The 2024 edition of Folia Montana

MSVU is located in Mi’kma’ki

Mi’kmaw

MSVU etek Kjipuktuk, Mi’kma’ki, Mi’kmaq wmitkiwew ta’n mna’q iknmuetasinuk. Ula maqamikew wiaqtek Wantaqo’tie’l aqq Ila’matultimkewe’l Ankukamkewe’l kisutasikipn 1725ek aqq 1779ek. Ula ankukamkewe’l ketlewite’tasikipn Mawi-espe’k Ilsutekemkewey Kanata aqq keknuite’tasik Teli-alsutmi’tij ula Maqamikew L’nu’k (wiaqwikasik kitk 1763ewey Eleke’witewey Teplutasik aqq elt ankukamkewe’l weja’tekemkek aqq Pkesikn35(1) 1982ewey Wi’katikn Teplutasik Tel-pukuik Kanata). Ankukamkewe’l na keknue’kl kisa’matimkl ta’n wettaqne’wasikl tplutaqnn wjit Te’sunemiksijik tel-wije’wmi’titl Ankukamkewe’l tela’matulti’tij. Kepmite’tmek kjijitaqnwesko’tmi’tij Mi’kmaq wjit teli-anko’tasik maqamikew aqq sam’qwan aqq elt telikina’muksi’k kisiku’k wejkwa’taqnik, kiskuk aqq elmi’knik.

English

MSVU is located in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), part of Mi’kma’ki, the unceded ancestral territory which remains the homeland of the Mi’kmaq Nation. This territory is covered by the Covenant Chain of Treaties of Peace and Friendship signed between 1725 and 1779. These treaties are affirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada and recognize Aboriginal Title (which is embedded in both the 1763 Royal Proclamation and in section 35(1) of the 1982 Constitution Act). The treaties are living agreements that establish the rules for an ongoing Treaty relationship between nations. We pay respect to the knowledge embedded in the Mi’kmaw custodians of the lands and waters and to the Elders, past, present, and future.

150th anniversary special edition

In this special edition of MSVU’s alumni publication Folia Montana, we’re commemorating the university’s 150th year. We are sharing a combination of digital and print versions of this issue with faculty, staff, alumni, supporters and partners. It’s our way of engaging the entire MSVU community in celebrating the university that means so much to so many.

If you’re reading the digital edition of this publication, you’ll find links to supporting content throughout. And if you have a print issue, we’ve included QR codes that you can scan using a smartphone camera to open links to videos and other content. Access the digital edition of this issue of Folia Montana here ↓

Jully Black at MSVU’s 150th Anniversary Gala Event

Honorary Editor’s note

In recognition of our 150th anniversary, we invited MSVU alumna Sandra Wills Hannon to serve as Folia Montana’s honorary editor. In this message, she reflects on her connection to the university and considers what’s next for MSVU.

Like most people of a certain age, I sometimes pause to reflect on my journey so far. I look at the roads I have chosen and the directions I’ve headed at the intersections I came to over the course of my lifetime. If I were asked what my better choices have been, I would say that among the very best and most life-changing was the road I chose that took me to my beloved Mount Saint Vincent University.

My connection with MSVU began when I attended the university to join the first cohort of students to go through the then-seminal and first Canadian Bachelor of Public Relations (BPR) program. MSVU was at the forefront in designing a theory-based undergraduate curriculum that was complemented with handson lab classes in areas such as broadcast and print journalism, giving students precious opportunities to practice the theory they learned in the classroom.

The BPR program was nothing short of a superb experience. We had an inspired mix of professors, some of whom were pure academicians, and some who came to us from industry – seasoned journalists, broadcasters and public relations practitioners. Their combined instruction, coaching, and encouragement guided us eager learners to new heights of excitement for the profession in which we were being trained.

To this day, my MSVU training continues to give me the confidence to guide teams in developing national public information campaigns related to such issues as the COVID-19 pandemic, workplace safety and consumer education for clients such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Small Business Administration. I am working from a rock-solid foundation of knowledge and skills in research and problem solving that have guided me through major industry evolutions, including the advent of digital marketing and AI over the years.

Because of this incredible education, my connection to MSVU is one of never-ending gratitude, pride, and allegiance. And I know there are tens of thousands more proud alum out there whose journeys have been transformed by their Mount experience.

MSVU’s impact extends well beyond its students. The university’s esteemed faculty have contributed to a wide range of industries and disciplines by providing fully qualified practitioners to numerous fields. The faculty has also contributed an incredible body of research to advance theory and science in a diverse array of disciplines. Research conducted at Mount Saint Vincent has been recognized globally, and its importance is shown by the growing base of research funding MSVU has received and continues to receive.

Mount Saint Vincent University is a legacy university, carrying with it a treasured and proud history inspired by the vision of its founders.

As the Mount embarks upon its next 150 years, I see its legacy continuing through the creation of more lifelong connections with new students, in the training of tens of thousands more practitioners and experts in various fields, and through the advancement of disciplines including child and youth study, aging, education, nutrition, public relations and others that likely haven’t even been contemplated yet.

And, of course, I’m sure MSVU will continue to pioneer more new academic programs that will go on to advance entire professions – just as it did in 1977 with the launch of the Bachelor of Public Relations.

I can’t wait to see the Mount’s legacy continue to grow in my lifetime.

My best,

Sandra Wills Hannon (she/her) (PhD, APR)

Sandra Wills Hannon and her 1981 MSVU graduation portrait.

Message from the President and Vice-Chancellor

As a graduate of Mount Saint Vincent University, you’re part of a vibrant and growing community of more than 39,000 alumni members.

I’d have to say that’s a number that would have been almost unimaginable to the small group of founders from the Sisters of Charity—Halifax who in 1873 created the institution that grew to become today’s MSVU.

Over the 150 years since those early days, Mount Saint Vincent has evolved from an academy to a college, and, finally, to a university. Each year, we now welcome approximately 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all over the world, studying both on-campus and online in a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across Arts and Science, Professional Studies and Education.

As we’ve grown, we’ve stayed laser-focused on challenging the status quo by improving access to higher education and championing equitydenied groups. We haven’t always been perfect. But we’re continuously striving to move forward and challenge ourselves, to unlearn old ideas and to make way for an even bolder tomorrow.

I’m proud to be the 14th woman in the university’s history to serve as president, and to be a part of the community upholding the institution’s long tradition of providing a positive learning environment where women’s contributions and perspectives are valued.

As we look to the future, we are continuing to build on our commitments to social justice and promoting equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility for all.

MSVU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Joël Dickinson

The collective achievements of you, our alumni, have truly shaped our legacy. Your contributions, in public service, academia, industry and beyond, exemplify the spirit of our institution and serve as a testament to the transformative power of education.

Together, let us continue to push boundaries, foster inclusivity, and inspire future generations to strive for greatness.

In closing, I extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for being an integral part of the Mount’s story. Your dedication, passion, and unwavering support have been instrumental in shaping who we are today.

Here’s to the next 150 years of excellence, innovation, access and impact, and to the many opportunities and successes that lie ahead.

Dr. Joël Dickinson (she/her) President and Vice-Chancellor Mount Saint Vincent University

MSVAA President’s message

I am so pleased to address you as the President of the Mount Saint Vincent Alumni Association (MSVAA). Working alongside a diverse group of alumni who share a deep connection to our alma mater has been truly inspiring. Despite our varying backgrounds and experiences, our shared love for Mount Saint Vincent unites us in a special way.

As alumni, MSVAA members understand the invaluable opportunities afforded to us by MSV. It is this understanding that motivates us to give back through our association. Over the past year, we have organized numerous events, providing opportunities for alumni to reconnect and forge new connections. I had the pleasure of meeting many remarkable individuals and two who stand out for me personally are graduates from 75 years ago. How amazing to meet these two people who came to share their stories and

MSVAA President Penny Henneberry today and in her 1987 MSVU graduation portrait.

celebrate their milestone with all of us during the 2023 Reunion Weekend. I eagerly await connecting with even more alumni in the future.

In this edition of Folia Montana, we celebrate a significant milestone: our 150th year. We take a moment to reflect on our rich history, honouring our past while embracing the promise of the future. As we embark on the next 150 years, we do so with optimism and enthusiasm.

Let’s continue to cherish the bonds we share as alumni and work towards a bright future for our beloved Mount Saint Vincent University.

Penny Henneberry

(she/her) (BSc ’87)

President, Mount Saint Vincent Alumni Association

MSVAA Board Members

Penny Henneberry, President

BSc ’87

Heather Strickey, Vice-President

BAH ’95

Janice Graham-Migel, Treasurer

BSA ’78, BEd ’79, MA(Ed) ’83

Suzanne Drapeau, Secretary

BSc ’80, BPR ’83

Debbie Adams, BA ’08

William Brewer, MountAbility Program ’22

Katherine Brien, BBA ’10

Shannah Butterfield, BBA ’02

Craig Ennis, BPR ’00

JP Girard, BBA ’99

Aris Hernandez, BBA ’17

Ibrahim Noah Kamara, BBA ’23

Tanya Lush, MEd ’06

Dawn Mallyon, BPR ’92

Jeremy Neilson, BA ’10

Dana Power, BScAHN ’94 MEd ’12

Honorary Editor

Sandra Wills Hannon (BPR ’81)

Managing Editor

Stacey Pineau (BPR ’94)

Contributing Editor

Hilary Carter (BPR ’16)

Articles written by

MSVU University Relations team

Breanna Lynk (BPR ’23)

Gillian Batten (BPR ’01)

Design & Production

Zach Gallant (BPR ’14)

Digital imaging, prepress film and printing

Advocate

Fulfilment Services

Russell House

Cover image credits

Rhyan Boyd Beaulieu is a Nova Scotian artist and MSVU alum. They began their small art business, Hyper Card Fixation Designs, in January of 2023, after discovering a love for papercraft cards.

