StFX Alumni News - Summer 2023

A BEACON FOR

BECAUSE OF YOU,

STFX’S DAY OF GIVING WAS AN INCREDIBLE SUCCESS!

296

$134,785.83

DONORS RAISED

$25,000

OF THESE GIFTS WERE GENEROUSLY MATCHED BY AN ANONYMOUS STFX ALUMNI DONOR OVER OF

70%

DONORS WERE STFX ALUMNI!

10 3 +

PROVINCES COUNTRIES

THE XAVERIAN COMMUNITY CAME TOGETHER TO HELP MAKE A STFX EDUCATION POSSIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE TO MORE STUDENTS IN NEED.

Thousands of StFX alumni and friends filled Halifax’s Scotiabank Centre

March 10-12 to cheer on the StFX X-Men as they hosted the U SPORTS Men’s Basketball Championships, winning a silver medal in double overtime.

The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney ’59 and the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau share a laugh as they open the inaugural Atlantic Economic Forum.

Photo: Trevor MacMillan

REASONS TO CELEBRATE

As summer approaches, I reflect on an amazing year that provided so many reasons to celebrate StFX University and our community. Linda and I were proud to represent our university at many special moments, historic announcements, and wonderful events. What a year!

In early March, the Province of Nova Scotia announced their investment of $37.4 million in the Institute for Innovation in Health. This is the largest single investment received by the university in its 170-year history. This is an investment that will contribute to a new facility that will enable a focus on health promotion, mental health, and solutions to the root causes of poor health, especially in rural communities. The Institute will be a place on campus where StFX researchers, health professionals, and students will explore ways to improve health and wellness in rural Nova Scotia.

The month of April began with much excitement with a Night for the Blue and White, a gala evening in Halifax that celebrated StFX and the outstanding health research conducted by faculty and students that is happening on our campus. This night of celebration was made extra special as we

were able to announce the single largest gift ever made to StFX by a private donor--$15 million. There was great excitement as Dr. Victor and Mona Dahdaleh made the announcement on behalf of the Victor Dahdaleh Foundation.

The Province’s investment, together with monies invested by the Government of Canada, the Dahdaleh donation, and other private donations will complete the Xaverian Commons project – an investment in the academic mission of StFX that provides faculty, staff, students, and our community with the facilities they need and deserve.

May was also a month to celebrate the achievements of many new Xaverians as nearly 1,000 students graduated from StFX in two ceremonies. We congratulate our graduates and encourage them to be bold and never stop trying to make a difference. We also hosted a special convocation ceremony for members of the Classes of 2020 and 2021. These classes were unable to have in-person convocation ceremonies due to the pandemic. Bringing everyone together to complete their StFX experience is the Xaverian thing to do.

There are many exciting opportunities ahead. With a strong commitment to our vision, Building our University the way it is meant to be, we will continue to work together to tackle our challenges and find solutions. We will continue to move forward and create opportunities from which our community can flourish. I look forward to seeing all we can accomplish in the months ahead.

Hail and Health.

Andrew W. Hakin, PhD President & Vice-Chancellor

Dr. Andy Hakin addresses the audience during A Night for the Blue and White.

Dr. Andy and Linda Hakin at A Night for the Blue and White.

Dr. Andrew Hakin

NEWSFLASH

WHAT’S NEW ON CAMPUS AND IN THE S t FX COMMUNITY

EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS STUDIES

In elementary school, when classmates attended summer sports camps, Hunter Park, a third-year Gerald Schwartz School of Business student from Grand Manan, NB, remembers asking to go to an entrepreneurship camp. Fast forward and the StFX entrepreneurship student has now received a prestigious $45,000 Frank H Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies. He was one of eight winners, from 34 exceptional nominations provided by their respective Deans

OLIVER STORSETH WINS

3M

of Business, and selected by the Frank H Sobey Awards Board of Trustees based on their entrepreneurship, supporting the communities in which they live and work, and their employment experience. Mr. Park is already a business owner, running a geodesic dome rental business, Park Place Retreats in his home community. He’s long been passionate about entrepreneurship. At age 10, he started his first business, Hunter Park Mowing. He saved money to buy a DSLR camera and start his next business, Hunter Park Photography. He earned a carpentry certificate at New Brunswick Community College, worked a year, then returned to school at StFX. He completed a business plan for the dome rental business during his first year and successfully applied for loan funding from The Canadian Business Development Corporation –Charlotte County. In 2021, he received The New Generations Award from Grand Manan Island Rotary Club. At StFX, Mr. Park was a co-captain of JDC Central Schwatz Case Competition this year, and co-led a team of 45 students to the national competition in Ottawa. He’s been co-house president at MacIsaac Hall, business representative on the Students’ Union, an O-Crew member, and Xaverian Leaders participant. He also supports Movember, has volunteered at COVID-19 clinics, participated in Relay for Life, and has volunteered in numerous capacities in his hometown.

