Teaching Award
Celebrating outstanding teaching At spring convocation, the Senate Committee on
Teaching and Learning announced the recipients of the 2018 Mount Saint Vincent University Teaching Excellence awards. The awards, introduced in 2017, were established to recognize teaching excellence at every level, including senior and junior full-time faculty and part-time faculty. They reflect the University’s strong commitment to leadership in teaching and learning. Mount community members were invited to nominate professors, librarians and laboratory instructors who demonstrate teaching excellence. The nominations could be submitted by individuals or groups, and invited people to think about best teaching practices.
Denyse Rodrigues, a member of the Mount’s library staff, received this award in recognition of her exceptional contribution to student success, with a focus on accessibility and personalized support. Rodrigues has shown a strong commitment to supporting students in online learning by teaching and assisting in the research process, including navigating online archives and resources. By creating a supportive environment, and using teaching practices that respond to individual students’ needs and interests, she creates a personalized approach that helps students make the most of their learning.
Alumnae Early Career Teaching Award Dr. Tracy Moniz, with the Communication Studies department, describes teaching as one of the “great joys” in her life. Moniz stands out in her field as an innovative and thoughtful writing instructor at all levels. Her inventive approach is student-focused, using tools such as peer mentorship and student portfolios to bring students to the forefront of their learning. It’s an approach that has a profound impact; one former student credits Moniz with being instrumental in helping them “find their voice.” In short, her passion for her field is contagious in the classroom and an inspiration to her students.
Alumnae Part-Time Teaching Award
Dr. Tracy Moniz, Dr. Katie Aubrecht and Dr. Denyse Rodrigues
This year, seventeen talented and committed Mount educators were nominated. “It is wonderful that teaching excellence is so widely recognized and valued in our university community,” said Dr. Elizabeth Church, vicepresident academic and provost.
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Dr. Katie Aubrecht, Family Studies and Gerontology, makes learning accessible by engaging students both inside and outside the classroom. Dr. Aubrecht’s teaching approach is informed by race and culture, class, gender, sexuality, disability, and age. Lessons are enriched by taking field trips to apply learning outside classroom walls and experience theory in practice. She has been described as a caring professor whose style is “leading edge and transformative.” In addition to her outstanding teaching efforts, Dr. Aubrecht is recognized by her peers as a generous colleague who is always willing to share her expertise. FM
Folia Montana The Magazine for Mount Alumnae and Friends
Building safe spaces and small craft Boat building workshop teaches much more than construction skills Professor, mentor, advocate, sailor. Dr. Shane
Theunissen, with Mount Saint Vincent University’s Department of Child & Youth Study, is all those things. Now he has added “award-winning filmmaker” to the list. Joining him as the credits roll is Nick Jones with the Mount’s Digital Media Zone. The dynamic duo have prepared a short video that tells the story of Theunissen’s boat building workshop, a program co-hosted by the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and connecting youth in care with Mount Child & Youth Study students. The video earned Theunissen the Best Writer: Canadian Films award at the 300 Seconds Short Film Festival, which celebrates micro-short films (of five minutes or less), earlier this year. The boatbuilding workshop at the heart of the video was designed to help the Mount students learn how to build safe spaces enabling supportive interactions with youth from the HomeBridge Youth Society, which provides residential care, educational support and therapeutic programming to youth in care aged 12 to 18. “It is these relationships built over time in safe spaces that form the foundation of all youth work. I am able to discuss these ideas in the university classroom, but the ideal way to learn of these spaces is to experience them in person,” says Theunissen. As a partner in the project, Eamonn Doorly, marine conservation assistant at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, taught the finer points of boat building. In the
end, with his help, the group constructed two 12-foot long Bevin’s skiffs, a traditional wooden row boat that can be readily assembled in a short period of time – and launched them in Halifax Harbour. Theunissen also notes that they were thrilled to have expanded the project to working with grade 5 and 6 students at Pictou Landing First Nation School in Nova Scotia this past June. In their future careers, many Mount Child & Youth study graduates may be responsible for designing and implementing recreational programming for youth. “While consumptive experiences such as watching movies, laser tag, and video gaming are easy programming choices, they do little to instill a sense of purpose and value in the life of a youth,” notes Theunissen. “The purpose of this project is to instill within future youth workers the value of activities that are not only mechanisms for building meditative and caring spaces,” he adds, “but also allow for skill development that can have significant impact on youth and caregiver perceptions on self-esteem, belonging, and selfactualization.” Links to the story of Theunissen’s award winning video, as well as the video from the Pictou Landing school project, can be found on YouTube under Building Safe Spaces and Small Craft and Building Boats, Changing Lives. Photo above:Shane Theunissen (L) and Eamonn Doorly with students from Pictou Landing First Nation school FM
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Welcome to the Family In May, we celebrated approximately
600 graduates from 29 countries during spring convocation ceremonies held in Halifax. Students crossed the stage from arts, science, education, and professional programs to accept a wide range of certificates, diplomas, and degrees before becoming part of the Mount’s network of more than 34,000 alumnae. We also celebrated three honorary degree recipients in Megan Leslie, Jane Abram, and Deborah Gillis. Additional convocation photos can be found on the Mount’s Flickr site www.flickr.com/photos/themount
Top clockwise: Graduating students on top of MSVU sign, Dr. Mary Bluechardt with graduates, PHD student, Erin Careless, Honorary degree recipients Deborah Gillis, Jane Abram and Megan Leslie; graduates; and graduate selfie.
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Folia Montana The Magazine for Mount Alumnae and Friends
MSVU valedictorian has an appetite for learning
Kathleen Chan addressing students at convocation
Kathleen Chan’s time at
the Mount is far from over, but this past spring she ended her undergraduate studies as valedictorian. Originally from Burlington, ON, Chan completed a BSc in biology at Bishop’s University. Following this degree, she took time to explore the field of paleoclimatology, the study of climate change throughout history. It was a lecture by a local dietitian and nutrition researcher that sparked her interest in nutrition. “It blew my mind,” she remembers. “I knew then that was what I wanted to do.” Chan chose the Mount’s Applied Human Nutrition program because of the wide range of opportunities for research and community engagement it offered. Already familiar with the East Coast, thanks to many summers spent with family in New Brunswick, and inspired by Halifax’s arts and culture scene (which her husband, an artist, was eager to join), Chan and her family (completed by two dogs) readily made the move to Halifax. Under the supervision of Mount faculty researcher Dr. Kyly Whitfield, Chan completed an honours thesis on public opinions around infant feeding in Nova Scotia. Chan is
thankful for Dr. Whitfield’s support and encouragement throughout the process. “She is someone who believes in you even when you don’t. Our personalities are a great match, which makes for a great working relationship.” Chan’s thirst for knowledge is not yet satisfied. This summer she headed to Cambodia to work alongside Dr. Whitfield on a study regarding thiamin deficiency and food fortification. Following a year in Cambodia – the research component of her graduate studies – Chan will complete the course work for her MSc in Applied Human Nutrition at the Mount.