At the core of their art and business are values of community, advocacy, and accessibility. They take great pride in being able to donate a portion of profits to volunteer organizations, and in being “unapologetically open about being queer and neurodivergent.”

Contact us

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Celebrating 150 years of MSVU

An historical timeline

1873

Mount Saint Vincent Academy is founded by the Sisters of Charity-Halifax, becoming one of few institutions of higher education for women and girls in Canada at a time when women could not vote.

1925

The Nova Scotia Legislature awards Mount Saint Vincent the right to grant its own degrees, making it the first and only independent women’s college in the British Commonwealth.

From 1873 to 1914

The academy primarily trains novices and young sisters as teachers, but the Sisters recognize a need to educate even more young women.

By 1950

The college offers degrees in Arts, Secretarial Science, Music, Home Economics, Library Science, Nursing and Education.

1966

The college becomes Mount Saint Vincent University and, a year later, begins admitting male students.

January 1951

A devastating fire destroys the main building on campus. The people of Halifax support displaced students and the Mount re-builds.

1988

University ownership and operations transfer from the Sisters of Charity to an independent Board of Governors and Senate.

Since then

MSVU has been expanding academic offerings, advancing research in a range of areas, and adding new academic, residence and research buildings.

October 20, 2021

MSVU apologizes to survivors, their families, communities, and all Indigenous Peoples, for its role in the tragedy of residential schools in Canada.

Margaret Norrie McCain Centre for Teaching, Learning, and Research opened on campus in 2015

Today

MSVU continues to prioritize access to education for underserved groups, as well as meaningful efforts in truth and reconciliation.

MSVU firsts

Over the years, MSVU has achieved some impressive firsts, including:

The first journalism course offered in Canada.

Early leadership in nursing education – from 1949 to 1971, the Mount offered its own nursing program.

The first Child and Youth Study and Public Relations degrees of their kinds in the Atlantic region and Canada, respectively.

A groundbreaking distance learning program launched in 1982 that saw courses broadcast on TV.

The first Department of Women’s Studies at a Canadian university.

150 years of challenging the status quo

In 1873, women didn’t have the right to vote in Canada; in fact, women weren’t even “persons” yet under Canadian law. But a group of Sisters from the Sisters of Charity—Halifax knew that women deserved better, and they were quietly breaking ground on the banks of the Bedford Basin creating opportunities for higher education for young women.

They were ahead of their time. And their legacy lives on in a one-of-a-kind university that remains at the fore when it comes to challenging the status quo by making education accessible to underserved populations and nurturing socially responsible global citizens.

It’s only fitting that we’d mark such a legacy with a year of celebration and reflection. And what a year it was! Here’s a quick look back at some of the ways we marked the anniversary of MSVU’s first 150 years.

On campus

150th anniversary launch event: The MSVU community gathered on January 24, 2023, to mark the start of 150th anniversary activities. The event opened with a presentation by musician, poet and professor Raymond Sewell, BA’08, of Pabineau First Nation, and Mi’kmaq dancer Jesse Benjamin of Eskasoni First Nation. It also featured reflections from a number of MSVU community members, including emcees Cheyenne Hardy and Dr. Derek Fisher, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West, the Honourable Patricia Arab, BEd ’01, MLA for Fairview-Clayton Park, Sister Sheilagh Martin, PhD, professor emerita and member of the MSVU Board of Governors, and the Honourable Joanne Bernard, BA ‘96, then-President of the Mount Saint Vincent Alumni Association.

150th anniversary launch event

At the event, President Dickinson highlighted the importance of reflecting on all aspects of the university’s history – not just the successes. “While there is a lot to celebrate about MSVU’s tremendous impact, our history is not without its difficult parts, in particular our relationships with the Mi’kmaq People on whose land we reside,” she said. “These are aspects of our history that at this major milestone and into the future require our thoughtful reflection and reconciliation.”

Time capsule opening: In 1993, a time capsule was tucked behind a plaque on the second floor of Evaristus Hall to commemorate the opening of the Dr. Catherine Wallace Centre for Women in Science at MSVU. The plaque indicated that the time capsule was to be opened in 2023, the year of MSVU’s 150th anniversary. MSVU President Dr. Joël Dickinson joined Alumni Association President Penny Henneberry and MSVU’s archivist and records manager to crack open the time capsule.

← Watch the video of the time capsule opening

150th anniversary launch event emcees

Cheyenne Hardy and Dr. Derek Fisher

Inside a 30-year time capsule opened in 2023 was the late Annemarie MacDonald’s cookie recipe. Annemarie was a long-time supporter of MSVU and a member of the Class of ’65. She was involved with the Alumni Board of Directors for 20 years and served in countless other volunteer capacities. Annemarie was famous for her trademark oatmeal crisp cookies. She prepared them almost daily and was known among several departments in Evaristus Hall for her cookies. We’re pleased to share her recipe here, and hope you enjoy!

Annemarie’s Oatmeal Crisp Cookies

1. Melt ½ cup of butter in saucepan.

2. Add 1 cup of oatmeal and 1 cup of brown sugar.

3. Mix together ½ teaspoon of baking soda and 3 tablespoons of hot water from the tap. Then mix it with the first three ingredients.

4. Add 1 cup of flour and mix all ingredients together. Drop the cookies on a greased cookie sheet and flatten with a wet fork (cold).

5. Bake for 10 minutes or so at 375 degrees.

Sharing our stories

150 People Profiles: MSVU’s history is rich with the stories of countless people who’ve had an impact on the university and in the broader community. To mark our 150th anniversary, we featured mini stories about these wonderful MSVU students, faculty, staff and alum. Read all their stories on the MSVU 150 website, msvu.ca/150

Recognition

MSVU’s 150th anniversary was acknowledged in both the House of Commons and NS Legislature on more than one occasion last year. In November, Minister of Education the Honourable Brian Wong welcomed Dr. Dickinson, Associate Vice President of University Relations Kelly Gallant, and professor and Sister of Charity Dr. Sheilagh Martin to the NS Legislature for special recognition of the 150th. As well, The Honourable Patricia Arab, MLA for Fairview-Clayton Park, noted the launch of the university’s anniversary year in the legislature earlier in 2023. From Ottawa, both The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, MP for Halifax West, and Senator Jane Cordy made special note of MSVU’s anniversary and tremendous legacy.

The history of MSVU in 150 seconds: To share key parts of our history, we started our anniversary year by featuring a video that tells the story of MSVU’s 150 years of history.

MSVU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Joël Dickinson, with (left) the Honourable Timothy Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and (right) the Honourable Brian Wong, Minister of Advanced Education, the Honourable Twila Grosse, Minister of the Public Service Commission and Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs. All of the ministers are MSVU graduates.

← Watch the video

A gala celebration of MSVU’s trailblazing history

Challenging the status quo was the theme for a special gala celebration marking Mount Saint Vincent University’s impressive 150-year history.

Special performances and presentations

Hosted by MSVU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Joël Dickinson and emceed by CTV Morning

Live host Ana Almeida, the gala featured a series of special presentations that together told the story of MSVU. These elements reflected the trailblazing and transformative commitment to challenging the status quo that has been at the university’s core since its founding in 1873.

Raymond Sewell, an MSVU alum (BA ’08) and talented Mi’kmaq musician from Pabineau First Nation, opened the evening with a performance of Spirit Song.

A series of video presentations punctuated the night, bringing to life all that is unique about MSVU. ↓ Meet our Status Quo Challengers Removing Barriers to Education

The night’s crowning moment came when Canadian R&B and soul icon Jully Black took the stage to share a mix of inspiring words and song. When introducing Jully, emcee Ana Almeida said, “Jully is the very definition of a status quo challenger. You might know her best for the change she made in the lyrics to O Canada at the NBA All-Star Game... It was a one-word change; rather than singing ‘our home and native land,’ Jully instead sang ‘our home on native land’ as a mark of respect to Indigenous groups within Canada. And what an impact she’s had. Jully started an important national conversation that continues to resonate, and she has been honoured by the Assembly of First Nations for this action.”

“Mount Saint Vincent boldly challenged the status quo and got women to the next level, progressing and advancing gender equity way back in 1873. The Mount did more than just educate women. It has created strong female leaders and role models across Canada, including 14 university presidents –all women. That commitment by the Mount to leadership and to empowerment and the university’s focus on research, innovation and education resonate deeply with the principles of Stewart McKelvey,” said Rebecca Saturley, Managing Partner with Stewart McKelvey, the event’s platinum sponsor.

Rebecca Saturley, Managing Partner with Stewart McKelvey, speaking at the gala event

Gala co-chairs Catherine Woodman (left) and Dr. Ramona Lumpkin

There was a dedicated team focused on creating the gala evening, with MSVU staff members collaborating with key volunteers including gala co-chairs Dr. Ramona Lumpkin and Catherine Woodman, sponsorship committee chair John Flemming and committee members Janet MacMillan and Anne Marie Legere, and auction committee chair, Rob Batherson.

Proceeds from the night went to the MSVU 150 Fund: Access and Impact and will help remove barriers to education for students.