NATIONAL STUDENT FELLOWSHIP

A passion for creating inclusion for all has earned StFX student Oliver Storseth a national honour. The Antigonish, NS native and fourth-year advanced major chemistry student is one of 10 students in Canada to earn a 2023 3M National Student Fellowship Award, which honours undergraduate students at Canadian post-secondary institutions who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their lives and at their post-secondary institutions. “Oliver is an exemplary leader who

speaks for those who cannot and leads the way showing us how individuals with all abilities can be included in sport and society. He will leave StFX in a better position than he found it with the work he has done,” says StFX human kinetics professor Dr. Angie Kolen, who nominated Mr. Storseth. “It’s a great honour,” says Mr. Storseth, a centre midfielder on the X-Men soccer team who plans to pursue family medicine after StFX. Helping create inclusion has played a pivotal role in his life since Grade 11 when Mr. Storseth began coaching Unified Sport basketball, a program that includes individuals of all abilities in sport using an equitable platform, where inclusion, not winning, is at the forefront. “It was the first opportunity I had working with people with disability and it kickstarted my passion for that,” he says. Mr. Storseth says it was an eye-opening experience. Playing sport at a high level, he’s seen how sometimes the fun of sport can get lost. “With Unified Sport, everyone’s on the same playing field, they’re equal and having fun.” Over the years, he sought employment and volunteer opportunities where he could make a difference. He worked as a summer camp counsellor for L’Arche Antigonish, did respite work with families, coached a Special Olympics soccer team, and most recently, successfully started Unified at X at StFX, which brought people living with physical and mental disabilities together with StFX varsity student-athletes every second week to participate in various sports.

Hunter Park

Oliver Storseth

ACCOLADES CONTINUE FOR DR. JUSTIN GREGG’S BOOK NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED: MUSIC

International accolades keep pouring in for Dr. Justin Gregg’s book, If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal: What Animal Intelligence Reveals About Human Stupidity. First published on August 9th, 2022, the StFX adjunct biology professor’s book, which questions if human intelligence is actually more of a liability than a gift, has garnered reams of rave reviews from major outlets from The New York Times to The Washington Post. Released by its UK publishers in January 2023, the book—currently being translated into a dozen languages— continues to draw stellar reviews, including from The New Statesman, The Guardian, The Times, and the Financial Times. Reviewers have called If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal a hilarious, thrilling book, an absolute must-read, and a book that combines first-rate storytelling with the latest research on animal minds and cognitive psychology.

“It’s a look at whether human intelligence is a good thing, and looking at what makes it different,” says Dr. Gregg, who teaches a seminar on animal minds at StFX, is a senior research associate with the Dolphin Communication Project, is author of the trade book, (Oxford University Press) and is a science writer who writes about animal behaviour and cognition.

SCHWARTZ SCHOOL OF BUSINESS EXCELS AT JDC CENTRAL BUSINESS CASE COMPETITION

StFX music professor Adrean Farrugia, a JUNO award-winning pianist and composer called one of Canada’s most distinct voices on the piano, was nominated for another JUNO award. Prof. Farrugia received the nod for a JUNO in Jazz Album of the Year: Solo category as a performer on the Ernesto Cervini recording ‘Joy.’ The JUNOs, recognizing the best in Canadian music, were held in March in Edmonton, AB. “I was happy to hear this news,” says Prof. Farrugia, who teaches in StFX’s Music Department, with a focus on piano, improvisation, keyboarding skills, and music analysis. “It’s always exciting and rewarding to be acknowledged for one’s work by peers and members of the industry in which we work. It motivates us to keep contributing.” This was his 9th JUNO nomination. He has two wins.

A delegation of 42 students from StFX’s Gerald Schwartz School of Business travelled to Ottawa in January 2023 to compete at the JDC Central (JDDC) business case competition, the largest undergraduate business school competition in central Canada, and came home with three awards. The Schwartz School finished first in the accounting discipline (team members include Sammy Johnson, Stuart White, and Neil Jennings), and secured a pair of third place finishes, in the human resources category (Shannon Oulette, William MacQuarrie, and Jonathan Hadwen) and in the all-star competition (Sean Keyes and Adnan Coban.) Student co-captains were Renee MacLeod and Hunter Park.

