StFX Alumni News - Summer 2021

StFX AlumniNews SUMMER 2021

CONNECTING ALUMNI & FRIENDS OF St. FRANCIS XAVIER UNIVERSITY

THANK YOU

COACH K! CANADA’S WINNINGEST MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH RETIRES

Re: Homecoming Announcement & Reunion Weekend ’22

Dear Fellow Xaverians, Our university’s journey over the last year in navigating the pandemic has been focused on the collective health of our students, employees and the residents of Antigonish. I’m extremely proud to report that the level of collaboration to keep our community safe has been unprecedented. By working together, we’ve achieved extraordinary results which allowed for students to return to the living and learning experience at StFX and flourish within our community of Antigonish.

In planning for this fall semester, our commitment to our communities’ health remains steadfast as our top priority. Although we are making progress in our fight against COVID, there remains continued uncertainty around vaccination rates, variants of concern (i.e. delta) and public health restrictions. Given this uncertainty, we have decided to maintain some restrictions on campus, including restrictions related to indoor events that attract large gathering sizes of the public.

Ultimately for alumni, this means that our on-campus public events normally planned for Homecoming will be delivered virtually.

Our Alumni Director, Shanna Hopkins, along with her team, are in the planning stages for what these virtual events will look like and please know that some of the early ideas are exciting and reflect our commitment of making sure they are exceptionally engaging. We are also committed to ensuring reunion classes and all other alumni are kept abreast of these plans and details as they unfold.

This also means that our plans for this August’s Reunion Weekend that was to be held to make up for last year’s Homecoming are needing to be postponed until the summer of ’22. With this decision to restrict our on-campus events this fall, Reunion Weekend ’22 will now include two years of reunion classes, which we know will make for a fun-filled alumni gathering.

Please stay tuned to your emails for further details. If we do not have your email address on file, please email your updated contact information to alumni@stfx.ca to be certain to have the latest updates from StFX. Hail & Health, Murray Kyte ’87 Vice President, Advancement

VICE PRESIDENT, ADVANCEMENT

StFX University · PO Box 5000 · Antigonish, Nova Scotia Canada B2G 2W5 · t. 902.867.2359 · stfx.ca

StFX AlumniNews

CONTENTS

A fond farewell to Coach K.

Feature 12

End of an Era StFX celebrates legendary basketball coach Steve Konchalski as he retires following a 46-year career filled with relationship building, magic moments and national glory.

12

Contents NewsFlash

Features 3

Campus News

28

Athletics

32

Alumni Association Update

37

News Exchange

40

Spotlight On Research Fascinating research happens all across campus. We’re pleased to introduce a few of our faculty.

8

Leading The Country, Again The results are in, and once again StFX alumni are the most engaged in Canada.

Plus, we asked, you answered. See the Alumni Survey results.

20

Smile, We Met At X StFX Alumni Affairs Office hosted a heartwarming Instagram contest, celebrating alumni love stories that blossomed during or after their time at StFX. Here we meet a few of the couples.

38

8

20

38

Visit StFX’s online alumni community: www.stfx.ca/alumni StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

1

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE | ANDREW W. HAKIN PhD

A COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER TO POSITION STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS Dear Xaverians, What an incredible academic year! When it was announced that we would be bringing students back to campus and offering primarily face-to-face instruction, we anticipated our path would not be easy.

However, we knew that the immersive educational experience offered by StFX is an essential part of its uniqueness and this served to drive us toward a goal of creating a safe and supportive environment for all, a place where our students and our community could thrive despite the many limitations imposed by the pandemic. Our success in completing the academic year is in no small measure due to the hard work and support of staff, faculty, students, alumni and members of the broader local community. We have witnessed a community collectively pulling together to achieve a remarkable outcome. My thanks to all those who rolled up their sleeves to make this happen – our

community has much to be proud of.

We have learned a lot over the last year.

We have reaffirmed that this is a university and a community that is intimately and tightly woven together — a community that is united through a shared language of trust that we will together do the right things to position our students, our society’s future leaders, for success. We have recognized that our long and proud history as an institution has not dulled our ability to initiate rapid change to address evolving circumstances, and we have identified that as an institution we must continue to ask questions of ourselves in order to best serve and support tomorrow’s society.

As we come to the conclusion of this memorable academic year, a year that will live long in the history of the university, know that we will not be resting on our laurels. We will be building on the many lessons learned to elucidate and carefully plan towards the delivery of, “University

Dr. Andrew W. Hakin

As Its Meant To Be.” We will continue to lead.

Hail and Health.

Andrew W. Hakin, PhD President & Vice-Chancellor

StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin is pictured here with several members of the Class of 2021 during Farewell Day photos. Pictured, l-r, in back are Isaac Fagnan, Isaac Bezanson, Bailey Wasdal, Amy Graham, Claire MacDougall and Priscilla Panchol.

2

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

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

KIKNU “OUR HOME” – INDIGENOUS STUDENT CENTRE OPENS

HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED: MARANGONI FAMILY DONATE $100,000

L-r, Mi’kmaw Elder and StFX Knowledge Keeper Kerry Prosper ’09 and StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin Kiknu, meaning ‘our home’ in English, is the name of StFX’s Indigenous Student Centre, officially opened on campus on Feb. 26, 2021. Mi’kmaw Elder and StFX Knowledge Keeper Kerry Prosper ’09 and StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin joined together to unveil the centre’s name during a ceremony in Dennis Hall. “I give thanks for this,” said Elder Prosper as he shared an honoured, traditional welcome. The Indigenous Student Centre, he said, is a safe spot for students, their families, and for all Indigenous people who come here. “We have lived here for thousands of years, but today we struggle to find safe spots in our homeland,” he said. “We will always remember this day.” “It’s a special moment in StFX’s history,” Dr. Hakin said as he recognized honoured guests and thanked the community for allowing StFX to have this moment. “I’m excited about the possibilities that Kiknu brings us.” Dr. Hakin says the name speaks to what this place can be and should be—our home.

He says he sees Kiknu as a place that will bring people together, where peer mentoring and learning happen organically, a place that promotes the success of students, that promotes friendship and helps in the truth and reconciliation journey. It will be a place of growth, a place to amplify Mi’kmaq culture in our daily lives and provide learning opportunities to all. “I’m so glad that this is happening,” said StFX Faculty of Education professor Michelle Sylliboy, who thanked Terena Francis ’01 ’20, StFX Coordinator, Indigenous Student Affairs, for her efforts to make this day possible. Prof.

Sylliboy was involved in asking Elders, including StFX alumni, their input on the name. Kiknu was suggested: “It’s a home away from home for these students.” Jeneva Dennis ’21, a graduating BA student, emceed the event. She spoke about the space’s importance. It’s a place where she can come to study, to talk to people, and to hold her culture close. StFX Vice-President Students Elizabeth Yeo, who gave a Territory Acknowledgement, said while StFX recognizes there is work to do, today is a meaningful step forward, celebrating the naming of this space, and creating a space with the hopes it ensures that Indigenous students feel safe, welcomed and honoured.

Dr. Gerry Marangoni delivers remarks StFX science students will have even more opportunity to participate in undergraduate research and learn new skills thanks to a generous gift of $100,000 the university has received from the Marangoni Family, which includes longtime StFX chemistry professor Dr. Gerry Marangoni. The donation to the Chemistry Department will be used to create a fund to support student research, capital equipment acquisition, and to create an endowment for future needs. “Thank you to you and your family,” StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin said during the March 29, 2021 announcement. “It’s a game-changer, Gerry.” Bringing students into the game is what we do at StFX, Dr. Hakin said, and this donation will help provide even more opportunities to involve students in research. Dr. Marangoni said the gift is about supporting the department, helping enable even more student research, and helping provide equipment and an endowment for future needs. Honours chemistry students Nicole MacNeil ’21 and Taylor Doucet ’21, who’ve worked as research assistants in Dr. Marangoni’s lab, and emcee Shannon MacLellan, a 2019 chemistry graduate and current second-year education student, spoke on a personal level about what the donation will mean to students and the invaluable experience it will provide. The donation will also help fund crucial new equipment for the department, including a Benchtop NMR. Dr. Marangoni’s long relationship with StFX Chemistry spans back to 1992. Along with his teaching and research, he is founder and scientific advisory board member of SONA Nanotech, a nanotechnology life sciences firm. He is also founder, with Dr. Kulbir Singh, of GMS Surface Tech, a company creating environmentally friendly cleaning products.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

3

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

EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS STUDIES: TWO SCHWARTZ SCHOOL STUDENTS RECEIVE $30,000 FRANK H. SOBEY AWARDS

L-r, Victoria Morley and Patti-Anne Tracey StFX Gerald Schwartz School of Business students Patti-Anne Tracey ’21 of Antigonish, NS, and Victoria Morley ’21 of Collingwood, ON, have been recognized as exceptional business students and future leaders. They are among nine business students, studying at Atlantic Canadian universities, to receive the $30,000 Frank H. Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business award this year.

Ms. Tracey graduated from StFX with a BBA with a major in management and leadership. She was also a member of X-Women hockey, part of the StFX Athletics Leadership Academy as an elite leader and co-chaired the Student-Athlete Advisory Council.

Through support from the Wallace Family Entrepreneurship Fund, she, along with a teammate, created an educational training platform about sexual violence in athletics. Their website provides sexual violence prevention materials and training resources to Canadian sport organizations and coaches. She helped develop the concept of the X-Connects podcast to help people cope with the isolation that resulted from COVID-19. She was a student volunteer for three years at L’Arche Antigonish and was program director of a four week Social Innovation Bootcamp (supported by Enactus StFX). She is a threetime U Sports Academic All-Canadian and is a Schwartz Women in

Business Recognition Award recipient. Ms. Tracey has been accepted and will pursue a Corporate Residency MBA at Dalhousie University.

Ms. Morley graduated with a BBA honours in enterprise systems.

She served for the past three years in three different positions on the Schwartz Business Society executive, including as president. She also served on the executive of Best Buddies Society at StFX and was a Best Buddy herself. She is passionate about raising awareness for services for grieving youth. Her honours thesis leveraged data analytics to understand the prevalence of childhood bereavement in Canada. In October, she plans to travel to Nepal to climb to Mount Everest base camp as part of a fundraising campaign that will benefit Season’s Centre for Grieving Children in honour of her late brother.

Since age 18, she has backpacked 12 countries. She’s received an Alumni Recognition Award, a Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Scholarship, the EDC International Business Scholarship Award, and the Tanenbaum Canada-Israel Exchange Scholarship. She represented StFX twice at the Model United Nations Conference in New York City, and competed at four case competitions across Canada. She plans to complete a master’s degree abroad.

BRIAN AND MILA MULRONEY AWARDED HONORARY DEGREES FOR FIVE DECADES EXEMPLARY SERVICE Congratulations to The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney ’59 LLD ’78 and Mila Mulroney LLD ’04 honoured with the degree Doctor of Laws honoris causa from Ontario Tech University. Brian and Mila Mulroney received the degrees June 25th in honour of their economic and environmental leadership, for their support for scientific research, and for their service to Canada, and the world. “For over five decades, Mr. and Mrs. Mulroney have made Canada a better place, through their political leadership, their international profile and as champions of charitable causes,” a release from the university says. Mr. Mulroney served as Canada’s 18th prime minister from 1984-93. Mrs. Mulroney has served as a national chair of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Canada and has held other leadership roles in charitable organizations. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mulroney also hold honorary degrees from StFX. 4

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

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

DR. LACE MARIE BROGDEN APPOINTED DEAN OF EDUCATION

STFX WELCOMES BRIAN SCRIVER AS ASSOCIATE REGISTRAR–RECRUITMENT

Brian Scriver Dr. Lace Marie Brogden StFX Academic Vice-President & Provost Dr. Kevin Wamsley is pleased to announce Dr. Lace Marie Brogden has been appointed Dean of Education, effective July 1, 2021. Dr. Brogden is an experienced, fully bilingual, academic leader having served as the inaugural Dean, Faculty of Education at Laurentian University when the combined French/English program was created in 2016. As Dean, Dr. Brogden developed skills and insights related to strategic planning, university advancement, and managing organizational change. Dr. Brogden’s role as Dean helped her to develop core competencies in building bridges between and among diverse stakeholders, including with international partners. It has also helped her understand the importance of patience and humility in advocating for what she believes to be right to time, place, and context. Dr. Brogden’s research and scholarship interests include language teacher education, negotiating subjectivities, social justice in education, and autoethnography. She has contributed to several journals and is currently writing a book on the challenge of and importance for French-language teachers to learn about Treaty Education. Dr. Brodgen has taught in public schools, served at the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education, and has occupied roles as a faculty member and now academic leader in the post-secondary context. Dr. Brogden has also been the Acting Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies since November 2020. The academic units she has led have seen enrolment growth, faculty renewal, and program improvement. Dr. Brogden is a Member-at-Large elected in 2016 and 2018 to the Ontario Association of Deans of Education Executive, was elected to the Executive Committee of the Association of Canadian Deans of Education in 2018 and is the current presidentelect. She also serves as International 1st Vice-President, DKG International for the 2020-22 term. Dr. Brogden engages in international service work promoting the personal and professional development of women educators; and has served as a faculty mentor.

As part of her work in two demographically and geographically disparate universities over the past 10 years, Dr. Brogden has engaged with issues related to Indigenizing and attending to the rights, needs, and perspectives of Indigenous students and communities within the context of Treaty, ceded and unceded territories, and Truth and Reconciliation.

StFX is pleased to welcome Brian Scriver who joined the campus community April 12, 2021 in the position of Associate RegistrarRecruitment, StFX Academic Vice-President & Provost Dr. Kevin Wamsley announced. Mr. Scriver comes to StFX from Brock University where he was most recently the senior relationship manager in the International Market Development Department.