150th Anniversary Gala Sponsors

MSVU 150 Fund: Access and Impact

With a view to a future filled with more students accessing a life changing MSVU education, the MSVU 150 Fund: Access & Impact was established to mark the university’s milestone anniversary. The fund was created to support current and future MSVU students, enabling the university to open doors to education for those who face barriers, and nurture socially responsible global citizens by emphasizing social justice and equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA). You can still contribute at msvu.ca/giving. Your donation to the MSVU 150 Fund: Access and Impact will have twice the impact thanks to $25,000 in matching funds donated by the Mount Saint Vincent Alumni Association (MSVAA).

SILVER GOLD

Meet our status quo challengers

We’re introducing you to six remarkable individuals who embody the MSVU philosophy of challenging the status quo. In the fall of 2023, we put a special spotlight (through video, billboards, digital ads and more) on these MSVU community members, who embody the university’s change-maker legacy. Meet the stars of our 150th Anniversary advertising campaign!

Cheyenne Hardy

Cheyenne is an MSVU Child and Youth Study alum who was valedictorian of her graduating class. One of her proudest accomplishments and most lasting impacts has been her contributions to MSVU’s food security projects.

“Serving as a student representative on the MSVU Senate, helping to create a soup kitchen from the ground up, and being able to help prospective students learn about the Mount through orientation and the recruitment office are all experiences I’m very thankful for.”

Dr. Tamara Franz-Odendaal

Tamara empowers girls and women to carve their own paths in the traditionally male-dominated fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). By facilitating hands-on science retreats and summer camps, and professional development for women, Tamara blazed a trail for women in STEM in Atlantic Canada.

“There are so many girls who have come to our programs who were so overwhelmed about what they should do when they finish high school. We showcased all these different opportunities within science, just to say, ‘There are a huge diversity of things you could do if you stick with science’.”

Tyler Simmons

Meet Tyler. In 2023, this Education alum marked the culmination of his MSVU experience as the valedictorian of his graduating class. Now an elementary school teacher, Tyler is committed to inspiring future generations to dream big. His advice to others: bet on yourself, keep moving forward, and embrace the challenges.

“It is not a true failure if you continue to move forward. The first bit of adversity you face will have you questioning if you made the right choice, but everyone faces some adversity on their journey. As long as you continue to move forward, you are where you are supposed to be.”

Jessie Jollymore

MSVU alum and Hope Blooms Founder Jessie Jollymore led a group of youth to the hit CBC show Dragons’ Den where they secured a game-changing investment to advance their now immensely successful salad dressing business. To date, over $220,000.00 in scholarships have been granted thanks to proceeds from the sales of their dressings. During her address to graduates when receiving an honorary degree from MSVU in 2021, Jessie spoke of the importance of generosity and gratitude, as learned from the youth at Hope Blooms.

“You are not a drop in the ocean, you are the ocean in a drop.”

Samantha Rioux

Samantha is a passionate advocate for Indigenous youth.

Graduating in 2021 with a Master’s degree in Child and Youth Study, Samantha says that the support and guidance she’s received at MSVU have been overwhelming, affording her opportunities that she didn’t previously think possible.

“Access to post-secondary education for Indigenous youth is an important stepping stone on one’s path to success. Having access to education not only supports one’s own ambitions, but also supports the greater community.”

Dr. Joël Dickinson

Meet Dr. Joël Dickinson, President and Vice-Chancellor of Mount Saint Vincent University.

Joël embodies the mission, vision, and values of MSVU. She champions social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, striving to create an accessible and inclusive learning environment.

“We’re not done trailblazing better paths. In fact, our next 150 years stand to be just as groundbreaking as our last 150!”

These remarkable Status Quo Challengers represent the heart and soul of MSVU. Together, they are the embodiment of a legacy that continues to defy conventions and shape a better future.

Inspiring our future

How MSVU is leading the way on early childhood teaching, research and practice

Much has changed since Dr. Christine McLean was living in Evaristus Hall in the early 1980s. Back then, she was still a student in the department she now chairs, not knowing one day she’d be working from an office just down the hall from her former residence room.

Today, the university is much larger and more diverse than it was 40 years ago, and MSVU’s Department of Child and Youth Study continues to grow in scope and importance. That’s thanks in large part to the sector-leading work being driven by its faculty and staff.

Advancing teaching, research, and childcare

Undergraduate and graduate Child and Youth Study degree programs – the only university-level programs of their kind in Atlantic Canada, and including a new Early Childhood Education concentration in the undergraduate degree, and a new nonthesis Master of Child and Youth Study (MCYS) option.

The longstanding, onsite MSVU Child Study Centre, founded in 1976 and today led by director Annette Comeau, providing care for young children of students, faculty, staff and broader community members plus teaching, research and experiential opportunities for students.

SPOTLIGHT ON CHILD AND YOUTH STUDY AT MSVU

Extensive professional development programs for early childhood educators and administrators in collaboration with the Nova Scotia Early Years Professional Development Committee.

The Early Childhood Collaborative Research Centre – a dedicated centre for research excellence in early childhood.

Talented faculty researchers, including Tier II Canada Research Chair in Early Childhood: Diversity and Transitions Dr. Jessie-Lee McIsaac

The honour of receiving a $10 million legacy donation focusing on early childhood education from the Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain – the largest gift in the university’s history.

Read on to learn more about the department and how the Child and Youth Study team is powering innovative research and driving critical learning.

Welcome support

Since 2022, the provincial government has provided MSVU’s Department of Child and Youth Study with $334,750 in bursaries for students focusing on Early Childhood Education within the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Study. For 2024-25, another $75,000 in student bursary funding is available from the Nova Scotia Government.

Leading research in support of children and youth

The Department of Child and Youth Study is home to a strong team of faculty researchers, postdocs and staff members who are together pursuing innovative and important work in areas including early childhood education, child and youth development and equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA).

Championing EDIA Principles

Child and Youth Study faculty member Dr. Sarah Reddington is a strong champion of EDIA principles in her roles as educator, researcher, committee member and leader on the MSVU campus. Known for her work on numerous EDIA-focused committees, Sarah applies Universal Design for Learning Principles in her courses and shares her EDIA-focused pedagogy with the MSVU community and other instructors across Canada. And, as a researcher in critical disability and gender studies, her work challenges the conditions of oppression with the large aim to remove systemic barriers for underrepresented young people.

Building Boats Changing Lives

Dr. Shane Theunissen is one of the driving forces behind the innovative Building Boats Changing Lives program, which has been bringing together MSVU undergraduate students with Indigenous youth and youth in care to collaboratively build a type of rowboat known as a Bevin’s Skiff. Recent partners for this initiative have included participants from Pictou Landing First Nation School, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and Canadian Maritime Heritage Foundation.

Dr. Sarah Reddington

Warriors of the Red Road at Sea

Dr. Sarah Reddington and Dr. Shane Theunissen co-edited The Collected Stories of the Warriors of the Red Road at Sea. Eastern Woodland Publishers). Through a series of first-voice reflections, the book tells the story of a transatlantic journey by a group of 45 Indigenous youth, aged 15 to 24. The group traveled from Halifax to Le Havre, France aboard the tall ship Gulden Leeuw.

“This book gives uninterrupted space for the Warriors to share their stories, poetry, art and reflections of their journey at sea,” said Dr. Shane Theunissen. “Their stories and reflections in this book are a celebration of the knowledge of the Indigenous youth, and their respective worldviews.”

During their journey the group often spoke of the 46th Warrior – the one that couldn’t make the trip, the one that should have been there with them. In honour of the 46th Warrior, the 46th Warrior Fund provides financial support for Indigenous Canadians to attend Mount Saint Vincent University and other Indigenous youth initiatives across Canada. Please consider supporting Indigenous youth by making a gift to the 46th Warrior Fund at msvu.ca/donate.

Strengthening Indigenous knowledge

These initiatives are indicative of a larger focus on Indigenous understanding, input and acknowledgement throughout Child and Youth Study research and course offerings.

“We have a culturally responsive pedagogy and nature and outdoor play courses that we asked for input on from our Indigenous Advisor,” says department chair Dr. Christine McLean. “Patrick Small Legs-Nagge is also teaching a course specific to Indigenous knowledge as part of our graduate program. This is an area that we are continuing to work to strengthen, recognizing there’s still lots to do, in terms of making sure that our graduates have deeper knowledge when they graduate.”

Warriors of the Red Road at Sea

Dr. Christine McLean

Studying the impact of play materials

In addition to providing high-quality childcare, the Child Study Centre at MSVU also supports research opportunities for faculty and community professionals.

Recently, Dr. Jamie Leach and Dr. Sarah Reddington, professors in Child and Youth Study, conducted a study involving children from the MSVU Child Study Centre to explore what types of play children aged three to five years pursue indoors when given the opportunity to play with both colorful manufactured materials designed to promote physical literacy (e.g. plastic hoops, mats, bean bags, scooters, etc.) and loose parts that are not originally intended for play (e.g. cardboard boxes, paper rolls, pipes, etc.).

“There is a critical need to understand the fundamental elements of children’s indoor play experiences with various materials. Play material design and its impact on children’s indoor play have not been largely explored in the field of early childhood education,” said Dr. Leach.

Noted Dr. Reddington, “Opportunities for openended play with novel materials may provide children with rich early experiences to construct knowledge of their world. … Children explore and develop working theories through repeated actions with materials in their environments and we wanted to explore this concept further.”

Three groups of five children participated in two play sessions: one with physical education equipment and one with loose parts. The researchers observed the play sessions for nine behaviour patterns that help build understanding of the world: transporting, transforming, trajectory, rotation and circulatory, enclosing, enveloping, connecting and disconnecting, positioning and ordering, and orientation and perspective.