“BRILLIANT,” “COMPELLING,” —INTERNATIONAL

Dr. Justin Gregg

Adrean Farrugia

StFX Gerald Schwartz School of Business JDCC team

STUDY TO TEST EFFECTIVENESS OF ALCOHOL WARNING LABELS

FRENCH EXCELLENCE: EDUCATION STUDENT DOUBLY HONOURED

Dr. Kara Thompson, StFX psychology professor and coordinator of the StFX Interdisciplinary Health program, has received $238,951 in funding from the federal government’s New Frontiers in Research Funding Exploration competition. Dr. Thompson is leading a team of scientists from the fields of psychology, public health, nutritional science, and marketing, to study the effectiveness of alcohol warning labels in a real-world setting. “Alcoholic beverages have been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen and are a leading risk factor for cancer,” says Dr. Thompson, “however, public awareness about the health risks associated with alcohol consumption remains low.” She says health warning labels are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a mechanism for increasing consumer knowledge about the negative consequences of alcohol. Despite support amongst Canadians, their implementation has been strongly, and successfully, opposed by the industry. “Few real-world studies have tested the effectiveness of alcohol labels. Labels have largely been developed by researchers without stakeholder consultation and have been tested online or in laboratory settings. This interdisciplinary partnership seeks to overcome some of the barriers that are impeding the implementation of alcohol labels in Canada,” Dr. Thompson says. She has proposed to work with a local craft brewery to co-create labels that inform consumers of standard drink information and Canada’s new guidance on alcohol and health that was released by CCSA in January 2023. “Craft breweries are an important part of small communities and help shape the culture around alcohol. They care deeply about their consumers and are mindful of how current decisions influence future business. By working with communitybased craft brewers, we hope to develop labels that help consumers make more informed decisions about their alcohol use.”

Cheryl Chisholm ’23, a recent Bachelor of Education graduate, from Lower Sackville, NS, has been doubly recognized for her excellence in the French language and her commitment to the language and culture. Ms. Chisholm received both the Prix des Alliances Françaises de Moncton et Halifax, as well as the prestigious Prix du Consulat général de France dans les Provinces atlantiques. The Consul General of France in the Atlantic Provinces, Johan Schitterer, presented the 2023 Consulate General Awards to Ms. Chisholm and to Islay Fraser of Mount Allison University at a ceremony held March 21 in Halifax on the Journée Internationale de la Francophonie, and in the presence of the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, the Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc. The prize, awarded with the support of France Canada Culture, includes a one-week linguistic and cultural immersion stay at the Francoforum in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. At StFX, Ms. Chisholm participated in developing a French conversation club on campus, “Les Franco-FUN!” She gathered colleagues to form a musical group, “Assez Jazze,” for another school project. She also wrote a children’s book, “Le Chant de la Mer,” about a girl who wants to know more about her Acadian culture. Ms. Chisholm has also been the recipient of an Irving Research Mentorship Award to conduct summer research and was a participant in the inaugural Summer Research Institute in Educational Psychology.

GLOBAL MCCALL

MACBAIN SCHOLAR FINALIST

Jillian Hayden ’23, a graduating student in StFX’s Gerald Schwartz School of Business, was a finalist for the first global cohort of McCall MacBain Scholars at McGill University. She was among 88 finalists chosen from across Canada and around the world after a first round of regional interviews saw students and graduates from over 1,200 universities apply, and 242 candidates participate in regional interviews with local leaders in October and November.

Cheryl Chisholm ’23 (pictured, second right), received both the Prix des Alliances Françaises de Moncton et Halifax, as well as the Prix du Consulat général de France dans les Provinces atlantiques. Pictured here, l-r, are Islay Fraser, recipient, Prix du Consulat général de France, Mount Alison University; Johan Schitterer, Consul général de France dans les Provinces atlantiques; Ms. Chisholm; and Mélaine Ricard-Beaulieu, Attaché culturel, Communication et Presse, Consulat général de France dans les Provinces atlantiques

Dr. Kara Thompson

Jillian Hayden ’23

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston

NOVA SCOTIA: HELPING BUILD A HEALTHIER

VICTOR AND MONA DAHDALEH INSTITUTE FOR INNOVATION IN HEALTH TO OPEN ON THE STFX CAMPUS

BY SHELLEY CAMERON-MCCARRON

The new Victor and Mona Dahdaleh Institute for Innovation in Health—a much anticipated incubator for health research on the StFX campus—is about to become a reality thanks to historic investments— a $15 million gift from Victor and Mona Dahdaleh, a $37.4 million investment from the Province of Nova Scotia, and an $8 million contribution from the Government of Canada (as part of the Xaverian Commons Project announced in 2017). When complete, the institute is expected to hugely impact health care in rural Nova Scotia and beyond.

It was truly a moment to celebrate—and a crowd of nearly 500 people rose to their feet in loud, long applause with the news on April 1, 2023 that Dr. Victor and Mona Dahdaleh, through the Victor Dahdaleh Foundation, have given $15 million to a new institute at St. Francis Xavier University targeted at promoting healthy populations in rural Nova Scotia.

The gift—the largest single private donation in StFX’s history will help create the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Hall, which will house the Victor and Mona Dahdaleh Institute for Innovation in Health, a much-anticipated incubator for health research on the StFX campus expected to be transformational for the region and beyond.

