StFX Alumni News - Summer 2018

StFX AlumniNews

SUMMER 2018

CONNECTING ALUMNI & FRIENDS OF St. FRANCIS XAVIER UNIVERSITY

StFX, WOMEN, & LEADERSHIP MAKING HISTORY: STFX STUDENTS’ UNION PRESIDENT REBECCA MESAY AND VICE-PRESIDENT TIFFANY MACLENNAN BECOME FIRST ALL-FEMALE EXECUTIVE TEAM

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StFX ALUMNINEWS CONTENTS

Introducing the 2018 President’s Circle of Young Alumni recipients.

Feature 10

StFX, Women and Leadership In January 2018, the StFX Students’ Union elected its first all-female executive duo.

We meet the new executive and several StFX female alumni making a difference in leadership roles. On our cover is 2018-19 President Rebecca Mesay and Vice-President Tiffany MacLennan.

Contents NewsFlash

Features 3

Athletics

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Alumni Association Update

31

Chapter News

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News Exchange

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A commitment to health and wellness 16 Amelia and Lino Saputo, Jr.’s transformative $10 million gift bolsters $30 million campaign to transform aging Oland Centre

Sisters of St. Martha The Sisters of St. Martha donate $500,000 to Xaverian Fund, providing the atmosphere where education can happen

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20 StFX celebrates 2018 Spring Convocation 22 Over 900 graduate, Dr. Teresa MacNeil and Lino A. Saputo, Jr. receive honorary degrees

22 Visit StFX’s online alumni community: www.stfx.ca/alumni StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE | DR. KENT MACDONALD ’86 ’93

DRIVING CHANGE Since my return to StFX four years ago, I’ve had the pleasure of sharing tea with Sr. Margaret MacDonnell several times in Sydney. I drive a lot in this job, and those moments in the car—like my morning walks around campus—give me space to reflect. On my last drive from Sydney to Antigonish, I thought about Sr. Margaret’s extraordinary life. After graduating from StFX, she completed a PhD at Harvard, then returned home, to StFX, to teach for nearly four decades. Sr. Margaret, a member of the Congregation of Notre Dame, is one of the many women from whose leadership our university has so greatly benefited for more than a century.

Since 1897, the Sisters of St. Martha have provided tremendous support to StFX: food services, health care, nursing, teaching, and spiritual care. That support continues today through Wellspring, a special centre in Morrison Hall where students come for spiritual reflection, counselling, and relaxation. Sister Brendalee Boisvert continues to lead the congregation ushering the organization (with their trademark stalwartness) through ever-changing times.

This past year, our Students’ Union had a strong woman at its helm: Annie Sirois was unequivocal in her mandate to examine and address issues of inequity that our students face. With Annie now off to graduate school, Rebecca Mesay and Tiffany MacLennan (the incoming president and vice president), will continue that vital work, helping to ensure that StFX is a fairer, more just university for all of our community members. Incredibly, this is the first time in our university’s history that we have had women leading our student union in successive years – which goes some way towards illustrating the importance of their mission. I am very much looking forward to working with Rebecca and Tiffany!

This year also marks the end of Susan Crocker’s term as Chancellor of StFX. She was the first woman and the first lay person to hold this position, and over the past three years, has served the university with dignity, grace, and generosity. On behalf of all Xaverians, I thank Dr. Crocker for her outstanding work for StFX. I love driving across the Canso Causeway – mostly because it means

Dr. Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93, StFX President

I’m almost home. But I like thinking, too, about the people who built it – people who wanted to connect Cape Breton to the world. People who undertook great risk and overcame enormous challenges to see their vision to completion. Those thoughts co-mingled for me on this recent drive back from my tea with Sr. Margaret, and I recalled Margaret Mead’s quote, that we should “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” StFX has a staunch history of strong, female leaders – but we have a long way to go. I am exceedingly proud to be in this historical moment, when our fierce women are undertaking risks and facing challenges and – as a result – driving change. I hope you will all join me in celebrating those changes.

Hail and Health.

Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93 President and Vice Chancellor Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93 and Sr. Margaret MacDonnell ’54 ‘00.

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NEWSFLASH WHAT’S NEW ON CAMPUS AND IN THE StFX COMMUNITY

HANNAH CHISHOLM WINS $10,000 TOP PRIZE

Hannah Chisholm ’18 StFX entrepreneurship student Hannah Chisholm’s plan to launch her own business so impressed a group of 100 Atlantic entrepreneurs that she was named the $10,000 top prize winner at the 100 Seeds Atlantic competition. The win enables the 2018 StFX Schwartz School of Business grad to move her vegan egg alternative business idea, Eggcitables, closer to commercialization. “I was really excited, and a little overwhelmed,” says Ms. Chisholm, an Antigonish, NS native, on

claiming the top prize at the January 16, 2018 pitch competition open to youth aged 16-24. A few weeks later, she won $4,000 for second place in the undergraduate category, best elevator pitch and people’s choice award at the BMO Apex Business Plan Competition at the University of New Brunswick. In summer 2017, she was also selected as a StFX Wallace Intern, an internship where students take an idea and see if they can turn it into a business.

STRONG TIES TO STFX STRETCH OVER 75 YEARS

Roy Morrison ’42 ’46, Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93 and Steve Morrison ’80

Roy Morrison ’42 ’46 attended Homecoming 2017—the 75th anniversary of his graduation. Joined by his son, Steve ’80, Roy was able to reminisce on his days at a student. A track athlete for his alma mater, Roy also worked as a golf pro at the Antigonish Golf Club during the summer. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in 1942 and returned for a Bachelor of Education degree, graduating in 1946 while serving the Canadian Armed Forces during World War II. Roy taught for several years and then embarked on a 29-year military career retiring in 1970 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He then returned to teaching until full retirement in 1977. Maintaining an active lifestyle, he kept up his passion for golf, winning over 68 tournaments including five provincial senior championships; four in New Brunswick and one in Nova Scotia. We look forward to welcoming Roy back to campus again for Homecoming 2018. His connection to his alma mater is strong, an example for all alumni.

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NEWSFLASH l WHAT’S NEW ON CAMPUS AND IN THE StFX COMMUNITY

VOICES OF LEADERSHIP: FRANK MCKENNA ’70, STUDENT LEADERS INSPIRE IN FRIEL XTALKS, OPENING LEADERS SUMMIT @X

Frank McKenna ’70

Nicky Barona ’18

Sam Gan ’18

Anyone wanting to make a difference in the world and in their own lives had only to be at StFX on January 26, 2018 as four distinct voices of leadership rang strong at the John C. Friel XTalks, kicking off the student focused Leaders Summit @X. The Hon. Frank McKenna ’70, Deputy Chairman TD Bank, former New Brunswick premier and former Canadian ambassador to the United States,

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Annie Sirois ’18 back at alma mater for a fireside chat during the Friel XTalks, shared his views on leadership in an inspiring, funny, honest and wide-ranging conversation. StFX student leaders Nicky Barona, Sam Gan and Annie Sirois also highlighted the event, sharing their own unique perspectives on leadership.

NEWSFLASH l WHAT’S NEW ON CAMPUS AND IN THE StFX COMMUNITY

STFX OBSERVATORY OFFICIALLY OPENS

CRAIG DUININCK WINS $25,000 SOBEY AWARD

Jamie Powell, senior lab instructor in the StFX Physics Department, and students, are pictured during the official opening of the StFX Observatory It’s now easier to reach for the stars on the StFX campus. On January 29, 2018, StFX President Dr. Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93 officially opened the new StFX Observatory at 24 West Street across the street from Bishops Hall. “It’s exciting to have it come to fruition,” says Jamie Powell, senior lab instructor in the Physics Department, and driving force behind this initiative. Mr. Powell said many people came together to reopen an astronomical observatory after an absence of nearly 15 years. Among others, this support included the 2017 carpentry diploma class at the Nova Scotia Community College in Stellarton under lead instructor Kevin MacIntosh, who built the 12 x 14 foot structure with a roll-off roof; Iain Boyd ’74, StFX Advancement; Steve ’74 ’10 and Kathy Smith, former owners of Central Building Supplies, who donated building materials; Facilities Management who prepped the site and arranged transportation and installation; and Dean of Science Dr. Petra Hauf who arranged for a 20 x 16 building to be outfitted as classroom with power and a washroom.

The observatory helps maintain the legacy of the late Rev. E.M. Clarke, longtime physics faculty, whose efforts led to StFX’s first observatory.

ENGLISH STUDENT’S PAPER ON CHILD SOLDIER NARRATIVES IN CHILDREN’S FICTION EARNS HONOURS

Kylah Lohnes ’18

In her senior research paper, StFX student Kylah Lohnes combined her passions for literature and global issues, taking a focused look at child soldier narratives in children’s literature. The work was recently recognized when the Fredericton, NB native, graduating with a joint advanced major in English and development studies, was selected as one of 60 from 268 submissions to present at the Quebec Universities English Undergraduate Conference. Of this 60, her paper was then among 26 chosen as the most-high quality essays to be published.

Craig Duininck ’18 Craig Duininck, a 2018 StFX Schwartz School of Business honours entrepreneurship graduate from St. Cloud, Minnesota, has received the prestigious $25,000 Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies, one of eight recipients this academic year. “It’s a very, very good feeling,” Mr. Duininck says on receiving the award, given for academic excellence, extracurricular involvement and entrepreneurial interest. He’s had an impressive four years at StFX. In 2017, Mr. Duininck received the $6,000 Irving Mentorship Research Award offered through StFX’s Frank McKenna Centre for Leadership to fund 12 weeks of research.

In 2017, he was also named captain of the StFX X-Men hockey team. He is a graduate of the StFX Leadership Academy and has volunteered his time from raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada to serving as a business and statistic tutor, volunteering with a local Boys and Girls Club, the Canadian Obesity Network StFX Chapter, the Learn to Skate program, Multi-Sport program, and the First Nations Hockey Development Program.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

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NEWSFLASH l WHAT’S NEW ON CAMPUS AND IN THE StFX COMMUNITY

ENGINEERING TEAM WINS ATLANTIC COMPETITION; ALUMNUS SUPPORTS STUDENTS WITH COMPETITION FUND AND SCHOLARSHIP

The StFX student engineering team of Graeme Larsen (second left) and Megan Fudge (second right) placed first at the Atlantic Engineering Competition. Here they are pictured with organizers Michael Cooper, VP Competitions, and Brandon Pye, one of the Re-engineering directors.

Student engineers Megan Fudge and Graeme Larsen placed first in the Re-Engineering category at the Atlantic Engineering Competition held in St. John’s, NL January 26-28, 2018 and represented the Atlantic region at the Canadian Engineering Competition. In all, six engineering students (Emma Fudge, Ross Walker, David Worth and Cameron deWinter competed in the

Consulting category) attended the competition, with the help of a donation from engineer and StFX alumnus August Wilkins, who has established the $2,500 August Wilkins Atlantic Engineering Competition Fund, which will fund costs associated with a StFX team participating in this annual competition. Mr. Wilkins has also funded the $2,500 August Wilkins Scholarship in Engineering.

EARTH SCIENCES STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ADVANCED GEOLOGICAL FIELD SCHOOL IN SPAIN Working in pairs, 12 senior StFX earth sciences students recently navigated a trail along the Alájar River in Spain to 11 stations with the goal of interpreting the geological story recorded in the rocks in the area. The hike traversed the suture zone between ancestral North America and Europe in the heart of the ancient supercontinent Pangea over 300 million years ago, and was one of the experiences on an eight-day advanced geological field methods course the StFX Department of Earth Sciences held in Southern Iberia from February 16-24, 2018. Dr. James Braid, with the assistance of Dr. Donnelly Archibald ’10 and MSc candidate Lori Paslawski ’16, led the eight-day field school.

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OUR NEW ONLINE STORE WILL LAUNCH

AUGUST 1

TRADITION WORN WELL The Campus Store is now the STFX Store – your place for books, supplies, apparel, X jewellery and the famous X-Ring.

BLOOMFIELD CENTRE, 1ST FLOOR 5555 UNION PL, ANTIGONISH MONDAY - FRIDAY 9AM - 4PM l SATURDAY 10AM - 4PM OPEN UNTIL 8 PM ON THURSDAYS ONLY DURING THE ACADEMIC YEAR

SHOP.STFX.CA

l XRINGSTORE.CA

DID YOU KNOW? NET PROCEEDS FROM THE RING SALES GO TO THE XAVERIAN FUND. Private fittings for X-Rings are available.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

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ALUMNI PROFILE

Anna Ludlow ’05

LIGHTING UP

STAGE

IN FROM COME

Fantastic. And a little surreal. That’s how Anna Ludlow ’05 describes being cast as the lead fiddler in the all-Canadian production of the hit Broadway musical Come From Away.

“To be in the show is kind of like a dream come true. What an amazing challenge,” says the Antigonish, NS-raised and Ottawabased musician who picked up the fiddle at age nine and never put it down.

Since February, she’s been busier than ever, a fixture at Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre playing to sold-out crowds enamored with the story of hospitality that emanated out of Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador after September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington grounded thousands of airline passengers there.

“The show is so awesome. It’s about kindness, compassion, and what the people did in Gander for 7,000 passengers. They opened up their homes for a week.

“I feel blessed to have been chosen,” she says in a phone interview from Toronto, as her two-year-old daughter plays in the background.

“The exposure is unbelievable and the people I’m working with are at the top of their game,” Ms. Ludlow says. “It’s been amazing. It is helping me grow as a musician and a performer. I’m really proud to be in it.”

Ever since picking up the fiddle as a young girl in Antigonish, she says she’s dreamed of doing something like this, of being on stage full time.

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AWAY

“

“

THE

“YOU HAVE TO DO THE THINGS THAT SCARE YOU THE MOST. IT’S BEEN AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY SO FAR.” ANNA LUDLOW ’05

The role in Come From Away though is somewhat of a departure for her, she says, as a solo performer without a theatre background. She didn’t seek out the opportunity. She was working on her second album when she received an email that changed her life.

Bob Hallett, formally of Great Big Sea, wanted to know if she’d be interested in auditioning. Friend and fellow StFX grad Dawn Beaton ’04 (also a fiddler and the artistic director of Cape Breton’s Celtic Colours International Festival) had passed along her name.