“When observing the children play, we noticed that they explored transforming and transporting more often with loose parts. However, the children used the physical education equipment more often to explore orientation and perspective as well as connecting and disconnecting. There was a limited difference in children’s exploration of enclosing and enveloping,” said Dr. Leach.

The study suggests that children need a variety of materials to explore and investigate; thus, educators need to select materials with careful intention. Dr. Leach and Dr. Reddington recommend providing diverse materials to encourage self-directed experimentation and promote inquiry-based learning in young children.

$10 million legacy gift to advance early childhood education

Largest donation in MSVU’s history

Teaching, research and practice on early childhood education will be the beneficiaries of the largest gift in Mount Saint Vincent University’s history, thanks to a $10 million legacy donation made by the Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain in 2023.

“Intervening in the earliest years so that as many children as possible are afforded the very best start in life will have a tremendous impact in the long-term,” said The Honourable Margaret McCain. “I am pleased to support MSVU’s exceptional work in early childhood education, research and practice – work that will contribute to a Canada-wide early learning childcare system that is universal, voluntary, high quality, aligned with public education, and organized to support parent’s work and study.”

Advocate and activist for the early years

Mrs. McCain is a passionate and accomplished advocate for quality early childhood education. She’s long recognized the benefit of quality play-based early childhood programming and the unparalleled opportunities it provides to Canada’s youngest citizens. And she has been an unwavering champion of MSVU’s work to help build capacity in the sector in Nova Scotia and beyond.

Ensuring brighter futures for generations to come

Mrs. McCain is a previous donor to MSVU. The Margaret Norrie McCain Centre for Teaching, Learning and Research was named to recognize a gift in support of the building’s construction. The McCain Centre was opened in 2015 and remains the only building on a Canadian university campus dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of women.

The Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain

“We are deeply grateful for Mrs. McCain’s generous support of our university’s leading work in early childhood education – across teaching, research and programming,” said MSVU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Joël Dickinson. “Through her donation to MSVU, Mrs. McCain is ensuring a continued emphasis on the critical work of MSVU’s Child and Youth Study Department and Child Study Centre – and she’s ensuring brighter futures for generations of children to come.”

Moral injury and encountering children during military service

Inspired by Lieutenant General (ret’d) Roméo Dallaire’s experience encountering children engaged in armed violence during the genocide in Rwanda, Dr. Catherine Baillie Abidi, a professor in Child & Youth Study at MSVU, is collaborating with other researchers to better understand the impacts of encountering children during international service.

Dr. Baillie Abidi’s partners in this initiative include researchers from the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), the MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre at Lawson Health Research Institute, the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research, and the Royal Military College of Canada.

To date, the research has demonstrated the importance of centering Veterans’ lived expertise to better understand the impacts of events that potentially violate one’s moral beliefs or values (or moral injury) points to ways to improve training and mental health supports for those who serve to protect.

In February 2025, Dr. Baillie Abidi will be cohosting a conference at MSVU on moral injury with Dr. Ardath Whynacht from Mount Allison University. The conference will focus on the social and political dimensions of moral injury from the perspectives of those working in the helping professions, particularly professions working with children and youth.

Dr. Baillie Abidi

MSVU child study centre grows

MSVU is adding more spaces to its Child Study Centre and expanding the age groups it serves.

When complete in 2026, the new 15,000 square foot centre will be the region’s leading and largest school for childcare that focuses on infants and young children. The larger facility will add an additional 82 spaces and introduce up to 32 infant spaces.

The total cost of the expansion is $10 million, with $5 million being contributed by government ($2 million from the Nova Scotia government and $3 million from the federal government) and the university raising the remaining $5 million.

The current Meadows Building on campus (at 175 Seton Road) will be the site of the new centre. In its new home, the expanded centre will have triple the number of childcare spaces

it does now, including spaces for infants under 18 months. These additional spaces will help address the current acute shortage of quality, accessible childcare spaces.

The new centre will include new high caliber teaching spaces that will be key learning spaces for MSVU Child and Youth Study students and support professional development opportunities for those already working in the sector. The expanded centre will also enable faculty to work together with community partners to engage in advanced research that will contribute to public policy and help ensure the best possible evidence-informed early childhood experiences for kids everywhere.

Design work is underway, and construction is expected to take about two years.

Celebrating Michelle Obama

MSVU joined with a number of other local organizations to host former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama in Halifax this past October as part of our 150th anniversary celebrations. Our focus was on providing event access to underrepresented individuals. Through the HER Impact and Diversity Delegation programs, we made it possible for a diverse group of more than 700 girls, women, youth and emerging leaders to attend.

On-Campus EDIA Hub

We celebrated the opening of a new on-campus Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) Hub in 2023 (located in EMF Room 207).

“For students, faculty and staff from historically underrepresented groups, the EDIA Hub provides a space where they can access the resources that they need to support them, and that already exist here on campus. And for all others, the Hub provides an opportunity to connect and share information and perspectives on advancing EDIA at MSVU,” said Delvina Bernard, at the Hub launch event.

“Though some of us at the Mount have had more direct involvement in EDIA-related work, please remember that it’s not just one person, nor one office,” said Dr. Dickinson, President of MSVU. “Each of us has a role to play in advancing EDIA.”

Delvina Bernard, Robert Wright, Dr. El Jones, and Dr. Joël Dickinson

MSVU celebrates 150th anniversary year convocations

Mount Saint Vincent University held three spring convocation ceremonies and two fall convocation ceremonies during the institution’s 150th year in 2023.

During spring convocation, more than 675 graduates from 26 countries took part, while more than 550 graduates from 19 countries participated in fall convocation. Both ceremonies saw students cross the stage from arts, science, education, and professional programs to accept a range of certificates, diplomas and degrees, joining a global network of alumni more than 39,000 strong.

At these ceremonies, MSVU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Joël Dickinson spoke of the university’s 150th anniversary and focus on challenging the status quo.

“Now more than ever, the world needs status quo challengers like yourself,” said Dr. Dickinson to fall graduates. “We have some big problems facing us like poverty, homelessness, climate change, wars, and more – and the status quo is no longer an option. Through education and innovation – and with minds like yours on the case –we have our greatest hope of building a better future for all of us.”

Welcoming honorary alumni

During spring 2023 convocation ceremonies, MSVU bestowed an honorary degree on the Honourable Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard. A trailblazing champion of racial and social justice, she is the first African Nova Scotian woman to be appointed to the Senate of Canada where she proudly represents the province of Nova Scotia and her hometown of East Preston.

As part of fall convocation, MSVU bestowed an honorary degree on educator, advocate and leader the Honourable Jane Cordy, Senator. The third woman from Nova Scotia to be appointed to the Senate of Canada, Senator Cordy’s career has been dedicated to championing issues of great social importance – from mental health to aging.

Jane Cordy, Senator, and MSVU

The Honourable Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard with Dr. Margaret Mary Fitzpatrick, S.C., Chancellor, MSVAA President Penny Henneberry, and MSVU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Joël Dickinson (right)

MYSTICS

NEWS

All in the family

Brothers

Jaydan and Jaxon Smith

are achieving their dream of sharing the court, while also proving to be an undeniable dynamic duo for the MSVU Mystics men’s basketball team.

By Breanna Lynk

The Smith brothers, Jaydan and Jaxon, have been playing basketball together, on and off, ever since they were kids growing up in Beechville, Nova Scotia.

“I started playing basketball around five or six years old, while Jay was always playing from the get-go,” notes Mystics team co-captain, Jaxon Smith. “We played together for the Community YMCA as kids and in high school as well, for Citadel High.”

The sport holds a special place for the Smith brothers. Their late father, Wade Smith, was an All-Canadian for StFX and a Canada Games gold medallist. Their mother, Sherry Jackson-Smith, was an All-Canadian and a two-time ACAA champion for the University of King’s College. “It was only a matter of time until the sport became as impactful for me as it was, and continues to be, for them,” remarks Jaxon.

Following in their familial footsteps, the two brothers would go on to have one shared season playing in the AUS for StFX, before Jaxon’s eventual transfer to MSVU resulted in them playing at separate schools.

Being two years apart in age, the brothers acknowledge that while they have been able to play together to some degree, they’ve seldom

had the opportunity to play any significant amount of minutes together. “There was always a want to play together, but there were always obstacles,” says Jaxon. “Like a job action that happened in 2016-17, or Jaydan being a veteran guard versus me being a rookie with less playing time.”

That is until Jaydan decided to join his brother at Mount Saint Vincent University, after playing at another university for three seasons before stepping away to focus on finishing his degree.

“I was in touch with Coach Danny [De Palma] throughout last season about the possibility of joining MSVU, as well as talking a lot about it with my brother. They welcomed the idea with open arms,” he says.

Jaxon, on the other hand, takes credit for successfully ‘planting the seed’ that led to his brother’s decision. “It was basically mine and coach De Palma’s idea during last year, as Jay finished his degree at another university and still had eligibility left. As a team, we were losing some veterans who played in that championship run we made in 2022, and in those losses, we found a need for some sure-handed guard play. After that, it wasn’t very hard to plant the seed for Jay that he could come to MSVU and we could get the chance to take the court together.

Once it was all finalized, you couldn’t take the smile off my face.”

Speaking about his first season as a Mystic alongside his brother, Jaydan remarks that while this may not be the first time the brothers have played together, this is unlike any previous experience. “We’ve played on teams together before, but not in this capacity. This experience has been different because we are leaders on this team together, something that was new for us.”