In this role, he managed a team of international student recruitment officers and communications assistants and held responsibility for relationships with stakeholders such as high school counsellors, recruitment agencies, applicants, and key internal partners. Before this, he worked in the university’s Student Accounts and Financial Aid Department where he managed their awards portfolio. He also spent 15 years in sales and leadership roles at RBC Royal Bank.

“Brian is excited to make the move to Nova Scotia, which he describes as feeling like a second home because of its way of life, its beauty, and the kindness of its people,” says Dr. Wamsley. “He relays that he is particularly excited to join the StFX community to help share its rich history and outstanding opportunities for academic, research, and personal success with prospective students.”

CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. KEVIN WAMSLEY StFX extends its congratulations, thanks and well wishes to Dr. Kevin Wamsley who takes on a new role as President and Vice-Chancellor of Nipissing University, beginning August 1, 2021. Dr. Wamsley joined StFX in 2015 as Academic VicePresident and Provost. Under his leadership, the university launched Kevin B. Wamsley new undergraduate and graduate programs, including the very successful BASc Health. He also contributed greatly to StFX’s efforts around equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), supporting marginalized and underrepresented students and faculty, and actively participating in decolonizing the academy. Dr. Wamsley stepped in as Interim President, leading the university during one of the most tumultuous times in its history as the COVID-19 global pandemic was unfolding.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

5

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

DR. BRENDAN MURPHY HONOURED WITH NATIONAL CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

BUILDING ROBOTS: THESIS LOOKS AT RELATING HUMAN INTERACTION TO ROBOT ACTIONS

Noah Barrett ’21

Dr. Brendan Murphy National honours for his exemplary career has been bestowed on Dr. Brendan Murphy, Senior Research Professor, Department of Earth Sciences, who’s received the 2021 Career Achievement Award from the Volcanology and Igneous Petrology Division of the Geological Association of Canada. “Dr. Murphy has had an exceptional career with extensive contributions to our understanding of igneous petrology and igneous relationships to tectonism. His impressive career spans 40 years and has yielded more than 325 refereed publications and numerous Canadian and international awards and research grants,” says the award announcement. “His knowledge and expertise have been transmitted to thousands of students in dozens of mineralogy and petrology course deliveries, the writing of two textbooks and the supervision of research students. His many editorships/associate editorships/guest editorships, memberships on dozens of national and international scholarly organizations, and hundreds of reviews for journals, books and grant committees demonstrate he is an international scientific ambassador for igneous petrology and Canadian geoscience.” Dr. Murphy says he is also the beneficiary of the wonderful geoscience culture in Atlantic Canada and a strong research culture in StFX’s Earth Sciences Department. “Generations of students have also been a major stimulus and inspiration. Among many things, they taught me that learning is a two-way street. I would not be receiving this, or any other award, without them. To see many of them have successful careers after graduation is something that gives me the greatest satisfaction as I begin to navigate through my dotage,” he says.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING INVOLVED AND VOLUNTEERING WITH YOUR LOCAL ALUMNI CHAPTER? 6

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

For almost six months, Noah Barrett ’21 of Tatamagouche, NS, who recently graduated with an honours computer science degree, has been building a pair of robots from the ground up as part of his honours thesis, working with his supervisor, computer science professor Dr. James Hughes. He’s had to engineer the robots and build parts with a 3D printer in Dr. Hughes’ Convergence Lab, code them, and add algorithms. As the project developed, so too did his interest in seeing how we can relate human interactions to actions the robots are taking. “I was interested in looking at relating how people interpret different behaviours in robots to the specific actions those robots were taking,” he says. “With the growing presence of robots in our day-to-day lives, it is becoming increasingly important that we ensure we have a rigorous understanding of human interpretations of robots and the level of trust we associate with them.” In the end, he says they couldn’t find statistically significant results, but a moderately-sized data set was produced, which could potentially be used for further insight. Dr. Hughes says the robots are elaborate little things. However, what makes them particularly fascinating is that they learn. “They learn with a special type of Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence how to navigate their world. Long story short, the robots are turned on, they have no idea what they are or what they can do, but over time they learn to (a) move, (b) observe features in their environment, and (c) how to navigate their environment without crashing into things, although, sometimes they fail miserably.” Mr. Barrett will continue his studies in artificial intelligence, taking a master’s degree in computer science at Dalhousie University. StFX, he says, has been ideal to complete his undergraduate degree. “It’s community-centred and you’re able to have tight-knit relationships with professors. Even this opportunity, I doubt I would have had at a larger school. I feel really grateful.”

The following chapters are looking for new executive members: Truro, NS; Moncton, NB; Edmonton, AB; Northern New Brunswick and Montreal, QC. If you’re interested, please email Maddy Horne, Alumni Programs Coordinator, at mhorne@stfx.ca

ALUMNI PROFILE

Dr. Mary Lou Smith ’76 students, supervising PhD students and post-doctoral fellows, as well as working at Sick Kids Hospital, where she had opportunity to do some teaching and training.

Mentoring has brought many rewards.

“It’s like discovering the joy of science over and over again,” she says, noting how satisfying it is to see students formulate their own ideas, progress through research and learning, and to watch them advance through their own careers.

She said she’s also benefitted from many great mentors, starting during her time at StFX.

INSPIRING PROFESSORS

DR. MARY LOU SMITH HONOURED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE FIELD OF EPILEPSY Dr. Mary Lou Smith’s ’76 impact in the field of epilepsy has earned international honours as she was awarded the 2020 Fritz E. Dreifuss Award recognizing mentoring and clinical research excellence. The award is selected by the president of the American Epilepsy Society.

Dr. Smith, a professor in the Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, and a Senior Associate Scientist in the Neurosciences and Mental Health Program of the Research Institute at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, was acknowledged at the American Epilepsy Society’s AES2020, a virtual gathering that offered education and scientific exchange for epilepsy professionals, held this past December.

“I was surprised,” Dr. Smith says on her reaction as she remembers feeling gobsmacked when she first heard the news.

“But, boy, I am honoured.”

Dr. Smith has been conducting research and clinical work with both children and adults with epilepsy for over 35 years. She has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles and has led seminal studies of the roles of the frontal and temporal lobes in memory, and her current research examines the cognitive and behavioural co-morbidities associated with pediatric onset epilepsy.

Dr. Smith says her major contribution in the field of epilepsy has been in her research program, which addresses the long-term cognitive and psychosocial outcomes of epilepsy surgery in childhood, and the key psychosocial, family, cognitive and neurological variables that determine quality of life in children with epilepsy.

ACTIVE MENTOR Throughout her career, Dr. Smith has also been an active mentor. She spent many years teaching undergraduate and graduate

Dr. Smith’s career path can be traced back, in part, to her student days at StFX. She started at StFX as a biology student but switched in her second year into honours psychology to follow her interest in human behaviour. Still, she was drawn to the biological side of the field.

“I had many great professors at StFX. Two who really inspired me were Drs. Murray Schwartz and Peter Henke.”

From them, she learned a lot about the brain. She decided she would make her career in neuropsychology, which deals with the brain and behaviour.

At graduate school at McGill University, she worked with the world-renowned cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Brenda Milner, where she first began working in the field of epilepsy.

MANY CONTRIBUTIONS Dr. Smith is active in advocacy, education and professional service in the field.

She’s participated in committees and task forces for the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), the American Epilepsy Society, and the Canadian League Against Epilepsy (CLAE). She’s currently a member of the ILAE Neuropsychology (Diagnostic Strategies Commission), Pediatric Psychiatry (Commission on Pediatrics) and Pediatric Epilepsy Severity Scale Task Forces and is the secretary of the ILAE committee for the North American region. She is on the CLAE Board of Directors and is a member of the executive committee of the Canadian Pediatric Epilepsy Network.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

7

RESEARCH PROFILE numerous health and social costs, particularly for young people. Identifying the mechanisms that contribute to these costs can help us build prevention and intervention tools that minimize these costs and encourage safer use of alcohol and cannabis. It’s exciting to engage in applied research that will help shape the landscape of substance use policy in Canada and help consumers make more informed choices.

Dr. Kara Thompson

DR. KARA THOMPSON Department: Psychology Year Started at StFX: 2015 Courses taught: Psychology 155 (Introduction to Psychology for Nursing), Health 102 and 202 (Health across the lifespan I and II), and Health 490 (Honours Seminar) Could you tell me a bit about your research?

My research focuses on understanding patterns of alcohol and cannabis use among youth and young adults. In particular, I focus on understanding what factors contribute to the development of high risk substance use patterns, such as personality and substance use motives, and the impacts of substance use on mental and physical health for young adults. I am conducting research with students examining how the ways that cannabis is consumed (i.e., via a joint, bong, vape, edible) alters the physiological and subjective effects of cannabis.

8

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

How did you become a researcher?

Growing up, I wanted to be a clinical psychologist, working one-on-one with individuals to help them navigate challenges throughout life. When I entered graduate school, I began working with several prolific scholars at the Canadian Institute of Substance Use Research and witnessed firsthand the significant impact of population health research. I realized that through innovative research I could improve health for individuals and populations. My work today continues to be driven by a need to uncover the factors that determine health and apply this knowledge to programs and policies that promote health and prevent disease for young people.

What impact do you hope the research will have?

Substance use is deeply embedded in our culture and while it serves numerous social functions for us, it also is associated with

Could you tell me a bit about yourself and any awards or accomplishments?

In 2014, I returned home to the east coast for a postdoctoral fellowship at Dalhousie University after graduating from the University of Victoria with a PhD in Life-span Development Psychology. In 2015, I accepted a position at StFX where I have established my program of research focused on Substance use and Health in Emerging Adulthood (SHEA lab). I have published over 50 peer reviewed articles and have been a principle investigator or co-investigator on grants totalling over $4.6 million. I recently received the 2021 StFX President’s Research Award. I attribute my research success largely to the preeminent national and international scholars I have the privilege of collaborating with, as they continually inspire me to push the boundaries of research innovation.

What excites you or what do you enjoy about being a researcher at StFX? The small, intimate learning environment that StFX is known for allows me to apply my research in a way I wouldn’t be able to at a larger institution. The research I conduct is highly relevant to supporting student health.

As a result, student services are often collaborators on my research and I serve on many institutional committees related to student health and well-being. It’s exciting to know the work I do contributes meaningfully to the StFX community and directly impacts student health.

What’s something surprising about yourself that people wouldn’t know?

I was born and raised on PEI, only a short drive (and a ferry ride) from Antigonish. In summer, my children and I spend much time at our cottage playing in the red sand, eating Cows ice cream, and enjoying time with family.

RESEARCH PROFILE governments need tax money to build infrastructure and support health care and social supports. Tax evasion is not applicable to just one country. It’s a global phenomenon, which needs to be tackled.

Dr. Bhavik Parikh

What impact do you hope it will have?

I’m hoping that my research supports policies to help fight tax evasion. Tax evasion can be done in multiple ways.

I’m looking at existing policies and if they are being implemented well. I hope governments become more transparent on why people are paying tax and in showing how the money is spent on their citizens and communities.

DR. BHAVIK PARIKH Department: Schwartz School of Business, Department of Accounting and Finance; Resident Fellow, Brian Mulroney Institute of Government Year started at StFX: 2014 Courses taught: Advanced Financial Management, Financial Management-I, Banking and Financial Institutions Could you tell me a bit about your research program?

My primary area of research is international finance, specifically portfolio flow and tax evasion. The other area I look at is Islamic finance and emerging markets.

How did you become a researcher?

I started my PhD in finance in 2009. As a

requirement, you have to write a thesis, that’s how my journey began. The finance and economics professors at the University of Memphis, where I attended, helped me start my career, and we’re still in touch today.

What drew you to this area of study?

What motivates you or excites you about it?

Attracting capital is important for companies to grow and establish. There are two types of investors, domestic investors and foreign investors. To attract foreign investors, they’re often taxed at a lower rate.

I’m interested in what domestic investors can do to lower their taxes. As well, tax evasion is a huge problem because

Could you tell me a bit about yourself and any awards and accomplishments?

My research article, “Tax havens, tax evasion and tax information exchange agreements in the OECD” received the “Best Paper Top Download Award” from the European Financial Management Journal for the year 2017. My article in the Journal of World Business, a top-tier journal, is on the list of their most downloaded and two of my papers on emerging markets were semi-finalists at the Financial Management Association Conference. During the pandemic, I’ve published six journal articles on international finance. I was born and brought up in India, completed my master’s and PhD in the U.S. and my wife and I have been living and working in Canada for almost seven years.

What do you enjoy about being a researcher at StFX? StFX has a very supportive environment for research. Two things I really enjoy is making my research interdisciplinary, looking at how aspects such as culture and morality can affect tax evasion, and supervising very good undergraduate honours. I’m able to do a lot of early stage research with them.

What’s something surprising about yourself that people wouldn’t know?

I’m a big sports fan. Two of my favorites are Formula 1 racing and cricket. I make sure I’m up-to-date with them, and when the pandemic is over I hope to travel to Montreal to the Canadian Grand Prix.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

9

RESEARCH PROFILE What drew you to this area of study?

What motivates you or excites you about it?

I have been interested in how life survives in extreme or difficult environments for a long time. About eight years ago, I learned that some insects can survive ice formation inside their bodies, and I have been researching insect overwintering ever since!

Dr. Jantina Toxopeus ’11

What impact do you hope it will have?

Insects are super important – both to humans (e.g. as pollinators or pests of our crops) and to the environment in general (e.g. as food for birds). Understanding how insects survive winter is important for understanding how climate change will affect these insects, and all the services they provide for humans and our environment.

Resilience in the face of climate change is the most pressing issue of our time (we only have one planet!), and I hope to support this resilience with my research.

Could you tell me a bit about yourself and any awards/accolades/ accomplishments/highlights?

