DR. ANDY HAKIN HONOURED FOR EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTION TO EDUCATION

StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin has announced David Graham ’92 as Vice-President, Advancement.

Mr. Graham comes to StFX with over 30 years in management and executive roles focused on fundraising, operational excellence, and marketing communications, most recently, serving as the Chief Executive O cer, Brigadoon Village.

“We’re thrilled to welcome David back to his alma mater,” said Dr. Hakin. “Widely recognized for his leadership capabilities and achievements, David is a true ambassador for the institution, and we are looking forward to having him as part of the leadership team.”

A proud StFX alumnus, Mr. Graham graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and has maintained a strong a liation with the university over his career including as past president of the Halifax alumni chapter. He credits his time as an undergraduate student at StFX as being instrumental in shaping his character and skills in leadership, preparing him with the tools necessary to engage stakeholders and deliver organizational growth.

“I am excited to be returning to the StFX and Antigonish communities, which had such a formational in uence on me,” said Mr. Graham. “StFX has such a strong legacy and story to share. I look forward to engaging with those who know and love StFX, as well as representing the Xaverian values and spirit to those just getting to know Canada’s leading undergraduate experience. “ ank you to Dr. Hakin and the selection committee for o ering me this incredible opportunity.”

For the last 10 years, Mr. Graham has led Brigadoon Village as CEO, an organization which under his leadership has transformed from modest beginnings to a spectacular camp for children living with health conditions and other life challenges. Prior to Brigadoon, he spent 15 years as Director and CEO with Camp Kandalore. Mr. Graham has been recognized for his leadership as Top 50 CEO in Atlantic Canada.

Mr. Graham began his new role in January 2023.

StFX President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Andy Hakin’s exceptional service to the Province of Nova Scotia in the eld of education was recognized Oct. 18, 2022 during an investiture ceremony at Government House. e Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, presented Dr. Hakin with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, honouring Dr. Hakin’s outstanding leadership role. e commemorative medal is presented in honour of the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s succession to the throne and is awarded to residents of Nova Scotia who have made signi cant contributions to Canada, Nova Scotia, their community or to their fellow citizens. In his over 30-year career, Dr. Hakin has been a steadfast champion of advancing education, both as a professor of chemistry, and as an administrator. He is driven by the belief that education has the power to open doors for everyone. Since joining StFX in 2020, Dr. Hakin’s contributions have been exemplary, particularly in leading the university through the COVID-19 pandemic, says StFX Board of Governors Chair Dennis Flood ’80. While many post-secondary institutions across the country went fully online, StFX made a measured decision, welcoming students back to campus where about 75 per cent of classes were held inperson. is was a remarkable achievement for StFX students, faculty, and sta during a very tumultuous time, Mr. Flood says. And at its heart was recognition that people coming together is at the centre of the StFX experience, that StFX not only educates its students, but it also prepares them for a life of engagement, that people coming together—community—makes a di erence.