“It’s been everything I could’ve hoped for,” says Jaxon, who is two years younger than his brother. “Our differences as players get to shine and there is also a sort of ‘zen’ between us, where we both understand how we like to make plays with the ball, and how to get it to each other in those spaces.”

The success of that unspoken understanding is evident in the brothers’ achievements this season. Jaydan and Jaxon were honoured to both be named to the ACAA second team allconference while helping lead the team to a conference title this year. “It’s hard to put into words,” says Jaydan, regarding the ACAA recognition. “Jaxon and I both worked really hard this year, on and off the court to help this team be successful. To be able to both be all-stars as well as be a part of a championship team, it almost feels like a dream sometimes.”

Jaydan Smith and Jaxon Smith

“Having Jaydan and Jaxon with the Mystics is like having two staff members who are also able to play on the court,” says Mystics head coach, Danny De Palma. “They both provide tremendous leadership with their high basketball IQ, are consistent with how they carry themselves daily, and come from a family of winners with great character. Having one Smith on any team would immediately make it better, but the fact we have two playing together has been a surreal journey.”

Looking ahead to next season Jaydan has his eye on defending their ACAA championship title.

“With a team that has the potential to have the core guys back, we have the ability to win a second consecutive conference championship and also get another shot at nationals,” he says. “For us, as a team, it’s about how we can make the road for ourselves easier. The more and more we buy into what the team wants as a whole, the easier it’ll be for us to compete at a high-level next season.”

Jaydan Smith

Jaxon is equally eager to win gold again next year and feels team chemistry can help give them an edge.

“We had a couple of bumps in the road this year, but overall, it was a great season,” says Jaxon. “And with most of us returning next year, our team chemistry will help give us a bit of a head start this summer heading into the pre-season this fall.”

Jaxon Smith

The beloved Dave Gallant

If you’ve seen the MSVU Mystics varsity teams play in the last several years, chances are you’ve also seen Dave Gallant. For almost nine years, Dave has been photographing the Mystics in action during cross country meets, and soccer, volleyball and basketball games. Along the way, he has captured the amazing moments and memories that tell the tale of our Mystics family, of which he’s a cherished member.

Dave bought his first digital camera in 2013 when his daughter Kate was playing basketball in high school. His connection to MSVU began just after that when Kate joined the Mystics Women’s Basketball team. Today, he’s involved in most community sports as a photographer, working with Soccer NS, Basketball NS, Football NS, Tennis NS, the MWBA Halifax Hornets, Charles P. Allen High School, the MSVU Mystics and more. Though the Blue Jays are his favourite sports team, he has yet to do much photography work with local baseball leagues.

Thanks for being a part of the Mystics family, Dave!

Best of luck, Coach Mueller

Matthias Mueller has announced that 2023/24 will be his last season as the cross-country head coach at MSVU. Matthias joined the Mystics in 2017 after serving as an assistant coach with the Dalhousie Tigers. Mueller focused on re-building a program that had been on hiatus for several years and the Mystics enjoyed many successes in his seven years at the helm.

“I would like to thank all of the athletes who gave me the privilege of aiding their training and racing journeys during my time at MSVU. It’s not an easy thing to juggle academics and athletics, so without the hard work and contributing efforts of every athlete who ran with our team, we would not have been able to achieve any of our successes. Though I am looking forward to a new chapter as a dad, I will greatly miss coaching so many bright young individuals, along with the greater MSVU family as a whole.”

Fond farewell to June Lumsden

June Lumsden, Director of Athletics and Recreation at MSVU for 40 remarkable years, retired in 2023. June’s infectious optimism and tremendous energy made her a force of positivity across campus, while her lifelong dedication to sports and recreation, and commitment to the success of every student established her as an inspirational leader at MSVU.

June was a pioneer in the field of athletics, particularly in advocating for gender equality and inclusivity in sports. She fiercely championed women’s participation in athletics and wellness initiatives, ensuring the varsity experience is both successful and enriching for women athletes and coaches.

Tyler Simmons, a former athlete and coach at MSVU, as well as recent Valedictorian, perfectly captured the essence of June’s impact when he cited her as someone he will dearly miss and who has played a significant role in his time at university, explaining that “If you know her, you will understand why.”

Welcoming Angela Barrett-Jewers

We recently welcomed Angela Barrett-Jewers to MSVU as the new Director of Athletics and Recreation!

While Angela is new to MSVU, she’s a familiar face in university athletics. Prior to joining our team, Angela worked for more than 18 years in Dalhousie University’s Department of Athletics and Recreation. Her experience in marketing and communications, event management, game day operations, and campus recreation will ensure the continued growth and development of our program for years to come.

“I am very passionate about the academic and athletic success of our Mystics studentathletes and am also deeply committed to ensuring that we provide exceptional experiences for all of our students,” says Angela. “I’m really pleased to have joined the Mount family and look forward to helping to contribute to the university’s rich history of academic and athletic excellence.”

June Lumsden (left) and Angela Barrett-Jewers (right)

MSVU donors shaping the future:

Celebrating the launch of the 1873 Society

As part of its 150th Anniversary year celebrations, Mount Saint Vincent University hosted the formal launch of the 1873 Society, a legacy-giving club for donors, alumni and friends who support MSVU and its students. The event was held to celebrate MSVU donors and thank those who have pledged to generously support the university through their long-term estate plans.

The 1873 Society

Named in recognition of the year of the Mount’s founding by the Sisters of Charity–Halifax, the 1873 Society was created to recognize those who have notified the university of their intention to include MSVU in their estate planning. The 1873 Society includes individuals who have made a financial commitment to MSVU that extends beyond their lifetime, sharing a vision of supporting students and shaping the university’s future.

While the 1873 Society was created almost 12 years ago, the recent launch event was the first formal gathering of the group. The event brought together current members, donors, and alumni interested in learning more about the society. Members and other attendees shared stories, forged connections, and inspired others to consider their own legacy contributions to the university.

Creating a legacy

By remembering MSVU with a future or current gift such as a gift in a Will, life insurance, retirement funds, or publicly traded securities, members of the 1873 Society enable MSVU to plan for the future, ensuring that the institution can continue to provide exceptional education and support to all students for years to come.

Joining the 1873 Society does not involve dues or obligations of any kind, and no minimum level of giving is required. To learn more or to let MSVU know that the university is part of your legacy, call 902-457-6270 or email anne.thibodeau@msvu.ca.

Members of MSVU’s 1873 Society with MSVU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Joël Dickinson

Women’s Wall of Honour

Another group of esteemed honourees joined The Riva Spatz Women’s Wall of Honour (WWOH) at MSVU in 2023. The only one of its kind in Canada, the WWOH celebrates extraordinary women from all walks of life. Each honouree’s name is engraved on a leaf on the wall, creating a lasting tribute to inspiring women who have made a difference across family, community, and profession. Honourees are also highlighted on the virtual Women’s Wall of Honour, providing an opportunity to share their stories and making it possible for people from all over the world to join in the experience. The physical and virtual walls now carry the names of nearly 600 women.

The installation is named in honour of lead donor Jim Spatz’s late mother, Riva. As a young woman, Riva survived the Holocaust when she and her younger sister and brother were sent by their parents to join a partisan group and become resistance fighters against the Nazis.

Among the latest honourees are female political leaders, community leaders, members of MSVU’s faculty, staff and alumni, and former First Lady Michelle Obama.

On the MSVU campus, the WWOH can be found just outside the Margaret Norrie McCain Centre for Teaching, Learning and Research. Fittingly, this is the only building on a Canadian university campus dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of women.

We invite you to visit the virtual Wall of Honour here: womenswallofhonour.ca

2023 Riva Spatz Women’s Wall of Honour Honourees:

The Honourable Barbara Adams

The Honourable Patricia Arab

The Honourable Jill Balser

Danielle Barkhouse

Hermine (Minnie) Bernard (honoured in memoriam)

Jully Black

Kim Campbell

Claudia Chender

Kendra Coombes

The Honourable Susan Corkum-Greek

Lady Ann Day

Dr. Joël Dickinson

Rafah DiCostanzo

The Honourable Becky Druhan

Dr. Jacqueline Gahagan

Suzy Hansen

Cheyenne Hardy

Penelope Joy Henneberry

The Honourable Marci Ien

Lisa Lachance

Susan Leblanc

Patricia MacLellan Maccagno

Alison MacDonald

Donna Christene MacDonald

Valerie MacDonald

The Honourable Karla MacFarlane

Lynne MacQuarrie

The Honourable Kim Masland

Jeanette McPherson

Houda Frances Metlege

The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab Lorelei Nicoll

Michelle Obama

Karen Oldfield Doreen Phinney-Furlong

Dr. Sarah Reddington

The Honourable Kelly Regan

Jane Adams Ritcey

Melissa Sheehy-Richard

Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin

Dr. Anna Smol

The Honourable Michelle Thompson

RESEARCH AT MSVU

A shared commitment to impact

As MSVU marks its 150th year, the university continues to foster research excellence and to maintain its commitment to conducting world-class research with both local and global impacts. Research at the university is inspired by MSVU’s focus on the advancement of women and girls and the institution’s strong tradition of social responsibility. Learn more about Research at MSVU at msvu.ca/research-atthe-mount, where you’ll find a special edition research bulletin entitled Inspiring Action: The Impact of Research at MSVU 1873-2023 as well as a new five-year strategic research plan.