One of the Mount programs that Chan was drawn to from day one is the Food Action Research Centre (FoodARC), a research centre
dedicated to studying topics related to food security. At FoodARC, she worked in a variety of roles that provided an opportunity to view the research process from many different angles and expand her understanding of the behind-thescenes work that goes into bringing big research projects to life.
“Do the best you can, and don’t sweat the small stuff.” During her undergraduate studies, Chan was also part of a winning student team in the national food product development competition known as Mission ImPULSEible. Not only did she and her teammates win the top regional title in 2017, but their pulse-based drink called Megumi took the top national prize. Looking back on all that she has accomplished, Chan is grateful for the many new skills she’s acquired or refined in recent years, including how to lead and bring out the best in others. If she could share just one piece of advice with new Mount students, it would be a piece of advice once offered to her: “Do the best you can, and don’t sweat the small stuff.” FM
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Providing voice for families Mount professor named Tier II Canada Research Chair in Early Childhood: Diversity and Transition Dr. Jessie-Lee McIsaac knows firsthand that policy is
important to what ails us. An Assistant Professor within the Faculty of Education and Department of Child and Youth Study, McIsaac works collaboratively with community, policy makers and research participants to explore the implementation of policy initiatives that support child health and well-being in Nova Scotia. Her PhD research focuses on health promotion policies and practices in Nova Scotia schools. She has now been appointed a Tier II Canada Research Chair in Early Childhood: Diversity and Transition and will be focused on research that informs policy and program design and decision-making to the greatest extent possible. The Canada Research Chairs Program invests approximately $265 million per year to attract and retain some of the world’s most accomplished and promising minds. Chairholders aim to achieve research excellence in engineering and the natural sciences, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences. "It is a unique time to be working in early childhood research right now in Nova Scotia given that there is so much happening in policy and opportunities within the changing system,” says McIsaac.
"It can be difficult for families to navigate the complex system of programs and services." One critical aspect of McIsaac’s work is her focus on supporting and engaging marginalized families with young children. “It can be difficult for families to navigate the complex system of programs and services that are offered across sectors,” she notes. “I’m interested in research that looks at what we might need to do to adjust implementation of these initiatives to better support families with young children.” McIsaac plans to involve families in a photography project through which they can visually share their experience of accessing programs for their young children. “We are hoping that this approach will
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Dr. Jessie-Lee McIsaac
take away some of the hurdles families experience in expressing the challenges they face.” “This research also involves the families in the analysis process – so it’s not researchers doing the analysis on families, it’s doing an analysis with families,” she adds. “It’s about providing voice for families so they can share their experiences and express their needs with regards to supporting their child.” McIsaac’s research emphasis on young children and their families is based largely on the idea that, by addressing issues early on, the potential for negative future outcomes can be reduced. As well, she’s currently working with other researchers to study the achievement gaps among Nova Scotia children. One project uses a professional learning community to support social emotional learning and another is exploring the experiences of African Nova Scotian families in the school system. The ultimate goal is to influence policies and programs that effectively meet the needs of these students. FM
Folia Montana The Magazine for Mount Alumnae and Friends
Thinking in more open and fluid ways Child and Youth Study assistant professor a strong advocate for diverse children and youth For as long as Dr. Sarah Reddington can remember, she has always had an interest in education and has enjoyed working with children. “Both my parents, my dad a retired doctor and my mom a former pediatric nurse and preschool teacher, worked closely with underserved children throughout their careers and so the education field felt like a natural space for me to be in,” she says. After completing her undergraduate degree in education, Reddington worked as a teacher in Nova Scotia for eleven years. During this time, she also taught at an independent school for children and youth with learning differences.
“Art is a powerful medium for marginalized communities as not everything can be shared in written or spoken form." “I received specialized training in many areas to support children with disabilities and this was invaluable and made me a better educator,” says Reddington. “Often people discount children with disabilities and do not see the level of agency and voice they possess. There is a requirement to disrupt medical ways of thinking and use an advocacy framework when working with young people.” Reddington’s interest in young people with disabilities soon led her back to academia. She pursued a PhD in critical disability studies at the University of South Australia. The focus of her PhD research was the Nova Scotia public school experience of young men with autism. She utilized arts-based methods to attend to the complexity of the young men’s experiences when navigating peer relations, special education practices and school spaces. “In North America, we tend to prioritize the medical model, so my work tries to shift this and focus on the wider dimensions of disability,” Reddington says. “This includes giving increased emphasis to the social, cultural, political and affective dimensions of their lives, to think in more open and fluid ways.” “My work focuses on ‘what a body can do’ and in the process, aims to challenge the conditions of ableism,” she adds. Reddington is currently involved in a research project
Dr. Sarah Reddington
with the non-profit organization Youth Art Connection. The organization has a variety of programs that work with youth to create positive change from a personal and community-wide perspective. Specifically, Reddington and her colleagues are involved in a project called ArtPreneurs, which supports artistically talented youth living in rural communities in developing business skills, networks and opportunities to turn their talents into careers. “Art is a powerful medium for marginalized communities as not everything can be shared in written or spoken form,” says Reddington. Reddington is also engaging in a research project that explores early childhood educators’ (ECE) understandings of gender inclusive programming and practice in the early years within the Halifax Regional Municipality. From this research, Reddington hopes to support early childhood educators in creating more resources, supports and programming for gender diverse families and their children. Reddington is also the Chair of the Mount's 2SLGBTQI+ committee. The 2SLGBTQI+ committee is focused on building an inclusive climate on campus and increasing access to supports and services for the Mount community. FM
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Celebrating the power of girls Record number turn out for annual conference
The seventh annual Girls Conference, hosted by the Alexa McDonough Institute for Women, Gender and Social Justice at the Mount, welcomed its largest group of participants yet for a sold-out event. More than 300 junior high and high school-aged girls from across Nova Scotia descended on campus this past March to celebrate women and girls. Special guest Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard, mental health advocate, community activist, MSVU alumna and the first African Nova Scotian to serve in Canada’s Senate Chamber, kicked things off with an inspiring message. The welcome keynote address was delivered by African Nova Scotian Student Support Worker, Cyndy Cain and the Know Thy Self STOMP and Culture Group. Cain is an award-winning performer who leads this dynamic group and has shared the stage with Aretha Franklin, Charles Bradley, Michael Bublé, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to name a few. Cain and the STOMP group gave girls at Oxford School an opportunity to learn about their heritage through music and dance. El Jones, poet, activist and Nancy’s Chair in Women’s Studies at the Mount, took the stage to deliver the afternoon keynote address. Throughout the day, attendees also enjoyed more than 25 different workshops with a wide range of speakers and facilitators, including sessions on ending gender-based violence, career