“This is a very special night for StFX. It is the night on which the dream of a facility, the Institute for Innovation in Health will be realized,” StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin said moments before the announcement at a Night for the Blue and White, a gala evening at the Halifax Convention Centre. The evening included an inspiring keynote address from Marnie McBean, three-time Olympic champion and Canada’s most successful summer Olympic athlete, and presentations from StFX faculty and students on health research happening on campus.

“This is the single largest gift ever made to StFX by a private donor, and we could not be more grateful.”

BROAD IMPACT

Dr. Dahdaleh says he was drawn to support this new institute that

will be led by world-class researchers conducting critical work. “I’m excited that this work will have a broad impact on health in rural areas of Nova Scotia, Canada, and beyond,” he said.

The StFX institute is in good company, joining the Dahdaleh’s two other Canadian flagship institutes, at McGill University and at York University, as well as another at the University of Cambridge.

In his remarks, Dr. Dahdaleh took audience members back to Dec. 5, 2015, when he received an honorary degree from StFX and had opportunity to address graduates. Dr. Dahdaleh remembered telling the students how a degree from StFX gives them an opportunity to make a difference in the world.

“That was a deeply personal message,” he said, telling the audience at the heart of what the Victor Dahdaleh Foundation tries to do is to help advance education, health and social justice.

Dr. Dahdaleh says he was inspired by two champions of StFX, alumni and loyal friends, without whom he wouldn’t be here this evening, the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney ’59, 18th Prime Minister of Canada, and the Honourable Frank McKenna ’70, former

Mona and Victor Dahdaleh ’15

New Brunswick Premier and Deputy Chair of TD Bank Financial Group; as well as by the Nova Scotia government’s commitment to facing challenges in health care head on—including an announcement just a few weeks prior, in March 2023, that they’d committed $37.4 million to the new institute that will focus on addressing the root causes of poor health.

Dr. Dahdaleh told the crowd he’s pleased to support an institute meeting an obvious societal need, has the support of both provincial and federal governments, and makes good use of StFX expertise.

WILL BENEFIT SOCIETY

The new institute will not just be a building, Dr. Hakin said. It will be a place where faculty, students, and health practitioners come together to improve the health and wellness of Nova Scotians; a place in which students will be prepared to step into the health workforce with the latest thinking.

“This will benefit our society,” he said.

“We will find solutions. We will move forward.”

CHANGING LIVES

The Victor and Mona Dahdaleh Institute for Innovation in Health at StFX will join the Dahdaleh’s two other Canadian flagship institutes, the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine at McGill University, and the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research at York University. Last year, the University of Cambridge opened the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart and Lung Research Institute.

Dr. Dahdaleh’s philanthropy at StFX extends back several years with his support for the Brian Mulroney Institute for Government. His generosity has provided opportunities at StFX for underrepresented students, including Indigenous Canadian and African Nova Scotian students.

StFX Board of Governors Chair Dennis Flood ’80 said that for over three decades, Dr. Dahdaleh’s philanthropic work has changed the lives of thousands of young people educated at some of the most prestigious universities across Canada and the United Kingdom. “It speaks volumes that he has chosen to include and support StFX and the residents of this great province in his philanthropy.”

Minister of Health and Wellness and Antigonish MLA Michelle Thompson ’06 said StFX alumni can be proud of their alma mater, which answered the government’s call to help provide health care solutions. “StFX was ready. They had a proposal. They stepped up.”

The institute will look at ways to improve health promotion and mental health and wellness in rural communities, including chronic disease prevention and management, rehabilitation, and aging in place. It will also be headquarters to the National Collaborating Centre for the Determinants of Health at StFX, one of six national Public Health Agency of Canada Centres of Excellence.

The federal government participated as well, in 2017, with $8 million going toward the institute as part of the Xaverian Commons project.

IMPROVING HUMANITY

Leading a toast to the Dahdalehs, Hon. Mr. McKenna noted that Victor and Mona Dahdaleh profoundly believe in improving humanity.

“I’m excited that this work will have a broad impact on health in rural areas of Nova Scotia, Canada, and beyond.”

Dr. Victor Dahdaleh

Premier Tim Houston speaks with Rankin School of Nursing students

Why did they decide to invest in StFX, he asked? “Like a lot of us, when he was introduced to StFX, he was smitten. It was love at first sight,” Mr. McKenna said.

“Because what Victor and Mona came to understand is StFX is more than a campus. It is more than a ring. It is an idea.”

It’s a sanctuary, a place of refuge, a crucible for social change, a role model for the rest of the world on how to live your best, a place of humanity all too rare in this troubled world, he said. It’s an institute that continues to inspire.

“I know I speak for all Xaverians when I say: thank you, Victor and Mona. Thank you.”

NOVA SCOTIA GOVERNMENT MAKES HISTORIC $37.4 MILLION INVESTMENT

Health care in rural Nova Scotia received a significant boost on March 9, 2023 as the Government of Nova Scotia announced a historic $37.4 million investment into St. Francis Xavier University’s new Institute for Innovation in Health.

It is the largest single investment in StFX’s 170-year history.