With her husband, still based in Ottawa, and with a young child, she took a chance.

“You have to do the things that scare you the most. It’s been an incredible journey so far.”

To be on a stage full time and to work with the top musical director in Canada and the entire cast and to be involved in such an amazing production is a terrific experience, she says.

“Being able to play my fiddle every day, I was really happy to say yes to this,” she says.

Ms. Ludlow, who graduated from StFX with a joint major in psychology and history, says she was drawn to the fiddle since she was a child. While there weren’t fiddlers in her family, her parents were quite involved volunteering in the local music scene. “For a person like myself, it was everywhere you looked,” she says on growing up in Antigonish. “I was so lucky. The town is so rich with that type of culture.”

She says she is “super proud to be an East Coaster” in an East Coast show. “I feel really connected to the show for that reason. I still get goosebumps or chills, when they say ‘come in, have a shower,’” she says on the Gander residents portrayed in the production, “and the people are like ‘what do you mean I can come in?’ and knowing exactly what that is. It’s not made up.

Strangers are not strangers at home.

“I think the East Coast has hospitality like no other and I think the show shows that.

Being in the show and being from Nova Scotia, there’s a sense of pride for me.

Everything that is happening in the show is the truth. It’s this hospitality factor we have.

“The town shut down to help these passengers. This story is just so cool. It brings the light of the world back to a tragedy. You can still see there is something good, there is love, compassion, kindness happening that night, that the human spirit wasn’t crushed,” she says.

“I’ll never forget this experience.”

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HOMECOMING 2018

HERE’S WHY TWO ALUMNI — FATHER HUGHIE MACDONALD ’48, CELEBRATING HIS 70TH REUNION, AND RACHEL MITCHELL ’13, CELEBRATING HER FIFTH — CAN’T WAIT TO COME BACK.

FATHER HUGHIE MACDONALD ’48

Father Hughie MacDonald ’48, retired parish priest, will be back on campus this fall to celebrate an amazing 70 years since his StFX graduation. How does that feel? “I can’t wait to see who’s there!” says Fr. Hughie, who grew up on a farm in nearby Springfield, Antigonish County, and completed a BA degree in philosophy and Latin at StFX. “My years at StFX were very happy ones,” he says. “There is a special gift at StFX. I can’t quite put a finger on it. There’s great love for the place and there’s great loyalty for the place. StFX leaves a mark on you.

The StFX spirit is real. I guess you learn at StFX how to live with people, you make friends for life there, it’s kind of a home. You never forget it. It’s a family,” he says as he recalls his student days, living in the ‘Broadway’ dorm, and the lifelong friends he made. He officiated at the marriage of many of them after he became a priest. Fr. Hughie says he can’t wait to receive each issue of the AlumniNews magazine.

“I always felt fortunate as a country kid to go there. I thought I was in the biggest university in the world. Move up, New York,” he laughs fondly. The priest-professors who taught him—they were “PhD super-weights” and “totally dedicated to us,” providing a top of the line education—and his classmates had a lot to do with the experience.

Students were also schooled in community spirit and values, and learned to care for each other. When he could, he attended Homecoming, always eager to meet friends. “We’ve all changed over the years,” he says noting the gray hair. It’s a sentimental time too, he says, as friends have passed on. The best part of attending is seeing the people. “You meet your old friends, it brings you back to your youth.

It’s like a family reunion almost.”

RACHEL MITCHELL ’13

Since graduating five years ago with a BA in economics in the Aquatic Resources Program, Rachel Mitchell ’13 has returned for StFX Homecoming three times and is looking forward to a fourth. “My roommates and I made a pact to come back for our five year Homecoming, and hopefully every five year reunion afterwards. It’s looking like at least five of the six of us will be back,” she says.

“Beyond the prospect of reuniting with all my roommates for the first time since we graduated, I’m coming home to reconnect with the X community and soak up some of the amazing energy, enthusiasm, and optimism that defines the StFX community. My four years at StFX were instrumental in shaping me as a person, and returning home is an opportunity to renew that ambition and determination I built at X,” says Ms. Mitchell, who finished a masters in environmental studies from the University of Waterloo, and is working as a research supervisor for a sea turtle conservation organization in Grenada before returning to Toronto at summer’s end.

“The X community is alive and well in Toronto and across Canada, but being on campus, at the Inn, walking the streets of Antigonish during Homecoming, the feeling is indescribable, you’re home!” She says her StFX bond is kept strong through staying in touch with StFX friends and with the Toronto alumni chapter. She volunteers with the chapter executive committee, and through this involvement has met many wonderful alumni in the GTA. “One hundred plus X alumni at the Rogers Centre for a Blue Jays game or dancing to East Coast music while sailing the Toronto Harbourfront makes it feel like the magic of X is alive everywhere!” Says Ms. Mitchell: “Coming back for Homecoming truly feels like coming home, it allows you to reconnect with your StFX roots, and inspires you to continue carrying forward the lessons and values learned inside and outside the classroom at X.” StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

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“WHO UNDERSTANDS OUR EXPERIENCE MORE THAN US? WHEN I MEET A YOUNG WOMAN DOING HER THING, TRYING TO CREATE CHANGE IN THE WORLD, I ALWAYS MAKE SURE TO GIVE HER A NOTE OF ENCOURAGEMENT, PASS ALONG MY CONTACT INFO, BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT IT’S LIKE TO HAVE STRONG WOMEN IN MY LIFE RAISING ME UP, AND I KNOW WHAT IT’S LIKE FEELING LIKE I HAVE NO ONE AT TIMES.” ~ STFX GRADUATE AND TEACHER MORGAN GERO ’11 ’13

Morgan Gero ’11 ’13

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StFX, WOMEN, & LEADERSHIP IN JANUARY 2018, THE StFX STUDENTS’ UNION ELECTED ITS FIRST ALL-FEMALE EXECUTIVE DUO. WE MEET THE NEW EXECUTIVE AND SEVERAL StFX FEMALE ALUMNI MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN LEADERSHIP ROLES.

BY SHELLEY CAMERON-MCCARRON

Rebecca Mesay and Tiffany MacLennan had no idea they made StFX history.

When elected this past January as president and vice president academic of the StFX Students’ Union, the two incoming fourth year students didn’t know they were the first all-female executive to hold the union’s top positions.

“We didn’t go into it thinking we were making history,” says Ms. Mesay of Calgary, AB, an honours political science student taking a subsidiary in development studies who’s been actively involved in campus life since her arrival at StFX in 2015. She recalls that StFX Ceremonial Officer Janet Stark ’65 sent a note congratulating her on being the first female of African heritage to hold the presidency, and for being the first all-female executive duo.

“That surprised me more, and was not something either of us anticipated,” she says. “Obviously, we are very, very proud.”

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

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“SINCE I WAS 14 YEARS OLD, I HAD PLANS TO SOMEDAY RUN FOR PUBLIC OFFICE, BUT IT WAS MY TIME AT X THAT IGNITED MY PASSION FOR FEDERAL POLITICS” BERNADETTE JORDAN ’84

Bernadette Jordan ’84 Ms. MacLennan, a Sydney, NS native taking a chemistry degree with a minor in earth sciences, and equally involved since first year, remembers StFX President Dr. Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93 tweeting about how they made history, and wondering what history they made. “It was kind of cool to see that fall into place,” she says.

They found the news surprising as they’re constantly exposed to women in leadership in their many StFX activities, and it’s easy to find role models on campus, they say, citing numerous faculty, staff and fellow students as inspiration, life coaches, mentors and friends.

“It wasn’t unheard of for us to be around women in leadership,” Ms. Mesay says. “I’d argue they’re one of the most engaged groups on campus.”

Ms. MacLennan, who served as student body president at Memorial Composite High School, says over the past three years, she was looking at what she wanted to see changed on campus and what she could contribute and found it fell under this portfolio. Ms. Mesay says she came to student government on a theme of equity, collaboration and accessibility, noting that if all students aren’t well represented in that place, their voices won’t be heard.

StFX definitely fosters female leadership, they say.

But like anything, there is always room for improvement. Ms. Mesay says that they are the first all-female executive may be indicative that while many female students are involved in leadership, it may be less common at the top, and it’s important for the faces and voices around the table reflect all the people on the ground.

“It’s really valuable to have women in these positions where decisions are made.”

StFX has long been known for helping students grow toward their future. The university has played an important role in helping shape

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their lives, say several StFX female leaders whose careers span from academia to politics, sport to Arctic research.

STRONG IMPACT Morgan Gero ’11 ’13, a teacher at St. Andrew Junior School in Antigonish, NS, also notes the influence of several individuals within StFX. “I definitely arrived at X with a strong understanding of female leadership from my own family and community, but I certainly crossed paths with several women who had an impact on who I am today. The first being (retired sociology professor) Dr. Agnes Calliste.

“Within the first week or so of my first year, Agnes had sought me out, connected me with other students on campus and made sure that my transition into my first year was a smooth one. Throughout the years she always made sure that I was active in the StFX community, and the Black community in Antigonish. She was a powerhouse, a voice for us students within her role as Black Student Advisor, always raising us up, and challenging the system when something wasn’t right.”

Ms. Gero became involved with The Brothers and Sisters of the African Diaspora, a student society overseen by Dr. Calliste, and says it was a great opportunity to connect with the Black student community and see how they were taking on leadership roles to help bring diversity and inclusion to the forefront. Eventually, she stepped into those leadership positions, becoming president for the then evolved Black Student Society.

Another key influence was Corinna Fitzgerald, then Director of Student Life, who stepped in to support the society and students after Dr. Calliste had retired, and was an instrumental voice when they campaigned for the university to create a paid advising position.

Ms. Gero worked in the Student Life Office for two years as a student

“THE FACT THAT I HAD A FIRST AUTHOR PAPER PUBLISHED WITH MY HONOURS THESIS ADVISOR, DR. TONY MILLER, WAS ONE OF THE DECIDING FACTORS FOR MY PHD SUPERVISOR TO TAKE ME IN HIS LAB” DR. DANIKA GOOSNEY ’96 Dr. Danika Goosney ’96 transition coordinator, helping develop student leader training and a mentorship program.

“Working with both women has helped me develop not only leadership skills, but also helped me find my voice as a woman within a predominantly male institution.”

Ms. Gero, who teaches African drumming and facilitates a group of 20 student drummers, and is still involved with the committee for Aboriginal and Black Student Success at X, and volunteers with X-Project, says it’s important to mentor young women, and each other, to develop a support system of strong women.

“Who understands our experience more than us? When I meet a young woman doing her thing, trying to create change in the world, I always make sure to give her a note of encouragement, pass along my contact info, because I know what it’s like to have strong women in my life raising me up, and I know what it’s like feeling like I have no one at times.”

IGNITED PASSION FOR POLITICS For Nova Scotia MP, Bernadette Jordan ’84 the first woman to represent South Shore-St. Margaret’s, StFX played a key role.

“Since I was 14 years old, I had plans to someday run for public office, but it was my time at X that ignited my passion for federal politics,” she says.

“Being at X as a Liberal during the Mulroney years was definitely a challenge, but one I had many great debates with friends and professors on. I would also say that it was during the evenings in my room in TNT during “tea and debate” that I learned to listen, present, discuss and debate. It was not uncommon for a group of women in the political science program to meet every weeknight to

discuss current affairs, policies, and what we would do differently!

“Those women have gone on to be strong leaders and advocates in their communities as a judge, a lawyer, a teacher, a psychologist, and a social worker.”

She recalls her former StFX professor, Dr. Grace Skogstad. “She was tough and she challenged me, but she was also the woman I learned so much from during my years at X. She was a true powerhouse and inspiration to me.”

Ms. Jordan says when she thinks of major influences, she thinks of the first woman in Nova Scotia elected federally in 1974, “an event that made me think that we must elect more women. It is still shocking that I am only the ninth woman elected federally in the history of Nova Scotia.

“I am truly thankful to all the women who came before me, who paved the way, who made me see myself in the House of Commons.

To me, it is extremely important the House of Commons looks like Canada. Women need to see themselves reflected in policies, representation, laws as an integral part of our democracy.”

OPENED DOORS “StFX gave me the lasting foundation I needed for my career by providing me the independence, autonomy, and confidence in research and professional skills that I needed to become a successful researcher and administrator,” says Dr. Danika Goosney ’96, who today is the Associate Vice President of the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat, housed at the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), the champion for genderbased analysis at SSHRC, and an active mentor for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and public servants.

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“AT NO POINT IN MY TIME AT STFX DID I EVER FEEL LIKE THE FACT THAT I WAS A WOMAN HAD ANY IMPACT ON THE OPPORTUNITIES I WAS PROVIDED” LEAH BEVERIDGE ’12 Leah Beveridge ’12

Dr. Goosney—named one of Canada’s emerging leaders as a member of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference in 2015— says she is grateful for the opportunities at StFX, which really opened doors.

“The fact that I had a first author paper published with my honours thesis advisor, Dr. Tony Miller, was one of the deciding factors for my PhD supervisor to take me in his lab, which was extremely competitive to get into.”

Her doctoral research in microbiology and immunology at UBC focused on how gastrointestinal bacteria interact with intestinal cells to cause disease—work that earned her several honours, including the Governor General’s Gold Medal for her doctorate in 2001, and the Cangene Gold Medal Canadian Graduate Student of the Year from the Canadian Society of Microbiologists in 2002.

Dr. Goosney says at StFX she “had wonderful, supportive profs across the board in all the departments that I took courses in, and having access to them at all years of my undergraduate was really a benefit to me. Looking back on it now, I am impressed by how much of their time they gave to their students outside of classes. I spent a lot of time at J. Bruce Brown Hall, and got to know all the biology profs and staff there--I still remember them all!”

She says she was particularly fortunate to have worked as a teaching assistant during the school year, and a research assistant in the summers with Dr. Miller, and to receive advice and support from so many along the way, including Drs. Lori Graham, Edwin Demont, David Garbary, Bill Marshall, John Buckland-Nicks, the Newsomes, and Randy Lauff.

MANY OPPORTUNITIES “StFX provided so many different opportunities to develop my

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leadership skills, find my strengths, and to grow as a person,” says Carla van den Berg ’13, who presented at the International Olympic Committee World Conference on Prevention of Injury and Illness in Sport in Monaco last year.