I come from a family with many strong, independent, intelligent women. My sister, my mother, my aunts, and my grandmothers have all thrived in challenging environments, and have been a constant source of inspiration and motivation for me as I navigate this career. My most recent career accomplishment is receiving an NSERC Discovery Grant in my first year at StFX. I was awarded this research grant in April 2021, and it will help fund my research program for the next five years!

DR. JANTINA TOXOPEUS Department: Biology Year started at StFX: 2020 Courses taught: Biology 111 (Intro Cell Biology), 201 (Animal Biology), 395 (Advanced Cell Biology) Could you tell me a bit about your research program?

We study how insects survive winter, with a particular focus on how some insects can actually freeze solid and survive.

10

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

How did you become a researcher?

In high school, I did a six-week Summer Research Program organized by WISEST (Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science, and Technology) at the University of Alberta. After that I was hooked, and pursued research opportunities during my BSc honours, MSc, PhD, and beyond. Along the way, I had truly excellent mentors and colleagues who supported my goals to build my own research program as a professor at StFX.

What excites you or what do you enjoy about being a researcher at StFX? I absolutely love mentoring undergraduate students. Helping students design and complete their first independent research project and seeing how this supports them in their education and career goals is the most rewarding part of my job.

What’s something surprising about yourself that people wouldn’t know?

I was born in Zimbabwe and lived there until I was 12 years old!

SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON STFX’S UNSUNG HEROES

EDITOR’S NOTE: Last year, the StFX Alumni Affairs Office created the Xaverian Spirit Award to honour those StFX faculty and staff who make the StFX experience memorable. It is meant for the unsung heroes whose support, encouragement, guidance or attitude leave a lasting impression. Here, we share a story, unsolicited, that came from Dan Campbell ’03, living in Brussels with his family, celebrating and thanking Janet Stark ’65 for the impact she made on his life.

Dan writes: In 1991, I was expelled from StFX for poor academics. This was 100 per cent my own undoing, but along the way, I came to know Ms. Janet Stark as she was then Assistant to the Deans (Dr. Kevin O’Brien ’61 being the Dean as I recall). I had courses with Dr. O’Brien and it seemed a monthly routine would see me in her office asking to see Dr. O’Brien.

I was heartbroken by the decision. I always had a difficult time with schoolwork and although I attended classes regularly, I was not a good student away from the classroom where independent work and discipline is required.

I carried that disappointment for many years and had really not wanted to link up with anyone from StFX outside a few close friends. I really was a bit lost. Living on the west coast in the late ’90s—still without a degree—I was working in a sales job when I received a call from an alum I always kept in touch with – Kevin Chadwick. Kevin had moved to Ottawa and was looking for someone for a business he was managing.

My family (including three sisters who graduated from StFX) were out east and the

extended family was hoping I’d move closer.

I took Kevin’s offer, settled in Ottawa and worked for Kevin until 2002.

This is where Ms. Stark comes back into the picture.

I spoke to Kevin, telling him I was thinking of going back to X. He thought it a superb idea. From his office, I picked up the phone and called and who answers but Janet Stark. I began by saying “Ms. Stark you would not remember me, but I took some courses with Dr. O’Brien…” No sooner had I got that out when she replied “I do remember you, Dan.” She then asked, “what can I help you out with?”

I can’t overstate—and this is something about X that resonates with many I am sure—how important it was that she reached out across that phone line and ‘welcomed me’ – no matter the outcome of the call. I was touched by her demeanor and of course she was so kind...anyone that has ever come across her knows this about her.

A door I was predicting closed, opened with her return call and the words “Dan, I’ve had a look at the courses you have taken and believe it or not, I have some good news: you only need one full year of courses to graduate.”

(Ms. Stark, then Registrar, deflects some praise, saying the decision to admit a student after dismissal, and to permit credits to count if over 10 years old, would have been the purview of the Committee on Studies. “I might have added up the credits and the pattern for a degree, so might have told him he needed a year to finish. But I cannot take credit for opening the door. I would have told him to write a letter of appeal to the COS…but the bottom line is that Dan was permitted to re-enter and he completed his degree.”)

Says Dan: This is a letter of thanks I have been meaning to write for almost 20 years! I did graduate spring 2003 with a major in English and not three months later found my way into a pharmaceutical position and spent the next 17 years in that field. By giving me that second (or third or fourth!) chance, Janet began something that became my ‘adult life!’ I mean, everything turned with that call and the eventual work I finally put in to complete the degree.

That’s how important she was to me. And boy, in this day and age, why not share a little joy with someone who should know “she made a difference.”

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

11

K

THANK YOU,

COACH

12

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

K

H

LEGENDARY X-MEN BASKETBALL COACH STEVE KONCHALSKI RETIRES AFTER 46 YEARS

BY SHELLEY CAMERON-MCCARRON

To glimpse into the heart of a champion, into the heart of Steve Konchalski—or Coach K as he’s fondly known, the winningest men’s basketball coach in Canadian university sport history—one needed only to stroll into his office in StFX’s Amelia Saputo Centre to find walls covered in some 250 pictures of teams and players he’s coached over a remarkable 46-year tenure at StFX, a tenure that came to a celebrated close March 31, 2021 with his retirement. “The biggest challenge will be to tear down this office. I wanted to build a tradition, that when you walked in this office, you’d see there is tradition in this program, a record of all the players I coached there,” mused Konchalski in conversation the week before he retired. “I look at the pictures, it gives me energy. I see all the relationships I built after all these years, and that’s what I value.”

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

13

It’s been quite the ride since Steve Konchalski, a native of Elmhurst, NY who played basketball at Archbishop Molloy High School, borrowed a friend’s car and drove to StFX in the summer of 1975.

At the time, he was working with Canada’s men’s national basketball team and they were in Wolfville, NS for a game. There, Acadia University’s athletic director told him StFX was seeking a head basketball coach.

“It was a beautiful day, August 8th,” says Konchalski, whose storied career at StFX saw him guide the X-Men to over 900 wins, three national U Sports championships, nine AUS championships, and a lengthy list of accolades—not the least of which are countless relationships built through the years, helping players succeed on and off the court.

“I saw the beauty of the area, and I just had a feeling.

“It was a great fit right from the start. I wanted to continue to work with the national team. StFX was willing to allow me to take my vacation time in the summer,” says Coach K, whose involvement with the national team spanned over 30 years, including a stint as head coach from 1995-98.

14

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

The opportunity to coach at StFX appealed to Konchalski, who knew he wanted to return to Nova Scotia. He was educated at Acadia (he led the Axemen to four conference titles and a national championship in 1965, where he was tournament MVP) and Dalhousie, earning a law degree. He knew he wanted to coach in the Atlantic conference with its college-oriented environment.

StFX appealed, too, for several reasons. As someone who’d benefitted from a Catholic education, he said he found the presence of the priest-educators and administrators on campus when he arrived a comfort zone. Plus, it was a small school where you got to know everyone, and you could develop relationships, something the veteran coach prioritized. “It’s kind of a common touch you have here. People are concerned about each other, that’s the StFX I came into.”

While he didn’t expect to stay nearly half a century (“I just took it one day at a time,”), Coach K says there was never really any time he thought of leaving. “I felt really comfortable here from the start.

Antigonish is a great place to raise a family.”

“I felt really comfortable here from the start.

Antigonish is a great place to raise a family.”

Steve Konchalski

At StFX, he was fortunate to develop a great relationship with his boss, the late Father George Kehoe, the university’s athletic director, who would in 1980 marry Coach K and his wife Charlene ’79 ’80 and later baptize their three children.

“We became great friends. He became a great mentor of mine. He told me this will be a great place for you to stay and make your life here. This was before I met Charlene. I guess I was a good employee because I listened to him. I made it my life’s work to be here.

“The second thing he taught me is that it wouldn’t necessarily be the championships that brought the most satisfaction, but it would be seeing the players developing as young men and to get up on that stage and get their degree. I can say I’ve done that for 45 years.”

Now, with his retirement, which included a series of tributes throughout March, former players have been in touch regularly, bringing back many memories.

“It’s been special. Over time, the wins and losses become hazy, but I’ll never forget any player I’ve ever coached. It’s about relationships.”

Konchalski says as a young coach the games are exciting, but you begin to see the bigger picture, the players growth through basketball.

In fact, the game’s inventor, James Naismith, believed the commonality of a love of basketball provided a means to teach life lessons to students, he says. “I would say I share that philosophy as well.

“Through a love of the game, a love of competition, it gives you an opportunity to impact the students and players in other ways than just on the court.”

ALWAYS A CONTENDER Looking back, he says the thing he’s most proud of is that his teams were always contenders.

“It’s easy to pick out the championships, they are defining moments. If you’re going to coach 46 years, you have to have some degree of success.” However, he says, during that first job interview, he recalls stating his goal was to put a team on the floor that was consistent every year, that had a chance to win. His did that. His X-Men missed the playoffs his first year as coach, but then made a 38-year playoff run and appeared in the post-season 42 of the 45 years he coached. (COVID-19 suspended competition his final StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

15

season.)

“I’m satisfied, I can look in the mirror. I satisfied the original goal to be consistent. Championships are icing on the cake.”

For the young coach, a key moment came early in his tenure when he welcomed Gil Green ’80, a 6’2” guard from New York City, a player recommended by his brother, the late Tom Konchalski, a legendary basketball scout. Green was the first player Coach K recruited and the first person of colour to play for the X-Men. They’re still in touch today, still friends.

“I call him the godfather of the program, he was the first one I could build the program around,” says Konchalski.

Says Green, a four-time AUAA All-Star with the X-Men and three time StFX Most Valuable Player, who says coming to StFX from New York City was a leap of faith, but the best thing that ever happened to him: “The impact he’s had, not just to my life, but to hundreds of young men, it’s incredible, and for almost 50 years. And the way he’s been able to adapt over almost 50 years is unparalleled to me. Both at the collegiate and international level, the game of basketball has changed so much. The impact he’s had both on and off the court and how he’s been able to adapt his coaching style is unheard of.”

NO ONE RATHER HAVE IN YOUR CORNER John Hatch ’84, a three-time AUAA MVP and three-time CIS 1st Team All-Canadian who represented Canada at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games and the World University Games, and who played professionally in Switzerland and built a business career, also had high praise.

“I was blessed to have Steve as a coach at X and with the national team so our experiences together continued beyond X and around the world. There is no one I would rather have in my corner than 16

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

Steve...he truly had his team’s back and interests at heart always.”

A tenure like Konchalski’s, he says, touched generations of StFX graduates.

“I was fortunate to play at X during some of that period where we packed the gym and the thing to do in Antigonish was go to sporting events on campus for both students and local citizens.

I think Steve’s reach into the community was something that resonates as important for him and the team.

“I think Steve always put the student-athlete first and his mission to truly help the lives of some under-privileged and underrepresented minorities at the university was a huge part of his mission. I was proud of the fact that we recruited so widely, and the team had national resonation even though it hailed from such a small community in Nova Scotia. Of course, the alumni helped, but Steve’s profile with the Canadian national team was very evident in getting the university on recruits’ minds. For most of Steve’s tenure, he was able to recruit the best talent within the province and go across the country and into his brother Tom’s personal connections to bring in interesting teammates. We were even able to recruit internationally at the Olympics in Seoul and the players from Central Africa came, which was great.”

Hatch says one great part of Konchalski’s incredible tenure is the support of Charlene. “The team became an extended part of the Konchalski family and Charlene was a huge part of providing the delicate balancing act to pull that off for as long and as successfully as Steve did.”

MAGIC MOMENTS, NATIONAL GLORY Of course, the three national championships standout, the first in 1993, when the X-Men made big hoops down the stretch to win a hard-fought game over McMaster 72-64, and the back-to-back wins

“I was blessed to have Steve as a coach at X and with the national team so our experiences together continued beyond X and around the world” John Hatch ’84

in 2000 and 2001.

“If you’re going to pick one moment that’s going to jump out at you, it’s our first national championship in 1993 in the Halifax Metro Centre,” says Konchalski. “That was a magical moment. For two reasons. StFX, at least the Athletic Department, had been going through some tough times in the year or two previous. Athletic Director Father Kehoe and Father Edo Gatto, another prominent priest on campus, were killed in a car accident in December 1991.

Just before that, the university had decided to cancel the football program, which caused a ruckus with alumni. The athletic department was going through a bit of a struggle at the time.

Winning the national championship gave us an injection of life, it brought the campus together, it brought alumni together.”

The second reason that made it so satisfying was a trio of players (including national tournament MVP Richard Bella ’93) who came to be known as ‘The African Connection’ that Coach K recruited from the Central African Republic when he was at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea with the Canadian national team.

The three came to Antigonish not knowing a word of English and spent six months learning the language at Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School. Four years later, they all graduated with StFX degrees and a national basketball title.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE • 46 year X-Men basketball head coach (1975-2021) • 9 AUS championships • 3 U SPORTS national championships • 2001 U SPORTS Coach of the Year • 6-time AUS Coach of the Year • Winningest men’s basketball coach in Canadian university sport history • 42 AUS playoff appearances • 18 U SPORTS championship appearances • 918 career wins with .614 career win percentage • Inducted into 4 Sports Hall of Fame: Acadia, StFX, Nova Scotia & Canadian Basketball • Inducted into the Dalhousie Bertha Wilson Honour Society • 2010 recipient of the CIS Jean-Marie De Koninck Coaching Excellence Award • Tied as the longest serving U SPORTS head coach across all sports with 46 years • The StFX Amelia Saputo Centre main gymnasium was named “Coach K Court” in 2017 • Head Coach of Team Canada for four years (1995-98) and assistant coach for 16 years prior • Coached in three Olympic Games • Inaugural recipient of 1999 Frank Baldwin Memorial Award • Member of Canada Basketball’s Counsel of Excellence since 2009 • On coaching staff of 2017 Canadian U19 World Championship team (Cairo, Egypt) • Coached NS junior men’s team for three summers, including the 2001 Canada Games squad • Worked in various capacities with Canada’s national team program for the past 30 years

Bringing the trio to StFX was a project undertaken by the basketball program, but also Coach K and his family. To this day, they remain close—Konchalski was even best man at Bella’s wedding.