“This is wonderful news for our entire campus community and northern Nova Scotia,” StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin said as he joined Premier Tim Houston, the Honourable Michelle Thompson ’06, Minister of Health and Wellness, and the Honourable Brian Wong, Minister of Advanced Education, to make the announcement at a standing-room only ceremony in Mulroney Hall, directly acros s from where the new institute will stand.

“This is an investment in advancing health, wellness, and rural care. The Institute for Innovation in Health at StFX will be recognized for impacting education, promotion, and prevention programs responsive to rural healthcare and service needs in Nova Scotian communities,” he said as he thanked Premier Houston and his government.

FOCUS ON PREVENTION

“It’s a good day for the future of health care in our province,” Premier Houston said as he took time to thank the team at StFX, especially Dr. Hakin, and alumni, former Canadian Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney ’59, and former New Brunswick Premier, the Honourable Frank McKenna ’70, for championing this vision.

L-r, Honourable Brian Wong, Minister of Advanced Education, StFX Rankin School of Nursing faculty Dr. Britney Benoit ’10, StFX Health Society co-president Erin Usher, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, Health Society co-president Katherine Culligan, the Honourable Michelle Thompson ’06, Minister of Health and Wellness, StFX Board of Governors Chair Dennis Flood ’80, and StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin.

Premier Tim Houston

MEETING NEEDS OF NOVA SCOTIANS

In creating the institute—with an emphasis on health promotion and rural care—StFX is committing to strengthening its interactions with health systems to meet health needs of Nova Scotians, said Dr. Britney Benoit ’10, Rankin School of Nursing faculty and Affiliate Scientist with Nova Scotia Health, who spoke on behalf of faculty.

“Our primary attention will be on addressing the social determinants of health, as well as improving health promotion and collaborative care initiatives in rural communities.”

She noted how efforts will include expanding clinical research capabilities in partnership with Nova Scotia Health, as well as expanding the use of clinical trials to test impacts of health policy and

health system interventions in rural communities.

Importantly, the institute will become an incubator for developing, testing, and translating new approaches for health promotion and wellness to support the delivery of integrated and collaborative care in rural communities.

StFX students Katherine Culligan and Erin Usher, co-presidents of the StFX Health Society, said the new institute will create an incredible environment for students engaged in health education, creating new research, internship, and service opportunities to work on the actual challenges in our health system.

“This has been an amazing day for StFX and for northern Nova Scotia,” said StFX Board of Governors Chair and emcee Dennis Flood ’80.

He, too, thanked the Nova Scotia government for its foresight into investing in the institute and what it will bring in supporting healthcare for people living in rural areas. The institute has the potential to benefit not just Nova Scotia but the entire country, he said, as researchers at StFX are some of the best in Canada and their findings may have wide-reaching effects.

“This institute is another achievement for our province and complements the work underway to transform healthcare for Nova Scotians.”

Rankin School of Nursing faculty Dr. Britney Benoit ’10

The Honourable Michelle Thompson ’06

LONG HISTORY OF

A Night for the Blue and White provided an innovative introduction to StFX and its past, present, and future contributions to health care. During the event, guests proceeded through a reception area with a series of exhibits exploring StFX’s contributions to health, stretching back well over a century to the establishment of the Sisters of St. Martha in 1897 to provide domestic and pastoral care for StFX. The Marthas soon expanded into nursing and social work, running hospitals, orphanages, and seniors’ homes.

Six StFX faculty—Drs. Britney Benoit, Dan Kane, Katie Aubrecht, Kara Thompson, Derrick Lee, and Marcia English—and several students were also on hand to speak about their current work in health, spanning disciplines from nursing to human kinetics, sociology, psychology, mathematics and statistics, and human nutrition.

Melissa Hardy ’13 and Dr. Allison McGlashan ’12, graduates who entered the health field and who both returned to the Antigonish area to practice, emceed the evening.

StFX currently has over 75 faculty conducting research in health-related fields. Much of it concerns the social determinants of health and is targeted at reducing Nova Scotians’ need for acute medical care. Faculty come from around the globe to work at StFX.

Their research often directly benefits Nova Scotians. Here are just a few examples of current research:

• Dr. Erin Mazerolle, psychology, studies the human brain. She’s using a special cap that can perform MRI-like functions, enabling researchers and health practitioners to visit rural Nova Scotians and assess their brain activity.

• Dr. Sebastian Harenberg, human kinetics, is using Zwift, a mixed-reality platform that allows users to exercise “with” other users. He thinks it has strong applicability to rural Canadians, because his work shows that people who exercise as part of a group often stick with their exercise regime better than those in isolation.

• Dr. Ryan Reid, human kinetics, works with wearable accelerometers (FitBits, Apple Watches, etc.) to explore the ways in which health care practitioners can access patient data. Doctors can monitor patients’ heart rate, sleep, exercise, etc. – all remotely, via the patients’ watch. This provides a further level of care for patients in rural areas.