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planning, reproductive rights, self-esteem, and body image, Mi’kmaq history, female empowerment, and social media use for girls. “We were thrilled to have a record number of girls attending this year’s event,” said Mount President Dr. Mary Bluechardt. “The Mount has a strong commitment to the advancement of women and girls, rooted in a long history of advocacy and support for women. We were delighted participants joined us in this continued effort, as they come together with other young women from across Nova Scotia to celebrate the power of girls.” The Alexa McDonough Institute launched the Girls Conference in 2012 as a way to bring together girls from across Nova Scotia to celebrate International Women’s Day, held annually during the week of International Women’s Day. From its inception, the mission of the conference has been to help girls develop, appreciate and celebrate their own abilities and talents, as well as those of other girls and women, and to help them to empower themselves, build confidence, and be a positive influence in their communities. The conference gives young women the opportunity to share their stories, ideas and advice while taking on challenges in new areas, all while having fun in a safe space. FM
Folia Montana The Magazine for Mount Alumnae and Friends
Message from Mount Saint Vincent Alumnae Association
MSVAA Board of Directors 2018-2019 Executive Committee 2018 – 2019
As I write this on a glorious Thanksgiving weekend, a time for family and reflection, I think about all that the Mount Saint Vincent Alumnae Association (MSVAA) offers. We really are a family, a global community of alumnae over 34,000 strong! The Mount endures as a place for meaningful engagement and connections and for that, I am thankful. The MSVAA is ever-evolving to meet the interests of our alum, and much was accomplished this year. We were proud to celebrate and support our newest members through various spring graduation initiatives, including the first ever MSVU Grad Ball and “Welcome to the Family" swag bags featuring individualized alum cards! We celebrated the 40th anniversary of our nationally respected Bachelor of Public Relations program and welcomed those marking milestone anniversaries back to campus for Reunion Weekend 2018. We felt fortunate to add another special member to our family by recognizing Susan Covert as this year’s Honorary Alumna. During fall convocation we welcomed new graduates to the family and presented the MSVAA’s newest awards during the Chancellor’s Dinner. This is my final year as President of the MSVAA. I am especially proud of the MSVAA’s wonderful initiative of giving back through the piloting of the “Mountership” Mentorship Program. This initiative will hopefully provide more meaningful engagement with 4th-year students and new graduates and provide the opportunity for more experienced alum to get involved. I invite you all to connect, reconnect, revisit, and recognize the remarkable institution which has provided us not only a solid base of exceptional education, but a place of wonderful memories and long-standing friendships. Tanya Lorimer-Charles, BBA ‘89 President, MSVAA
President: Tanya Lorimer-Charles, BBA ‘89 Vice President: Alison MacDonald, BPR ’88 Immediate Past President: Tracey Newman, BBA ‘00 Secretary: Carolyn O’Malley, BBA ‘14 Treasurer: Rhonda Bursey, BBA ‘94
Members at Large Joanne Bernard, BA ’96 Matthew Brown, BTHM ‘15 Brianne Bezanson, BAH ‘11 Ashley Forsyth, BSC ‘06 Chris Gallant, BPR ‘17 Penny Henneberry, BSC ‘87 Roberta Hibbert, BBA ‘15 Linda MacKay, BA (AIT) ‘99 Lynne MacQuarrie, BPR ’96 Robyn McIntosh, BPR ’10, MPR ‘17 Trevor Poole, BA (AIT) ’10 Nikhil Punjabi, BBA ‘16 Christine Qin Yang, BBA ‘14 Current Student Representative, Quinn Stewart
MSVAA Board of Directors (Back row L-R): Trevor Poole, Brianne Bezanson, Penny Henneberry, Carolyn O’Malley, Joanne Bernard, Linda MacKay (Front row L-R): Christine Yang, Ashley Forsyth, Nick Punjabi, Tanya Lorimer-Charles, Lynne MacQuarrie, and Roberta Hibbert . Missing: Alison MacDonald, Chris Gallant, Matthew Brown, Robyn McIntosh, Tracey Newman and Quinn Stewart.
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An A+ for education and accomplishment International students make their mark By Amy Braye
I have been here at the Mount for
a year and a half now and can take the time to reflect on what stands out about our alumnae. I noticed in short order that international student graduates from the Mount go on to do great things. I am frequently introduced to Mount alumnae who are in highly sought after positions, doing inspiring work and making a difference here in Halifax and beyond. Even if alumnae have pursued opportunity elsewhere in Canada, have gone to their next international experience, or have gone home to pursue their career, former Mount students stay in touch and continuously make us proud to have been able to work with them when they were starting out in Canada. In some cases, staff remember teaching them a lot and saw a great deal of development over the years; in other cases, staff will tell you that they saw outstanding qualities from the first days and months of their academic program. Coming from a larger institution, I have been surprised to see such success so often among our graduates. I should not have been
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17th Annual Multicultural Night a Grand Celebration On November 23rd, the Mount community gathered to celebrate Multicultural Night hosted by the MSVU International Student Society in partnership with the Mount’s International Education Centre. The night featured a dinner of food inspired by the home countries of international Mount students and student performances of traditional music, dancing, storytelling and more.
surprised. Maybe it is the size of our community that lends itself to that sense of family: that sense of obligation to check in and feeling of pride in the accomplishments we see. Maybe this is truly part of that small wonder we call The Mount.Maybe our sense of community created the foundation for our graduates to realize the contributions they could make and to feel like anything was possible. Maybe faculty and staff have done more than a few things right. Either way, we are so proud to see international alumnae doing exciting and impactful things. I am looking forward to working with Alumnae Engagement to create more opportunities to share stories of success that will inspire our current international students to see themselves pursuing the next great thing. Amy Braye, MA, MPA Manager International Education Centre, Mount Saint Vincent University amy.braye@msvu.ca www.msvu.ca/international
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Empowering Black students Helping students make important connections, access support Mount Saint Vincent University
wants Black students to feel connected and comfortable. Always. While the overall campus atmosphere is already welcoming, friendly and diverse, the aim of Black Student Support is to complement this atmosphere by connecting Black students with people who share similar values, culture, backgrounds, and experiences. Whether someone is a Black student from Canada or an international destination, the Mount recognizes that there will likely be times they are in need of some support while attending university. DeRico Symonds, the Mount's Black Student Support Coordinator, is always available to help at africentricsupport@msvu.ca.
Meet DeRico Symonds, Black Student Support Coordinator "I am an African Nova Scotian male. I attended Mount Saint Vincent University from 2007 to 2012 and completed an undergraduate degree in Child and Youth Study. I also completed a Master of Education in Counselling at Acadia University in 2018. While at MSVU, I was a member of the men's varsity basketball team and was very involved in the MSVU community. “I am always excited to meet new people and see when and where I can help. "
Meet Nayo Upshaw, Black Student Support Assistant Nayo Upshaw graduated from Saint Francis Xavier University with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education (Secondary). While at StFX, Nayo volunteered for various programs and continues to do so now that she resides in Halifax. "I’ve had the privilege of facilitating and speaking at numerous events and working with young adults and students to improve their university experience."
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New Centre for Academic Advising and Student Success
The Centre for Academic
Advising and Student Success hosted its official opening on September 19th and is a welcoming a welcoming hub in which students from across disciplines can connect with academic services and supports. “This is a studentcentered space. We want students to feel welcome and supported here,” says Erin Tomlinson, Centre Manager. Academic advising services help students navigate academic decisions (e.g., selection of majors, minors, concentrations), make course selections, understand program requirements, and more. At the Mount, academic support services and faculty advisors work together. In addition to the advising services provided by the centre, Mount students are supported by faculty advisors within their programs of study.