“The satisfaction to do it with those three men and to see them get their degrees, it was a storybook ending to their involvement at StFX. That was pretty special.”

A few days after that win, StFX hosted a parade through town and raised the championship banner at the then Oland Centre. At ceremony’s end, Coach K was presented with an honorary X-Ring.

“It was a total surprise to me. I said how honoured I was and that I would never take it off. I’ve lived by that.”

The national titles in 2000 and 2001 (both against Brandon, both down to the wire—StFX rallied from a 60-51 deficit in 2000 to win by one point, 61-60, and the next year claimed the title in overtime) were amazing, he says. He recalls publicly challenging the team at its March 2000 celebration rally (most players were returning) to win another championship. They did. They finished that season with 29 straight wins.

“It’s easy to pinpoint the national championships, but I kind of thought my 46 years, if you’re going to be a coach, you’re going to have ups and downs, that’s really where the challenge is,” says Coach K.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

17

He says Stu Aberdeen, his coach during his Acadia playing days, had a saying: “It’s not how many wins and how many losses, it’s how many men out of how many boys.”

It’s a philosophy Coach K has kept close, of developing young people to be the best they can be, to give them direction during a key time of their lives.

Academic success has always been something he’s emphasized.

“The whole thing, young people come in, they’re 18 years old, they have stars in their eyes, they think they’re going to the NBA (though success has certainly come on the court with 33 players going on to play some form of professional basketball.) If you don’t have that degree, you have nothing to fall back on. Over time, they get it, they start to understand.”

Coach K has always prioritized relationships. From a basketball perspective alone, he says you want players to feel comfortable with you.

“They’re still trying to figure things out, to find their way in a pivotal moment of their life. As a mentor to them, you want to help them find their way through that period of time, (you want to) get to know the players, get to know their concerns. What happens off the

18

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

court can impact what happens on the court, if you don’t know what’s going on in their lives, it’s harder to coach them.”

StFX Athletics Director Leo MacPherson ’89, a former X-Man and Antigonish native, who has either watched Coach K coach, played for him or worked with him for 45 of his 46 years at StFX, says what surprises him most is his energy.

“Beyond the wins and championships, what impressed me most is his consistent level of passion, his loyalty to his players and to the university that gave him a shot as a head coach back in 1975. One of the best things about having played for Coach K is that we didn’t just get a coach for our playing days at X, we got a friend and supporter for life. We know he is there for us and we are there for him as well.

That’s the foundation of our X-Men Basketball family.”

As for advice? Coach K—who’s retiring from StFX, but not from basketball: “I want to stay involved in the game. The game, it’s in my blood, it’s never going to leave,” he says—counsels players: “Don’t let the ball bounce you. Use your sport to get your education, to develop as a young man or woman, and cherish the time you have as a student athlete, developing friendships and bonds. Whenever we have these reunions, rarely do I hear players mention what happened

“I feel the program is in good hands. I feel good leaving the program in a position to win with the talent they have. ” Steve Konchalski

(on the court). Most stories are of road trips, the fun they had with friends. Try to enjoy the full experience of being a student athlete.”

For coaches, he says you have to be able to adapt to athletes.

“Society is going to change whether you like it,” he says, noting that when he started, he was only five years older than his oldest player.

Today, that difference is 50 years. “You have to be adaptable. You still have to be able to relate to young people. I can do that as long as it doesn’t conflict with your core values, loyalty, trust, and respect.

“As a coach, enjoy the whole process. That’s what I tried to do.”

With his departure, Tyrell Vernon ’13, one of his former players, takes over as head coach. Konchalski says the succession feels good.

“I feel the program is in good hands. I feel good leaving the program in a position to win with the talent they have,” he says, mentioning the team had an excellent chance of going after a title this year, if COVID-19 hadn’t changed things.

Says Konchalski: “StFX has been my life. It will always be in my heart. I’ll always feel part of the Xaverian Family. StFX has been amazing, giving me an opportunity to pursue my dreams.”

COACH STEVE KONCHALSKI Background • Native of Elmhurst, NY. Played basketball for Archbishop Molloy High School • Led Acadia University to four conference titles and a national championship in 1965 where he was named tournament MVP • Graduated with a BA from Acadia ‘66 and an LLB degree from Dalhousie ‘69 • He and his wife, Charlene, have three adult children, Chris, Julianne, and Maria ’10, and two grandchildren.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

19

STFX ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT CONTINUES TO LEAD THE COUNTRY, ALUMNI SURVEY REVEALS Canada’s strongest and most engaged alumni network continues to be found at StFX, where alumni are very proud of their association with the university.

These good news statistics are some of the results from a 2020 survey of StFX alumni commissioned by StFX and the StFX Alumni Association to gain a better understanding of alumni attitudes and behaviours toward StFX, services, programing and fundraising.

enhancements and we are committed to working to better support and engage alumni. Thank you to the alumni who took the time to participate in the survey—there were close to 2,000 of you—and know that the results are shaping our future activities and programs to better serve and engage alumni. In this respect, a special thanks to the Alumni Association for their support and ongoing commitment to working collaboratively with the university.”

The survey, conducted by a third party industry expert who also conducted the 2009 StFX Alumni survey, was designed to help provide insights for StFX for program development and planning.

The survey found that StFX continues to have the most engaged alumni in the country at 34.5 per cent. This figure towers over the Canadian average of 13 per cent and is well ahead of the peer university average of 21 per cent. In 2009, StFX also ranked the highest in country. The score then was 40.5 per cent.

Alumni Affairs Director Shanna Hopkins ’01 says the survey results have already proven beneficial.

“We hear and appreciate the messages from our alumni and we want to find ways we can communicate better and provide the types of programming they want,” Ms. Hopkins says.

“The feedback and responses are going to change the way we shape our programs going forward.”

“Alumni are critically important to the continued success of the university and knowing that they lead all universities in Canada in overall engagement scoring is wonderful to see! We all sense how alumni are very proud of X and to see this validated by the survey is great,” says VP Advancement Murray Kyte ’87.

“But, we cannot rest on our laurels. There are many areas for 20

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

She says her office has started making some changes based on survey results, including implementing a new mentorship project in conjunction with StFX Student Services, and looking at the frequency and types of chapter events as well as a variety of communication platforms to connect with all alumni.

Alumni Association president Marc Rodrigue ’08 says, “The survey confirms what we all know - our alumni bonds to StFX remain strong. As we move forward with this feedback, we hope to find new

SOME SNAPSHOTS FROM THE SURVEY RESULTS INCLUDE: • There was a good sample size across populations (age, decade, gender, first degree).

• Most had lived on campus at some point and were full time.

• Largest occupational representation: retired (25 per cent), education (18 per cent) and health care (10 per cent).

• 67 per cent had a family member attend StFX, 40 per cent had more than one.

• Respondents currently live: 41 per cent reside in Nova Scotia, 19 per cent in Ontario, 10 per cent in Alberta, 8 per cent in the U.S., rest spread out.

ways to engage with our alumni at the local level across the country and around the world, through our chapters and alumni initiatives.

Folks are looking for new ways to connect with StFX, and our chapters provide such a perfect local outlet.”

In all, 19,000 alumni were contacted by email to participate in the online survey. Results were tabulated from a range of core questions and measured using standardized “Engagement Scores,” which were benchmarked against peer universities and the 2009 survey results.

Additional questions were put forth by Advancement and the Alumni Association.

Key findings among the survey results indicate that 91 per cent of alumni are very satisfied with their academic experience at StFX; 92 per cent are proud of their association with StFX; and 91 per cent would recommend StFX to others. As well, 95 per cent said StFX had good school spirit.

Survey results also revealed that StFX alumni report that personal

development was by far (75 per cent) the most cited contributor to a personal sense of connection to StFX. The majority of alumni (93 per cent) have an X-Ring and wear it (63 per cent). Awareness of X-Ring ceremonies is also quite high (83 per cent).

The AlumniNews magazine (72 per cent) and email (51 per cent) are the preferred communications channels. Social media is also

popular with 40 per cent of alumni. Younger alumni tend to prefer social media over email and the alumni magazine. Older alumni are more in favour of the magazine. Overall, Facebook is the preferred choice of social media. Younger alumni tend to prefer Instagram.

The results also indicated alumni are most interested in reunions, regional chapter events and networking and social events.

Older alumni are more likely to believe StFX is a charitable cause and that the university needs donations to maintain its standards and reputation.

The survey showed 55 percent of respondents having supported StFX financially in the past, with 42 per cent saying they would continue; 45 per cent have not supported StFX and 21 per cent say they plan to.

For those who have donated to the university, supporting students and a sense of duty are the highest motivators. Respondents are most motivated by showing gratitude and supporting students.

The survey revealed the greatest impediments to participation and connection are lack of time, knowing others, distance and perceived value.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

21

ALUMNI HAPPENINGS STFX ALUMNI AFFAIRS & STUDENT SERVICES TO LAUNCH MENTORING PLATFORM

After reviewing results from our recent alumni survey and receiving feedback from both students and alumni, the StFX Alumni Office and the Alumni Association have teamed up with Students Services and the Student Career Centre to build and implement a mentoring platform. The primary goal of the program will be to provide students the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the world of work by participating in networking events and meeting one-on-one with an alumnus or friend of StFX. It will be designed as a system of learning and guidance aimed at helping students connect with alumni/friends of StFX who value mentoring and want to give back. More information will be available later this summer.

L-r, Elizabeth Kennedy, Kate Graham, Isaac Bezanson and Preet Banga

ALUMNI RECOGNITION AWARD WINNERS Congratulations to the recipients of the 2021 Alumni Recognition Awards: Elizabeth Kennedy, Richmond, BC; Preet Banga, New Delhi; Kate Graham, Carleton Place, ON; and Isaac Bezanson, Prospect Bay, NS. Each student wrote an inspiring essay on their road to StFX, their involvement in the local community and how they feel their experience at StFX will impact life after their graduation.

GIVING BACK MADE EASY Thanks to its relationships with its affinity partners, TD, BMO and Manulife, the StFX Alumni Association has created an easy way for our alumni to be able to assist with supporting our students and chapter communities. Our affinity partners provide discounted services/products to our alumni, which allows the StFX Alumni Association to use any shared revenue in meaningful ways. Last year, the Alumni Association distributed $8,500 across two dozen charities selected by our chapter presidents, along with $10,000 to the Senior Class Gift and $40,000 to the Student Emergency Fund, all made possible with the generous support of our affinity partners.

To learn more about our affinity partners and our alumni benefits, visit: https://www.stfx.ca/alumni/alumni-benefits

ALUMNI TRIVIA NIGHTS!

Do you know what leisure facility was in the original plans for the basement of Mockler Hall in the 1910s? Questions like this one and many more have been entertaining our alumni across the country for months now as alumni members went head-to-head in StFX trivia nights hosted by President Dr. Andy Hakin and his wife Linda.

Andy and Linda have been enjoying getting to virtually connect with our alumni and friends in St. John’s, Saint John, Fredericton, Halifax, Cape Breton Island and Montreal, testing their memories and knowledge of all things Xaverian.

22

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

INTERESTED IN BECOMING INVOLVED AND VOLUNTEERING WITH YOUR LOCAL ALUMNI CHAPTER? The following chapters are looking for new executive members: Truro, NS; Moncton, NB; Edmonton, AB; Northern New Brunswick and Montreal, QC. If you’re interested, please email Maddy Horne, Alumni Programs Coordinator, at mhorne@stfx.ca

2021 HALL OF HONOUR

Ronald MacArthur ’51 ’53

Gordon Francis MacDonald ’65

Paul Veitch ’68 ’70

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 2021 inductees Ronald MacArthur ’51 ’53 (posthumously), Gordon Francis MacDonald ’65 and Paul Veitch ’68 ’70 have promoted StFX and its ideals through involvement in their communities.

Each year at Homecoming, we honour our Alumni Awards of Excellence winners. These awards recognize the contributions and accomplishments of special members of our Xaverian Family. It is our honour to formally announce the winners of the 2021 Alumni Awards of Excellence.

Connor Curran ’12 - Co-Recipient Young Alumnus of the Year

Alex Dorward ’11 - Co-Recipient Young Alumnus of the Year

Marie Arnott Xaverian Spirit Award

Honourable Justice William Patrick Sullivan ’71 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ST. JOHN’S Municaplity of the County of Antigonish - Co-Recipient Town of Antigonish - Co-Recipient Friend of StFX

St. John’s Chapter of the Year StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2020

23

Patti-Anne Tracey ’21

Emily Sandre ’21

STFX CONGRATULATES CLASS OF 2021, HONOURS DR. ROBERT STRANG, SEAN BOYD StFX celebrated the Class of 2021—a group of graduating students who persevered and thrived in a year like no other—on May 7th, welcoming nearly 945 new alumni during Spring Convocation and honouring Nova Scotia Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang and Sean Boyd, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, with the degree Doctor of Laws honoris causa.

Graduates were united in celebration, but physically separate as StFX officially awarded degrees and diplomas to the Class of 2021 during two virtual ceremonies that pre-recorded speakers and participants separately after changes to indoor gathering limits were introduced in Nova Scotia that postponed the original May 2 online convocation.

“Today, I begin by letting you know how grateful this university is to you, our graduates, and your families, for your patience and understanding as we continue to find new paths forward in response to the altered reality of life due to this pandemic,” StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin said.

The outcome—your convocation—is a fantastic achievement “and I congratulate each of you on the strength and resilience you demonstrated in reaching the finish line.”

StFX, Dr. Hakin said, continued to provide a place where students can thrive despite limitations imposed by the pandemic.

