STFX GRADS ENCOURAGED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE; HONORARY DEGREE BESTOWED ON FAISAL JOSEPH ’82

Celebration, achievement, and a touch of magic lled the Keating Centre Dec. 4, 2022 as StFX graduated over 350 students, and bestowed an honorary degree upon Faisal Joseph ’82, a lawyer and advocate for the Islamic community in Canada.

StFX also bestowed two major honours during Fall Convocation 2022. Yogesh Ghore, a senior program teaching sta member at Coady Institute, was honoured with the Outstanding Sta Teaching Award, and the Outreach Award was presented to Dr. Maureen Coady ’76 ’92, faculty member, Department of Adult Education.

In an inspiring address, Dr. Joseph, who received a standing ovation for his remarks, told graduates there are several themes he’d like them to take from today. e rst is perseverance and overcoming obstacles in life. “It’s important to keep swinging, no matter how di cult…Just keep swinging,” he said, noting eventually they’ll hit their goal.

Another is friendship. He encouraged them to always nurture the friendships made at StFX.

“I want you to think about making a di erence. Because making a di erence is what you should aspire to do.” Mr. Joseph said he doesn’t care about how big or small, but that you contribute to improving the human condition.

He also le graduates with several tips. Respect people with less power than you, and act accordingly with kindness. Don’t seek happiness but try to make happiness for others. Be intellectually rigorous and honest. Identify your own biases and prejudices, be openminded, and don’t be judgemental. No matter your occupation, be a teacher. Share your ideas. And nally, don’t rush. You don’t need to know what you’re going to do for the rest of your life today.

Dr. Joseph also spoke about his student days, thanking StFX for the foundation provided. He told graduates their X-Ring symbolizes many di erent things, noting there is no place he can go without something extraordinary happening because of it. is included a forum in Vatican City, where he was received by Pope Benedict XVI. Conversation turned to Pope Benedict’s storied ring. “You have a very attractive ring as well,” came the reply. When Dr. Joseph started to explain his X-Ring, he heard, “I know the ring.”

“He knew the ring!”

Make A Difference

“We place great faith in your ability to change society for the better,” he said in remarks that congratulated students and encouraged them to strive to make positive change.

“Education changes lives,” Dr. Hakin said.

“Each person’s path is unique. But our hope is your experiences at this very special university has provided you with the knowledge, skills, and tools to fully engage with life and to make a di erence.” is is a special day for all being recognized. It is also a special day for all who have supported you, University Chancellor John Peacock ’63 said as he opened Convocation. He encouraged graduates to continue to seek ways “to improve your lives, your communities, and the world.”

“Every single one of us had to overcome challenges to get to where we are today,” graduating class speaker Mary Anne MacKeigan ’99 ’22 of Whycocomagh, NS said. She encouraged classmates to think about those who helped them get to where they are today. “ is sense of community does not end with diplomas and degrees today. I challenge you: wherever you live, become part of that community. Show up. Get involved.”

Kathleen Sheridan ’15, StFX Alumni Association president, welcomed graduates into the alumni community. “I have no doubt you will continue to do amazing things as you strive to be thoughtful citizens of the world.”

Honorary Degree Recipient

Faisal Joseph was born in Truro, NS, and graduated from StFX in 1982. A er earning his law degree from the University of New Brunswick in 1985, he began his legal career with Burchell, MacDougall and Gruchy, where he was promoted to partner in 1990. In 1994, he relocated to London, ON, where he joined Lerners Law Firm.

Mr. Joseph has enjoyed a successful career, having been recognized by the Premier of Ontario in 2011 for his expertise in dra ing hate-crime legislation, as well as for his views on security and international justice. In 2015, he was awarded the Law Society Medal, the highest honour bestowed by the Law Society of Ontario. In the a ermath of the events of September 2001, which precipitated a low point in relations between Muslim and non-Muslim Canadians, Mr. Joseph became a de facto spokesperson of the Islamic community in Canada. More than 20 years later, he is still a familiar and respected presence in the national media. In 2009, he participated in a three-day forum on issues of peace, security, and social justice in Vatican City, where he was received by Pope Benedict XVI. He continues to call for greater interfaith dialogue between Muslims and Christians, who together comprise half of the world’s population.

Mr. Joseph is a particular hero of the Islamic community in his adopted city of London, ON (which boasts the highest per capita Muslim population in Canada), but he is also an inspiration to all Canadians as a respected champion of inclusion, dialogue and understanding.