It’s been 50 years since the first Research Office at MSVU was established in 1974 by Dr. Wayne Ingalls, Assistant Academic Dean. With the added title of Director of Research, Dr. Ingalls struck a presidential committee to develop policy and recommend internal grants to faculty from a fund that began at $1,000. He also assisted faculty with grant proposal writing. For 17 years, the office consisted of only Dr. Ingalls and a single administrative assistant, with both dedicating only part of their time to research-related work.

Under MSVU President Dr. E. Margaret Fulton, Wayne’s title changed to Director of Research and Special Projects. He described special projects as ‘gleams in Margaret’s eye.’ Following Dr. Fulton’s departure, in addition to his research duties Dr. Ingalls was tasked with overseeing the new occupants of the E. Margaret Fulton Communications Centre –

the library, the computer centre, the DUET TV Studio, and audiovisual services. In 1991, Dr. Ingalls moved into a new role as the Mount’s Vice-President Academic.

As the years passed, the MSVU Research Office grew to include additional elements. This included the federal grants comprising MSVU’s Research Support Fund and initial Canada Research Chair (CRC) and Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) applications and approvals. Today, the Research Office supports MSVU faculty members in their research endeavours and contributes to events like the Black and Indigenous Speaker Series and new faculty orientation.

The Research Office was built to encourage faculty to do research that makes effective community change, a basis that still stands today. “I simply see it getting stronger and stronger,” Dr. Ingalls said.

SPOTLIGHT ON MSVU’S FIRST DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH

150th Research Ambassador Elayna Foran sat down for an excellent interview with Dr. Wayne Ingalls who established the Research Office in 1974. Check out Elayna’s conversation with Dr. Ingalls.

Recognizing research excellence

Dr. Anna Smol was the 2023 winner of Mount Saint Vincent University’s prestigious Research Excellence Award celebrating her outstanding research achievements in her field. Additionally, she was honoured with the title of Professor Emerita for her significant contributions to academia.

A professor in the Department of English at MSVU, Anna holds a BA Hons from Concordia University and an MA and PhD from Queen’s University, specializing in Old English literature. Her research endeavours have encompassed a wide array of subjects, including J.R.R. Tolkien studies, medievalism, medieval literature, and higher education pedagogy.

Dr. Jessie-Lee McIsaac was the 2023 recipient of the university’s prestigious Early Career Research Award. Jessie Lee is a crossappointed Assistant Professor in the Department of Child and Youth Study and the Faculty of Education and Tier II Canada Research Chair in Early Childhood: Diversity and Transitions. The award recognizes her exceptional contributions to the research community and her significant impact on early childhood development research.

← Watch the video

Order of Nova Scotia honouree

Dr. Jacquie Gahagan

Dr. Jacqueline (Jacquie) Gahagan, Associate VicePresident of Research at MSVU, is among the newest honourees to be appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia. This is the highest honour in the Province of Nova Scotia, recognizing people in many fields of endeavour who have distinguished themselves and made lasting contributions.

Extensive contributions in health equity research

Jacquie’s appointment recognizes their extensive contributions in health equity research, in particular with relation to healthcare, health policy development, child welfare, older LGBT Canadians and housing, and HIV/AIDS. Jacquie engages in research in the areas of public health and the social sciences locally, nationally and internationally.

Advocate for current and former youth in care

An advocate for current and former youth in care, Jacquie is currently leading two research studies to examine and evaluate the impacts of tuition waiver programs on reducing barriers to post-secondary education among former youth in care. This research involves first voice perspectives through interviews with participants (current and past) and with those who oversee these programs in Atlantic Canadian universities and colleges.

Congratulations, Jacquie!

$2.5 million in health research funding

Several MSVU faculty members are recent recipients of research funding totalling more than $2.5 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Dr. Derek Fisher, Professor and Chair, Psychology Department and colleagues

$462,825 CIHR Project Grant to study the brain features of people with bipolar disorder who hear voices and the impact on their daily lives. Given the number of people with bipolar disorder who experience voice hearing, this information is desperately needed but is currently lacking. This twosite study (Halifax and Ottawa) will assess how hallucinations impact the brain, in turn informing better treatment and, ultimately, improving the lives of people living with bipolar disorder. Dr. Fisher is co-Principal Investigator with Dr. Natalia Jaworska of the Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research in Ottawa.

Dr. Janice Keefe, Professor and Chair, Family Studies and Gerontology Department, and Director of the Nova Scotia Centre on Aging and colleagues

Awarded a $2.1 million CIHR Project Grant for a multi-site study that aims to improve quality of work life for staff in long-term care. This study seeks to understand how working conditions in residential long-term care settings may affect the conditions of care of the residents. Ultimately, this study will enable tangible interventions to improve long-term care staff quality of work life and work environment, as well as the quality of care for residents.

CIHR Planning and Dissemination Grant

Co-investigators Dr. Jessie-Lee McIsaac (Tier II CRC, Education and Child & Youth Study) and Dr. Tracy Moniz (Communication Studies) and collaborator Dr. Ellen Shaffner (Communication Studies)

Awarded an approximate $10,000 CIHR Planning and Dissemination grant for their project titled ‘Leveraging family voice and social media to build protective factors in early social and emotional health.’

The researchers are co-designing a social media strategy with a diverse family advisory committee to increase access to evidence-based information that meets the needs of diverse families related to early social and emotional health. The initiative will culminate in a virtual symposium connecting families, policymakers, and practitioners in a discussion about building the capacity of families to support their children’s social and emotional health and long-term well-being.

Dr. Jessie-Lee McIsaac (Top), Dr. Tracy Moniz (Middle) and Dr. Ellen Shaffner (Bottom)

Dr. Tamara Franz-Odendaal (left) and members of her research team

Studying how space travel affects bones

MSVU Biology Professor and researcher Dr. Tamara Franz-Odendaal has received approximately $500,000 in research grants to support her groundbreaking work on the impact of space travel on the skeleton. This includes funding from the Canadian Space Agency, the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the John R. Evans Leaders Fund, matching funds from Research NS, and in-kind support from MSVU. Additional funding from an NSERC Discovery Grant also supports this research.

Bone loss caused by microgravity

Tamara’s research focuses on the critical issue of bone loss caused by microgravity (the virtual absence of gravity). This problem is particularly important for astronauts who may experience a decrease of up to 10% in bone mineral density after spaceflights. It’s an effect that increases bone fragility and raises the risk of fractures. However, the mechanisms behind microgravityinduced bone loss are still not well understood.

Only initiative of its kind in Canada

This is the only initiative in Canada dedicated to studying the effects of microgravity on the skeleton in an animal model. With this new funding, Tamara is expanding upon previous research in this area. An initial grant from the Canadian Space Agency led to valuable insights into the overall impacts of microgravity on the skeletal structure, while current funding will enable Tamara and her team to delve deeper into the complex cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for these effects.

Enhancing understanding of human bone disorders

This research holds significance not only for space exploration but also for understanding various human disorders where lower amounts of bone are formed. According to Tamara, “The more we understand how cells interact and communicate to cause these results, the better we can improve targeted therapies to address bone disorders in humans (such as osteoporosis).”

A new AAAS Fellow

Dr. Franz-Odendaal is also a new Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, one of the most distinguished honours in the scientific community. Congratulations, Tamara!

Facilitating strong research relationships

A unique collaboration between Saint Mary’s University, Mount Saint Vincent University and NSCAD University enables the Industry Liaison Office (ILO) to provide support services to faculty researchers across the three academic institutions.

The ILO is the initial point of contact for faculty members and external parties wishing to develop research relationships, collaborations and contracts, and for the transfer of technology and knowledge arising from the research activities at the university. The ILO team includes Vanisa Omicevic, Kevin Buchan and Danielle Goodfellow (MSVU’s Industry Liaison Officer).

MSVU faculty members regularly engage in collaborative research initiatives with industry. This includes MSVU professor and researcher of Applied Human Nutrition Dr. Bohdan Luhovyy, who studies nutrition, food science and physiology. Through his work, he successfully collaborates with major industry partners in the agri-food sector to introduce new foods to Canadians. He has worked with local companies to generate pulse flour bakery products, whole blueberry beverages, gluten free beer, and seaweed-based food products. Recently Dr. Luhovyy’s team created recipes to help introduce quail eggs, a new product in the Maritimes, to consumers.

Canada Research Chair renewals

Congratulations to Dr. Zachary Zimmer and Dr. Jessie-Lee McIsaac, whose Canada Research Chairs at MSVU have both been renewed.

Dr. Zimmer, a Professor of Family Studies and Gerontology, recently received a seven-year renewal of his Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Global Aging and Community at MSVU.

Dr. McIsaac, a cross-appointed Assistant Professor in the Department of Child and Youth Study and the Faculty of Education at MSVU, received a five-year renewal of her Tier II Canada Research Chair in Early Childhood: Diversity and Transitions.

Alumni events and highlights

Each year, our Alumni team brings MSVU alumni together to connect and reminisce through a series of events, and 2023 was no different. Here are some of the gatherings we enjoyed last year.

150th Celebration Harbour Cruise – June 24, 2023

As part of the 150th year celebrations, the MSVAA organized a Harbour Cruise on the Tall Ship Silva. The response was overwhelming. The MSVAA will consider making this an annual event.