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There truly is something to meet just about every learning need. All students have to do is call, connect or stop in. “Students shouldn’t hesitate or wait to access these services,” said Tomlinson. “We are ready to support students at every stage of their academic journey.” FM
Top: Paula Barry, AVP Student Experience, Dr. Mary Bluechardt, President & Vice Chancellor, and Dr. Elizabeth Church, VP, Academics and Provost, cut the ribbon at the opening; Advising Centre staff, and Captain enjoying the opening festivities
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Inside Mount 101 The three parts of the program include: Part 1: Welcome to the Mount! - Living the Undergrad Life - Exploring the Mount Part 2: Preparing for Class - Digging into Study Skills and Active Learning - Levelling up Your Reading Skills Part 3: Engaging in Research and Writing - Ramping up for Research - Boosting your Writing Skills
Mount 101 An innovative program to support the transition to university Mount Saint Vincent University
has launched a new program to support incoming undergraduate students, called Mount 101. This is a free program for all incoming undergraduate students that will facilitate the development of skills critical to university success while also providing information about the Mount’s support services. It includes both an online program and a mentorship component. The online program introduces students to university, giving them information about expectations and approaches that they can build on as they begin their studies. Student success programs like Mount 101 help navigate the transition to university and increase
the chances students will stick with their studies. “We’ve heard from many students over the years that they wish they had known about certain services or had the opportunity to hone certain skills before they were at a crisis point,” says Paula BarryMercer, associate vice president of student experience. “This program is aimed at filling information gaps early on – hopefully preventing students from reaching those critical junctures.” Mount 101 is possible thanks to contributions from two generous donors. The Windsor Foundation committed $400,000 to the initiative and the McCain Foundation, $300,000 to support the peer
mentorship component. A pilot of the program took place last year, and content and delivery have now been modified. All undergraduate students enrolled at the Mount for the first time this fall have already been connected with the program and some students had successfully completed it in its entirety before the end of September. Such an approach reflects the Mount’s commitment to ensuring accessibility of education and support to individuals who might not otherwise be offered the opportunity. It’s part of an ongoing effort to help all students find academic and personal success. FM
role is information sharing, this aspect of the program will also help with student integration.
harder to go it alone,” says Paula Barry-Mercer. “Mentors are seniorlevel students with lots of Mount insight to offer. They’ve ‘been there’ and ‘done that,’ and now they want their experience to benefit others.”
The Mount Mentors Through the peer mentorship component of Mount 101, incoming students are matched with seniorlevel students who provide support in navigating the program, and more. While the mentors’ primary
“We’ve built in a mentorship component because we know it’s
Aboriginal objectives a big focus Important work being done as Patrick Small Legs-Nagge celebrates one-year anniversary
Patrick Small Legs-Nagge, the Mount's Special Advisor to the President on Aboriginal Affairs, celebrated his first anniversary with the Mount in September. And what a great year it has been. Small Legs-Nagge has focused on activities and initiatives supporting the objectives launched within the four pillars established by both the MSVU Internal and External Aboriginal Advisory Committees in 2017. “We are guided by these four pillars, and I can positively state that a lot of great initiatives and many accomplishments have taken place over the year," says Patrick. “We have really just begun our important work, and I am very much looking forward to seeing us continue to make great progress.” Small Legs-Nagge also provides leadership to the University in supporting faculty, staff and students in meeting the Mount’s commitment to reconciliation and plays a vital role within the Aboriginal community at the Mount and beyond. 24
He provides support to Aboriginal learners through the student lifecycle, assists with student recruitment, retention, and systems navigation, and provides community outreach to prospective, new and returning Aboriginal students through management of the University’s Aboriginal Student Centre. Small Legs-Nagge also helps provide strategic direction on Aboriginal affairs and develop initiatives, programs and policies that respond to student, Aboriginal community, and institutional needs. “This role reflects the Mount’s commitment to ensuring a strategic focus at the highest level on programs and policy that are supportive of Aboriginal student learners,” says Dr. Mary Bluechardt, the Mount’s president and vice chancellor. Small Legs-Nagge is a member of the Piikani First Nation in Alberta and most recently worked with
Small Legs-Nagge speaking with student
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THE PILLARS 1) Increased awareness and presence of Indigenous culture, spirit, and heritage across campus. 2) Enhance community outreach by working closely with Mi’kmaq and other Indigenous communities to promote the Mount as a welcoming and supportive environment. 3) Ensure Aboriginal students feel welcomed at the Mount and have the required supports in place. 4) Support faculty and staff in developing Indigenous curriculum and resources Health Canada as director of mental wellness, First Nation and Inuit Health (Atlantic Region). He also has extensive policy experience having held advisory roles on Indigenous issues related to housing, social services, environment and other portfolios. FM
Assisting Aboriginal students a priority – and a privilege Moving forward on many fronts In 2013, the Mount consulted with eight Mi’kmaw
nations in Nova Scotia to identify their post-secondary education needs. This consultation informed an initial strategy on Aboriginal student engagement that has since been implemented. The Mount is now working on its next set of priorities with regard to supporting Aboriginal students.
a new Indigenous faculty member within the department of Child and Youth Study. To increase the diversity among full-time faculty members, the Mount has had a Diversity Hiring Plan in place since 2015. This year, a group came together to address Action #86 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action. Other initiatives are also taking place across Mount faculties/departments, including: • Mount science faculty are developing science education opportunities for Indigenous youth in mainland Nova Scotia. Last year, an open house for Indigenous youth from across mainland Nova Scotia was held. • Last year, a team of Mount students was hired to work alongside faculty and two First Nations communities – Sipekne'katik and Pictou Landing – to co-develop a science camp curriculum to be delivered to youth in 2018 and 2019.
To help guide that work, the University has internal and external Aboriginal Advisory Committees in place, as well as an Aboriginal Student Services Coordinator. In 2017, Patrick Small Legs-Nagge was appointed Special Advisor to the President. The Mount opened its Aboriginal Student Centre (ASC) in 2013. The Centre offers supports for students in an educational and culturally engaging space on campus. It provides academic advising and offers the opportunity for students to learn more about Aboriginal culture while providing a place to study and engage with peers. Also in 2013, the University appointed a Coordinator of Aboriginal Student Services. Veronica Gore is in that role today and runs the ASC, its activities and provides support to Aboriginal students. In 2017, the Mount became the first university in Nova Scotia to raise a wikuom on campus as a space for Indigenous gathering and education. A new Aboriginal garden was installed near the ASC in 2018. In it, students, faculty and staff will grow plants with Indigenous significance. The University is also working to increase the number of Indigenous faculty. There is a search under way to hire
• Last summer, a special ceremony was held at the wikuom on the Mount campus to mark the start of the adventure of the Warriors of the Red Road at Sea. This group of 45 Indigenous youth from communities across Canada took a 25-day journey from Halifax to France aboard tall ship Gulden Leeuw. • In January 2017, the Mount Art Gallery hosted the K’jipuktuk memorial installation of Walking With Our Sisters which honours missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two-spirited people and their families. FM
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Keeping PACE at the Mount
"Emily’s experience with the PACE program was absolutely wonderful. She was eager to tell me about the different activities set up each day, and how much fun it was to engage with all the instructors. The variety of activities meant there was no boredom and her new favourite interest is yoga!” -Holly Cook, Emily’s mother
What is PACE? PACE stands for physically active children excel. PACE is a play-based movement program initiated by the Mount for children ages 4-7 years. The primary focus of PACE is to support the development of children’s basic movement skills. Mission The PACE program aims to provide young children from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to develop their basic movement skills and become confident, lifelong movers in a fun, play-based learning setting.