Ms. van den Berg works as a knowledge broker in the lab at the Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre at the University of Calgary, where she completed a master’s in kinesiology and led a research project on sport injury prevention in junior high schools. She now delivers workshops to coaches and teachers across Alberta and develops educational resources for sport injury prevention.

“So much of the support I got from my professors at X, both academically and personally, came down to the small program and class sizes. This allowed them to get to know everyone on a personal level. You just don’t get that culture at many other schools,” she says.

Many influences were women, from fellow Chillis students, “fierce, talented rugby teammates,” professors Dr. Angie Kolen and Dr. Charlene Weaving, and Tara Sutherland and Anj Wiley, who trained her as a student therapist. “I would not be where I am today without the support of all of these wonderfully strong, intelligent women.”

FACULTY SUPPORT “The most impactful part of StFX for me was the interactions I had with professors,” says Leah Beveridge ’12, who works with Transport Canada as a leader in the Oceans Protection Plan Arctic Engagement Hub, supporting initiatives that apply to the Arctic by facilitating conversations, engagement sessions and partnerships between Inuit and Inuvialuit organizations and communities and those working on the initiatives.

“With such a small number of students and not many graduate students, in comparison to other universities, professors had the time,

“SO MUCH OF THE SUPPORT I GOT FROM MY PROFESSORS AT X, BOTH ACADEMICALLY AND PERSONALLY, CAME DOWN TO THE SMALL PROGRAM AND CLASS SIZES.” CARLA VAN DEN BERG ’13 Carla van den Berg ’13

energy, and interest to engage with undergraduate students,” she says.

“At no point in my time at StFX did I ever feel like the fact that I was a woman had any impact on the opportunities I was provided; I never felt like I was given special treatment, and I never felt like I was discriminated against. The field work I conducted in the summers was outside, rain or shine, crawling through seaweed, climbing sand dunes, carrying equipment… and no one ever questioned whether I could or should do the work,” she says. “With respect to the research itself, my ideas and contributions were never diminished because I was a woman, and I was given credit where credit was due. The gender issue, in my experience, simply was non-existent at StFX. “The impact of this is that I do not question my knowledge or abilities based on the fact that a I am a woman; the thought does not cross my mind. I now work on shipping and often get asked about being a young woman in such a male-dominated industry. My response: other than the visual, I rarely notice, and it certainly does not affect my confidence to provide input or strive to advance my career in the field.”

Ms. Beveridge says Dr. Russell Wyeth was so enthusiastic about teaching first year biology, she couldn’t help want to learn more, prompting her decision to do a biology degree.

Throughout the rest of her time at StFX, she says she was incredibly fortunate to work directly under the supervision of Dr. David Garbary. “I will never forget the day in second year when he called me to his lab, I thought I was in trouble, and asked me if I would like to work with him in the summer; little did I know at that time the effect this experience would have on the rest of my life and career.

“I was encouraged to ask questions and taught how to find the answers. Furthermore, my contributions were never diminished; Dr. Garbary included my name, and the names of the other students that contributed on all publications that came from our work.”

The opportunity extended beyond research. She became part of the Biology Department family.

“Through day-to-day interactions and weekly social gatherings, I got to know many of the professors,” she says.

Ms. Beveridge also singles out Drs. Barry Taylor, Mikael Haller, and Jane McMillan for their impact, and the Interdisciplinary Studies of Aquatic Resources Program itself, through which she had opportunity for a five-month study abroad at the University of Nordland in Bodø, Norway.

After graduating with an honours in biology and a major in aquatic resources, she completed a masters in marine management at Dalhousie University, and conducted an internship with the Geological Survey of Canada. She stayed at Dalhousie, joining the Maritime Activity and Risk Investigation Network in the Department of Industrial Engineering. In 2016, she began in the Interdisciplinary PhD Program.

“The opportunities and encouragement I was provided (at StFX) started me on the path I am now on. After the first summer with Dr. Garbary I knew that throughout my lifetime I would strive to provide others the same opportunities, encouragement and support.

I hope that by mentoring women I can help foster their own leadership skills, and by mentoring men I can help change the perspective on women as leader.”

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L-r, Manny, Lino, Amelia and Gio Saputo unveil the new Amelia and Lino Saputo Centre for Healthy Living at StFX.

A COMMITMENT TO HEALTH AND WELLNESS AMELIA AND LINO SAPUTO, JR.’S TRANSFORMATIVE $10 MILLION GIFT BOLSTERS $30 MILLION CAMPAIGN TO TRANSFORM AGING OLAND CENTRE

Since opening in 1967, the doors that swing open at StFX’s Oland Centre have welcomed thousands upon thousands—StFX students on the way to class, children en route to swim lessons or karate, varsity athletes on game day, and community members there for aquasize, to work out or take in minor basketball tournaments and a host of other events.

From the start, the building has been an integral part of campus, Antigonish and northeastern Nova Scotia.

Today, those walking through these doors may be struck by two things: that 51 years of good use has undeniably left its mark, leaving the facility much in need of renovations.

The second? That thanks to an ambitious $30 million, multi-phase renewal campaign, transformation has started.

This campaign, to be entirely fundraised through private, corporate or government sources, received a big boost April 6 when StFX President Dr. Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93 announced that Amelia and Lino Saputo, Jr., Montreal entrepreneurs, philanthropists and the family behind Saputo Inc., one of the world’s largest dairy processors, have gifted the university $10 million. The landmark gift, the largest in university history, will help re-energize the Oland Centre, which will become the Amelia and Lino Saputo Centre for Healthy Living,

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breathing new life into the aging facility, a critical venue for classroom learning, sport and recreation.

And it will ensure that StFX and communities throughout northeastern Nova Scotia continue to enjoy health and wellness opportunities.

“On behalf of the StFX community, we are so very grateful for the vision and generosity of Amelia and Lino Saputo,” Dr. MacDonald said as he made the announcement before a capacity crowd gathered for StFX’s inaugural National Dinner EAST at Pier 21 in Halifax, NS.

GIFT WILL GO FAR BEYOND CAMPUS BORDERS “Of all the buildings we have on our campus, the Oland Centre sees the highest use, which directly reflects its importance to our region and our communities,” Dr. MacDonald said.

“But the reality is much of the Oland Centre is past its best before date. That’s why we recently began a Healthy Living renewal project to update the centre, so it can remain a hub for community health and wellness for future generations.”

Amelia and Lino Saputo, joined at the announcement by their sons Manny and Gio ’18, a graduating StFX business student, said they are proud to contribute to StFX’s legacy of bettering society.

“Community health and wellness has always been important to our family, and we’re thrilled to be part of an initiative that will create such a lasting impact.”

Amelia Saputo also explained why the family chose to support StFX. “From our very first visit to Nova Scotia, we knew this place was special. Our son felt welcomed at StFX from the very beginning, and we couldn’t think of a better way to support the university and wider community than a health and wellness venue that will be used by the entire region.”

The $30 million project—of which about $19 million is now realized—will proceed in phases as the money is raised, says StFX VP Advancement Murray Kyte ’87.

“The project will be completed over a number of years for two reasons,” he explains. “The university doesn’t have $30 million to do everything at once, and it can’t do everything at once because the Oland Centre is such a high-use building. You can’t take it offline for two years.”

Mr. Kyte is excited about the project and its impacts.

“The facilities are absolutely critical for the health and wellbeing for our students, staff and faculty and for our local communities in northeastern Nova Scotia,” he says.

“It’s important that people can access facilities where they can be active. It relates to healthy communities and a healthy future.

That’s why it’s so important. Right now it’s dated, so dated it’s not as supportive as it can be to encourage healthy living.”

Both StFX Academic Vice-President Dr. Kevin Wamsley and StFX Athletics & Recreation Director Leo MacPherson ’89 agree.

“A revitalized centre for health and wellness directly supports our academic mission,” said Dr. Kevin Wamsley, Academic Vice-President and Provost at StFX. “The Amelia and Lino Saputo Centre For Healthy Living will create new academic spaces for student learning both inside and outside of the classroom, particularly for our renowned Human Kinetics program.

“We’re excited that students will get to enjoy our highly personalized, experiential approach to a university education in such a quality facility.”

“Few projects have the potential to positively impact so many stakeholder groups as this one will,” Mr. MacPherson says. “Everyone wins with this transformational initiative as it will significantly benefit the health and wellness of our students, faculty, staff and community.”

“The investment means so much to residents within the Town of Antigonish, as I’m sure it does to the entire region,” said Laurie Boucher ’88, Mayor of Antigonish. “I’m confident that with these improvements and expanded facilities, the new Saputo Centre will not only continue to serve the existing needs of our communities, but it will also introduce opportunities for a healthier lifestyle to those who may not have had access to proper facilities in the past.”

“The biggest thing for me is mental health and taking care of yourself, and all the stress that goes along with being a student,” says Molly Rutherford of Kingston, ON, a 2018 honours BSc human kinetics graduate who was involved in the student campaign this year. Having

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FOOTBALL LOCKER ROOM CAMPAIGN Within phase two of the multi-year renewal plan, StFX has launched a football locker room campaign led by former players to raise $1 million. This volunteer cabinet is led by John Caplice ’87, and includes volunteer captains representing various decades. Football alumni have opportunity to purchase a locker for $5,000 and leave their mark with their name, jersey number and graduation year on the locker. At the same time, the general public will have opportunity to buy seats in the grandstands for $1,000 and have their name permanently displayed. Renovations for this project are slated to start following this year’s football season.

facilities for students to be active is vital in student success going forward, she says.

The importance of putting emphasis on taking care of yourself, of being active, playing basketball or intramurals, is tremendously important, especially for first year students who are making the transition to university. “It helped ground me,” she says. “It’s important that students have the facilities to do that sort of thing.”

Even though Ms. Rutherford graduated in May and moves on to do a master’s degree and will not participate in the facilities, she says it’s nice to have been part of the movement and to look back and to know she helped get this for students who are coming into the school. “It still means a lot to me that I was able to participate in this.”

PHASE ONE The first phase of the project began in April 2017, and some of the work

MULTI-YEAR RENEWAL PLAN PHASE ONE of the multi-year renewal project is already complete. StFX raised $1.2 million for the Coach K basketball court, replacing the floor and bleachers in the main gymnasium. “It’s stunningly beautiful,” says StFX VP Advancement Murray Kyte ’87.

PHASE TWO is divided into two parts: PART A, now underway, and the recipient of $1.5 million in government funding, includes the replacement of the outdoor

NEED FOR RENEWAL StFX’s Oland Centre was built in 1967—celebrating Canada’s centennial—to meet the growing needs of its student population. Along with classroom spaces, the centre houses two gymnasiums, a weight room, and practice areas.

The Alumni Aquatic Centre was added to the complex in 1981. It includes a small fitness room and studio space. The Oland Centre quickly became a pillar of StFX and surrounding communities. Unfortunately, almost as soon as it opened, it was becoming incompatible with rapidly changing social norms of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Originally constructed as a male-only facility, the centre was soon altered to make space for an ever-growing number of university female athletic programs. Within two years of opening, the original male-only visiting team dressing room was converted to a female change room and two classrooms where designated as visiting team change facilities.

Decades later, many of the physical infrastructure needs from this era remain the same. Visiting teams change in classroom spaces and StFX home team dressing rooms have many of their original elements.

is already complete, including the renovation of the Coack K basketball court, named in honour of long-time StFX men’s basketball coach Steve Konchalski.

Replacement of the centre’s exterior bleachers is currently underway, in time for StFX to host the Canadian Special Olympics 2018 National Summer Games this summer. Future work will include an overhaul of the varsity locker rooms and public change areas, a new recreation fitness centre, new physical therapy spaces, a double-sized auxiliary gym, as well as new academic classroom and study spaces.

Many StFX alumni have already generously donated to the project, and StFX students voted this January to show their support via a $5 million contribution over the next 10 years. This special levy is a charitable contribution and is tax deductible. Their contribution will go specifically towards a new health and fitness facility and renovations to public locker rooms.

bleacher grandstands in time for the 2018 Canadian Special Olympics Summer Games to be hosted by StFX and the Town of Antigonish. As well, Part A includes construction of a new space to house the sports medicine and rehabilitation clinic.

Part B of this phase will see the entire row of athletic locker rooms located underneath the stands and within the Oland Centre gutted and renovated, moving the location of some rooms, and expanding the football locker room to house 100 football lockers. Currently the team cannot all fit in the room.

PHASE THREE will include the fitness centre and public locker rooms. These renovations won’t start until after Mulroney Hall is completed in 2019. Classroom space is currently at a premium, and it’s not conducive to remove the Oland Centre classrooms until new classrooms open in Mulroney Hall, Mr. Kyte says.

PHASE FOUR will include expanding and upgrading the Auxiliary Gym and addition of an indoor all-season playing turf.

PHASE/DESCRIPTION

TIMING

1 New Floor and Seating – Coach K Court

Summer 2017 (complete)

2a Replace exterior bleachers & build new, expanded physical therapy space

April – September 2018

2b Overhaul varsity athletic locker rooms

April – September 2019*

3 Create new public areas including change rooms and an expanded physical fitness centre

April – September 2020*

4 Create new, double-sized auxiliary gym for expanded community recreation opportunities

April – September 2021* *Subject to securing necessary funds

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Foreground, l-r, Amelia and Lino Saputo with sons Manny and Lino, (in back).

NATIONAL DINNER EAST

HIGHLIGHTED BY ANNOUNCEMENT THAT WILL IMPACT GENERATIONS At StFX’s inaugural National Dinner EAST held April 6, 2018 in Halifax, NS, StFX President Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93 announced a $10 million gift to StFX from Amelia and Lino Saputo, the largest single gift in StFX’s 165-year history, and one that will impact generations.

The gift will help revitalize StFX’s Oland Centre, which will become the Amelia and Lino Saputo Centre for Healthy Living (please see the story page 16.), breathing new life into the aging facility and ensuring that communities throughout northeastern Nova Scotia continue to enjoy health and wellness opportunities for years to come.

“My family was always extremely thankful to the country that welcomed them,” said Lino Saputo at the dinner which attracted over 400 business, community and political leaders, in explaining that his grandfather immigrated to Canada in 1950 through Pier 21 – the venue for the event. “Our parents impressed upon us to never forget

our roots and always be appreciative of the community around us.