“Our success in completing the academic year can be attributed to the hard work and support of staff, faculty, students and members of the broader local community we call home. In the last year, we’ve witnessed a community collectively pulling together to achieve a 24

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

remarkable outcome of supporting an immersive experience in which we have led the country in the proportion of face-to-face courses.”

LIFT EACH OTHER UP Dr. Strang, Nova Scotia’s top doctor and public face of Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 response, congratulated students for their amazing achievements. He also took time to challenge them to remember the call to look after each other, and to focus on those who have a greater need in our community.

“I’m honoured and humbled to be receiving this honorary degree and to join part of the StFX family,” Dr. Strang said in remarks, noting it’s important people understand he’s receiving this honour on behalf of all public health professionals supporting and leading Nova Scotia through the pandemic.

“It’s been a difficult and challenging year-and-a-half working through your education while dealing with all the requirements and restrictions that come with the COVID-19 pandemic. It hasn’t been easy.

“You have done an amazing job and a model for people to look at and to continue to have mostly in-person learning while keeping everyone COVID safe.”

Dr. Strang said the StFX and greater community has been incredible in their collaboration and commitment to each other, and students have been front and centre in that.

He also offered some key messages.

COVID has been difficult, but there are things it can show us.

Dr. Robert Strang

Sean Boyd

Pictured, l-r, Dean of Business Dr. Tim Hynes ‘84, Evening Convocation Master of Ceremonies Dr. Donna Trembinski and Dr. Richard Isnor, Associate VP Research & Graduate Studies, during Spring Convocation 2021 pre-recording.

Among them is how connected we are at the global level, and the need to be mindful of how everything we do has possible impact.

The second thing it’s revealed is our commitment to each other.

“The success of Nova Scotia has really been because everyone has answered the call. The way we keep each other safe during the pandemic is to act for each other, to put each other’s needs ahead of our own to some extent. That to me is a critically important piece coming out of the pandemic.” Thinking about how we work together, with that sense of caring, can only make us better.

The last piece is how the pandemic has shone a light on inequities in society and “it’s important that we not turn away, but that we unpackage those and dive into those and say how do we reduce those inequities, make things fairer, more just, more caring in our communities. So that’s a call for all of us.”

WITH CHALLENGES COME OPPORTUNITIES Sean Boyd, heralded as a global visionary in the mining industry and a former StFX Board of Governors member, reminded graduates that with challenges come opportunities, and that they’ve certainly learned how to adapt.

Mr. Boyd, who said he is honoured and humbled to accept this honorary degree, particularly as three of his four children attended StFX, said it’s a day for being grateful—grateful for the friends made, the teachers learned from, and importantly, for the people who’ve supported graduates on this journey. To honour those special people, he advised graduates to strive to exceed their own expectations and be the best they can be in whatever path they choose.

He spoke about his gratitude to those who benefitted his path, including his father Kevin Boyd, who always advised him to think big and set goals that seemed beyond reach; his former Agnico Eagle boss Paul Penna, who taught him to help people if you can, and his in-laws, including his father-in-law, an Italian immigrant who provided an excellent lesson on the richness of family.

HONOURS, SPECIAL MOMENTS Major honours presented included the President’s Research Award to Dr. Kara Thompson, Department of Psychology; and the Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award to Dr. Jen Jamieson, Department of Human Nutrition; Dr. Laura-Lee Kearns, Department of Education; and Marlis Lade, Department of Modern Languages.

Chancellor John Peacock ’63 conferred the degrees and diplomas in course. University Chaplain Rev. Donald MacGillivray ’79 delivered the invocation and Vicar of the Founder, Bishop of Antigonish Rev. Wayne Kirkpatrick and Alumni Association past president Glenn Horne ’07 ’08 brought remarks.

Senior class speakers included Emily Sandre, a Rankin School of Nursing graduate from Ottawa, ON, and Patti-Anne Tracey, a Schwartz School of Business graduate from Antigonish, NS. Graduates were presented with degrees containing two parchments, one written in traditional Latin and one in Mi’kmaq, to show respect and honour for shared treaty relations.

StFX Knowledge Keeper Kerry Prosper ’09 introduced Michelle Lebrun ’10 who performed the Mi’kmaq honour song from her home in Pictou Landing, NS to honour and congratulate graduates.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

25

CLASS OF 2021 RECOMMITS TO EXCELLENCE IN XAVERIAN FAREWELL Soon-to-be-graduates from the Class of 2021 reflected on their StFX journey and recommitted to excellence as they gathered at campus venues March 28, 2021 for the Xaverian Farewell.

“This is the moment, a new chapter in your life,” StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin said as he opened the ceremony in the University Chapel, a traditional farewell for graduating students, which bookends the first year Xaverian Welcome, when members of the entering class pledge themselves to the pursuit of excellence in their academic, social and spiritual lives.

Due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions, the Xaverian Farewell was live-streamed to four other locations, Barrick Auditorium, the Schwartz Auditorium, Keating Centre Conference Rooms, and Coach K Court. A Dean hosted at each venue, with faculty and staff welcoming students.

26

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

Dr. Hakin encouraged the senior class to take time to explore the paths available to them and to be confident in the knowledge that StFX has provided the tools they need to succeed.

He also acknowledged their tenacity in navigating a pandemic, and the strength and adaptability they and the StFX community showed this past year in delivering face-to-face learning.

“Your journey has been unlike any who came before you,” he said as he congratulated all on their achievements. “Well done everyone.

We are proud of you.”

PRESERVING HISTORY Poignant moments included class Life Officers proceeding down the chapel’s centre aisle with items for a time capsule, sealed until Homecoming 2046. Students also captured their reflections,

enclosing provided cards into the time capsule.

Alumni Affairs Director Shanna Hopkins ’01 introduced the Life Officers: Sean De van der Schueren, Jeneva Dennis, Ally Hancock, Kyra Tessier, Katelyn Libbus, Reid McDonald, Maggie Oliver, Kielan Pilgram Amy Graham, Luana Viegas and Alyzandra Torreon.

Ryan Small and Eriq Proctor led the Xaverian Commitment and Student Reflection respectively. Classmate Kamy Roberge Carrington led the academic hoods presentation, brought forward

by Priscilla Panchol, Maya Lowe, Jake Porter, Tamara Cremo, Dante Coulter, Andrew Boyle, Rebecca Demmings, Tsz Nok Jerry Ko, Emily Sandre and Kennedy Nangle.

Academic Vice-President & Provost Dr. Kevin Wamsley recalled four years ago the students sat here together about to embark on an exciting academic journey. “I have no doubt, you’re not the same

person you were four years ago,” he said as he hoped the journey has been rich in friendships, lessons and defining moments.

Dr. Wamsley asked the students to wear their X-Rings with pride and with a sense of responsibility to serve others—a sentiment echoed by University Chaplain Father Donald MacGillivary and Vice-President Students Elizabeth Yeo, the night’s emcee.

Amy Graham closed the ceremony, leading classmates in a candlelight procession as they exited each venue, illuminating a path for faculty and staff as a symbol of the path faculty and staff have illuminated for them. These paths, Ms. Graham said, also serve as reminder for the future, “which we know will be bright… and a reminder to keep the StFX flame burning bright.”

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

27

CAMPUS NEWS

STFX OFFERS ALL GRADUATES DEGREE PARCHMENTS IN MI’KMAW

When the StFX Class of 2021 received their graduation degree parchments during Spring Convocation, each graduate received two parchments—one in the traditional Latin and one in Mi’kmaw, the traditional language of the Mi’kmaq people, the original people of this territory.

Going forward, all graduating StFX students will receive two parchments – one in Mi’kmaw and one in Latin.

“The Mi’kmaw language degree on your parchment is a demonstration of this university’s respect and honour for our shared treaty relationship. We are all treaty people,” StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin said during Convocation as he announced the significant change and privilege graduates will enjoy.

The idea originated with Terena Francis ’01 ’20, StFX Coordinator, Indigenous Student Affairs, who brought the initial inquiry to Tara Buksaitis, Registrar & Director of Enrolment Planning.

“I felt it was important to listen to the students,” says Ms. Francis who said the idea stemmed from conversations she has had with students throughout the years. A few students would mention it would be nice if they could have their degree parchments given in Mi’kmaw rather than Latin. “Truthfully and respectfully, the Latin language does represent colonization, we don’t expect for your languages to be dismissed, however, we do expect for our Mi’kmaw language to be included,” was a common theme of those conversations.

“I really believe it is a step towards reconciliation,” Ms. Francis says. “This Mi’kmaw parchment provides a sense of belonging. Honouring languages is also a key step forward in ensuring First Nations people can revitalize the language.”

Elder and linguist Barbara Sylliboy of Eskasoni First Nation translated the parchment into Mi’kmaw, and StFX is grateful for her work translating the parchment.

Jeneva Dennis ’21 says receiving the Mi’kmaw parchment made her feel proud as an Indigenous student and mother. “I was able to show my five-year-old daughter that I achieved this degree and read the degree to her in Mi’kmaw where she was very happy as well for me! I was shocked to have my degree written in my language, but it’s amazing to see that a university like StFX was able to provide this degree to me this way. It is something very special to me that I hold very close within my identity. In a couple of years, I’ll have another degree with a B.Ed. I’m proud to be a part of the first year the university distributed the diplomas in Mi’kmaq.”

STFX STUDENT NAMED 3M NATIONAL STUDENT FELLOWSHIP RECIPIENT

Devon Parris ’21

28

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

Devon Parris ’21, an honours English graduate, has been named a 2021 3M National Student Fellowship Award recipient—one of only 10 students from across the country to receive the honour.

The fellowship is awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their lives, at their post-secondary institution. Mr. Parris of Kingston, ON is a former varsity athlete and a recipient of one of six inaugural Racial Justice Leadership Grants from StFX’s Frank McKenna Centre for Leadership. He has been a guest panelist on the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government’s 2020 Election Panel, involved in planning StFX’s 2022 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Summit (a conference that spotlights BIPOC academics and students in Atlantic Canada), and appeared at national and regional undergraduate conferences to discuss anti-racist discourse in film.

SCHWARTZ SCHOOL, COADY PARTNERSHIP LAUNCHES THROUGH SEARS INTERNSHIPS

L-r, Dr. Brad Long, Sears Interns Nicolas Coyles, Derin Derici and Victoria Morley, and Yogesh Ghore A unique partnership at StFX is creating a bridge for Gerald Schwartz School of Business students into the Coady Institute thanks to the efforts of Dr. Brad Long, the John T. Sears Chair in Corporate Social Responsibility in the Schwartz School, and Yogesh Ghore, Senior Program Staff at Coady. Dr. Long has just hired the first cohort of three students through the new Sears Internships in Social Enterprise Program, made possible through funding from the endowed chair position he holds. The Sears Interns—Victoria Morley ’21, a BBA enterprise systems honours graduate; Derin Derici, a fourth-year BBA student taking an advanced major in marketing, minor in economics; and Nicolas Coyles, a fourth-year student, taking a BBA advanced major in finance, minor in economics—will work on three separate virtual projects alongside Dr. Long, Mr. Ghore, Eric Smith and several other Coady team members, and the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in India. “The idea was for business students to be able to become involved with learning opportunities available through Coady, and I took that as an invitation to consider a broad range of possibilities. Conversations with Yogesh led to the idea of summer student internships – paid summer jobs doing research and/or working on projects that introduce Schwartz students to Coady people, partners, and development approaches,” Dr. Long says.

LAWRENCE HILL WELCOMED AS MCKENNA SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE

Lawrence Hill

StFX students—and the wider community— had the terrific opportunity to connect with and learn from one of Canada’s most successful authors, Lawrence Hill, as he led an intensive, week-long virtual residency Jan. 25-29, 2021 as the 2020-2021 McKenna Scholar in Residence. Mr. Hill, a professor of creative writing at the University of Guelph and a writer whose novels and non-fiction work have been widely read in Canada and around the world, and translated into many languages, taught a series of classes about writing and research and lead ‘StFX Reads: Lawrence Hill’s The Book of Negroes,’ as StFX students and the community gathered to discuss his award-winning novel. Mr. Hill held daily brown bag lunch meetings with students as well as nightly evening events that were free and open to the public.

STFX ADVANCEMENT WINS FIVE NATIONAL AWARDS

StFX’s star shone this May as the university won five national awards from the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE). “The CCAE recognizes best practices in the realm of fundraising, alumni relations, and communications at universities and colleges across the country. Annually, the CCAE awards “Prix d’Excellence” are determined through a peer-led evaluation process. We were thrilled to learn that StFX won five of these awards, leading all of its peer schools in the country,” says Murray Kyte ’87, VP Advancement. “It is a huge honour to receive one award, let alone five of them! To me, it highlights the quality of our people within Advancement and also across the university as much of the work involves various units working together.” StFX won gold for the ‘Best Community Outreach Initiative’ for Neighbours Helping Neighbours. This volunteer program saw community members and alumni support students during their isolation periods at the start of fall and winter semesters. The award also recognized StFX’s valued partnership with its alumni, and the Town and the County of Antigonish. StFX won gold for ‘Best Fundraising Initiative’ for the Coady Institute’s ‘Circle of Abundance.’ Actors and activists Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively contacted the Coady last summer and offered their support for the Coady’s Indigenous Women’s leadership programming. The Coady leveraged their major gift to raise over $1 million to support three to five years of future programming for Indigenous women. Silver medals were awarded for the ‘Best Media Relations Initiative’ for weekly interviews between StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin and 98.9 XFM; silver for Best Alumni Initiative for the Alumni Chapter Challenge; and silver in the “Best Fundraising Initiative” for the ‘Point After Club.’

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

29

INAUGURAL MILA MULRONEY CHAIR IN WOMEN, POLICY, AND GOVERNANCE LEADERSHIP

Dr. Bailey Gerrits The Brian Mulroney Institute of Government and StFX are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Bailey Gerrits as the inaugural Mila Mulroney Research Chair in Women, Policy, and Governance Leadership. “The Mila Mulroney Research Chair is mandated to develop and engage with timely research on the roles of women and issues related to women within policy and governance. The Institute looks forward to welcoming Dr. Gerrits. Her feminist scholarship and expertise will be a great asset as the Institute continues to grow,” said Dr. Don Abelson, founding Director of the Mulroney Institute.