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Values and Principles Physical Literacy: Children will begin to understand the importance of movement, and work toward developing confidence and self-assurance to engage in physical activity across their life span. Capacity Approach: Children will begin to understand better “what they can do” and utilize their social, physical and intellectual capacities to support their daily activities. Advocacy: Children will have opportunities to explore, take risks and reach their full potential. FM
Folia Montana The Magazine for Mount Alumnae and Friends
Mount Celebrates Pride Week Pride Week is a time of celebration, and the Mount
family was thrilled to mark Pride celebrations this past July with several initiatives, including participation in the Halifax Pride Parade. Also, as shown on the front cover, the stairs leading to Evaristus don the pride colours – and will all year round! The Mount was founded on a commitment to equality and inclusion – and these principles remain at the core of our University today. We will also continue to support our students, faculty, and staff who are themselves advancing efforts with a focus on the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Mount Celebrates Pride
Extending kindness, promoting wellness Sebastian Gaskarth is a big believer in kindness, and has plans to extend that kindness to Mount students through their new role as Pride Centre Coordinator. The Pride Centre is run by the Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union (MSVUSU) and provides a safe, open and welcoming space in which all students can unwind, talk openly about their lives and health, access and be referred to resources, and build connections with other students.
A space for all students The Pride Centre maintains a variety of free resources for the Mount community, including information about services both on and off campus, literature, and safe sex resources; it also provides a friendly
and approachable person to talk to. Open from Monday to Friday, the Centre is staffed by peers (in addition to Gaskarth) – listeners trained to help connect students with what they need, including friendship. “We may not have all the answers, but we can definitely direct and support students in finding them,” says Gaskarth. Gaskarth has a clear plan for the Centre in the year ahead; their aim is to maintain the space as a welcoming and supportive environment while building on previous campaigns and connections in order to bring the Pride Centre’s mission to more students. “What we do is collaborative,” Gaskarth says. “The Mount is one community – we’re here to help students feel welcome and heard. The Pride Centre is imperative to students. Especially for students navigating personal struggles on top of academics, it’s a
space to be among friends who are always there for you. Madeline Mitchell, Vice President of Advocacy with the MSVUSU, says the Pride Centre’s work is relevant to all aspects of student life on campus. “It is a safe space that allows for anyone to come learn and be open about things they want to know more about,” she says.
Join the team Both Mitchell and Gaskarth encourage Mount students to apply to be part of the Pride Centre’s team of volunteers, noting that all who have an open mind and a kind approach are welcome to apply. “We’re looking for people who can keep an open mind to different perspectives and the depth of the community,” says Gaskarth. “The more perspectives and voices that are being heard, the stronger we are.” FM
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Introducing …
Captain!
Mount Saint Vincent University has a new mascot and their name is CAPTAIN! A committee made up of students, faculty and staff reviewed more than 300 submissions and unanimously agreed on the new name. The name describes a leader who dedicates themselves to guiding their team. It also connects to the rich history of Halifax’s navy and harbour port (which can be seen from the Mount campus). A big thanks to everyone who took part in the contest, including the five people who submitted the winning name! Captain looks forward to meeting many of our MSVU alum and friends throughout the year.
Staying Connected If you haven’t heard from us in a while, very good chance the contact info we have for you on file isn’t correct. With well over 34,000 alumnae worldwide this is bound to happen! If you have made a move – or several – since your student days at the Mount, it would be wonderful if you could connect and provide us your updated information – or to simply verify that what we indeed have is correct. Those alumnae who provide updated email or mailing addresses during the months of 28
February–April will be automatically entered in for a chance to win 1 of 10 beautiful Mount hoodies! Contact information can be updated by using the on-line contact form on our Alumnae and Friends page of the msvu.ca website. Or you can email us directly at alumnae@msvu.ca We are also thrilled to be sending out more wonderful Mount news via our Mount Connects newsletter. If you are not receiving it, please update your email address via our website or by emailing alumnae@msvu.ca
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Awesome Mount Hoodies to be WON!
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Alumnae Awards 2018 Young Alumnae of the Year Award Vanessa Yurchesyn Vanessa Yurchesyn graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition (Dietetics with Honours) in 2012 and was also valedictorian for her graduating class. She is now a Registered Dietitian employed as an Account Manager/Director of Business Development with Complete Purchasing Services (a division of Aramark). In the fall of 2015, Yurchesyn was accepted into the MBA Innovation Leadership program at the University of Fredericton. Yurchesyn has been an active member with provincial and national food and nutrition associations, including serving on several boards over the years and takes every opportunity to give back. Yurchesyn is a proud Mount alumna and truly believes that her time at the Mount has provided her, in many ways, with a solid foundation to skyrocket her career.
Public Relations leader’s legacy lives on at Mount Saint Vincent University Bachelor of Public Relations (BPR) students at the Mount will now have the opportunity to expand their industry connections and knowledge through membership in the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS). Starting in the fall of 2018, Mount BPR students will become members of CPRS Amy Thurlow, MSVU's thanks to a generous gift to the Associate Professor of Communication Studies University from the estate of Neil and Ivy Oakley. With this support, the Communication Studies department enrolled all firstto third-year BPR students in CPRS Nova Scotia this fall. And fourth year students were enrolled as CPRS National student members.
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Alumnae Award for Community Service Ifeanyi Emesih Ifeanyi Emesih graduated in the spring of 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts and is the Founder and publisher of My Halifax Experience/My East Coast Experience Media and Publishing. My Halifax Experience is aimed at telling the stories and sharing the dreams of immigrants who have found success in Halifax, while encouraging others to stay in the province’s largest city. Emesih is also the creator of the Mosaic Festival of Arts and Culture. In the summer of 2016, he launched the international student bursary program, a program aimed at supporting international students who are going through financial difficulties. Emesih is passionate and committed to advocating for new Canadians, who in turn bring vibrancy and a skilled workforce to Halifax. Awards being presented by Alison MacDonald, MSVAA VP.
Mr. Oakley was a long-time member of CPRS, and served as the national president from 1976-1977. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Bachelor of Public Relations Program at the Mount 40 years ago. The announcement of this initiative was made at a special event hosted by CPRS-NS at the Mount on October 24th that featured guest speaker and Mount alum Alison MacDonald, Communications Manager at Halifax Harbour Bridges and CPRS-NS 2018 Communicator of the Year. “The opportunity to join CPRS provides great benefit to our students as they will have access to excellent professional development resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. This will also continue to strengthen the long-time relationship between CPRS and the Mount,” said Professor Dr. Amy Thurlow. “The Communication Studies department is grateful for the late Mr. Oakley’s contributions both to the Mount and the profession more broadly.”