And that’s why we’re here tonight!”

On behalf of the evening’s presenting sponsors, the StFX Alumni Association and TD Insurance, TD’s Scott Grant, Market Lead for the Affinity Market Group, spoke about the dinner’s theme, Celebrate Making a Difference. He also introduced keynote speaker, Dave Carroll, who rose to international fame in 2009 with his viral video United Breaks Guitars. Since then Mr. Carroll has become a soughtafter speaker, talking about how our stories can be used to make a positive impact within our communities.

Board of Governors Chair Michael G. Boyd ’85 thanked Dave for his remarks. He also commented on the power of the StFX community to support important causes, like scholarships and bursaries for student athletes – which proceeds from the National Dinner EAST support.

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L-r, “Journey” artist Anna Syperek and Congregation Leader Sr. Brendalee Boisvert.

PROVIDING THE ATMOSPHERE WHERE EDUCATION CAN HAPPEN— Supporting StFX. Supporting education. For over a century, the Sisters of St. Martha have kept these tenets dear to their heart. And through the years, they have provided much.

Now, these pioneering women have committed a half million dollars to StFX’s Xaverian Fund for Scholarships and Bursaries, of which $400,000 will go towards general student bursaries and $100,000 towards the Jeannine Deveau Educational Equity Endowment Scholarship Fund. The Deveau Fund matches this $100,000 donation at equal value, bringing the total value of the gift to $600,000.

“For us, this gift of bursary monies allows us to continue to support education for all, especially those most in need,” says Congregation Leader Sr. Brendalee Boisvert on their most recent contribution. (This generous gift comes on top of two other annual bursaries the Marthas present—sponsoring both a Coady International Institute student and a StFX student in need.)

Sr. Brendalee says when the Marthas heard StFX President Dr. Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93 and Vice-President Finance & Administration Andrew Beckett speak of the many students today who aren’t able to come or stay at university because of cost, that fact weighed heavy on them.

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“We want to be part of that kind of commitment to those students who have a desire to learn and become leaders and learners well into the future,” she says.

“When we discussed it as a congregation board, we thought maybe this is something we could do. Since the beginning we have been involved at StFX.” Indeed, StFX and the Marthas have journeyed together for well over 100 years.

FIRST CALL AT STFX In 1897, the Marthas original motherhouse was built on StFX campus, and in 1900, the congregation was officially established in Antigonish.

Since the beginning, they have been committed to StFX’s growth.

“Our first mission was at StFX, it was our first call,” says Sr. Brendalee who notes the Marthas commitment to education started with their simple beginnings in household management at StFX. “The sisters believed if the students slept well and ate well and had beauty around them, that it would help them succeed. It was so important to our early sisters, and it is still important to our sisters today, that people get an education so they can move forward.

Scenes from the Day of Celebration

SISTERS OF ST. MARTHA DONATE $500,000 TO XAVERIAN FUND “Since our very beginnings, we were about providing the atmosphere so that education could happen. We did it in our earlier years through household management, creating a home for the students and a good home cooked meal. Now we continue through bursaries and creating a home at Wellspring where students can find a space to relax and study in a peaceful homelike environment.”

OASIS ON CAMPUS Three sisters work part-time today at Wellspring on campus, offering a place of welcome and hospitality, a place for students to have a cup of tea, study, and to know someone has the time to listen to them.

“Sr. Catherine Arsenault, Sr. Ivy Maccan and Sr. Debbie Pike are committed to providing this home-like atmosphere, not unlike that of our early sisters so that students can excel,” Sr. Brendalee says. “We are enriched by our connection to StFX over the years and hopefully StFX has received something from us as well.”

In 2000, on the Marthas’ centenary, in recognition of their enormous contributions to helping the university grow and thrive, StFX conferred the degree Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa upon the congregation.

NEW JOURNEY This March marked a significant time for the Marthas, who have started a new journey, moving from Bethany, their Motherhouse, and home since 1921, to the newly constructed Martha Place and Mary’s Court at Shannex Parkland. On April 3—a special day in the Martha calendar—the local community gathered to honour this transition with a Day of Celebration that included the unveiling of a stunning five panel gift of art from the Antigonish community, including StFX. The oil painting, entitled “Journey,” by Anna Syperek, is an allegorical landscape reflecting the journey of these religious women, and is a gift from StFX, the Town of Antigonish, the Municipality of the County of Antigonish, and St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation on behalf of the entire Antigonish community.

StFX VP Advancement Murray Kyte ’87, one of several to speak, noted the Marthas have cared deeply for StFX for well over a century and have provided outstanding service to the community. “StFX is deeply indebted to the congregation for the support they have provided to campus,” he said, “and continue to provide today.”

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Dr. Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93, Lino A. Saputo, Jr. and Dr. Susan Crocker ’12.

StFX CELEBRATES 2018 On Sunday, May 6, StFX celebrated the Class of 2018, welcoming over 900 graduates into the Xaverian alumni family on a day marked by cheers, tears, and advice for graduates to make a difference in the world, and to maybe make the world a little different.

Graduates came from every province in Canada and 17 countries around the world.

StFX also presented the degree Doctor of Laws honoris causa to Dr. Teresa MacNeil ’57 of Johnstown, Cape Breton, a StFX graduate and passionate leader in community development and life-long learning, and to Montreal-based entrepreneur and philanthropist Lino A. Saputo, Jr., Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Saputo Inc., during Spring Convocation 2018 at the Charles V. Keating Centre.

“Do the things you are afraid of,” Dr. MacNeil told graduates during the morning ceremony in an address that focused on courage and lifelong learning. Courage is the fundamental trait that allows us to

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develop as human beings, and it takes courage to plunge into your endeavours, she said. “The greatest mistake you can make in your life is to be afraid you’ll make a mistake…So be daring.”

Dr. MacNeil also encouraged graduates to be active learners, and she gave thanks: “An honorary degree from my alma master, employment for 37 years, and then to address you, it is indeed a privilege. Thank you for this definite honour.”

COMMUNITY STFX BUILDS “I feel privileged to share this special day with you,” Dr. Saputo told graduates in the afternoon ceremony. And he said he is ecstatic to receive the honour during the same ceremony in which son Giordano graduates. We really do feel part of the StFX family, he said.

Today is an important milestone, Dr. Saputo told graduates.

Wherever your experience began and wherever you go, you all share something in common—the sense of community that StFX builds.

Dr Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93, Dr. Teresa MacNeil ’57 and Dr. Susan Crocker ’12.

SPRING CONVOCATION OVER 900 GRADUATE, DR. TERESA MACNEIL AND LINO A. SAPUTO, JR. RECEIVE HONORARY DEGREES

Dr. Saputo told the Class of 2018 two critical decisions in life are finding the right partner and the right career. When you find these things, it makes it easier to fulfill a third key part of a truly balanced life, helping your community.

There are many ways to make your community better, he said. And not all are financial. Volunteer a few hours, coach a sports team and follow your passion to right an injustice.

INCREDIBLE STUDENTS In his remarks, StFX President Dr. Kent MacDonald advised graduates to think about contributing positively to the world, telling them they have many choices as they enter the world: the choice to be kind, to be optimistic, to forgive, to be humble, to respect everyone around them, to serve others, to be generous and to show gratitude.

He also recognized StFX Chancellor Dr. Susan Crocker ’12, the university’s first lay chancellor and the first female chancellor, who soon concludes her term, noting she served this institution with dignity, grace and generosity.

Major honours presented during Convocation included the designation of professor emeritus upon retired StFX history professor Dr. Paul Phillips. Philosophy professor Dr. William Sweet received the University Research Award, and the Outstanding Faculty Teaching Awards were awarded to psychology professor Dr. Erin Austen ’96 and to development studies professor and Canada Research Chair Dr. Jonathan Langdon. Patricia Budicky, senior lab instructor in the Department of Chemistry, received the Outstanding Staff Teaching Award.

Alex Corrigan and Cameron Sehl addressed Convocation on behalf of the senior class.

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CAMPUS NEWS RARE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE RELIC OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER

ADULT EDUCATION PROFESSOR INVITED SPEAKER AT UNESCO FORUM IN SOUTH KOREA

People line up for the rare opportunity to see relic of St. Francis Xavier Standing inside StFX University Chapel on January 8, 2018, second year student Matthew Crowell of Truro, NS describes seeing the glass-enclosed relic of the forearm of missionary saint, St. Francis Xavier—the university’s patron saint. “Something like this coming from Rome is very special. I can’t believe it’s the actual relic of St. Francis Xavier,” said the human kinetics student. The major relic was on campus as part of a 14-city pilgrimage across Canada, organized by the Archdiocese of Ottawa, the Canadian Jesuits and Catholic Christian Outreach.

Organizers believe this is the first time the relic has been on Canadian soil.

SCHOLARSHIP SHOWCASED IN FACULTY RESEARCH DAY; 2ND ANNUAL RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIP REPORT LAUNCHED

Dr. Leona English StFX adult education professor Dr. Leona English delivered a plenary address at a UNESCO forum in Suwon, Korea attended by some 400 delegates from 98 countries.

This UNESCO event monitored progress in adult education goals articulated at the last CONFINTEA (international adult education conference), convened by UNESCO in Brazil in 2009. Dr. English presented findings from the Global Report on Adult Learning and Education (GRALE III), which she worked on in 2015 at the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning in Hamburg, Germany.

NOTICE OF MOTION ST. FRANCIS XAVIER UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION AMENDMENTS Human kinetics professor Dr. Charlene Weaving during a poster presentation at StFX Faculty Research Day The MacKay Room in StFX’s Bloomfield Centre was turned into a showcase of ideas, scholarship and innovation on February 8, 2018 during the university’s first Faculty Research Day, which saw professors from departments across campus present their research, on topics as diverse as assessing the impact of community-based arts programs on health and well-being to the labour force readiness of Aboriginal youth. Concluding the day, StFX also celebrated major research accomplishments from the past year, launching the 2015-16 StFX Research Scholarship Report with a reception.

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In accordance with the Constitution of the St. Francis Xavier University Alumni Association, the Alumni Council is providing notice of proposed amendments to the Constitution of the Association.

Proposed amendments will be available via www.stfx.ca/alumni/ proposedamendments

by July 30, 2018.

THE RT. HON. BEVERLEY MCLACHLIN DELIVERS ALLAN J. MACEACHEN LECTURE

REASON TO APPLAUD

The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, former Chief Justice of Canada, the first woman in Canada to hold this position, and the longest serving Chief Justice in the history of this country, led a lively discussion on law and democracy as she delivered the Allan J. MacEachen Lecture on Canadian politics, now in its 21st year at StFX, on March 19, 2018.

STFX TEAM STARS AT NATIONAL MODEL UN CONFERENCE IN NEW YORK CITY

StFX came back from the National Model UN conference held March 25-29, 2018 in New York City with an impressive finish including two awards—an outstanding delegates award for two students Mathew Trnkus and Hannah Peters, and an honourable mention delegation award for the entire team, which includes 19 students and faculty advisor, political science professor Dr. Youngwon Cho.

Dr. Ryan Lukeman Ever wonder what happens when humans clap together? They always speed up! That’s the result of a new paper published in January 2018 by StFX mathematics professor Dr. Ryan Lukeman ’03 and two of his students Kennedy Murphy ’14 and Michael Thomson ’15, both now graduates, who together study collective human rhythmic behaviour, through clapping, in the paper, ‘Groups clapping in unison undergo size-dependent, error-induced frequency increase’ which appears in Nature Scientific Reports.

ANOTHER RECORD YEAR FOR STFX STUDENT RESEARCH DAY

It was another record year for StFX’s annual Student Research Day—now in its 16th year—with over 100 student research posters and presentations showcased March 28, 2018 in the Oland Centre Auxiliary Gym. The all-time high participation came from 17 different departments in the Faculties of Arts, Science and Business. Again this year, student research was broad, varied and impressive, running the gamut from learning if music helps with dental anxiety to sources of groundwater methane in proximity to legacy coal mines in Nova Scotia.

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ATHLETICS DALEY ODDY, DANIEL HAYFIELD & ANGUS RAWLING NAMED 2018 STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

X-Men soccer striker Daniel Hayfield and X-Women hockey forward Daley Oddy accept the 2018 StFX Student-Athlete of the Year awards. X-Men cross country/ track & field runner Angus Rawling was also a recipient.

Daley Oddy is a fifth year Human Kinetics student from Cranbrook, B.C. who received the prestigious Brodrick Trophy as the U SPORTS women’s hockey player of the year. The captain of the X-Women led the nation in overall points and goals scored. An AUS all-star in all five seasons she has played at StFX, the versatile forward helped guide the X-Women to a first-place finish in the regular season, with a 20-2-2 record.

Daniel Hayfield is a third year Arts student from Exeter, England who became the first ever X-Men soccer player to win the Joe Johnson Memorial Trophy as the U SPORTS player of the year. A skilled striker, Hayfield finished fourth in the country in scoring with 13 goals and in doing so broke the StFX school record for goals

scored in a single season. The league MVP, Hayfield was also named a U SPORTS All-Canadian and was an AUS first team all-star for the second consecutive season.

Angus Rawling is a third year business student from Calgary, Alta., and a U SPORTS All-Canadian with both the X-Men cross country and track & field teams. The gold medal winner in the 3000m event at the U SPORTS track & field championship, Rawling made history becoming the first ever StFX track & field athlete to win a national gold medal. He was also named the AUS male track athlete in the year, following up on the same honor received in AUS cross country. The AUS individual cross country champion last fall, he helped lead the X-Men to a second place conference finish.

SUCCESSFUL SEASONS! Three StFX teams recently wrapped up successful seasons as AUS finalists in their respective championships. The X-Men hockey team fell to UNB in the AUS conference final but defeated the same team in an exciting U SPORTS national semi-final overtime game. They fell just short of winning the national title, taking home the silver medal in a 4-2 loss to Alberta.

The X-Women hockey team finished first atop the conference in AUS regular season play and extended their AUS championship series with Saint Mary’s, falling short in the final game. They went on to place

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sixth at the U SPORTS championship.

The X-Men basketball team had an exciting AUS playoff drive with wins over Acadia in the quarter-finals and Dalhousie in the semifinals, then played down to the wire in the championship game against UNB, losing by only three points. The X-Women basketball team failed to make their AUS playoffs this season.