Dr. Gerrits says this position centres women’s leadership in

addressing pressing policy and governance issues, “something Mrs. Mulroney demonstrated herself in her vast charity work. With this opportunity, I am excited to continue my research agenda aimed at tackling gender-based violence and to start two new projects.”

Dr. Gerrits has established herself as an expert in gender-based violence and the affect policy could have on leading to its eradication.

Her work examines the stories told about gender-based violence and considers how they contribute to ending or facilitating the violence.

Her current projects include explaining domestic violence news patterns in Canada, documenting how Canadian police frame gender-based violence on social media, and comparing gendered social media attacks against women in leadership positions during COVID-19 in Canada and the U.S. Dr. Gerrits has published in peer-reviewed journals, and in addition to being an outstanding scholar, has served on the board of Kingston Interval House, the central domestic violence centre in the Kingston, ON region, and volunteered with Kingston’s Sexual Assault Centre as a crisis-line operator. Dr. Gerrits’ experience working with survivors motivated her to focus her research on domestic violence, and she is passionate about ending gender-based violence. Through collaboration with state and community organizations, her research will be invaluable in this critical endeavour. Dr. Gerrits is finishing her position as a Banting Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Winnipeg in the Department of Criminal Justice. She formally joins the Institute in July.

PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS BECOMING ENTREPRENEURS TO HELP TEACH ENTREPRENEURS

Pictured are Dr. Greg Hadley and students in his B.Ed. Secondary Business Education class A group of StFX pre-service teachers are learning to become entrepreneurs to help educate future entrepreneurs. Students in Dr. Greg Hadley’s B.Ed. Secondary Business Education class were tasked with conducting a business venture assignment so that they will be well prepared to help teach high school students to do the same. “This is an important simulation as completing a venture has become an expectation in many high school business education courses,” Dr. Hadley says. “Many assignments in our B.Ed. program are designed to prepare students for classroom teaching. In this case, ‘the venture’ is a curriculum outcome for Entrepreneurship 12, a popular business course in Nova Scotia. Supporting high school students as they plan and launch a venture is generally a good deal of work for the classroom teacher. It was with that in mind that this assignment was born.” The assignment, offered for the past three years, asks students to create their own venture in a process that closely mirrors what classroom teachers do. Over the years, students have launched food service ventures, planned extra-curricular events, worked with the campus newspaper, and created social enterprises. The students say the learning experience has provided tremendous value.

30

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

ALUMNI PROFILE

Shelby Weaver ’11

SHELBY WEAVER

CREATING HER OWN DESTINY WITH TORONTO RAPTORS, SNEAKER BUSINESSES Shelby Weaver ’11 likes a challenge—whether that’s working on player development as part of her job as director of basketball advancement with the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, or running two sneaker businesses.“I’m a real development person, a real people person. That’s satisfying for me,” says Ms. Weaver, who grew up in Halifax, NS and graduated from StFX’s Schwartz School of Business with a finance degree. She’s held her current position for two years and has worked with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) and the Raptors for the past decade.

In her job, she oversees the development of the team’s players mostly off the court, but also ensures the program is strong, working to make both better basketball players and better people as she helps guide players looking to expand their brand, to become involved in community programs and other endeavours.

“Being hands-on and seeing people do their best and seeing that growth from the beginning and (seeing people) maximize their potential, for me, that’s the best part,” she says.

“Being able to help other people really fills me up.”

Ms. Weaver (who brought the NBA championship trophy home to Nova Scotia in 2019) says she’s often asked what it’s like to

work for the Raptors. “It’s amazing to work with the NBA and professional athletes.”

After a while though, the shine sort of wears off, so to speak, and you have to see the players as colleagues and figure out ways to help move the organization forward. The job can entail a lot of changes and ups and downs, depending on what’s going on, on the court and in the world. You have to be nimble and willing to adapt, she says.

“I like that. I like being challenged and things changing and being innovative.”

She’s certainly had to be innovative the past two years. Normally based in Toronto, Ms. Weaver spent the entirety of last season in Tampa as the team relocated due to COVID-19 and border closures. Prior to that, she was part of the ‘Orlando bubble’ when the NBA finished its 2020 season in Disney.

“For me, it’s always been about leveling up, getting to the next level of what I’m doing. I like that. It’s fulfilling. There’s no textbook for this, you can create your own destiny, that’s exciting,” says Ms. Weaver, who also operates two Toronto-based businesses.

Mack House, in operation for two years, teaches people how to customize their own sneakers, while Makeway, opened in November 2020, is the first standalone

women’s sneaker boutique in Canada. Both are located in shipping containers in a Toronto district known as Stackt.

“I’m probably a little bit crazy, but I’m really happy that I did it,” says Ms. Weaver, who grew up in an entrepreneurial household, and says the two ventures have rounded out her passions. While she loves basketball and her job, owning and building something solely her own gives her “everything I enjoy in life in different places.”

Ms. Weaver says she’s been a sneaker fan since her own game days, and is always thinking of how to bend the dress code a bit with a pair of kicks.

“You don’t see me wearing anything other than sneakers. It’s a really cool way to express yourself. For me, it’s a comfort thing. I feel more like myself.”

There’s also a bit of rebellion in there too, she admits. “I don’t think women need to have to wear heels all the time. If they want to, that’s fine.”

Playing basketball had been a big part of her life growing up. Before university she had medical issues, and while she stayed involved with the sport somewhat, she used her university years to start building what her life would look like. At StFX, she became involved in marketing with the Students’ Union, with Campus Police and other organizations.

During her senior year, she travelled to Toronto during reading week to investigate possibilities in the sports business field.

She moved to Toronto three days after her StFX graduation with the intent of finding work in this field. Her parents agreed to pay her rent for a month. Almost right to the wire, she got her start as an executive assistant on the business side with MLSE. She ultimately moved over to the sports business side.

Ms. Weaver says StFX greatly impacted her as she benefitted from interesting classes with cool teachers. “The way people taught was super influential.” Additionally, she says the range of activities available and welcoming atmosphere gave her independence and experience, while another important part of her time was the friends gained, people she’s still connected with today.

Her recommendations for today’s graduates? “My best advice is don’t be scared of taking risks and taking the big jump. It could take a lot of years and a lot of paths to get to where you want to be. Don’t be afraid to take risks and to back it up with work ethic, innovation, and constantly striving to be better.”

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

31

ATHLETICS

Athletic Director award winners Jay Turnsek and Amy Graham with AD Leo MacPherson ’87

STFX ATHLETICS HONOURS ACADEMIC ALLCANADIANS AND LEADERS OF DISTINCTION

The StFX Department of Athletics honoured its 2019-20 U SPORTS Academic All-Canadians in a celebratory video. This year, there were 96 Academic All-Canadians, those studentathletes who have achieved an 80 per cent average or above while consuming a year of eligibility competing for a varsity team. The number tied the StFX all-time high of 96, also achieved in 2017-18. With the ongoing COVID protocols, the traditional format of holding an annual celebratory

breakfast for the recipients and their invited faculty members was replaced with the virtual event, which can be viewed on the StFX Athletics YouTube channel. The Athletic Director’s awards for academic achievement, presented to the top StFX male and female academic student-athletes were Amy Graham from the X-Women hockey team who received the award for the third consecutive year, along with Jay Turnsek from the X-Men Football team.

2020 LEADERS OF DISTINCTION

Another set of student-athlete honorees were the 2020 Leaders of Distinction. These athletes were celebrated via a live webcast celebration of excellence in place of the traditional annual awards gala. Leader of Distinction Awards are the highest honour bestowed by the StFX Leadership Academy following a rigorous evaluation process. These student-athletes have earned the utmost respect from their teammates, coaches and themselves. There are 11 Leaders of Distinction for the 2020-21 season including X-Men Hockey athletes Santino Centorame and Matthew Graham, X-Women Hockey athletes Amy Graham and Patti-Anne Tracey, X-Men Football athletes Isaac Fagnan and Liam McConville, X-Women Soccer athletes Megan Frost and Maddy Gardner, along with Jane Hergett (X-Women Cross Country), Sarah Hoerig (X-Women Rugby) and Eric Sutton (X-Men Track). The virtual celebration of excellence saw all varsity teams announce award winners in the following categories: Iron X Award, Coach’s Award and Most Valuable Teammate. The Athletics X-Ceptional Award—which recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to contribute in a positive manner to StFX Athletics—was awarded to StFX head strength & conditioning coach Josh Crouse.

32

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

ATHLETICS

TRAINING DURING COVID-19 PROGRAM

Josh worked tirelessly to provide training and programming for all StFX varsity athletes and this year, in particular, he rose to the occasion to adapt his training methods. He had to make physical accommodations in the varsity weight room with equipment to account for COVID distancing protocols, and he was very creative with scheduling. Along with Crouse and his strength & conditioning student interns, another group who was relied upon heavily this past season was the athletic therapy staff and student therapists. Led by

25-year veteran head athletic therapist Tara Sutherland, she and her staff members revamped the therapy clinic with strict cleaning regimens, online bookings, new check-in procedures and lots of PPE. Assistant athletic therapists Diane Ouimet and Babila Mohanarajan helped train the student therapists who took on major roles in the screening and contact tracing protocols for student-athletes in new practice procedures.

MUAMBA MOMENTS X-Men Football alumnus and current CFL athlete Henoc Muamba is undertaking his ‘Muamba Moments’ project, which takes a dive into the realms of successful individuals who have reached the pinnacle in their respective industries. The docu-series highlights the definitive moments that helped to mold each individual into the powerful people they have become. Henoc Muamba seeks to explore these moments that can seemingly occur in everyone’s life. Muamba Moments allows us to see how the greats have handled their respective moments that ultimately propelled them into their destiny. Alumni can visit https://henocmuamba.com/podcast/to watch/listen.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING INVOLVED AND VOLUNTEERING WITH YOUR LOCAL ALUMNI CHAPTER? The following chapters are looking for new executive members: Truro, NS; Moncton, NB; Edmonton, AB; Northern New Brunswick and Montreal, QC. If you’re interested, please email Maddy Horne, Alumni Programs Coordinator, at mhorne@stfx.ca

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

33

STFX COADY INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE

LONGTIME COADY PARTNERS WORKING TOGETHER TO ADDRESS CRISIS IN INDIA StFX’s Coady Institute is relying on its long-standing partnerships with funders and grassroots organizations to help respond to the deadly COVID-19 situation in India. One of Coady’s longest partnerships is with the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in India, a relationship that has existed for 45 years and includes five ongoing initiatives.

As the COVID-19 global pandemic in India deepens, SEWA director Reema Nanavaty informed Coady how the crisis is affecting its nearly two million members including dozens of cooperatives and more than 10,000 village organizers.

“India is engulfed by the fierce and deadly second wave of COVID-19,” Nanavaty says.

“Both urban and rural India are affected.

The rural health infrastructure is weak and

fragile. Villagers are dying. There are barely any treatment facilities.”

Coady executive director Gord Cunningham and senior program staff member Yogesh Ghore were able to work with Comart Foundation, already a Coady funder for a project with SEWA, to secure an additional $500,000 to help SEWA deal with the immediate emergency as well as support to its members in rebuilding livelihoods.

“This donation unexpectedly touched a deep emotional chord with many people at Coady and Comart,” Roger Martin, Comart Foundation, says. “I think it’s because we were able to respond confidently and quickly to SEWA’s appeal due to the longstanding partnerships and shared values of SEWA, Coady, and Comart.”

Coady Institute senior program teaching staff member Yogesh Ghore (left) and Coady executive director Gord Cunningham stand in St. Francis Xavier University’s Alumni Plaza. The Indian flag is flying in the plaza as a sign of solidarity and awareness with the country while it is in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. There are more than 900 Coady graduates from India and the institute continues to work with the Self-Employed Women’s Association in India on a variety of initiatives.

34

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

The innovative funding model includes $200,000 for a Livelihoods Recovery and Resilience Fund to help build up long-term resilience through financial and nonfinancial support to very small farms and other micro-enterprises.

Cunningham marvels about how a small foundation in Canada like Comart Foundation continues to be innovative about its approach to big issues whether here in Canada or across the world.

“Comart is one of these rare organizations that supports people with passion and their communities both locally and globally,” Cunningham says.

“They were moved by what was happening in India and in SEWA they saw an organization that could quickly combine Comart’s financial resources with the collective agency of thousands of SEWA’s frontline staff and village organizers to immediately start saving lives and livelihoods.”

Ghore adds SEWA’s Livelihoods Recovery and Resilience Fund will make a big difference.

“This is a very significant initiative that will have a direct impact on hundreds of thousands of people at the grassroots in India and which in my view is a wonderful example of StFX’s global footprint.”

The Coady-SEWA and StFX connection continues to grow stronger. This includes StFX’s John T. Sears Chair in Corporate Social Responsibility a program where three student interns from the Gerald Schwarz School of Business are currently working on three SEWA projects.

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

OCTOBER 1-3, 2021 Homecoming, Antigonish, NS Virtually Celebrating Reunions for years ending in ’1 & ’6

INTERESTED IN BECOMING INVOLVED AND VOLUNTEERING WITH YOUR LOCAL ALUMNI CHAPTER? The following chapters are looking for new executive members: Truro, NS; Moncton, NB; Edmonton, AB; Northern New Brunswick and Montreal, QC. If you’re interested, please email Maddy Horne, Alumni Programs Coordinator, at mhorne@stfx.ca

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ST. JOHN’S

The StFX Alumni Association is currently looking for two at-large members to sit on their council. For more information or to express your interest, please email, Shanna Hopkins, shopkins@stfx.ca

FRAME IT IN

STYLE!