International Alumni Panel – September 1, 2023

Alumni from six different countries answered questions from 150 attendees around the challenges they faced as international students in a new country and how they have built their careers. The panel was moderated by Aris Hernandez, now an International Student Recruitment Officer at MSVU, MSVU alum, originally from Mexico. The panelists were Cong Cheng (China), David Oluwadare Obisesan (Nigeria), Harmanpreet Kaur (India), Ebenezer K. Nkrumah (Ghana), Sophie Hong (Korea) and Tahsin Ratul (Bangladesh).

Eat and Art Inclusive Social – September 7, 2023

The Eat and Art Inclusive Social was held as part of orientation week. The event was organized in partnership with the MSVU Art Gallery and PLANET*21. Activities at the event included self-guided painting, guided monotype printing, guided felting, self-guided beading and other activities.

An Evening of Reflection – September 27, 2023

To mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we provided a welcoming space to MSVU community members who are Indigenous to network and connect with others. The event featured a sharing circle led by an Indigenous Elder. Activities such as rock painting and beading were also available.

Fall Sip and Paint – October 4, 2023

Switching it up from the Alumni Office’s floral arranging events during the holiday season, the Alumni Office held a Sip and Paint in the Campus Pub. Forty alumni came together for a fun evening of painting guided by an experienced host, sipping on spirits, and snacking.

150th Celebration Wine Tour Across the Valley – October 28, 2023

The Magic Winery Bus treated 40 alumni to a wine tour across the valley. Departing from MSVU, the tour visited three wineries and included lunch. The event came in response to a survey done asking alumni which kind of events they are interested in. This event gave us an opportunity to connect with new grads, as well as alumni who graduated 50+ years ago.

MSVU Student and Alumni Bermuda Reunion 2024

Dr. Joël Dickinson, along with Chandrika Sanghi, Manager of Alumni Engagement and Aris Hernandez, International Student Recruitment Officer, hosted an unforgettable evening in Hamilton, Bermuda at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute in January 2024. Prospective students and alumni enjoyed light refreshments, reconnecting with old classmates and making new connections!

MSVU’s 2023 Alumni Award winners

Each year, the MSVU Alumni Awards shine a spotlight on graduates who have made significant contributions to the university and in their communities. These alumni exemplify the limitless potential of an MSVU education and the exceptional individuals who study here. Not only do the MSVU Alumni Awards celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our alumni, but they also inspire current students at the university to aim for excellence.

Our 2023 Alumni Award winners were recognized on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at a ceremony and high tea held at MSVU. Alumni joined us in their fanciest tea outfits (and fascinators!) to celebrate each other’s achievements and enjoy delicious food and, of course, tea.

Congratulations to the latest Alumni Award winners!

Young Alumna of the Year Award

The Young Alumna of the Year Award celebrates the achievements of alumni who have graduated within the last 10 years and who are committed to advancing social responsibility and equity, demonstrated by inspiring change in the community. The 2023 recipient is Cheyenne Hardy (BACYS ’23).

From her early days at MSVU, Cheyenne stood out as a dedicated and high-achieving student. She arrived at the university as a recipient of the President’s Scholarship in 2019 and graduated as valedictorian of her class with a remarkable 4.2 GPA, securing the Child and Youth Study Award for Academic Excellence. Throughout her academic journey, Cheyenne demonstrated unwavering commitment to her university and peers. Cheyenne currently serves as the TD Fellow at MSVU, a prestigious position awarded to only two graduates in the country this year.

Alumni Community Service Award

The Honourable Patricia Arab (BEd ‘2001), recipient of the 2023 MSVU Alumni Community Service Award, holds a Bachelor of Education degree from MSVU (in addition to degrees from Dalhousie and Acadia) and worked as a teacher for a number of years before launching her successful career in politics. Since her election to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in 2013, Patricia has become a well-respected representative for the constituency of Fairview-Clayton Park. From 2017 to 2021, under Premiers Stephen McNeil and Iain Rankin, she served as Minister of Service Nova Scotia, Internal Services and Communications Nova Scotia. MSVU’s anniversary year of 2023 is also a milestone for Patricia too as it marks 10 years for her as an MLA.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Legacy Award

Deanna Mohamed (MEd’08), recipient of the 2023 MSVU Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Legacy Award, was born and raised in the historical African Nova Scotian community of New Glasgow. She is a very proud MSVU alumna having graduated alongside 20 African Nova Scotian trailblazers from the very first class of the Master’s of Education in Lifelong Learning with a focus on Africentric Leadership, a program Deanna describes as “life changing and culturally affirming.” Deanna loves working with students to help them realize their fullest potential and greatness through education. It is “heart work” for her, and it is her life’s purpose and passion to support and uplift others to help create a more consciously inclusive and truly equitable society.

Alumni Reunion Weekend 2023

MSVU’s alumni reunion weekend, November 2-5, 2023, featured six events tailored towards diverse alumni and saw a total 175 participants! Feedback was filled with a lot of love and happiness about coming back to campus to help us celebrate 150 years.

“For the 50+ college luncheon, we had a 98-year-old alum celebrate 75 years since her graduation. For the Academy luncheon, we had Sister Vivian Mancini celebrate her 75th academy milestone. Celebrating such massive milestones is a great achievement for MSV as well. I am honoured to be a part of it.”

-Chandrika

Sanghi, Manager of Alumni Engagement.

Academy Luncheon

We launched Reunion Weekend 2023 with a special luncheon for those who attended the academy and celebrated their unique experiences. This event provided the alumni office the opportunity to capture stories and for alumni to receive their milestone alumni pin.

50 & 50+ MSVU & MSVC Luncheon

More than 80 long-time alumni with a strong affinity for Mount Saint Vincent University celebrated their 50th year or 50+ years. This event brought together alumni who witnessed MSVU’s 100th anniversary celebrations and came back to celebrate the 150th anniversary. Ninety-eight-year old college alum Anna Campbell celebrated her 75th graduation anniversary – a first at Reunion Weekend.

Milestone Pinning & Wine Tasting

Alumni of all different graduating years reconnected with old friends and had the opportunity to network with new friends at our 2023 wine tasting event! This event celebrated alumni marking five-year milestones in particular (graduation years ending in three and eight).

Alumni Awards and President’s High Tea

A popular event during the reunion weekend every year is the President’s Tea and the Alumni Awards. Alumni had the opportunity to meet and connect with President Dr. Joël Dickinson. Over the years our Alumni Awards have recognized exceptional members in our alumni community for their community service, EDIA efforts and enthusiasm.

Presidents’ Basketball Shoot-out

The MSVAA president Penny Henneberry invited MSVU President Dr. Joël Dickinson for a basketball shootout during halftime at an MSVU Mystics Basketball game! It was the perfect opportunity to engage with the Mount Mystics alumni as they cheered on from the packed stands.

Brunch with the Sisters of Charity

The Sisters of Charity hosted a brunch for the Mount Saint Vincent Alumni Association board members and were also joined by eight MSVU reps, including President Dr. Joël Dickinson. Most of the sisters were past students and teachers at MSV and played a key role in MSVU’s growth into what it is today. Each sister received a special bracelet with a 150th pendant charm.

MSVU welcomes two new Vice Presidents

Dr. Lori Francis, Vice President, Academic and Provost

Dr. Lori Francis joined MSVU as the Vice President Academic and Provost in August 2023, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to fostering inclusive academic environments. Lori previously held the position of Dean of Science at Saint Mary’s University. Committed to removing barriers to inclusion in academic settings, Lori is eager to collaborate with faculty, staff, and students at MSVU. She admires the institution’s mission and vision, particularly its dedication to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA). As Vice President Academic and Provost, Lori aims to champion faculty and staff, celebrate successes, and nurture growth within the university community.

Isabelle Nault, Vice President of Administration

Isabelle Nault, Vice President of Administration at MSVU, brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to administrative excellence to her role. Joining MSVU in July 2023, Isabelle previously served as the Associate Vice President of Operations at Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD). With over 15 years of diverse experience in higher education, project management, and architectural design, Isabelle is a bilingual (French-English) architect known for her consultative, analytic, and evidence-based approach. She firmly believes that the academic success of a university community hinges on robust administrative and operational support, a philosophy she aims to uphold at MSVU through her leadership.

Fond farewells and warm welcomes

In January 2023, we said farewell to Lori Lancaster (BA ‘93 and BPR ‘97), a warm and welcoming presence at MSVU who served as the Manager of Alumni Engagement for nearly eight years. As Lori embarks on a new chapter as the Executive Director of Basketball Nova Scotia, the MSVU community extends its heartfelt gratitude for her unwavering dedication to fostering connections among alumni.

Joining MSVU as our new Manager of Alumni Engagement is Chandrika Sanghi. She completed a Bachelor of Commerce at Delhi University and a Master of Business Administration at Saint Mary’s University. Chandrika is guided by her mantra, “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” Since joining MSVU in April 2023, Chandrika has brought renewed energy and fresh perspectives to the Alumni Office.

Shortly after Chandrika began her role as the new Manager of Alumni Engagement, the Alumni Office added another new but familiar face to the team. Harmanpreet Kaur, known as Harman, started as the new Alumni Relations Coordinator in May 2023. Harman has a Diploma of Business Administration from Mount Saint Vincent University and held many parttime positions on campus such as student assistant and researcher and developer before joining the alumni office in a permanent full-time position.

Class notes

2020s

Will Brewer (MountAbility Program ’23) launched a new business called PLANET*21. The focus of the business is providing jobs and opportunities to people with Down syndrome. Will also serves on the Mount Saint Vincent Alumnae Association (MSVAA) board.