• Dr. Lindsay Berrigan, psychology, works with MS patients, and is devising tests and ways in which they can self-report about their own experiences and their perception of their health.

• Dr. Marcia English, human nutrition, has multiple projects on

Dr. Katie Aubrecht ‘05

Dr. Marcia English

Dr. Dan Kane

HEALTH IMPACT

the go that have potentially positive impacts on Canadians, as she’s developing plant-based alternatives to seafood. She focuses on sustainability, broadly, both in terms of how fish are farmed and caught and in terms of how we grow crops. She’s also working on plant-based food packaging. Also of note is her lab: all students in her lab are women of colour.

• Dr. Britney Benoit, nursing, works closely with the Nova Scotia health care system and other partners to promote breastfeeding – particularly in the realm of support and education.

• Dr. Derrick Lee, mathematics and statistics, focuses on the incidence of colorectal cancers in the Atlantic provinces. Statistically, Atlantic Canada has vastly higher rates of these cancers than the Canadian average, and Dr. Lee investigates why that is.

• Dr. Kara Thompson, psychology, runs the SHEA lab and was recently part of the panel of scientists that created the new Canadian guidelines around alcohol consumption. She studies substance use and abuse, particularly in young people.

DID YOU KNOW:

StFX has a long health-related history of benefitting the broader community.

• In 1897, the Sisters of St. Martha were established to provide domestic and pastoral care for StFX, but soon they expanded into nursing and social work, running hospitals, orphanages, and seniors’ homes in Nova Scotia and beyond.

• In 1926, StFX set up the first degree-granting nursing program in Nova Scotia (one of the earliest in Canada.)

• During WWI, StFX established a stationary hospital unit as part of the Canadian Army Medical Corp. They trained for several months at StFX before going to Halifax and then shipping off to England in June 1916. The unit sent 156 people to war (12 medical officers, 26 nursing sisters, 118 Non-commissioned officers (NCOs)). Sixty of them were StFX students or alumni.

Dr. Britney Benoit ’10

Dr. Kara Thompson

Dr. Derrick Lee

CREATING A MORE PROSPEROUS FUTURE

PRIME MINISTERS JUSTIN TRUDEAU, BRIAN MULRONEY ’59 OPEN INAUGURAL ATLANTIC ECONOMIC FORUM AT STFX’S BRIAN MULRONEY INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT

Creating a more prosperous future for Atlantic communities was front and centre June 19-21 as the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government at StFX hosted the inaugural Atlantic Economic Forum, bringing together regional and national leaders, including two prime ministers—former Canadian Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney ’59, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who addressed the opening ceremony.

In addition, delegates and speakers included business, government, academic thought leaders, including Indigenous leaders, and investment organizations who came together to talk about regional development,

future directions, and how growth can be inclusive for all.

Dr. Richard Isnor, StFX Associate Vice President, Research & Graduate Studies and a forum organizer, described the event as an Atlantic-wide, retreat-style discussion on economic development opportunities and issues for the region at a unique time.

The event comes at a critical time, when the economy is in the forefront of people’s minds, and we need to think about it differently. The rapidly changing landscape post-pandemic in creating new potential and challenges, with a reversal on population decline, increasing immigration, a housing shortage, growth in new, innovative companies and in the tech

L-R The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, StFX President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Andy Hakin, The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney ’59

sector, a rapid shift to the green economy, and significant urban revival.

Dr. Isnor says Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and Central Nova MP, the Honourable Sean Fraser ’06, Mr. Mulroney, and the Honourable Frank McKenna ’70 played a lead role in championing the forum, which was fortunate to engage support and funding from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA.)

An impressive list of speakers, panelists and leaders attended including: Ken Langone, CEO, Invemed, and co-founder of The Home Depot; the Honourable Lisa Raitt ’89 and the Honourable Anne McLellan, Coalition for a Better Future, co-chairs; Annette Verschuren ’77 HON ’01, Chair

and CEO of NRStor Inc. and former President, Home Depot Canada; the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; Karen Oldfield, CEO of Nova Scotia Health; Chief Terry Paul, Membertou First Nation; Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Dalhousie University; Jennifer Wagner, a Breakthrough Energy Fellow based on PEI; Michelle Simms, CEO of Genesis in Newfoundland and Labrador; Dr. Herb Emery, Vaughan Chair in Regional Economics, University of New Brunswick; Andrew Parkin, CEO, Environics; and Kelley Lendsay, CEO, Indigenous Works, among others.

L-r, Moderator Danny Graham and panelists the Hon. Anne McLellan and the Hon. Lisa Raitt ’89 at the evening fireside chat.

Annette Verschuren ’77 HON ’01, Chair and CEO of NRStor Inc. and Ken Langone, CEO, Invemed, and co-founder of The Home Depot.

Participants take notes during one of the sessions.