StFX DEGREE & PHOTO FRAMES

For a detailed view of the frames or to order online, visit www.stfx.ca/frames or contact the Alumni Affairs Office at 902-867-2186 | alumni@stfx.ca

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! BE SURE YOUR MAILING ADDRESS IS CORRECT WITHIN OUR SYSTEM.

ALUMNI@STFX.CA

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

35

THIS IS OUR StFX. This is our alma mater.

Our shared sense of community.

Our shining X-Ring and our collective passion for social justice.

This is the educational experience that helped shaped us, our values, and ultimately, the people we became.

On this year’s Day of Giving, StFX alumni like you helped raise $370,030 for student financial aid.

To Xaverians and friends of StFX everywhere who supported the Day of Giving,

36

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION UPDATE l MARC RODRIGUE ’08, PRESIDENT

CHALLENGES, CHANGE, AND ALUMNI MAKING PROFOUND IMPACT A fabled Canadian once said, in reference to his award-winning track record, “I skate where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.” As (some) of our beloved Canadian hockey teams take to the ice in June (sorry Leafs Nation), we need look no further than our alma mater for an example of what it means to see an obstacle, imagine the path, and achieve success. That the 2020-21 academic year at StFX has come and gone in a resounding success of events speaks volumes to the quality of its academics, its staff, its students, and its leadership. It speaks to countless efforts by those within the communities of the town and county coming together to support a common cause. It speaks to the alumni, dedicated from far and wide, who called to check-in on students and those in need. It speaks to our shared “vision of the ice.”

We have much to be proud of and grateful for.

As we continue towards the impending success of the 2021-22 school year, I call on us all to think on how we can help our university thrive in a post-pandemic world.

Consider volunteering, consider your charitable giving strategies, consider getting

connected into your local alumni chapter.

Get out there and let the world know that StFX stood alone in delivering the fullest in-person post-secondary experience in all of Canada through this worldwide pandemic!

We will return to some good old-fashioned times at the kitchen party, the connections at the Inn (and our many Inn stand-ins around the world), and we will come together again soon to celebrate whatsoever things are true.

I look forward to seeing you there!

As we emerge from our pandemic experiences, I also call upon us to reflect carefully on where we’ve been and on our shared history. As alumni, I ask you to reflect on all those within our alumni family and their communities who have been impacted by hardship and loss during the pandemic.

I also ask that you take the time to reflect on our shared responsibility towards reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous peoples. Our shortcomings and challenges have been laid bare by the discovery of 215 children buried at a residential school in the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc community. We, the Alumni Association and all members, share in the grief of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc community, and all our

Indigenous communities across the country.

Marc Rodrigue ’08

This is our moment to reflect, and our challenge to emerge from this pandemic even further committed to take action.

Please join us.

Stay well, see you soon, and hail and health, Marc Rodrigue ’08 President, StFX Alumni Association

FROM ALUMNI AFFAIRS l SHANNA HOPKINS ’01, DIRECTOR

GRATEFUL FOR COMMUNITY As I reflect on the past 16 months since COVID-19 became a household word, I can’t help but think about how grateful I have become. I have much admiration for the medical and essential workers who put their lives on the line day-in and dayout during this pandemic and who have continuously worked on a path forward. I am grateful for the professionals who have shifted the way they teach, work or interact with others so that students can continue to learn, bills can get paid, and connections can still be made.

Among all changes, the one I am most grateful for is how we have banded together, as community members, uniting for the greater good and to fight this pandemic in solidarity. I am incredibly proud to have been given the chance to meet amazing alumni and community members, both locally and abroad, through Neighbours

Helping Neighbours, a program created to assist our off-campus students with their isolation plans when they returned to campus. This program provided a true silver lining in a challenging time and has reinforced the Xaverian Commitment in all of us—to be generous in our commitment to our community. Working together with a small army of volunteers, we did what we set out to do: support students tangibly and pastorally and diminish the risk of virus transmission. Truly, Neighbours Helping Neighbours was an essential reminder for us all of the power of coming together for the greater good.

The Neighbours Helping Neighbours program was recognized nationally last month as recipient of a gold medal by the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education for Best Community Outreach Initiative. Thank you to all our amazing

Shanna Hopkins ’01

volunteers. We should all be very proud to be members of both the StFX and Antigonish community.

Hail and Health!

Shanna Hopkins ’01 Director, Alumni Affairs StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

37

e l i WE MET @ X! m S

Editor’s Note: Leading up to Valentine’s Day 2021, the StFX Alumni Affairs Office hosted a heartwarming Instagram contest, celebrating alumni love stories that blossomed during or after their time at StFX. Couples submitted ‘then’ and ‘now’ photos and a short note on their relationship.

These were profiled on StFX’s Instagram account and compiled into a video released on Valentine’s Day. Couples were also entered into a draw for matching StFX hoodies from the StFX store. Here, we share just a few of the stories received.

JAMES CORMIER ’81 AND ROSE (GARTLAND) CORMIER ’84 We met on Rose’s first day at StFX. I was the very first person she met (9:30 a.m. Sept. 3, 1980), and she didn’t enjoy the experience at all. I was on Orientation and she needed directions to the Mount, but I wouldn’t help her until she bought an Orientation t-shirt.

She left with the shirt and a very poor impression of me. We saw each other during Orientation and around campus after that, and we had a number of friends in common.

Those of us of a certain age will remember the Christmas Ball, and how the girls asked the guys to it. Rose asked me and I foolishly thought this was an expression of interest.

It wasn’t. She was trying to encourage another girl to ask a particular guy to the Ball.

As a result, though, I was dropping by the Mount more and more often, and the rest is history. And the t-shirt? She still has it. It’s the most expensive piece of clothing she owns; she’s still paying for it. Fun fact #1: The Blue Room in Lane Hall was where we had our first kiss. Since they are now demolishing the building, perhaps a commemorative plaque is in order. Fun fact #2: Exactly 26 years later, September 3, 2006, our son Michael started at X. ~ James Cormier

ED MCHUGH ‘79 & SHELLY (CULLIGAN) MCHUGH ‘80 I was the very first person she met at X in 1976. In those days, you were first greeted at Bloomfield by members of the Orientation Committee. I registered her. We did not realize this until years later when we were going through her X souvenirs and I noticed her name tag in my writing. We started dating in 1980 when she was in her final year of nursing and I was working at X in the Admissions Office! P.S. All she remembered from that first day was how handsome the other guy (Duncan MacIntyre) was, who was registering the M-Z people! I was registering A-L and she was a Culligan. She wondered if she could change her name to McCulligan! ~ Ed McHugh

SOPHIE PELTEKIAN ‘16 AND SARAH MACPHEE ‘16 ‘17 Sophie and I met in our first year at X (2012) when we lived on the same floor in Chillis House! In second year, we became very good friends, but it wasn’t until third year when these two Chillis Chicks realized they were more than friends. After several years of long distance pursuing further education, we are now living together happily in Ottawa and approaching our six-year anniversary. We’re so grateful to have met at StFX and for the wonderful memories we shared there. ~ Sophie Peltekian

38

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

BOB KENNEDY ‘85 AND CATHY CONNORS KENNEDY ‘86 It was Orientation week in 1982 when we first met. Cathy Connors was a freshman and I was a sophomore. She lived in TNT, along with several of my cousins. When we first met, I immediately knew she was the one for me. While it took some convincing on my part, she soon discovered I, too, was the one for her. We married in June 1986, not long after her graduation. Now, 38+ years later, we are still happily married. We can’t imagine our lives had we not gone to StFX and met on that fateful day in September 1982. ~ Bob Kennedy

VALERY LEGERE ’51 AND ALINE LEGERE My name is Diane Legere ’81 and I am writing about my parents, Valery ’51 and Aline Legere. They met on a blind date on the StFX Chapel steps in May 1950. My mom’s sister Lorraine (Renault) Girardin ’50 was looking for dates for her two sisters that were coming for the graduation ball. She asked my dad to accompany my mom. It was love at first sight for my dad. They had five more dates and on their sixth one, October 11, 1952, they got married. They had nine children, 22 grandchildren, and 13 greatgrandchildren. My dad died May 31, 2019 and 18 months later, on December 6, 2020, my mom joined him. They were each other’s best friend and the love they shared was obvious every day they were together. My mom was not sick when she died. I believe she died of a broken heart and wanted to be reunited with my dad. Six of her eight children and one grandchild were able to visit with her in the last few days of her life.

That was a small miracle for COVID times because only two of us lived near her.

THE FRANCIS FAMILY - THE TRADITION CONTINUES! StFX honorary degree recipient and alumnus Dr. Kevin Francis ’70 met his wife Sharon (Logue) ’71 at StFX. Then their son Kirk Francis ’95, ’99 met his wife Danielle (Beaton) ’97 ’99 during their time at StFX. In a few years, Kirk and Danielle’s son Ryan will be going to StFX – perhaps a third generation will have an X wedding? Kevin recounts: “I met Sharon at the Sydney Airport where I worked a summer job at Air Canada as a ticket agent. She was checking her friend in and I asked my fellow agent who she was.

He said Sharon Logue. I said I am going at ask her out. I did the next day and from there it was love at first sight. We then returned to X in September of 1968 and have been together for 53 fabulous years.”

JENNY (COATES) BUSHELL ’02 DANA BUSHELL ’02, ’04 Our love story began in the fall of 2001. Believe it or not, I (Dana) saw Jenny my very first night out in my first year at X and it only took me four years to work up the courage to ask her out. I (Jenny) wasn’t really interested at first and made it quite clear but his persistence paid off and after our first date, we both knew this was something special. We have now been married for 16 years and have two beautiful and amazing boys (Brooklyn and Cole), a little Chihuahua Bitsy, and are happily in love. We cherish our memories together at X and our boys just love our story. ~ Dana Bushell

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

39

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

Parker Gregory

’60s

Nick Boutilier ’07 and Michelle White, Athletic Fund Development Officer, StFX

Shanelle Clowe ’14 and Christopher Hillier ’12 got engaged in December 2020 at Signal Hill National Historic Site

Janet Smith ’85 with her mother Florence (O’Connor) Smith ’50 who just turned 91 years old!

Amy Graham ’21 and Bailey Wasdal ’21 at Lake Louise 40

James Casey ’60 has been appointed a Member of the Order of Canada for his leading business acumen in Canadian manufacturing, and for his active involvement in the energy, agriculture and health sectors. He was one of 61 new appointments announced in December 2020. The Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest civilian honours. Mr. Casey, a Charlottetown, PEI resident, is the former president and CEO of Padinox Inc., which makes Paderno pots and pans. He is credited with turning the company into a thriving Island business employing about 200 people. He has also served on the board for Maritime Electric and chaired a campaign that raised $23 million for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Since 2009, he has been chairman of the board of Atlantic Beef Products.

’70s

Congratulations to Ed McHugh ’79 on recently receiving this volunteer recognition award from HRM! In the past he has also been recognized by both Bedford and the Province of Nova Scotia for his volunteer contributions through the years. His generosity, sense of caring and energy have no limits.

He has also done so many other helpful and kind acts along the way that are just part of his nature.

Well done Ed!

James (Jim) Casey ’60

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

A virtual Golden Grad celebration will take place during our virtual Homecoming weekend for the Class of 1971. Please ensure to update your contact information at alumni@stfx.ca|

’80s

Stan MacDonald ’84 was one of two Nova Scotia lawyers inducted in March 2021 into the American College of Trial Lawyers. The college is comprised of distinguished trial lawyers in the United States and Canada. It’s recognized as the leading trial lawyers’ organization in both countries. Membership is offered only by invitation and limited to trial lawyers regarded as among the best in their state or province. MacDonald leads a law firm in Halifax, NS and has over 30 years in trial law. He’s a past president of the Nova Scotia Criminal Lawyers Association. He graduated with a business degree from StFX and from Dalhousie Law School. He is an associate professor at Dalhousie Law School, teaching a clinical course in criminal law, and is an instructor for the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society’s Bar Admission Course.

When Katrina Wheaton ’89 moved to Toronto, ON to take a new position she didn’t know a soul in the city. Lo and behold one day in the elevator of her apartment building on walked an X-Ring worn

by John McIver ’88. Although they

didn’t know each other well during their time together at ‘X,’ they knew many of the same people and have become great friends. The ‘X’ spirit is a bond unlike any other.

’00s

Paul Boyko ’05 co-owns an indie game development company based in the Niagara region of southern Ontario, which recently released a game designed to help combat the spread of COVID-19.

He says the game Cat Colony Crisis was with support from LabX, a division of the National Academy of Science, and in consultation with members of the CDC. The game was released on PC, MAC, Linux, Google Play and Apple App store on February 9, 2021. Paul says “one reason the project was so interesting and important to me was due to the positive attitudes that I developed at StFX towards community and trying to be part of a global solution to the problems that we all face as humans on this earth.”

’10s

Ella Besserer ’16 graduated from the StFX honours program, Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, and worked for three years in a tertiary care hospital in Ottawa, ON. She is now attending the University of Toronto Physician Assistant Elite program.

Photo from right to left: Joe Gillis ’63, Johanna Gates ’21, Marianne (Gillis) Gates ’88, Gillianne (Gates) Blanchard ’18, Nicholas Blanchard ’19

Cameron Sehl ’18, Max Jennings ’19, Devin McArthur ’19, and Dr. Sameer Berry are pleased to share the news that Symbi Medical, a digital health company they started in 2018 that provides patient engagement solutions across multiple medical specialties, has been acquired by Blue Charm Adherence Inc., a healthcare company specializing in medication adherence. “We are incredibly excited to be joining Blue Charm Adherence in their mission to help patients access life-changing medications and better manage their health,” said Sehl, CEO of Symbi Medical.

“Becoming part of Blue Charm accelerates our progression towards a leadership position in the digital health space and allows us to have an even greater impact on patient care.”