The X-Women track & field team also placed second at their respective AUS championship, while the X-Men track & field team was third overall.

ATHLETICS

StFX COMMUNITY X-CELLENCE AWARD WINNERS

IN THE NEWS

In addition to being honoured as the 2018 Male Co-Athlete of the Year, Angus Rawling was selected to represent Team Canada at the recent World Cross Country Championship in Switzerland where he placed 52nd overall in the international field.

University President Dr. Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93 (left) and Director of Athletics & Recreation Leo MacPherson ’89 (right) presented the StFX Community X-Cellence awards to Beth Lawrence (X-Women track & field) and Liam Elbourne (X-Men soccer) in recognition of their outstanding community initiative and involvement, volunteer experience and extra-curricular contributions outside of their varsity and academic experiences.

StFX LEADERS OF DISTINCTION

Fourteen student-athletes received Leader of Distinction Awards, the highest honour bestowed by the StFX Leadership Academy, which recently wrapped up its sixth year. Leadership Academy instructors Dr. Angie Kolen (left) and Leo MacPherson (right) presented the Leaders of Distinction awards to the following student-athletes. Absent from the photo is Michael Clarke (X-Men hockey) and Alex Neuffer (X-Men cross country).

StFX Athletics and Venor Youth Employment have launched the ‘ConneXions’ Mentoring Program for StFX varsity student-athletes.

The program will assist student-athletes and help them successfully navigate the transition from university to their career via Venor’s ‘Students2Mentors’ platform that connects the athletes to varsity athlete alumni mentors. StFX alumni will be engaged in a meaningful way, while supporting studentathletes in building impactful relationships and a network to support them in their careers for years to come. Any varsity athlete alumni interested in the ConneXions program are encouraged to contact Leo MacPherson at lmacpher@stfx.ca.

Nominations due December 31, 2018 www.goxgo.ca/halloffame StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

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STFX COADY INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE

Former Coady intern Jennifer Anderson ’18 (left) and Eileen Alma, Coady Associate Director International Centre for Women’s Leadership meet in Coady International Institute’s Marie Michael Library to discuss Ms. Anderson’s post-graduate plans

A FEELING OF RECONCILIATION

“

“

NEW X GRAD EXPERIENCES COADY’S SPIRIT OF CO-LEARNING

One of StFX’s newest alumni has an appreciation of the university’s commitment to hands-on learning and social justice.

Jennifer Anderson ’18, daughter of John ’83 and Rita Anderson, spent the summer of 2017 at a work internship with Coady International Institute where she offered program support, conducted research, spent time in the classroom, attended ceremonies, engaged with participants and partook in field trips.

The Sydney, NS native called her time at Coady “transformative” and looks forward to applying her political science degree with a focus on women’s and gender studies in law school.

“The research itself, and each individual project I worked on at Coady, helped me with critical thinking,” Ms. Anderson says.

“It challenged me in so many ways and I learned from the participants.”

She notes there were women from 16 different countries participating in the Global Change Leaders program and they were eager to share their culture and their experiences.

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“THE RESEARCH ITSELF, AND EACH INDIVIDUAL PROJECT I WORKED ON AT COADY, HELPED ME WITH CRITICAL THINKING” JENNIFER ANDERSON ’18

“I experienced this geographically diverse knowledge from them and the Indigenous Women in Community Leadership (IWCL) program also really changed my life.”

A key moment was when the IWCL class traveled to Kejimkujik National Park where they took in part of the Wabanaki Confederacy 2017 gathering which included a water ceremony. Ms. Anderson says there was feeling of reconciliation throughout the Coady program “These women were so open for me to be there and to teach me.”

Eileen Alma, Coady Associate Director International Centre for Women’s Leadership, says this supports the reconciliation process in a positive way. Indigenous women were open to sharing and there was receptiveness to listen, learn and share.

“This experience embodies Coady’s spirit of co-learning,” Ms. Alma says. “It is just not about us going in and facilitating courses and imparting knowledge, but rather how local and global participants are bringing their own expertise to the table.”

Ms. Alma says StFX is better than many universities about creating opportunities for undergrads.

“What happens at Coady is an opportunity for students to understand how to connect the theory they have been learning at the university in a very practical way. StFX’s goal of social justice education is actually a lived experience of what social justice can mean for different people.”

Ms. Anderson says the internship reinforced her interest in women’s and gender studies and learning about feminism through a social justice lens.

“I am definitely interested in pursuing a social justice oriented focus of law with emphasis on feminist and queer legal theory.”

DIPLOMA IN

ADULT EDUCATION National Program of Excellence

Canadian Association University Continuing Education

DUE TO ALL THE CHANGES BEING IMPLEMENTED BY CANADA POST

PLEASE MAKE SURE THE ALUMNI OFFICE HAS YOUR CORRECT MAILING ADDRESS ALUMNINEWS IS PUBLISHED TWO TIMES PER YEAR. DON’T MISS OUT!

Excellence is what St. Francis Xavier University’s Diploma in Adult Education is all about. It is the #1 choice among adult educators and HRD professionals. Now in our 37th year.

It is available to you in major centres across Canada or ask about our in-house programs.

Our 2018 schedule includes Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina and Calgary.

Limited enrollment – 30 seats per module www.sites.stfx.ca/adult_education_diploma/ Email: dipaded@stfx.ca Toll-free: 1-800-563-7839 Fax: (902)867-2486 Business hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm AST

BE SURE YOUR MAILING ADDRESS IS CORRECT WITHIN OUR SYSTEM.

ALUMNI@STFX.CA

DO YOU KNOW AN OUTSTANDING

XAVERIAN? Classics for Classics Back by Popular Demand:

Your invitation to return to the classroom, without examinations!

The Name?

We call this program “Classics for Classics,” because we study those great works that only improve with age, and we’re teaching them to those great alumni who have some similar characteristics!

This year, Dr. Steve Baldner will lead us in the study of John Stuart Mill’s Utilitarianism.

Tuition?

We charge a modest fee of $100, but this fee is waived for all alumni. This is our chance to do something for you! (tuition deposit is refunded to alumni after course completion).

Residence?

On campus accommodations are available.

Single: $84 plus tax per night.

Double: $132 plus tax per night.

Date?

July 2-6, 2018. The first class meets at 9:30 am on Monday, July 2, 2018.

The StFX Alumni Association asks you to think about the outstanding StFX grads and friends of the university in your life. Each year, we recognize the accomplishments and contributions of very special members of the StFX family through the Alumni Awards of Excellence and the StFX Hall of Honour at Homecoming. But deserving candidates cannot be considered for these honours without nominations. That’s where we need your help.

For more information and nomination information, go to www.stfx.ca/alumni.

The Hall of Honour recognizes alumni whose lives, achievements and contributions reflect the StFX tradition of helping others. The Awards of Excellence recognize outstanding achievements in the following categories: Distinguished Alumnus/A Young Alumnus/A Friend Of StFX (non alumni)

Limits?

We may have to limit enrolment to keep the class size optimal for discussions.

It’s advisable to reserve early.

Reserve a Place?

Please contact Alumni Affairs: alumni@stfx.ca, 902-867-2186

More Information? Glenda Bond, 902-867-2186, gbond@stfx.ca

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED. DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS APRIL 30, 2019.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

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Jason Hatch ’18 assisting in presenting 10-year patron award to Sam Moreau ’91, Dr. Kent MacDonald

Jason Hatch ’18, 10-year patrons Dr. Mike ’87 & Heather Silver, Dr. Kent MacDonald

Student Kirsten Gallant, assisting in presenting 20-year patron award to Marie MacDonald ’58, Dr. Kent MacDonald

Student Kirsten Gallant, Peter MacNeil ’16, Sheena ’11 20-year patron Anne MacNeil, Dr. Kent MacDonald

STFX SUPPORTERS HONOURED AT 2018

PRESIDENT’S GALA

During a special evening of celebration and thanks on the StFX campus, a number of StFX supporters were honoured during the 44th annual StFX President’s Gala held June 2, 2018 at the Keating Centre. The evening is a celebration of StFX’s continued success and recognition of its generous supporters.

It is also a time to celebrate those reaching 10-Year, 20-Year and Lifetime Xaverian Patron milestones. For a complete list of those honoured, please see the second annual StFX Donor Report magazine to be published later this year.

Dr. June Webber assisting in presenting Lifetime Xaverian patron award to Jeff Munroe ‘86, Dr. Kent MacDonald

Dr. June Webber, Lifetime Xaverian patron Andy & Carmel ’80 Raymond, Dr. Kent MacDonald

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Dr. June Webber, Lifetime Xaverian patron The Honourable Paul Tellier, Dr. Kent MacDonald

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION UPDATE l GLENN HORNE ‘07 ‘08, PRESIDENT

THE LEADER WITHIN This issue of the AlumniNews shines a spotlight on women in leadership. I have little qualification to speak on this subject and in that light I reached out to four women on the Alumni Council. I thank Laurie Oakes ’79, Flo Campbell ’83 ’84 ’05, Claudia MacLean ’92 and Alexia Tedesco ’09. It is from their perspectives that these words are based.

StFX prepared these women to be leaders by providing many opportunities. Here are a few: A unique learning environment: at StFX, learning is not limited to the classroom.

Pursuing academic success is a core element of our experience, but StFX students capitalize too on opportunities to learn and develop leadership capacity by doing.

Service learning, community involvement, societies and sports teams all contribute to the diversity of opportunity and crafting skills and style of leadership. In this way, StFX is about constantly pushing beyond your comfort zone and developing a thirst for learning and new experiences.

Learning from others: wonderful,

supportive and bright friends who challenge your assumptions in and out of the classroom; mentors in the form of professors, coaches, employers and friends, who are intelligent, insightful and successful women. These people believe in us, push us to reach for our potential. They help us build a solid foundation and form our support network beyond our time on campus.

Embracing fun: if you’re engaged in the community and trying new things surrounded by people who care about you, it is impossible not to have fun! And why lead if you can’t enjoy it? It’s busy, hectic and sometimes stressful, but the socially engaged atmosphere at StFX adds an element of fun that makes it all worth it.

Learning from yourself: in those quiet moments between classes, societies, work, and volunteering, we regroup, learn from our experiences and prepare for the next.

This is when you learn to trust your instincts, decide to reach beyond your limits, and understand it’s okay to be

Glenn and son Aiden

vulnerable. StFX enables the environment, but this part is on us. Take time and learn from yourself.

To current students, female and male, bask in the time you have at StFX. Be present in the experience—you really won’t understand how valuable and special it is until you’ve moved on. Practice being as bold, brave and kind as you can; squeeze every bit of knowledge, excitement, wonder, curiosity and happiness out of that place and the people in it. These are the elements that will bring forward the leader already inside you.

Hail and Health!

Glenn Horne ’07 ’08 President, StFX Alumni Association X

FROM ALUMNI AFFAIRS l MARY JESSIE MacLELLAN ’87, DIRECTOR

FACILITY RENEWAL BRINGS WELCOME NEWS

Mary Jessie MacLellan ’87

As I look across campus, memories flood from each building. Whether it be the MacKay Room in Bloomfield Centre, where I received my X-Ring, or Mount St. Bernard, my first campus residence, they all bring back memories—great memories.

But no building is more significant to me than the Oland Centre.

It’s the sight of many firsts for me. Back

when I was in Grade 11 and 12, we used to come to the ‘OC’ to watch X-Women and X-Men basketball games. It’s where I stood as a student in a lengthy line for course registration each year. It’s where my Convocation ceremony was held. And it’s where I worked for the late Fr. George Kehoe, the former Director of Athletics, my first post-graduation job. It’s also where

I brought my sons as young children to cheer on StFX Athletics or participate in many community activities. To fully understand what the building brings to the campus community and to the local community at large is amazing when you think about it. The renewal of this facility is welcome news indeed. I look forward to all the new memories that will be made here.

As we experience campus renewal in so many facets, I am excited as we continue to prepare for Homecoming 2018. It is our opportunity to welcome alumni back to campus and it is our privilege to see them revel in their time at StFX, to connect with students and with each other to celebrate our community Hail and Health!

Mary Jessie MacLellan ’87 Director, Alumni Affairs X

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

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ALUMNI HAPPENINGS 2018 ALUMNI RECOGNITION AWARD WINNERS

CLASS OF 2018 LIFE OFFICERS

2nd year: Bridget Way-Brackenbury, Kingston, ON; 1st year: Majd Al Zhouri, Antigonish, NS; 4th Year Cameron Sehl, Ottawa, ON; 3rd Year: Amy Rowe, Aurora, ON; 2018 Life Officers

Congratulations to Majd, Bridget, Amy and Cameron who have been selected as the 2018 recipients of the annual Alumni Recognition Awards. Their essays on the impact that StFX has had on them were inspiring. We look forward to their presentations at Homecoming 2018 at the Hall of Honour ceremony.

Keeping the spirit of the Class of 2018 alive will be life officers: Alex Corrigan, Margaret Elliott, Jessica Fullerton, Samuel Wei Ming Gan, Rachel Leblanc, Alexandra MacDonald, Connor MacLeod, Brandon McLellan, Emily Paige Mork and Sydney Pagan.

OPEN DOORS

CONNECTING WITH FRIENDS

The doors of Alumni House were open wide as we welcomed the Class of 2018, our newest StFX alumni, with a day of food, socializing and a break from studying for exams.

Meeting alumni and friends throughout our chapter network is a great way to renew the ties of friendship and meet many alumni, parents and prospective students. In May, StFX Alumni Affairs hosted a President’s Reception with the Manitoba alumni chapter at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg.

SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2018 32

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

2018 HALL OF HONOUR

Allene MacPherson Goforth ’65

Morag Graham ’68

Joseph McGann ’68

The StFX Hall of Honour recognizes members of the StFX community who have carried on the StFX tradition of helping others.

The Hall of Honour serves as an inspiration to current students to ensure this StFX tradition continues. The 2018 inductees Allene MacPherson Goforth ’65, Morag Graham ’68 and Joseph McGann ’68 have promoted StFX and its ideals through involvement in their communities. Join us on Saturday, September 29, 2018 during our annual Homecoming celebration, as we honour these worthy recipients.