Plenary sessions included Indigenous business and economic development opportunities for Atlantic Canada.

Ainslie Pictou performs during the opening night.

REMARKABLE SUCCESS

GREAT WEEKEND ON AND OFF THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL COURT

Some 40,092 people—an attendance record-breaker—packed the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, NS March 10-12, 2023 as StFX, U SPORTS, and the event management company (S|E|A) hosted the U SPORTS Men’s Basketball Final 8. That record-breaking number included an incredible 9,000-plus fans who witnessed StFX win a national silver medal in a riveting double overtime final.

Off the court, the weekend was equally thrilling as StFX’s 1993 men’s national championship team returned to celebrate their 30th reunion; StFX honoured legendary former X-Men coach Steve Konchalski who retired in 2021; and basketball alumni from across the years arrived from Switzerland to San Diego.

“The 2023 U SPORTS men’s basketball championships were a remarkable success all around,” says Leo MacPherson ’89, StFX Athletics and Recreation Director.

“Coach Tyrell Vernon’s ’13 X-Men Basketball team played brilliantly and made us all exceptionally proud. We were oh-so-close to winning

the national championship, but ended up losing in double overtime. The atmosphere in Scotiabank Centre was absolutely electric and I have never heard the venue any louder.

“It illustrated the power of the X brand as we set a championship attendance record and much credit goes to our wonderful alumni and supporters. They were awesome!”

Mr. MacPherson says the championship provided a fantastic platform to celebrate the iconic career of Coach K.

“We named him the honourary chair for the championship and got an opportunity to showcase his career achievements with a very nice tribute video played during the opening ceremony. Additionally, on the Saturday we held a celebration brunch to personally honour and thank Coach K for his 46 years of coaching at X. Former players from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s joined those who have played since 2000 as we gathered at Salty’s Restaurant. Ed McHugh ’79 was a wonderful choice as MC and we heard from three former players, Eddie Pomykala ’81,

Pat Adrien ’80, StFX Director of Development Wendy Langley ’92 and Varouj Gurunlian ’80 ’81 catch up during the U SPORTS Nationals.

Jeff White ‘90 (left) and StFX Athletic Director Leo MacPherson ‘89 (right) present longtime StFX X-Men Basketball Coach Steve Konchalski with a gift on behalf of former players.

Dave Joyce ‘09 and his son cheer on the X-Men!

Captain X rallies the crowds at the Scotiabank Centre

John Hatch ’84 and Brian Lee ’94 ’95 ’99 who all reflected on their personal relationship with Coach K and the impact he has made on their lives.”

Mr. MacPherson says he and Jeff White ’90 presented Coach K with a framed Coach K Court image signed by many former players. Additionally, they presented their former coach a $4,000 travel voucher made up of contributions from former players. “Seeing the interaction of the former players from the past five decades was heartwarming. The X-Men Basketball family is alive and well.”

Mr. MacPherson says they were fortunate that all but one member of StFX’s 1993 national championship team joined them to celebrate their outstanding achievement, the first of Coach K’s three national championship teams. “We were able to bring the team out on the court during half-time of our Friday night game. A highlight video captured the memories of this historic team on their national championship run and they received a tremendous ovation from the large crowd. We are incredibly proud of this team and it’s wonderful to hear about all the great things they are doing in their careers.”

GRATITUDE, MEMORIES, AND DÉJÀ VU 30 YEARS ON

It was déjà vu for members of StFX’s 1993 X-Men national basketball champs as they once again found themselves teamed together in Halifax again, walking the city streets as they did 30 years ago on their run to national victory. Only this time they were together celebrating their 30th reunion.

“(In 1993,) we stayed right there. We remembered the walk going into the games, all together walking to the stadium. It was an amazing feeling to be able to do that again, to go up the hill and around the building, to go in the backside. It brought back memories,” says Brian Lee ’94, ’95 ’99, then a national first team all-star, and now the associate principal of student life at St. George’s School in Vancouver, BC.

Mr. Lee spoke both at a team reunion brunch and at a brunch honouring former coach, Steve Konchalski, noting how special it was to win that championship, and to again stand together, and be acknowledged alongside Coach K.

“It hit for us. Coach K is like a father. And to be able to acknowledge his time…It was an amazing experience, almost like winning a second time,” says Mr. Lee.

“We’re thankful for the opportunity and it was important to convey what it meant for us.”

Team members—who once practiced, travelled, and sometimes lived together—consider themselves brothers, he says. Adding to the closeness is their time representing StFX and Antigonish, places they found belonging and welcome, he said.

The shared experiences, of which Coach K is a cornerstone, is a connection that extends far beyond the locker room of any one team and bonds them all.

“The X-Ring also bonds us all together. It’s an experience and fellowship even more rich than being a basketball player.”

This year’s U SPORTS finals were almost déjà vu too as the 2023 X-Men nearly did it again, winning national silver.