Lauren MacFadyen ’18 ’20, who was a varsity curler and an Academic All-Canadian at StFX, represented PEI in the 2021 Canadian Mixed Doubles Curling Championships that took place in Calgary in March. Lauren’s partner is her brother Alex. They teamed up to win the PEI provincial title and advance to the national mixed doubles finals.

The Alumni Affairs office sends many invitations in the mail each year. We’d like to do our part to reduce this paper usage and redirect postage costs to alumni programs by sending invitations by email to our grads whenever possible.

We can only do this if we have a current email address for you.

To make sure we do, please send an email from your address to alumni@stfx.ca with the subject line ‘save trees’ and we’ll make sure our email invite list is up-to-date.

Thank you! The air feels fresher already!

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 2019.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing • Certificate in Gerontological Nursing • Certificate in Continuing Care Nursing

• Stand alone Nursing Courses • N490 Forensic Nursing • N497 Computers in Nursing • N483 Hospice Palliative Care Nursing

Toll-free: 1-800-565-4371 Email: distance.nursing@stfx.ca Stfx.ca/DistanceNursing

MASTER OF EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT St S tFX StFX Update your Records Make sure your records are up-to-date to ensure you are receiving the most current StFX information.

To update, visit www.alumni.stfx.ca/updateinfo

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

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 2021

41

StFX AlumniNews

DECEASED CORRECTION: We extend our sincere apologies to Iris Rose Ann Hutton ’59, who was incorrectly listed as deceased in the last issue of the magazine.

Dr. J. Cameron “Cam” MacDonald ’46 Thomas Joseph Gallaway ’47 Rev. Hugh D. “Father Hughie D” MacDonald ’48 Paul Bailey Shaw ’50 Leo Curry ’51 Rita Theresa (Larsen) Marrocco ’51 Helen Margaret Ross ’51 Fred William Martin ’52 Dennis Britten ’53 Cyril Thomas Dalton ’53 Douglas J. MacMaster, Jr. ’53 Louis Owen “Lou” Boyd ’55 Raymond Frederick “Ray” Dobberthien ’55 Bernard Michael “Bernie” MacKinnon ’55 Michael William Maloughney ’55 Gordon Cosmos Taylor ’55 Rev. John B. Finnigan ’56 Carol-Ann (Houghton) Hall ’56 Anne (MacDougall) St. Pierre ’57 Donald “Donnie”Vincent Fewer ’58 ’65 Sr. Genevieve McArthur ’58, (formerly Sr. Ann Romuald), SSM Karl Joseph Marsh ’58 Peter Foran O’Brien ’58

Rev. John Joseph MacDonald ’58 J. Kenneth Soucy ’58 Hollis Andrew Blair ’59 William Alexander “Billy” Jamael ’59 Charles MacDonald ’59 ’63 John “Jack” MacKenzie ’59 Ronald Joseph Southcott ’59 Wallace James Jimmo ’60 Norman “Carroll” MacIntyre (Murphy) ’61 James “Jim” Dorris ’62 Dr. Norman “Norm” Garey ’62 David Joseph Samson ’62 Raymond “Ray” Doucet ’63 Jude T. MacNeil ’63 Elizabeth “Betty” M. E. (Carey) Pasqualotto ’63 James Garrett ’64 Robert “Bob” Losier ’64 Maynard Joseph Bates ’65 Margaret Charlotte “Peggy” (McQuaid) Gallant ’66 Maureen Barbara (Taillon) Littlejohn ’67 Mary Margaret (Smith) Bernard ’69 Murray Cameron Johnston ’69 Deacon Hyland Fraser ’72 D. Barry Marchand ’72

Doug McGee ’72 John J. Peddle ’72 Rev. Dr. Bernard Joseph O’Connor ’73 Susan Clare MacPhee ’75 Gary Gregory McIntyre ’76 Heather Marie MacKenzie ’77 ’78 Roger Allan Soloman ’77 Manfred K. J. Goring ’79 Alan Nicholas Jankov ’80 Cheryl Elaine MacLean ’82 Shaun Campbell Black ’85 Janice Arlene (Perry) Gillis ’85 Michelle Taylor ’85 Heather Elaine MacGregor ’89 Sylvia Anne (Woeller) Campbell ’93 Michelle Lavonne Avery ’00 Harris Royston “Eric” Amit, Hon. Doc. ’08 (also former faculty) Theresa Marie MacDonald, MSB Charlotte Kay Brosha, former staff Joseph Thomas “Tommy” MacDonald, former staff Robert McDonnell, former faculty Gertrude Sanderson, former faculty

MANAGING EDITORS Shanna Hopkins ’01 Email: shopkins@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 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

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ST. JOHN’S

The StFX Alumni Association is currently looking for two at-large members to sit on their council.

For more information or to express your interest, please email Shanna Hopkins, shopkins@stfx.ca

LOST Woman’s 1999

Woman’s 2005

Man’s 2011

Contact the Alumni Office at 902-867-2186 or alumni@stfx.ca 42

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

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 © 2021 by St. Francis Xavier University. Subscriptions to AlumniNews are available to the public for $14 a year, single copies $7. Letters to the editor are welcome. Address correspondence to: AlumniNews St. Francis Xavier University PO Box 5000 Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5 Email: alumni@stfx.ca Phone: 902-867-2186 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.

LOST X-RINGS Man’s 1991

WINTER ISSUE copy deadline October 15 for December mailing

Shopping for premier X-gear just got easier!

SHOP.STFX.CA

X-GEAR

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

WHERE ARE YOU?

How 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 sendoffs 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 two 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

Matthew (16) and Ally (14), children of Derek ’01, IT Services, and Dawn (Musgrave) Bekkers ’00, Annual Giving Coordinator.

Scan to Save 15% off at shop.stfx.ca Code: ALUMNI15

Heather Jean Adams ’96 Joanne M Alex ’95 Fahed Mousa Alsalem ’94 Eugenia Amporfu ’94 Jill Renee Anderson ’96 Frances Lorraine Arnold ’97 Leanne Marie Bourassa ’95 Dora Bourgeois ’94 Tammy Marie Bourque ’95 Anne Christine Boutilier ’94 Christina Margaret Boyle ’95 Simon Bradford ’96 Sandra Mary Brannen ’96 Jennifer Denise Branson ’95 Louise Bray ’94 Janice Lee Bridge ’94 Danica Lori M Brisson ’97 Jeffrey Alexander Brophy ’96 Patricia Joyce Brown ’96 Roger Brown ’96 Michelle Lynn Bruce ’97 Line Sylvie Brunelle ’94 Gerard B Buckle ’97 Laura Burkhart ’94 Laurie Anne Carter ’97 Kerry M A Casey ’95 Michael Alexander Chadwick ’97 Maryse Charette ’95 Gerard James Cheeke ’94 Raymond Kai Man Cheng ’96 Emily Ann Chisholm ’95 Margaret Joanne Chisholm ’96 Paul Kenneth Chisholm ’97 Hin Ling Chu ’96 George Thomas Chubbs ’96 Andrea Dawn Clarke ’97 David W Clarke ’95 Caroline Elizabeth Keenan ’95 Nel J Keith ’95 Jennifer Ann Keller ’94 Paula Marie Kennedy ’95 Stephen Kyle Kennedy ’96 John Douglas Kenny ’97 Michael Hugh Kenny ’96 Robert Thomas Kenny ’95 Christopher James King ’94 Daniel William King ’95 Sharon Noreen King ’95 Sharon E Kingsbury ’97

Sean Alexander MacDonald ’95 Stacey Jayne MacDonald ’94 Tracey Alexandria MacDonald ’94 Tracey Lynn MacDonald ’97 Bernard Joseph MacDougall ’97 Carla Elizabeth MacDougall ’96 Rebecca Mary MacEachern ’97 Lynette Marie MacEwan ’96 David Gerard MacGillivary ’95 Maxine Dorothy MacGillivray ’94 Sisca Maria MacHattie ’96 Mary Elizabeth MacInnis ’94 Scott Wesley MacIntosh ’97 Brian Andrew Mahoney ’95 Timothy Patrick Mahoney ’95 Sio Meng Mak ’97 Michael C Malcolm ’94 Karen Marie Manos ’96 Aaron Troy Marchand ’97 Danielle Marie Marchand ’97 Tracy Lynn Marinelli ’95 Lynn Marsden ’95 Glenda Lynn Martell ’96 Stephen Daniel Martell ’97 Gregory Stewart Martin ’94 Mariette Martineau ’97 Andrea Jeanelle Masterson ’95 Ann Matthews ’96 Tina Marie Anne McClenaghan ’97 Kristen Paige Mellis ’95 Federica Pascual Mengual ’97 Edith Rose Menzies ’94 Richard Gilles Michaud ’95 Stephanie Ann Mikes ’94 Dean N Mills ’96 Deborah Karen Misner ’94 Jeremy Monette ’95 James Stephen Moore ’96 Arlie Beth Morgan ’97 Gregory James Morin ’96 Marie R Morin ’94 Sarah Anne Morin ’94 Lynne Susan Morris ’96 Cherie Darlene Morrison ’96 Jennifer Louise Morrison ’94 Gloria Anne O’Blenis ’96 Michael James O’Brien ’97 Francis Peter O’Connell ’94 Joyce O’Connell ’96

Suzanne Pierrette O’Neill ’94 Crystal Dawn Ogilvie ’96 Therese Marie Oldfield ’97 Joann Marie Osbourne ’94 Leslie Nicole Otter ’96 Rodrique Dennis Ouellet ’96 Kimberley Jane Palmer ’94 Robert Everett Pashkoski ’95 Helen Juanita Patil ’96 Craig Alvin Patzer ’94 Paul Pederson ’94 Nicole Irene Purdy ’95 Darryl Gordon Purvis ’97 Deanna Susan Rawding ’94 Jocelyn Richard ’96 John Evan Richard ’94 John Richard Riordan ’94 Marlies Rise ’95 Ruby Isabel Roberts ’94 Dawn Michelle Rogers ’94 Elaine Shantz ’97 Jeanette Anne Sharkey ’96 Maureen Shepherd ’95 Edison Nolan Sheppard ’97 David Scott Simmons ’95 Heather Anne Sinclair ’97 Aaron Douglas Smith ’94 John Bradley Smith ’94 Lois Elaine Smith ’94 Mark Roger Patrick Smith ’95 Mora Smith ’96 Lap-Chee Tsui ’94 Nocha Eleanor Vanthielen ’96 Audrey Crystal Venedam ’94 Christopher Elwyn Vergie ’95 Matthieu Vincens ’97 Neil Robert Walker ’94 Richard Alexander Walker ’95 Philip Glen Wall ’94 Mary Catherine Walsh ’95 Stacey Annette Ward ’96 Wendy Lynn Ward-Brohman ’96 Frances Monica Warner ’97 Paul Douglas Warwick ’97 Ka Ho Yu ’97 Shun-Loi Yu ’97 Amy Elizabeth van der Kooi ’95

SHOP.STFX.CA StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

43

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

INCREDIBLE SHOW OF SUPPORT AND SERVICE – THANK YOU STFX ALUMNI Greetings Alumni & Friends, I do hope when you pick up this edition of the AlumniNews that things are on the upswing in your lives in terms of preCOVID “normalcy.” Also, that this finds you and your family well and healthy.

Like many of you, I wear my X-Ring with great pride and, as it turns out, as we learn from our alumni survey results (See story page 20) we are the proudest and most engaged university alumni in all of Canada.

I wasn’t all that surprised, having had the privilege of meeting many of you over the last five years and hearing of your pride being part of the X-family. I did not think our collective pride could grow, but after what we experienced this year in the face of the pandemic, where we led the country in keeping our campus doors wide open to provide a safe place for students to learn in-person, and live both in residence on campus and within the community – a new standard has been set.

Several key factors played into StFX’s success in the face of the pandemic, but I want to focus on one: the service of our alumni community in helping our students during a time of great need.

As students at X, we learn the virtues of living a life of service to assist others. When the calls for help went out during the past year, alumni stepped up—big time! First, in the spring of last year when the pandemic was unfolding, forcing the university to close quickly, many of our students were facing extraordinary expenses causing great angst and uncertainty. The call went out for donations for emergency financial aid to support our students in the greatest need and over $300,000 was raised assisting over 300 students. Many donors were alumni.

The next calls for assistance came in the fall and winter semesters to help thousands of off-campus students required to self-isolate for 14 days. We had hundreds of alumni come forward and pitch in where help was needed—be it in making supporting telephone calls (many alumni were calling from across the country to check in on students) to delivering groceries to student homes—it was an incredible show of support and service to our students.

Thank you, alumni, for all your service to others and our community. StFX is a very special place and I don’t think I could be more proud being part of the Xaverian family.

Murray Kyte ’87

Hail & Health

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

Murray Kyte ’87, VP of Advancement, (pictured at centre) delivers groceries and other essentials to isolating students as part of the Neighbours Helping Neighbours program offered this past academic year.

44

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2021

Our students spent this year exactly where they were meant to be... in the classroom.

Since 1853, we have been committed to pairing the highest quality academics with an extraordinary culture of engagement. It’s why students come. So it was only natural for us to meet the challenge of this last year in a way that would keep our students safe while giving them the collective, immersive experience they need, and deserve. By committing to this goal, we were able to keep 75% of our learning in-person—the highest in the country. By working together, our students, staff, and faculty truly exemplified what it means to be a Xaverian. StFX.ca

Safely together.

Thank You.

We are coming off a tremendous year that saw StFX with the highest percentage of in-person classes in the country. And we couldn’t have done it without the leadership and support from the residents in our community.

Antigonish is a special place to us all. We are so very fortunate to have such strong support, partnerships, and friendships in the place we call home.

Return undeliverables to: Alumni Office St. Francis Xavier University PO Box 5000, Antigonish, Nova Scotia B2G 2W5 Canada