SOMETHING FOR

EVERYONE AT HOMECOMING 2018

WELCOME HOME DINNER FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

Whether it’s your reunion year or not, be sure to include the Welcome Home Dinner in your plans for this fall. Catch up with old friends and rediscover your X-Spirit on campus. Enjoy a lovely meal and great atmosphere in the Keating Centre.

WELCOME HOME DINNER 6 pm Reception 7 pm Dinner Tickets are $50 each.

Advance tickets only.

AFTER DINNER… Homecoming Inn Mix and Mingle starting at 9 pm, Bloomfield Centre.

THE PRESTIGIOUS ALUMNI AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE WELCOME HOME DINNER.

Andrew Howlett ‘02 Young Alumnus of the Year

Edmonton, Alberta Chapter of the Year

Anne Campbell Friend of StFX

Gerry McConnell ’67 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year

TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS: (902) 867-2186 | alumni@stfx.ca | www.stfx.ca/alumni StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

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CHAPTER NEWS

VANCOUVER

CONNECTING WITH FELLOW XAVERIANS As we welcome the Class of 2018 to our alumni family, it is a great reminder of the importance of our chapter network. StFX boasts one of the strongest chapter networks, and it continues to grow. Our chapters serve to keep the StFX spirit alive in communities around the world.

Our chapters offer the familiar feeling of StFX wherever Xaverians call home. Be sure to seek out your local chapter and connect with your fellow Xaverians!

Jessica MacLellan ’12, Programs Coordinator, Alumni Affairs Contact your chapter president for upcoming X-events in your area.

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EDMONTON, AB On Thursday, December 2, 2017, we celebrated StFX Day with a reception and dinner at the Dovercourt Community Centre. The event was attended by approximately 20 alumni and was catered by Bridge’s Catering. It was a wonderful evening! Unfortunately, our beloved Archbishop Joseph MacNeil ’44 ’78 passed away in the new year and his funeral was held at the St. Joseph’s Basilica in Edmonton on Friday, February 16. It was a beautiful service in honour of a truly remarkable man! We will all miss him dearly. Our Lobster Dinner was held in June and we are planning for our new student send-off and alumni BBQ in August. We will keep all Edmonton and area alumni posted on plans as they are confirmed. At this time, we are hoping that some Edmonton and area alumni will come forward and help lead our chapter as many

YUKON of our executive have moved to Nova Scotia in the past year. I will be joining them as my husband and I move to Antigonish County in June. I would like to thank all alumni in the Edmonton area for their support in all the events we have done together! If you would like to become involved or have great ideas to share, please contact Larry Rankin ’69 at 780-451-3210. We look forward to hearing from you.

Maura and their friends. Sledding in the chilly air worked up healthy appetites which were rewarded by true East-Coast donairs courtesy of the culinary magic of Paul Mac and the Cape Breton mafia. Thanks so much for the mouth-watering donairs – some tasty indeed, they brought back many memories. Kudos again for preparing activities for kids of all ages, a grand time was had by all.

Laurie Oakes ’79 ’80

Jamie Mooney ’88

YUKON Yukon alumni and friends shared some right serious East Coast hospitality this past feast day of StFX, at the very warm and welcoming home of Tamara Schaefer and Mike Gallant ’97. Thanks a heap to Mike and Tamara for hosting a great afternoon and evening full of fun, family, and fellowship. The crisp afternoon made for some super sledding and tenacious tobogganing with wicked hang time off the gnarly jump made by Finnegan and

TORONTO, ON The Toronto chapter is keeping the Maritime spirit alive, both on land and on the water!

On November 24, 2017, over 100 alumni were joined by Rachel Leblanc and Alex Corrigan, the 2018 Senior Class CoPresidents at our annual X-Ring Celebration. Hosted at the Toronto Australia New Zealand Club, this year’s edition yet again featured some delish (and imported!) Wheel Pizza, and was capped off with several thousand dollars raised for the

TORONTO

2018 Graduating Class refugee bursary. On June 9, 2018, our Toronto crew headed back out on the water for our second annual tall ship cruise on the tall ship Kajama. Finally, our chapter sends its thanks to all outgoing members of our executive team—Jamie Stinson ’08, Natalie Fleming ’08 and Teena Dawson ’83 ’07. From pizza to Blue Jays, from Marlies to sailing on Lake Ontario, we thank you for all the time and creative energies you’ve given us! And a special thanks to future Xaverian Alfred Stinson for letting us borrow your mom and dad to make things happen for our Toronto chapter!

Marc Rodrigue ’08 CALGARY, AB Howdy from Calgary! If you happen to be in town this summer, join us for our annual Stampede Party on Tuesday, July 10 – we sell out this event each year with all proceeds supporting the Leone Campbell Memorial Bursary and future chapter events. We have

EDM0NTON StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

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CHAPTER NEWS

STRAIT HIGHLANDS some fun events to celebrate in 2018, but we are especially happy to announce that we are bringing Signal Hill back to Calgary on November 15! We had such an amazing turnout of over 400 StFX alumni, family and friends in 2017 and were completely blown away by the support and positive feedback we received. Follow us on Facebook (StFX Alumni Association – Calgary Chapter), Twitter and Instagram (@StFXYYC), or visit our new website for information on upcoming events for 2018 (www.calgarychapter.wixsite.com/stfxyyc).

Alexia Tedesco ’09 VANCOUVER, BC The Vancouver alumni chapter was busy since our last check in holding two events at the Portside Pub—Vancouver’s east coast pub! In late 2017, alumni young and old joined to celebrate X-Ring day. A great time was had reminiscing about our time on campus and in Antigonish along with updating one another on whatever all have been up to recently. In April, a small group of alumni joined together for everyone’s favorite east coast delicacy – lobster! We look forward to coming together for another lobster dinner in the near future!

The Vancouver chapter is looking for individuals who may be interested in helping plan and execute events over the 36

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

next year, so please reach out to the chapter or the StFX Alumni Office if you’re interested. Finally, don’t forget to join our Facebook page and make sure the Alumni Office has your current contact info so that you’re “in the know” about all of our future events!

Jared Bowles ’07 STRAIT HIGHLANDS, CAPE BRETON Friends and supporters of StFX gathered together at the home of Morag Graham ’68 in Judique to celebrate the university’s feast day on December 3, 2017. Food, refreshments and great conversation ensured everyone had a good evening. News of current events/ happenings at the university was shared with all present, along with information on

the new Strait Highlands Facebook page that our alumni chapter has started. Everyone is encouraged to check out the FB page and share it with friends and families. Father Allan MacMillan ‘61 led us all in a rousing rendition of the university song. The evening ended with discussion and plans to organize a social evening in the north end of the county in summer 2018.

Flo Campbell ’83 ’84 ’05 KELOWNA, BC Clockwise from left: Lynn D’Albertanson, her daughter Katelynn D’Albertanson, who is heading to X next year. Jenny Poppitt ’03, Nancy Ling ’05 and Mike Greer ’06.

Nancy Ling ’05

KELOWNA

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StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

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Then&Now

The university bookstore has come a long way from its early beginnings on campus. From its former location in Xavier Hall to its current home in Bloomfield Centre, there have been many changes over the years. Many alumni will remember the trips to the store to purchase books and to check out the newest StFX clothing.

Today, the StFX Store is the one-stop shop on campus for student needs for text books, StFX clothing and giftware, and the home of the X-Ring Store. Enjoy this trip down memory lane.

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StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

StFX AlumniNews

MANAGING EDITORS Mary Jessie MacLellan ‘87 Email: mjmaclel@stfx.ca Kyler Bell Email: kbell@stfx.ca ASSISTANT EDITOR Shelley Cameron-McCarron Email: sacamero@stfx.ca WRITER Shelley Cameron-McCarron DESIGN & PRODUCTION Andrew Conde Email: aconde@stfx.ca

One of StFX’s February 2018 Immersion Service Learning (ISL) trips included Peru where the StFX delegation partnered with Nexos Comunitario (Peruvian non-profit civil association) and with Caritas Felices, Institucion Educativa Inical (pre-school). Some additional ISL student-initiated activities included connecting with Not Just Tourists, Nova Scotia to deliver four suitcases filled with donated medical supplies to San Juan de Miaflores’ community health clinic, and approaching local businesses and individuals to donate school and art supplies to Caritas Felices. Pictured here are medical staff with ISL participants Allissa MacDonald, Ashley Shaw, Paige Feltmate, Meagan Godfrey, Emma Wissink, and Dr. Wendy Kraglund-Gauthier (ISL Peru Leader)

NEWS EXCHANGE EDITOR Glenda Bond Email: gbond@stfx.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Glenda Bond Phone: (902) 867-2186 Fax: (902) 867-3659 Email: gbond@stfx.ca DEADLINES SUMMER ISSUE copy deadline April 15 for June mailing WINTER ISSUE copy deadline October 15 for December mailing

SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2018

AlumniNews St. Francis Xavier University PO Box 5000 Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5 Email: alumni@stfx.ca Phone: 902-867-2186

LOST X-RINGS LOST Woman’s ’68 Man’s ’79 Woman’s ’88

Woman’s ’97 Man’s ’06 Woman’s ’11

Woman’s ’12 Man’s ’12 Man’s ’17

AlumniNews is published by St. Francis Xavier University Alumni Affairs and Communications two times annually for alumni and friends of the university. Views expressed are those of the individual contributors or sources quoted.

Contents, copyright © 2015 by St. Francis Xavier University. Subscriptions to AlumniNews are available to the public for $21 a year, single copies $7. Letters to the editor are welcome. Address correspondence to:

Man’s ’18

Personal Information: St. Francis Xavier University gathers and maintains records of personal information for the purposes of admission, registration, provision of educational services, ongoing contact with students and alumni, and soliciting support for these and other University activities. The collection, use and disclosure of personal information by the University is governed by the Nova Scotia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, S.N.S. 1993, c.5. Information provided to the University from time to time will be maintained in the University’s records. The personal information provided may be used by University personnel and disclosed to third parties as required or permitted by applicable legislation or in accordance with the purposes for which it is collected. If you wish to have your contact information removed for the purposes of any mailings to alumni from St. Francis Xavier University, the Alumni Association or our Affinity Partners, please send us a note using the contact information on this page.

Contact the Alumni Office at 902-867-2186 or alumni@stfx.ca StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

39

L-r, Bill Gunn, administrator of the Jeannine Deveau Educational Equity Endowment Fund; John and Judy Bragg, uncle and aunt of Dr. Ann Sherman; Dr. Carla Sherman ’04, niece of Dr. Ann Sherman; Mark Sherman, brother of Dr. Ann Sherman; and StFX President Dr. Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93

EDUCATOR DR. ANN SHERMAN ’77 HONOURED IN $1 MILLION SCHOLARSHIP ESTABLISHED THROUGH BRAGG FAMILY FOUNDATION AND DEVEAU FUND The legacy of the late Dr. Ann Sherman ’77 helping underrepresented people. The HEART SOAR —former faculty and former director of the funding is matched by the Jeannine Deveau “It would make her heart soar to know this school of education at StFX—will continue Educational Equity Endowment Scholarship would be her legacy at StFX,” niece Dr. at her alma mater thanks to a $1 million Fund, established at StFX through the Carla Sherman ’04 said. Friend, former scholarship established in her honour generosity of alumna Jeannine Deveau colleague and StFX Dean of Education Dr. to support African Nova Scotian and ’44. “This is an important story for us,” StFX Jeff Orr said “Ann deeply affected the Aboriginal Canadian students in all President Dr. Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93 told scholarship while she was here. This will programs in the Faculty of Education. the large crowd at the announcement. help us continue important work that was On March 2, 2018, StFX announced a “The $1 million endowment in her name so dear to her. She had a passion for many $500,000 donation from the John and will provide bursaries to ensure we are things in education. The top of her list was Judy Bragg Family Foundation to establish able to support African Nova Scotia and support for First Nations and African Nova the Dr. Ann Sherman Scholarship, a lasting Aboriginal Canadians to attend StFX in the Scotian students.” This gift means so much, commitment to recognize their niece— Faculty of Education,” he said as he added education professor Dr. Joanne described as a remarkable educator and expressed thanks to John and Judy Bragg Tompkins, ceremony emcee. leader—and her legacy, particularly in for their generosity in this scholarship.

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StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

UPCOMING EVENTS Check out www.stfx.ca/alumni for a complete listing of upcoming events and up-to-date details.

JULY 2-6, 2018 Classics for Classics Antigonish, NS SEPTEMBER 27, 2018 St. Martha’s School of Nursing Alumni Dinner (to honour the Class of 1968) St. Ninians Place Meet and greet takes place at 7 pm with dinner to follow at 7:30 pm For ticket purchase, please contact Emma Lee MacDonald at (902) 863-1402.

SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2018 Homecoming, Antigonish, NS

OBITUARIES SARKIS HAMBOYAN StFX was saddened to learn of the death of Sarkis Hamboyan who worked in the StFX Library for many years.

WENDA YOUNG The StFX community was saddened to learn of the death of former employee Wenda Young, who taught writing skills at StFX in the 1980s and ’90s.

DONNA HUDSON StFX was saddened by the passing of Donna Hudson who finished her career workin as a scholarship officer at StFX. FATHER JOSEPH GILLIS ’51 StFX is saddened to learn that Father Joseph Gillis, who taught mathematics at StFX for 22 years, until 1977, passed away on Jan. 30, 2018.

MOST REV. JOSEPH N. MACNEIL ’44 The StFX community is saddened to learn of the death of Most Reverend Joseph N. MacNeil ’44, Archbishop Emeritus of Edmonton, who died on February 11, 2018. Father MacNeil served as director of the StFX Extension Department for nine years.

SHIRLEY MACDOUGALL StFX was saddened by the death of Shirley MacDougall on Feb. 15, 2018. She worked in Government Documents at StFX’s Angus L Macdonald Library from where she retired in 2002.

SR. MARY ALMA LOSIER, CND The StFX community is saddened to learn of the death of Sr. Mary Alma Losier, CND on March 3, 2018. During her career she taught home economics at Mount Saint Bernard, and after earning her PhD in theology at Notre Dame University, she taught at StFX. After her first retirement in 1987, she continued teaching, tutoring, and publishing a book of poetry.

She finally retired at age 88.