Folia Montana The Magazine for Mount Alumnae and Friends
BENEFITS OF BEING AN ALUM BE SOCIAL
SHOW YOUR
LOYALTY
There is nothing better than showing off the pride you have for your alma mater. We are pleased to offer alumnae pins upon graduation, however if it has been a few years and yours has been misplaced, let us know. We’re happy to send along a new one!
in
Sharing and receiving alumnae news is one of the best parts of our job! Connect with us and tell us what you are up to! Like us on Facebook – alumnaeandfriends Follow us on Twitter – @mountalumnae Link with us on LinkedIn – Mount Saint Vincent University
START NETWORKING Join us for events, professional development sessions and special announcements. Whether you are looking for a job change or simply looking to connect, there are many ways to build your connections and take advantage of the opportunities the Mount offers after graduation.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF
BENEFITS & DISCOUNTS We are pleased to partner with national and local businesses to offer alum a perk or two; everything from car and house insurance to hotel & membership discounts to magazine subscriptions.
HELP US
GROW
You understand fully how wonderful it is to attend university here, so spread the word and help us build our alumnae family. Talk to the people in your life contemplating an education and encourage them to give the Mount a try! #referastudent
For a full listing of all benefits, visit the alumnae & friends page on the Mount website – msvu.ca
ENJOY THESE BENEFITS connect with us alumnae@msvu.ca 2018 - 2019
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Alumnae Networks Bermuda Toronto, ON Members of the Toronto Alumnae Chapter were joined by Mount President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mary Bluechardt for their September meeting at the home of Chapter President Shirley Forde. A wonderful group of Mount alum and friends joined together on October 18th for a gathering at Hemingway’s Restaurant & Bar.
An incredible group of alum and friends gathered on the terrace of the Coco Reef Bermuda for a wonderful reception in October.
We would love to ensure you are invited to events in your area, so please connect with us to ensure we have your updated contact info – alumnae@msvu.ca
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Folia Montana The Magazine for Mount Alumnae and Friends
Charlottetown, PEI Halifax, NS Public Relations & Communications graduates and friends gathered in Charlottetown in conjunction with the Canadian Public Relations Annual National conference in May.
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Bachelor of Public Relations Program, PR & Communications alum, faculty, and friends joined together last November for a salute to a program that has provided Mount graduates exceptional opportunities.
Athletics, Halifax, NS Members of the Mystics family, past and present, gathered for a reception on September 22nd at Vinnies Pub.
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Reunion Weekend
October was a spectacular month on campus and a beautiful backdrop for the wonderful few days of reminiscing and celebrating as part of this year’s Reunion Weekend festivities. Reunions are indeed what coming together with classmates and friends is all about
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– new memories are made and old memories shared. The Mount Saint Vincent Alumnae Association was thrilled to have celebrated milestone anniversaries through the presentation of pins at the Milestone Brunch. And they were equally thrilled to have
Folia Montana The Magazine for Mount Alumnae and Friends
welcomed a new addition to the alum family, Susan Covert, as this year’s Honourary Alumnae recipient. Congratulations to all and special thank you to all those who took part. All Reunion Weekend pictures are available on the Mount’s Flickr page – flickr.com/the mount. FM
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Dates have been set for the next Reunion so please mark your calendars for October 18-19, 2019! 38
Folia Montana The Magazine for Mount Alumnae and Friends
Anna Campbell: Then and Now An MSVU alumnae looks back on her time at the Mount 70 years later - by Marguerite Holland
For Anna (Dunn) Campbell, attending Reunion Weekend was both like stepping back in time and entering a new era. “Some things haven’t changed much and some have,” she says. “The grounds are just as beautiful, but the buildings look different. I didn’t recognize anyone at the reunion, but the spirit hasn’t changed. The community is as lovely as ever!” 2018 marked 70 years since Anna attended MSVU. She began her studies in Home Economics in 1944 and remembers the impact World War II had on campus life. “From the school’s windows you could see war ships in the Bedford Basin, and trains carrying military supplies,” she reminisces. “We had ration books and prayed for peace every day.” During this time, the Sisters of Charity taught the Home Economics program, and Anna applauds them for ensuring students had ample hands-on opportunities, despite war rationing. “The Sisters cherished us, and cared about what was happening. They
wanted the best, and this positively influenced our academic and personal paths.” When Anna graduated in 1947, the Mount’s entire student body consisted of 68 students. “It was a much smaller operation compared to now,” she explains. “I graduated alongside only nine others!” After graduation, Anna worked as a high school teacher in Dartmouth, and later in Digby, before becoming
a wife and mother. She kept in touch with her Mount friends, who had significant impact on her life. “At any point, I could start right back up with those friends as if no time had passed,” she says. Looking back, Anna says she learned many life lessons during her education, and that flexibility is one of the biggest. “It’s important to set goals for yourself, but to also be flexible,” she advises. “Life is never static and you must be willing to accept change.” Anna has some wonderful parting advice for both Mount students and graduates of all ages. “As long as you have hope, generosity and love inside you, those three things will always help you get through to the end.” FM
Anna Campbell receiving her 70th anniversary pin from MSVAA President Tanya Lorimer-Charles
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Class Notes 1990s
1970s Dr. Jane Gordon, a longtime supporter of Symphony NS, helped create the Maria Anna Mozart Award supporting Canadian women composers by providing funding for the commission and performance of a new composition by a Canadian woman every three years. Jane taught Sociology and Women’s Studies at the Mount for over 40 years.
1980s Frank DeMont (BA ’85, CBB ’86) practices as a lawyer in New Glasgow and is the new President of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society. During his time at the Mount, Frank played for the university’s first Men’s Basketball team. Lisa Harrington (BED ’87) is the author of The Goodbye Girls, Twisted, Live to Tell and Rattled. Rattled was her first novel and was published by Nimbus in 2010. Her short story “A Nanna Mary Christmas” was published in A Maritime Christmas. Lisa lives with her family in Bedford.
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Heather MacAulay (BPR ’87) recently produced and directed Great Harbour Deep as part of the CBC’s Absolutely Canadian documentary series. The film follows the residents and history of a once prosperous fishing village in Newfoundland, which is now a ghost town. Heather’s husband helped her co-produce the film and provided its cinematography. The film can be watched online on CBC’s website. Congratulations to Alison MacDonald (BPR ’88) on being named the 2018 Communicator of the Year by the NS Chapter of the Canadian Public Relations Society. This award recognizes Alison as an individual who has significantly contributed to the community and the public relations/ communications industry. Alison serves as the Communications Manager for the Halifax Harbour Bridges, and is the Vice Chair of the Mount Saint Vincent Alumnae Association. Shelley Rowan (BPR ’82) was appointed Governor for Nova Scotia by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. She is the Vice President, Prevention and Service Delivery at the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia. She is also a MSVU Board member.