Taunia MacAdam (MEd ’22 and BSc ’93) joined MSVU’s Office of the Vice-President Academic and Provost in 2017. Following her graduation from the Master of Education program, she left this role, and to her delight, began to teach part-time in the Business, Tourism and Hospitality Department. She is also a proud mom to her daughter, an MSVU student currently working on a Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition.

“I love my career story as it has always circled around the Mount. I am a proud Alumni and appreciate how MSVU has shaped my character and career.”

Ksenia Kholina (MSc in Applied Human Nutrition ‘21) is a registered dietician with the Nova Scotia Health Authority and teaches parttime at MSVU. Ksenia was recently accepted into Dalhousie and will soon begin studying to become a family physician. Ksenia is also an advocate for immigrant women and serves as the Director of Research and Education at the Canadian Advisory of Women Immigrants.

Cong Chen (MEd ’21) was named 2024’s Most Inspiring Immigrant in Atlantic Canada’s Honouree and one of the 2024 Young Impact Leaders by the online publication Future of Good In 2023, Cong began working for the Halifax

Regional Municipality as the Community Safety Education Coordinator. Cong is also involved in community and volunteer work. Recently, Cong volunteered for the Juno Awards held in Halifax.

Alishia Berthelet (BA ‘20) held many part-time jobs while studying at MSVU including work as an archives intern, student intern, library assistant, and research assistant. Alishia started a new position with Halifax Regional Municipality in January 2024. Alishia is also a world axe throwing champ, placing in the top 5 of over 40 women in the 2022 World Double Bit Axe Throwing Championships.

Michelle Russell (BA ‘20) won gold in the women’s K-1 500m at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago. Michelle demonstrated admirable team spirit after her victory, exclaiming “I’m excited to be the first one done — more time to cheer for everyone else!”

Ksenia Kholina, MSc in Applied Human Nutrition ‘21

Cong Chen, MEd ’21

2010s

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) Councillor Pam Lovelace (MEd ’18, BA ’99) announced her bid for mayor of Halifax. Pam was a part-time professor at MSVU between 2018 and 2020.

Emma Menchefski (BPR ’16) was named by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives — an American organization representing more than 1,000 chambers around the continent — to its “Top 40 Under 40” list, honouring executives younger than 40 years old who have demonstrated success in their careers and made significant contributions in the communities they represent. Emma is the Communications Manager at the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and co-owner of On it Event Solutions Inc.

Kelsey MacDonald (BPR ’13) started a new position as Director of Communications and Public Affairs at the Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians of Canada (SOGC) in January 2024. She’s championing women’s health with passion and purpose. Kelsey and the SOGC were part of efforts to get free access to birth control in Canada.

Janice Ciavaglia (MEd ‘12) was appointed as Chief Executive Officer at the Canadian Charity CODE in November 2023. CODE is Canada’s leading international development organization focused uniquely on children’s literacy in subSaharan Africa, where nearly 90% of 10-yearolds are unable to read a simple text with comprehension. Named one of ‘Canada’s Top 40 under 40’ in 2021, Janice led the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) to be recognized as one of Canada’s Best Employers in 2023.

Jed Mackay (BEd ‘12) is a Halifax comic book writer. He writes for one of Marvel Comics’ flagship series, The Avengers. In 2023, he worked on series including Doctor Strange, Moon Knight, and Mary Jane and Black Cat.

Jill Quilty (MEd ‘10) is a Crown Attorney with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. She was appointed to College of the North Atlantic’s Board of Governors in September 2023. Jill is an active member of the Canadian Bar Association and Indigenous Bar Association.

1990s

Paul Moore (BPR ’96) has come out of semiretirement to accept a position as Lead Coordinator – Communications and Media Relations with Illinois Central College in East Peoria, IL. He lives in nearby Metamora with his wife Mary Louise, and also writes a monthly column for the Catholic Post, the newspaper of the Diocese of Peoria.

1980s

Twila Grosse (BBA ’83) is Nova Scotia’s first Black female cabinet minister and the first Progressive Conservative Black MLA in the province. Twila is the Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission and African Nova Scotian Affairs. Minister Grosse was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Preston area riding in August 2023.

Sandra Macleod (BPR ’81) had the great honour and privilege of opening the London Stock Exchange on March 12, 2024, in celebration of Britain’s Most Admired Companies winners, based on an annual study across the FTSE conducted by the company she founded, Echo Research.

Susan Surette-Draper (BA, Economics ‘73) has just released her new book called Refuge, a novel which chronicles the story of her ancestors Pierre Suret and Catherine Bro through 50 years of upheaval surrounding the Acadian Deportations beginning in 1755. The book is available from the author, on Amazon or at local bookstores.

Lorne Abramson (BEd ’72), before studying at MSVU, received a Bachelor of Science from McGill University in 1968. Lorne had been studying dentistry for two years before he realized he didn’t see himself being a dentist for his career. In 2003, after retiring following 32 years as a teacher, Lorne became the Executive Director for the Diabetes Education and Camping Association for 15 years. During his time at MSVU, Lorne proudly led a protest to get lounge space for education students in the brand-new Seton Academic Centre.

Johanne (Zwicker) McKee (BScHE ’54) and her husband Ian generously established the Student Opportunities Fund at MSVU in 2013. This gift matching endowed fund was seeded by the McKees’ initial gift of $50,000 and, to encourage giving at any level, Johanne matches all donations to the fund up to an additional $50,000.

The Student Opportunities Fund provides students with financial support to attend workshops and conferences that will contribute to their academic success, provide research presentation opportunities, or enable studies abroad.

In 2023, 11 students received funding to attend and present at conferences such as the Canadian Nutrition Society Annual Conference, the Atlantic School of Business Conference and the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) Conference. The Student Opportunities Fund also supported a modern languages student to study abroad in France. Over 60 students have benefited from The Student Opportunities Fund since its establishment.

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Submit a Class Note online at alumni.msvu.ca or via email at alumni@msvu.ca

“Every [Mount] student has benefited from someone else’s philanthropy,” Johanne says. “There is a reason for us to give back – so that future students can benefit from their university experience, just as we have.”

Retirees

2022 Retirees

1980-2022 Raymond Sampson, Custodial Services – 42 years

1998-2022 Cynthia Sampson, Custodial Services – 24 years

1999-2022 Tom Hull, Maintenance – 23 years

2008-2022 Dale Aris, Payroll Office – 14 years

2011-2022 Kim Colley, Registrar’s Office – 11 years

2014-2022 Gerald Breau, Print Shop – 8 years

2023 Retirees

1982-2023 June Lumsden, Athletics and Recreation – 41 years

1986-2023 Anna Smol, English Department – 37 years

1988-2023 Francois-Xavier Eygun, Modern Languages Department – 35 years

1990-2023 Hui Li, Mathematics Department – 33 years

1992-2023 Meg Raven, Library – 31 years

1995-2023 Kim Campbell, Office of the President – 28 years

2002-2023 Valda Leighteizer, Education Faculty – 21 years

2002-2023 Pam Reinders-Cooley, Financial Services – 21 years

2002-2023 Joan Turner, Child and Youth Study Department – 21 years

2003-2023 Elizabeth Church, Faculty of Education & Former VP, Academic & Provost – 20 years

2003-2023 Faith Roach, Faculty of Education – 20 years

2015-2023 Gayle MacDonald, Department of Women’s Studies & Former AVP, Research – 8 years

In memoriam

1940s

Anita Brooks (ACAD ’48) December 12, 2023

1950s

Mary Inglis (ACAD ’51, BEd ’59) January 24, 2023

Virginia Walzak (NG ’51) February 27, 2023

Barbara Burns (BSc ’58) October 7, 2023

1960s

Joan Glode (BA ’69, HDOC ’12) March 9, 2023

Maureen O’Neill (BA ’68, BEd ’74) March 24, 2023

Julie Carroll (BA ’63) May 15, 2023

1970s

Deborah Weir (CCD ’75) January 1, 2023

Louise Hunt (BA ’74) January 15, 2023

Patricia Burgess (BA ’75) March 30, 2023

Nancy Landry (BEC ’74) April 25, 2023

Charlene Irving (BA ’73) May 11, 2023

Janet Crosby (BEd ’77) June 23, 2023

Mary Leverman (MAE ’75) July 31, 2023

Mary Hope (BSc ’72) August 15, 2023

Mary Palardy (BA ’71, BEd ’80) October 3, 2023

Helen Dares (BSc ’73) October 15, 2023

1980s

Faye Parker (BA ’80) January 8, 2023

Rona Peladeau (BA ’80) March 14, 2023

Mary Turnbull (BEd ’81, MEd 86) April 11, 2023

Margaret Swan (HDOC ’89) May 26, 2023

Ethel James (BEC ’83) July 27. 2023

Dora Vaughn (MEd ’88) July 30, 2023

Dayle Harrington (BA ’80) July 30, 2023

1990s

Cynthia French (BA ’94, HAC ’95) July 28, 2023

2000s

Annette Ryan (BA ’02) March 18, 2023

Helen MacDonald (MEd, ’03) July 20, 2023

Remembering Rick Walkden

December 22, 1961 – August 24, 2022

Rick Walkden, MSVU’s former Manager, Environmental Services and Sustainability, was a 40-year dedicated employee and MSVU alum. The Rick Walkden Memorial Fund was established to ensure current and future students have access to an MSVU education, regardless of circumstance.

Rick thoroughly enjoyed a fulfilling career. He is remembered as a man of integrity and gentleness. His sense of humour was second to none and he possessed a keen wit and had a razor-sharp mind.

Rick Walkden, MSVU’s former Manager, Environmental Services and Sustainability