JOAN DILLON ’06 The StFX community was saddened to learn of the death on March 28, 2018 of Joan Dillon, a name synonymous with X-Project. During her over 40 years championing X-Project, Joan had an impact on thousands of StFX students as well as many generations of Mi’kmaw and African Nova Scotian youth in the X-Project communities. She was recognized for her volunteer work by students, alumni, and faculty with three honours from StFX. She was the first ever recipient of an honorary X-Ring in 1990, voted on by the Students’ Union. The alumni inducted her into the StFX Hall of Honour in 1991, and Senate recommended her for an honorary degree in 2006.

She also received the Order of Nova Scotia.

Distance Education Programs for REGISTERED NURSES

Applications are being accepted until June 30 for classes beginning in September. The Post RN-BScN program was awarded accreditation by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) in 2013.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Individual Nursing Courses • N483 Pallia3ve Care Nursing Cer3ficate in Gerontological Nursing • N490 Forensic Nursing Cer3ficate in Con3nuing Care Nursing • N497 Computers in Nursing

Toll-­‐free: 1-­‐800-­‐565-­‐4371 Email: distance.nursing@sGx.ca

hIp://sites.sGx.ca/con3nuingeduca3on

MASTER OF EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT StFX

PART-TIME DISTANCE PROGRAMS Students may complete Master of Education programs in Educational Administration and Leadership or a variety of Curriculum and Instruction areas. These part-time programs require one month of study on campus in July. The remainder of the program can be completed online over a two-year period. These programs may be completed by coursebased, project, or thesis routes.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR FULL-TIME GRADUATE STUDY StFX admits a limited number of full-time graduate students annually who wish to develop capacity in teaching/leadership or applied research. Students are paired with faculty who provide them with internship opportunities related to university teaching and field experience in the BEd program and/or research. Students who choose the research-based option may have the possibility of participating in funded research programs in collaboration with full-time faculty.

For more information or to receive an information package, contact Continuing and Distance Education: Tel: 1-877-867-3906 or (902) 867-3906 E-mail: med@stfx.ca

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

41

NEWS EXCHANGE Send News Exchange items to Glenda Bond, Alumni Affairs Office St. Francis Xavier University, PO Box 5000, Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5 Phone: (902) 867-2186 • Fax: (902) 867-3659 • Email: alumni@stfx.ca Asher Aaron McDevitt November 1, 2017

Julia McDevitt (Clarke) ’09 Aaron McDevitt ’10 Gavin Jared Schnellert September 20, 2017

’50s

In memory of Warren Allmand ’54, Hon. Doc. ’96, the Queen Elizabeth Health Complex (QEHC) in Montreal has designated that the waiting room in its new walk-in “urgent care clinic” be named in his honour.

The complex was a citizen-driven initiative established 22 years ago.

Warren was an ardent supporter of this health centre from its inception and served on its board until his death in 2016.

’60s

Amanda Sanders ’12 and Jared Schnellert Samuel Barkhouse September 27, 2017 with his brother Finley, 3

John P. Barry ’64 has been invested into the Order of New Brunswick. He was also recently recognized as a life member of the Law Society of New Brunswick, based on the fact he has been a member of the society in good standing for over 50 years.

Mr. Barry received the Order of New Brunswick for his dedicated, visionary leadership and competence within his profession, and for the positive impact and clear and lasting impression he has made on the wider community through many years of volunteerism within health care, educational and social organizations across the province.

’70s Darren ’06 and Vivette Barkhouse Paris, France

Monique Hallee ’07

42

Howard J. Phee ’70 was invited to be the keynote speaker at convocation ceremonies at Sheridan College in Toronto in June 2018. The college has in excess of 22,000 full-time students, and 3,300 part-time students.

As well, its international reach spans 70 countries with over 120 programs across five faculties.

Howard is currently national

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

president of the Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Accountants of Canada, and owns and is currently president and CEO of Riko Enterprises Inc., a corporate restructuring and financing firm.

He is a member of the StFX Hall of Honour.

Mike O’Leary ’76 was recently inducted into the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame, along with his Cheema Canoe Team ’77. Mike retired, for the first time, after 32 years with the Halifax Regional School Board as a teacher and principal, to work overseas in Abu Dhabi, UAE; Doha, Qatar and Atyrau, Kazakhstan. After 40 years in education, Mike now spends his time between winters in Panama, Central America and summers in Nova Scotia. Friends are welcome to get in touch: mikeoleary1952@gmail.com

’80s

Tony Watson ’88 became president of the Hong Kong Society of Financial Analysts (HKSFA) in February 2018.

The HKSFA was founded in 1992.

Its 6,500+ members make it the CFA Institute’s largest Asian affiliate society and the fourth largest worldwide. Most members hold the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and work in front-office finance industry roles.

’90s

Rosalyn Jean MacDonald ’97, a native of Antigonish, NS, and now practicing veterinary medicine in Hamilton, ON, has been chosen as the foremost veterinarian practicing in the greater Hamilton area by readers of the Hamilton Spectator, in

a poll conducted by that newspaper in late 2017.

Dr. MacDonald graduated from StFX with a Bachelor of Science degree. Her studies to that point also included two years in the pre-veterinarian program at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Truro. In 1997, she was accepted at the Veterinary School at the University of Prince Edward Island, and she obtained her degree as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in spring 2001. Since graduation, Dr. MacDonald has practiced her profession for one year in Sydney, NS and for 10 years in Ottawa. She began practice in the Hamilton area in 2014. Dr. MacDonald is the daughter of Ronald A. MacDonald of Antigonish and Janet (Shea) Moore of Truro, NS.

nominations, a special jury selected the winners.

Brettanie Deal-Porter ’08 is Chef de Mission for the Yukon team at the National Special Olympics Summer Games taking place in Antigonish and at StFX this summer.

Helen Murphy ’08 won the award for Outstanding News Story at the 46th Annual Newspapers Atlantic Awards on June 1, 2018. Helen and her husband Allan ’87 own the Guysborough Journal newspaper, which is celebrating its 24th year of operation.

Archer Declan Pottie October 23, 2017

’00s

Nicole DeLory ’04 has written Night at the Gardens. An educational whimsical adventure picture book about what the statues in the Halifax Public Gardens enjoy at night. Who are these statues? Why do they live in the gardens? The book is published by New World Publishing and illustrated by Nicole’s sister, illustrator, Janet Soley.

Kyle Turk ’07, director of marketing and communications with Welch LLP, was one of the winners in the 2017 Randstad Canada Talent Awards. He was the recipient of the award for “Marketing Leader of the Year.”

The awards ceremony was held in Toronto and celebrated the achievements of exceptional professionals. With over 165

Juleen (MacEachen) ’98 and Darryl Pottie May 6 2017

Juleen MacEachen ’98 and Darryl Pottie

Leah Lorraine Rae Gogan, February 2018

Jared Gogan ’13 ’15 and Samantha (Landry) Gogan ’13 ’15 Pippa Anne-Marie Desilets, July 18, 2017

Alexandra Munroe ’14, Dalhousie’s “Med Ball”

Mike O’Leary ’76

StFX alumni who are all medical students at Dalhousie University.

Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame Induction

StFX Cheerleaders

Dec 31, 2017

Karla (Roberts) ’08 and Stephen Desilets William Patrick Brennan, March 24, 2018

Alex and Geraldine McKinnon of Halifax, NS haven’t missed an X-Men hockey game in Halifax all season. Neither Alex or Geraldine, aged 88 and 84, are StFX grads, but they are the proud parents of three StFX grads, Margaret McKinnon ’81, Ian McKinnon ’83 and MaryAnne McKinnon ’84, and grandparents of the next generation of X grads, Meghan MacDonald ’16 and Allie MacDonald ’19. Very loyal StFX fans, they are pictured here during AUS playoffs.

Kimberly Clarke ’15 and Bobby Martell ’15 Saint John, New Brunswick

Nutrition Month Colin ’10 and Shana ’12 (Dunn) Brennan St. Patrick’s Day Birthday, Boston

Patty Murphy ’93 and Anna Simonds ’16 taking a break during their senior women’s indoor soccer league at UNBSJ.

Cousins Alexander Issa ’15 and Duncan MacEachern ’94

Pictured during Nutrition Month are, l-r, Jackie Spiers ’95 PDt, Dietitians of Canada executive director for Nova Scotia; Antigonish MLA, the Hon. Randy Delorey ’00; and Laurie Barker Jackman ’98 PDt, Nova Scotia Nutrition Month spokesperson and dietitian for Sobeys.

September 23, 2017, Boscowan Inn, Lunenburg, NS.

Totonto, Ontario

Showing off their new X gear!

Glenn Horne ’07 ’08 and Sarah MacDonald ’09 Front (l-r): Heidi Sinclair ’09, Sarah LeBlanc ’08, Nick Dewolfe ’08, Linda Wright ’07.

Middle (l-r): Dan MacDonald ’11 13, Sarah MacDonald ’09, Marc Rodrigue ’08, Alicia Adams ’08, Jon Adams ’08. Back (l-r): Jamie Stinson ’08, Mark Derocher ’07, Natalie Fleming ’08, Glenn Horne ’07 ’08, Shawna Horne ’11.

Ria (Van Berkel) Spee ’76 was pleasantly surprised to be introduced to a married couple who had also graduated from StFX, Pei Xu ’13, who studied accounting, and Harry Miao Huang ’14, who studied computer science.

Both were international students at StFX from mainland China. All now live in Toronto and met through their church.

Isla Pemberton and Declan Pemberton, daughter and son of Rebecca Pemberton (Woodman) ’06 and Adam Pemberton ’07.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

43

I C O S R U O Y WE ❤

44

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

!

S T S O P A I D E IAL M

!

T S O P U O Y N E H W D #STFX N A I N M U L A X F T S TAG @ O T T E G R O F T ’ N O D

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

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Shopping for premier X-gear just got easier!

www.stfx.ca/xstore

X-GEAR ONLINE STORE OPEN NOW Alumni, family, students and friends can now purchase quality university merchandise online from the StFX Campus Store.

Grandchildren of Patricia MacDonald, Financial Support, University Advancement Ryan Reeve (3), son of Meaghan ’08 and Jeremy Reeve ’08 Ben (4) and Maddie (6), children of Jennifer ’10 and Jeff Alex ’09

X-Gear is the perfect gift for anyone!

Visit often to discover new items as they are added to the store.

SHIRTS STARTING AT

$12!

www.stfx.ca/xstore 46

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

WHERE ARE YOU?

H

ow important is it to keep in touch with your alma mater? Plenty! At StFX, there’s so much going on – from alumni road trips to student send-offs each summer in cities and towns across the country and beyond.

If we don’t have your current contacts, we’re not able to send out event notices, alumni mailouts, or the AlumniNews magazine, mailed free of charge three times a year to StFX alumni and friends. If you’re plugged into the StFX network, you can stay in touch with friends, find mentors, visit the Alumni website, and keep up-to-date with all the details of Homecoming, and chapter events in your area. We’d like to reconnect with some of those with whom we’ve lost touch. If you have a current contact or information on any of the following alumni, listed by decade, please contact:

Records Researcher, St. Francis Xavier University 1-888-739-0031 • records @stfx.ca Allan Angus MacDonell ’80 Allan Russell Nantes ’80 Angela N Lynch ’80 Alexander N Murphy ’81 Amanda Enright ’81 Andrea Everett ’81 A Claire MacDougall ’82 Alan Bruce Smith ’82 Allan J MacKenzie ’82 Allison Grace Nickerson ’82 Angus Warren Leadbetter ’82 Anita M MacAdam ’82 Alan Charles MacPherson ’83 Alireza Khajavi-A ’83 Amelia Nancy Bourque ’83 Amir Khorrami ’83 Andre P Weingartshofer ’83 Andrea M MacLellan-Hood ’83 A Jay Carmichael ’84 Andrew Hugh Livingstone ’84 Ann Hirtle ’84 Adrienne Dicastri ’85 Akhtar Jamal ’85 Alexander Leslie Rowe ’85 Alphonse Malcolm Landry ’85 Amanda MacLennan ’85 Andrea M Tucker ’85 Ann Loretta MacEachern ’85 Abd Rahim Ahmad ’86 Agnes Kathie Dwyer ’86 Ahmad Nahrawi Mohd ’86 Ahmad Sherim ’86 Alan James Fogarty ’86 Albert J White ’86 Alfreda Margaret Johnson ’86 Allyson Hannel-Smith ’86 Andrew Douglas Gammon ’86 Abdou Al Majid Hammoud ’88 Adel Hammond Rabah ’88 Ahmad A Ibraheim ’88 Ahmad Nabtiti ’88 Alison Gail Tonet ’88 Andrew Scott Langille ’88 Andrew Thomas Harvey ’88 Angelita Gonsalves ’88 Anita Charlene MacIver ’88

Anita Palepu ’88 Adele Dorothy Young ’89 Ahmed Shaibu Gariba ’89 Alexandra Helen Lynch ’89 Alicia Linehan ’89 Andrew Cameron Lively ’89 Andrew Joseph Marchand ’89 Ann Ross ’89 Abdi-Nasir M Ma’Awiye ’90 Ahmad Jamal Mohd. Hassan ’90 Ahmad Rizal Alang Ahmad ’90 Allan Joseph Floyd ’90 Alex Mason Aalto ’91 Andrew Thomas Smith ’91 Andrew William Hunt ’91 Andrea Trina Thompson ’92 Andrew Gordon Panciuk ’92 Andrew Laurie Farrell ’92 Andrew Xavier Akins ’92 Andria Lee Wingerter ’92 Agnes Baxter ’93 Alderic Desire Boudreau ’93 Alexander George Benoit ’93 Alias Ali ’93 Angela Jane Marie Doyle ’93 Ann M Wallington ’93 Ann Marie Carroll ’93 Aaron Douglas Smith ’94 Allister Dean MacPherson ’94 Alma Regina MacDonald ’94 Angela Lorraine Gillis ’94 Anita Sakayi’Kn ’94 Alison Jean MacEachen ’95 Andrea Jeanelle Masterson ’95 Aaron Alexander MacIsaac ’96 Adrien Herve Helfenbein ’96 Alice Jeanette Foster ’96 Andrejka Lokar ’96 Anita Mary Joshua ’96 Ann Matthews ’96 Aaron Troy Marchand ’97 Adele Marie Pellerin ’97 Adelle Janet Crawley ’97 Alan Charles Delorey ’97 Andrea Dawn Clarke ’97 Andree Louise McTaggart ’97