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Jamie Christoff (BPR ’93) was recently appointed Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan. Since joining the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 1999, Jamie has worked for the Afghanistan Task Force, the Philippines’ embassy, the high commission in Kenya and as the deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi. He most recently served as deputy high commissioner in Nigeria. Nicole DeLory (BPR ’92, MED ’10) has written Night at the Gardens, an educational, whimsical adventure picture book illuminating how the Halifax Public Gardens' statues enjoy their night! Published by New World, the book is illustrated by Nicole’s sister, graphic illustrator Janet Soley. Welcome home to Steve Horne (BPR ’98) who recently returned to Cape Breton and Cape Breton University as Institutional Advancement Officer. Steve was previously employed at Assiniboine College in Manitoba. Jamie Niessen (BPR ’96) and his husband, Randy Perry, relocated from Toronto to Summerside, PEI.
In 2017, they purchased Island Stoneware, a manufacturing wholesaler of handcrafted pottery located in Borden-Carleton that sells to retailers across Canada and the US. In 2016, Jamie completed a double MBA in the Executive MBA Americas Program at Cornell and Queen’s Universities. Colette Robichaud (BPR ’97) is the CoFounder and Co-Chair of 100+ Women Who Care Halifax, an organization that supports local non-profits and charities. The organization celebrated its fifth anniversary this year and has contributed approximately $370,000 to charities in Halifax.
2000s Jessica Bungay (West) (BSC ’05) attended law school after graduating from the Mount. She recently became a partner at Cox & Palmer, a leading law firm in Atlantic Canada, where she specializes in labour and employment law. Jenni Sherri Edge (BPR ’09) will soon launch her own marketing and communications business. She previously served as the
Communications Director for the provincial Progressive Conservative Party for over seven years. Mary Hickey (BED ’02) is the recipient of the 2017 Mentor Award of the Rotary Club of Charlottetown Royalty. Mary is a teacher who has worked in Newfoundland, Quebec, Tanzania, Charlottetown, and Rwanda. Adam McCulley (BA ’03) was appointed Halifax’s new Crown Attorney by the Public Prosecution Service. Mr. McCulley is from Lower Sackville and is chair of the Sackville Heights Community Centre Board, where he previously served as treasurer. He is also a certified Hockey Canada coach. Fionna Milligan (BAM ’05) has worked at Chester Pharmacy Ltd. for over 12 years. She previously managed two of the company’s stores and worked at multiple locations but has now accepted a position as Buyer/Operations Assistant. She writes that she is excited to become more involved behind the scenes, and “can’t wait to see what comes next!” Bradley Wylde (BBA ’07) is part of a “small but mighty group of MSVU alum” in the Canadian Armed Forces who are very proud of their university. Wylde completed the Canadian Armed Forces University Training Program and is currently the A4 Logistics Readiness Officer at the 1 Canadian Air Division Headquarters (also the Canadian NORAD Region Headquarters) in Winnipeg.
2010s Rebecca Atkinson (BMP ’12) is the founder and owner of Sober Island Brewing Company, located in Sheet Harbour, NS. Sober Island offers beer brewed with fresh oysters, a product Rebecca was determined to make available in NS after discovering Oyster Stout in her native Wales. Starting with a team of two employees in 2016, the company has now grown to a team of five! Special congratulations to Brianne Bezanson (BAH ’11) who wed Scott Tower this past September in Vancouver, BC.
Hayley Ewing (BNI ’16) is Superstore’s in-store dietician in Queens and Lunenburg counties. She promotes healthy lifestyles and healthy eating to customers through group sessions, food demonstrations and informational presentations. Annie MacEachern (BPR ’16) is a communications professional and medical cannabis “crusader” who fights for the normalization, destigmatization and fair access to cannabis for medical patients. She tweets from the handle @MissCanniebis, organizes public events and meetings, and was nominated for an Everyday Political Citizen Award. 2018 - 2019
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Congratulations to Patrick Lacroix (MPR ’17), the new Chair of New Brunswick Community College’s Board of Governors. Patrick currently is the Director of Communications and Public Relations at Energie NB Power. He previously was the Executive Director of Elementary Literacy Inc. and a board member of Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital Foundation. Kristin Matthews (BPR ’17) secured a permanent position as a Marketing & Communications Specialist at BBB Atlantic, where she previously completed a co-op placement. She credits her co-op experience with helping her find a job in her field and writes that, “my education definitely prepared me for this role, and I am so happy to be a MSVU alumnae!”
Big congrats to Amanda Munro (BPR ’10), coowner of Munro/ Thompson Communications in Vancouver which recently celebrated its second anniversary and has a team of 14 employees. Amanda remembers her time at the Mount fondly and credits her smooth transition to Vancouver and her current successful career status to her professors and years of applicable MSVU co-op work experience. Congratulations to Paul Wozney (MED ’10) who is the new President of the Nova Scotia Teachers' Union (NSTU). He also teaches at Charles P. Allen High School in Bedford. Both Paul and his wife attended the Mount, and his three children all attended the Child Study Centre.
In August, the alumnae office warmly welcomed back to campus graduates from Bermuda celebrating milestone anniversaries. This group of wonderful classmates also paid tribute to good friend and classmate Shanda Scott who passed away in 2017 through a leaf on the Women’s Wall of Honour. (L-R) Delnora Rice (BEC ’88), Brenda Smith (BBA ’84), Jill Roberts (BA ’84, BED ’88), Karen Green (BA ’85) and Mitzi Clarke (BSC ’92).
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Kathleen Yurchesyn (BPR ’13) is the new Chief Executive Officer of the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce. Prior to this appointment, Kathleen was the Marketing Manager at Cape Breton University and held positions on the Transition House Foundation and the Coxheath Hills Wilderness Trail. Congratulations to Emma Enman (BPR ’10, MPR ’13) and husband Peter on the safe arrival of son, James, in January 2018. A baby brother for Charlotte and Leah.
Four former “Mount” girls gathered in celebration of St. Paddy’s day, in March, in Florida. (L-R) are: Jane (Baird) Barry, class of ‘65, Sandra (Reardon) Matthews, class of ‘65, Mary (Furey) O’Regan and Janet (MacDonald) Thompson, both class of ‘62.
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Farewell & Thank You!
(L-R) Joanne Rivest, Michele Millar, Dr. Mary Bluechardt, President & Vice Chancellor, Paula Mayich, Jane Baskwill, and Robyn McIntosh, Mount Saint Vincent Alumnae Association Board Member
We are very proud to recognize our special Mount staff and faculty who celebrated their recent retirement. The wealth of knowledge and talent shared within our Mount community is impressive. Bidding farewell to those retiring is never easy, but we are ever so grateful for the hard work, memories, and friendships provided.
The Mount Saint Vincent Alumnae Association is thrilled to honour retiring staff
Congratulations to the following Mount faculty and staff who retired from the University over the last year. We thank you for your dedication, and wish you a world of happiness in the time you’ve earned for yourselves!
alumnae@msvu.ca
and faculty as honourary alumnae. We would love to stay connected so please reach out to University Advancement to let us know if you would like to receive alumnae communication in the future
Years of Service
Retiree
1986 - 2017 1987 - 2018 1995 - 2018 1999 - 2018 2003 - 2018 2007 - 2018 2011 - 2017
Paula Mayich, Faculty of Education Jean Brown, Registrar’s Office Joanne Rivest, Central Heating – Facilities Management Jane Baskwill, Faculty of Education Michele Millar, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Janice Gaudet, Human Resources John Perkins, Maintenance – Facilities Management
31 31 23 19 15 11 6
2018 - 2019
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We changed her life, now she’s changing ours!
YOUR GIFT TO THE 2018-2019 MOUNT FUND IS LIFE-CHANGING IN SO MANY WAYS. Meet Jessica - a fourth year Biology student at Mount Saint Vincent University. She’s an entrance scholarship recipient who has played varsity sports, works two jobs and is heading towards her Masters. But that’s not all. Jessica is taking part in groundbreaking research happening at our new Centre for Applied Research in Human Health that could lead to the early detection of Alzheimer's disease. How cool is that? 44
Thanks to the continued generosity of our alumnae and friends, Jessica’s Mount experience has changed her life, and now she’s on the path to change ours. Assisting Mount faculty researchers with their groundbreaking Alzheimer’s research is just one of a number of breakthrough projects occurring at the new centre. From breastfeeding and nutrition to chronic disease, this cutting edge research is putting our small university on the world map. We hope you will support our research by donating to the Mount Fund.
Folia Montana The Magazine for Mount Alumnae and Friends
msvu.ca/mountfund
In Memoriam With thoughtful reflection, we remember and recognize our fellow alumnae and members of the Mount community whom we have lost over the year. Please note that only those individuals for whom the alumnae office was notified are mentioned.
1940s Sister Cecilia Margaret Young ACAD (’41), LMUS (’42), BMUS (’44) September 2, 2018 Helen Jones (Day) ACAD (’43) August 5, 2017
1950s Sister Anne Casey (Joseph Anne) BA (’55), MAP (’65) December 28, 2017 Sister Greta Conrad (Margaret Ann) BEC (’50) February 2, 2018 Sister Miriam Patrice McKeon (Margaret Mary) BA (’59) February 28, 2017 Jane Biddell (Brennan) BED (’54) April 23, 2018 Serena Buck-Fournier (Buck) ACAD (’51), BSC (’54) August 7, 2018 Patricia Marie Delaney BSC (’50) September 14, 2017 Diana English (Godin) ACAD (’51) April 24, 2018 Marguerite McGrath (Inglis) ACAD (’54), BA (’56) July 1, 2018
1960s Sister Elaine Therese Boyen BSC (’64) December 16, 2017 Sister Marie Bransfield (Ann Dolores) BSCN (’69) February 12, 2018
Sister Agnes Burrows BA (’62) May 26, 2018
Sister Ann Joan Greenan (Mary Hilda) BA (’71) October 13, 2017
Sister Mary Ann Chiasson BA (’66), BED (’70) January 11, 2018
Heather Abriel (Mason) BED (’75) February 2, 2017
Sister Kathleen Crowley (Aileen Seton) BA (’67), BED (’67) January 15, 2018
Wilson Capstick BED (’76) September 1, 2018
Sister Marie Gill BA (’60) June 5, 2017
Lynette Dupuis (Comeau) ACAD (’71) November 5, 2017
Sister Marianne Howell (Edgar Marie) BA (’63) April 15, 2018
Patricia Forrestall BA (’74) May 27, 2018
Sister Nora McDonald (Maria John) BA (’62) June 25, 2018 Sister Marilyn Welch (Kevin Patrick) BA (’68) January 1, 2018 Beverley Evans BA (’69), BED (’70) July 28, 2018 Carol Fraser (Wood) DIP (’60), BHEC (’78) May 10, 2018 Elizabeth Goobie (Rafuse) ACAD (’64) March 10, 2017 May Hsieh (Lam) BMUS (’61) September 20, 2017 Alexandra E. MacDonald BA (’66), BED (’67), MAP (’69) December 14, 2017 Jean MacEachern-Fitzgerald (MacEachern) BA (’67), BED (’68) May 26, 2018
1970s Sister Mary Flora Campbell (Agnes Leo) BSCN (’73) October 20, 2017
1980s Dr. Sonja I. Bata (Wettstein) DHUML (’89) February 20, 2018 Daphne Eunice Carver (Ash) BA (’80) October 14, 2017 Dr. Jill Kerr Conway (Kerr) DHUML (’80) June 1, 2018 Caroline Mary Dempsey BA (’88), BA (’92) September 24, 2018 Marjorie Evelyn Peppard BA (’83) February 16, 2018 A. Colleen MacDonald BTC (’86) May 8, 2018 Martha Joan McGinn BA (’87) July 3, 2017 Shanda Scott BA (’86), CBB (’88), DBB (’89), BBA (’01) February 11, 2017 M. Anne Yanofsky (Barrett) BA (’86), MAE (’89) January 7, 2018
2018 - 2019
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In Memoriam 1990s Anne Coady Clarke-Webber CGN (’91) September 8, 2017 Paula J. Harker (Ingarfield) BPR (’92) April 16, 2018 Donna Jeanette Jeffrey-Marchand BBA (’97) July 1, 2017 Donna Marie Jenkinson (Power) BA (’98) March 3, 2018 Mary Pratt DHUML (’98) March 3, 2018 Juliana Willdey CBB (’90) June 25, 2018
2000s Sharon Lee Adams-Dean MED (’02) December 1, 2017 Trevor A. Boyd MED (’13) June 18, 2018 Noella Michelle Donnelly BSM (’01) January 1, 2018
Todd Houston BBA (’03) June 25, 2018 Sandra MacDonald (MacKenzie) MED (’02) November 3, 2017 Dr. Betty Peterson DHUML (’00) February 24, 2018 Caitlin Nora Rochon BPR (’01) September 30, 2017 Catherine Ann Soful BBA (’09) December 20, 2017 Jessica Mae Ann Wilson BPR (’18) February 12, 2018
Mount Community Samantha Ashley Tiller June 15. 2017 Victor Harris January 8, 2018 Anthony Hudson July 12, 2018
Elizabeth C. MacDonald-Keefe May 20, 2018 Karen MacNeil August 5, 2017 Russell MacNeil August 5, 2017 Lillian Marshall April 10, 2018 Delores McMullin October 4, 2017 Roland McDonah February 21, 2017 Iris Nowell May 31, 2018 Robert Oulton February 15, 2017 Harold Schwartz November 10, 2017 Reginald Stuart April 29, 2018 Wanda Tomlinson March 25, 2017 Renate Usmiani August 13, 2018
Rosemary Kehoe August 23, 2018 Elaine MacDonald May 17, 2017
Refer a Student The Office of Student Recruitment is looking for your help in identifying future Mount students. After all, you know the Mount better than anyone else! The best way for a future student to see themselves at the Mount is to visit. We offer personalized campus tours Monday to Friday that can include a classroom sit-in, meetings with faculty, lunch on 46
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us, application support, and much more! Group campus tours are also available on Saturday. Students can book their tour of the Mount any time by going to msvu.ca/bookatour, or by emailing tours@msvu.ca. You can also keep an eye out for open house events as they become available at msvu.ca/rsvp.
with alumnae and friends
We take great pride in staying connected with our alumnae. Please take the time to update your contact information. alumnae@msvu.ca msvu.ca/alumnaeandfriends
e @mountalumna al umnaeandfrien ds (Like Us!) t Vincent Mount Sainrs Unive ity
2018 - 2019
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