Angela Anne Runnalls-Briand ’97 Angela Diane MacDonald ’97 Angela Rose MacPhee ’97 Angela Sylvia Fisher ’97 Allison Jolyn Bennett ’98 Andrea Raylene Forgeron ’98 Andrew Elessar Maher ’98 Andrew Vytautas Tyler ’98 Angel Meridith MacKenzie ’98 Abraham Deforest ’99 Aden L Wells ’99 Alan Arthur Mumford ’99 Alison Clare Woolridg ’99 Aaron Farr ’00 Adam Miller ’00 Aimee Marie Carter ’00 Allison Joseph Ramsay ’00 Amanda Elizabeth White ’00 Amy Catherine Dinaut ’00 Amy Maureen MacEwen ’00 Andrew James Davidson ’00 Andrew Joseph Whitty ’00 Andrew Ronald P Casey ’00 Anita Darlene McGuigan ’00 Aaron Robert Smith ’01 Allison Colleen Boutilier ’01 Amy Alvina Samson ’01 Andrew Mason MacDonald ’01 Angela Ruth Flemming ’01 Adam Clarence MacDonald ’02 Adam Nathan Fraser ’02 Alyson Brynn Leard ’02 Andrea Leanne Thompson ’02 Andrew Grant Goodmanson ’02 Andrew Williams ’02 Angela Marie MacDonald ’02 Adeola Adenike Ojelabi ’03 Albert Landu ’03 Amanda Jane Paolini ’03 Amy Marie DeCoste ’03 Andrew Nicholas Edwards ’03 Anita Danielle Baudoux ’03 Abul Khair Md Nayeem ’04 Adam Douglas Pearson ’04 Adam Nicholas Small ’04 Amy Rachel Nichols ’04

X-RING STORY l ALUMNI OFFICE

DECEASED Frederick Hulleem George ’38 Mary Elizabeth (Feeney) Stevens ’43 Archbishop Joseph N. MacNeil ’44 ’78 Fr. Reginald MacNeil ’44 Sr. Mary “Alma” Losier, CND ’45 (also former faculty) Rosaria (Nearing) Brown ’46 Dougald Allan MacFarlane ’48 Lenora Pamela (Dawson) Paruch ’49 Dr. Albert Joseph “AJ” Shaw ’49 Charles Frank “Chuck” Lailey ’50 Fr. Martin Joseph Gillis ’51 (also former faculty) Michael Bernard “Bernie” MacDonald ’52 Margaret “Marjorie” Joseph MacKinnon ’52 Frederick James Landry ’53 David Villeneuve ’53 Archibald Charles “Archie” DeGaust ’55 Donald Archibald MacDonald ’55 Eric Staples ’55 Clarence Joseph Cameron ’56 Gene Joseph Clarke ’56 Alexander Chisholm MacDonald ’56 Joseph “Don” Gardiner ’57 Allan Michael Ernest MacInnis ’57 Claude Vallerand ’57 Rev. Vernon Roger Boutilier ’58 John Vincent Frenchville Cunningham ’58 ’71 John Lawrence Hubisz ’58 Joseph E. Fox ’59 Carroll Joseph Pellerin ’59 Stephen Johnston Campbell ’60 ’61 Hector Arthur Sr. DiPersio ’60 Eugene J. Sweeney ’60 Edward Thomas McIntyre ’61 Peter L. Meunier ’61 Sandra (MacDonald) O’Brien ’61 Sister Mary Murphy ’61 Joseph Myles Philpott ’61 James Bernard Grover ’62 Ronald A Sutherland ’62 Rosemary Monica (Klein) Taylor ’64 ’69 William Peter “Pete” Lineger ’65 Ronald Lionel “Buddy” Doucette ’66 Douglas Raymond Fairweather ’66 Bernard Gerard MacLean ’66 Patrick Arthur McMenamin ’66

Cyril Kennedy MacNeil ’68 Stephen Joseph MacNeil ’69 Bernard Gerard “Bernie” MacLean ’66 ’67 Jean Gerarda (Corsten) Crawford ’70 Carolyn Elizabeth (Andrews) Murphy ’70 ’71 ’03 Donna Marie Gillis ’71 David James Heffernan ’71 Gordon Garland Macpherson ’71 Bruce R Maynard ’71 Marie Margaret Belliveau ’73 Vera Elizabeth Boudreau ’73 John Patrick “Pat” Elliott ’73 Sr. Mary of Nazareth MacDonald, csm, ’73 Sr. Margaret McDougall ’73 Gregory John Joseph Schmalz ’73 M. Heather (MacVicar) Sherry ’73 Marie “Alcida” (LeBlanc) Landry ’74 Valerie Margaret Robinson ’75 Margaret Jean Ballantyne ’77 William Edward Mitchell Gillis ’77 M. Geraldine “Gerri” MacDonald ’78 Hugh Patrick Mellon ’78 Cheryl Joanne MacLennan ’80 Anelia Marie Breski ’81 ’82 Arnold H. P. Laureijs ’83 Ann Catherine (MacAdam) MacDougall ’85 Mary-Ellen Hildegard Heidel-Huismann ’90 Robert Vincent Chiasson ’91 Isabel MacVicar ’94 Dr. Gordon Rex Selman, Hon Doc ’95 Rebecca Maureen Beaton ’04 Joan Dillon, Hon Doc ’06 Jennifer Susan (Sherjan) Ross ’09 Krista Mary (Naugler) Leonard ’10 Kevin Peck, XJC Ida Mae Ash, Former Staff Alexander Borden, Former Staff Caroline “Carol” Broussard, Former Staff Donna (MacDonald) Hudson, Former Staff Sr. Sara Christine Beaton, CND Gordon William Johnston, Former Staff Shirley MacDougall, Former Staff Sarkis Hamboyan, Former Faculty Wenda Lee Young, Former Staff Teresa Claire McCallum, staff member in the Priest’s Dining Room for 46 years

SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2018

“I found the ring!’

X-Ring located in the Caribbean Sea

Janine with her X-Ring and some StFX friends a couple of years before the ring was lost, and found, in the Caribbean Sea. It was the most amazing week of our lives. Sixty of our closest friends and family joined us for our destination wedding in Punta Cana. Every moment seemed perfect—the love, laughter, friendships, and weather. However, on the last day while guests were on the beach for some games, the unimaginable happened.

We heard our friend run up yelling the dreaded words: “Janine lost her X-Ring!”

While swimming in the Caribbean Sea, the ring had sunk down. With just under half the group proudly wearing an X-Ring, it was only seconds before the entire group rushed into the ocean to help. We borrowed goggles, snorkel gear and had people shuffling their feet in the sand hoping to step on the precious jewelry.

After a couple hours of what seemed like an impossible search, no ring was found.

While not all hope was lost, everyone couldn’t help but feel defeat and even the ring’s owner, Janine, had begun to come to terms with the ring being gone.”

With a 5 p.m. departure the next day, we returned to the beach the next morning with hopes of a calmer ocean or some serious fortune. We were lucky enough that the lifeguards contacted a man, Juan Oro, a full-time underwater searcher for jewelry, coins, or metals. He was sporting a wetsuit, snorkel set, and holding a metal detector.

Just before the group was heading out, we returned to check in one last time with Juan Oro to see if he had any success - sadly he didn’t. Still swimming in the same spot, the man was on a mission. I told him my wife and I were staying a couple extra days and gave him my contact. Janine thanked him profusely and headed for the bus, convinced the ring was gone.

The next morning at 8 a.m. sharp, on May 5th, the day of the StFX graduation ceremony, our phone rang. Answering it I heard the most beautiful words: “I found the ring!” It was Juan Oro and his relentless search had come up successful.

Erin and I rushed to the beach to meet him and couldn’t believe our eyes when he pulled out the 2010 X-Ring- it was Janine’s ring.

As we shared the news with those back in Canada, we couldn’t help but feel everyone’s excitement. St. Francis had answered our prayers and it couldn’t have been a better ending to the best week of our lives. Needless to say Juan Oro will never be forgotten!

Hail and Health!

Chris ’09 & Erin Murray ’10 StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

47

FROM UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT l MURRAY KYTE ’87, VICE-PRESIDENT, ADVANCEMENT

MAGIC HAPPENS AT STFX It was a glorious sunny day in Antigonish at this year’s Spring Convocation, which saw over 900 graduates cross the stage. It was an incredible weekend for graduates and their families. I know this to be true as my wife Cathy and I celebrated our son Sean’s graduation. Sean is our third child to graduate from StFX, all within the last five years. For those alumni who wonder if StFX is still the same special place as when they attended, I want to share some touchpoints from Convocation, which underscores why StFX remains an exceptional place to come to school.

First, 89.3 per cent of all eligible undergraduates attended Convocation!

This is incredible, and perhaps the highest participation rate at Canadian public universities. And this rate hasn’t abated over the years. Equally impressive is that close to 60 per cent of students come from outside Nova Scotia, meaning home isn’t just down the road. Our students feel a deep belonging to the StFX community.

When it comes time to graduate, StFX is family for the students, and they want to celebrate and squeeze in every last minute of their time together.

Second, parents feel a special bond to their child’s university, which I don’t think is replicated elsewhere. From the initial campus tour, to Welcome Day, to the X-Ring Ceremony, and finally, Convocation, parents feel welcome and part of the

Xaverian Family. Let me share an excerpt from a non-alum parent email that President Dr. Kent MacDonald received after Convocation, “For many students and families that attend university it consists of attending and graduating but St. Francis Xavier is so much more. It is about the total experience (dorm living, sports, academics, professors) and the constant welcome that is so real and present that is felt every time we visited campus…what makes St. Xavier (sic) so unique is in the incredible community building that starts on a student’s first day at StFX and never ends.”

It was a touching email and I’m certain Kent and former President Dr. Sean Riley have huge collections of similar letters.

Finally, when it comes time to part ways with their friends and StFX community, it’s a deeply emotional experience for graduates. Many have tears streaming down their cheeks. I did when I left in ’87.

And it happened to son Sean and his buddies. They cried from 3:30 in the morning until Sean had to leave for an early morning flight. In fact, he was so emotional, the airline attendant inquired if he was ok and offered him Kleenex. It didn’t stop there. All day in Ottawa he was emotional. And then something incredible and special happened. At a local Tim Horton’s while he was on his laptop, he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to face an older gentleman who said he liked Sean’s

Conor Kyte ’13, Joe Kyte ’16, Cathy McCann Kyte ’87, Sean Kyte ’18, Patty Kyte and Murray Kyte ’87

48

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2018

X-Ring and flashed his own X-Ring with the class year of 1963. This Xaverian took the time to speak with Sean and shared his own positive X experiences. Sean much appreciated the chat. He felt a calming effect knowing his StFX experience will remain as special for him as it was for this gentleman over 55 years ago. I felt goosebumps when I heard what happened.

Not only was I a proud Xaverian, but also working for the university I thought –“Where else does this kind of magic happen from a university experience in Canada?”

Hail & Health Murray E. Kyte ’87, M.Ed, LL.B, B.B.A Vice-President, Advancement X

SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2018

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 7:30 pm

StFX Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Induction of StFX Sports Hall of Fame candidates.

Auditorium, Schwartz School of Business

1 pm

Campus Walking Tour Leaving from the Main Foyer of the Keating Centre

1:45 pm 2 pm – 5 pm

Ceremonial Kick-Off, Football Game Homecoming Football Game StFX vs TBD Intermission & post-game receptions in the Oland Centre

2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Mount St. Bernard College Tea Everyone welcome – refreshments served MSB Cafe

6:00 pm reception, 7:00 pm dinner

President’s Reception and Golden Grad Dinner A dinner hosted by the University President, to honour our Golden Grads from the Class of ’68.

Main Arena, Keating Centre.

Alumni who have graduated prior to 1968 are welcome to attend this dinner. Pre-registration is required. To purchase tickets contact – 902-867-2186 or email alumni@stfx.ca

9 pm

Homecoming Pub Night A gathering place for all alumni and friends! Musical entertainment by Matt Cameron '93 and special guests Admission: $10 MacKay Room, Bloomfield Centre Class reunions are also planned for the class of 1953, 1958, 1963, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, 2018 For details visit: http://www.stfx.ca/alumni/homecoming

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 10 am – 9 pm

Homecoming Registration & Information Hospitality Suites, Keating Centre

1 pm

Campus Walking Tour Leaving from the Main Foyer of the Keating Centre

3 pm

StFX Alumni Association Annual General Meeting All alumni are encouraged to attend Conference Rooms, Keating Centre

6 pm

X-Women Rugby StFX vs UPEI, Oland Centre Field

6 pm reception, 7 pm dinner

Welcome Home Dinner All alumni are welcome to attend.

Presentation of Alumni Awards of Excellence.

Advance ticket sales only- $50 each.

To reserve, please contact Alumni Affairs at 902-867-2186 or email alumni@stfx.ca Main Arena, Keating Centre

9 pm

Homecoming Mix and Mingle A gathering place for all alumni and friends!

Music; DJ. Free Admission Bloomfield Centre

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

8 am

5K Fun Run Registration Race begins at 9 am, Oland Centre

11 am

Alumni Mass Class seating. StFX University Chapel

9 am – 6 pm

Homecoming Registration continues Hospitality Suites, Keating Centre

11 am – 1:30 pm

9:30 am

Coffee with Coady An event to celebrate the alumni-Coady connection, featuring the Katherine Fleming award presentation, and breakfast refreshments Coady International Institute

Farewell Brunch Advance tickets recommended – $20 each Main Arena, Keating Centre

1 pm

Campus Walking Tour Leaving from the Main Foyer of the Keating Centre

1 pm

X-Women Soccer StFX vs ACADIA, Oland Centre Field

2 pm

X-Men Soccer StFX vs ACADIA, Oland Centre Field

11 am

Hall of Honour Induction Ceremony Induction of Hall of Honour candidates and Student Alumni Recognition Award Essay Presentation Auditorium, Schwartz School of Business

Visit our website www.stfx.ca/alumni/homecoming for the most up-to-date schedule and information.

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