Coach K preparing for the opening tip-off for the 2023 U SPORTS Men’s Basketball Championships.

Members of the 1993 X-Men Basketball team after being introduced at half-time, l-r. Sean Clarke, Joe Odhiambo, Blair White, Richard Bella, Brian Lee, Sean McLean, Merrick Palmer, Jason Hirtle, Mike Clarke, Aristide Nguilibet, Mark Corrigan, Todd McKillop and Coach K

NEVER STOP TRYING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

Look for the positive, be bold in creating a better future for all, and never stop trying to make a difference were words of advice shared with the Class of 2023 on May 7 as StFX marked Spring Convocation.

It was a full weekend of celebration as StFX graduated nearly 1,000 students and honoured two individuals for their exemplary service, awarding honorary degrees to Dr. John Gaventa, former Coady Institute director and international development leader, and to Dr. Irving Rootman, internationally recognized for four decades of outstanding leadership in health promotion.

Additionally, major honours included the presentation of the President’s Research Award to Dr. Geniece Hallett-Tapley (Chemistry) and Dr. Erin Mazerolle (Psychology); and the Outstanding Teaching Award to Dr. Christina Holmes (BASc Health), Dr. Mary Oxner ’87 (Schwartz School of Business) and Dr. Tammy Rodela (Biology.)

A day earlier, on May 6, StFX hosted a special convocation, welcoming back members from the Classes of 2020 and 2021 whose convocation ceremonies were held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.

That evening, Chancellor John Peacock ’63 hosted a new event, the

BUILDING ASSETS FOR A BETTER FUTURE

“Thank you for this enormous honour. It is great to be back at StFX and in Antigonish,” Dr. Gaventa said in an inspiring address that ended in a standing ovation. “It was a privilege to be director of the Coady Institute and Vice-President of StFX for a few years, and to come to know this wonderful community.”

“Please be bold in the fight,” Dr. Gaventa told graduates as he spoke about challenges facing the world, including climate change, global inequality, and global democratic decline.

The Antigonish Movement taught us that change will not come by focusing on what’s wrong, but through recognizing and building our assets, he said.

“As you graduate today, the Class of 2023, you carry with you many assets. You graduate from StFX, a great educational institute shaped by the values of social justice, grounded in the principle of acting on ‘whatsoever is true,’ and guided by respect, compassion

Chancellor’s Reception, in Mulroney Hall, Scholar’s Walk, honouring award winners.

Ryder Ferris ’23

Dr. John Gaventa ’23

Aliyah Fraser ‘23

STFX CELEBRATES SPRING CONVOCATION

for others, service and integrity.”

LOOK FOR THE POSITIVE

“Look for the positive and let it guide you in your life,” Dr. Rootman said in his address, prerecorded and played at the ceremony as he was unable to attend.

“I’m not saying that this is going to resolve all the problems in the world, but perhaps if everyone emphasizes the positive, it can help us avoid or at least minimize the dystopian world that we see represented daily in the news as well as our own observations and experiences.”

“Class of 2023, well done,” StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin said in his remarks.

The world needs change. The problems are massive. You have the skills, the ability, the understanding of what questions are important, he said.

“Never stop asking those questions. Never stop trying to make a difference,” he said as he encouraged graduates to include kindness and compassion in everything they do, leading with Xaverian values as they create a better society for all.

Dr. Hakin spoke too about the graduates’ resilience and accomplishment, especially as they completed their education through a global pandemic.

THOUGHT AND SERVICE

“I’ve had the privilege of presiding over nine convocations,” Chancellor Peacock said as he opened convocation, “and I’m always inspired as I look out, as I am right now, at you, the graduating class, I can feel your joy, your sense of accomplishment, and also a bit of anxiety for what the future holds.”

Ryder Ferris ’23, a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy graduate from Bristol, Rhode Island, gave the acknowledgement of the graduating class during the morning ceremony, while Dhruv Patel ’23, a BAScHealth graduate from India, addressed the afternoon ceremony.

Alumni Association president Kathleen Sheridan ’15 and Kerry Prosper ’09 StFX Elder in Residence, also offered remarks.

Dhruv Patel ’23

Dr. Irving Rootman ’23

Kerry Prosper ’09

Graduates gather out front of the Charles V. Keating Centre after the afternoon convocation ceremony.

INAUGURAL INDIGENOUS GRAD PIN PRESENTED

Graduating Indigenous, Inuit and Metis students received a special honour and memento this year as they were presented with the inaugural Indigenous pin, designed by StFX Elder in Residence Kerry Prosper ’09 to signify and celebrate their achievements. The square, six-coloured pin, with an X in its centre, will be presented annually. The inspiration for the pin is a design that “represents the intersections of the diversity of humanity with the bounty of the natural world. The six colours are designed to remind of our

connections with the land, waters, sky, creator, the spirit world, ourselves, and each other. The directions guide us on our paths: westward to good health, north toward helping each other by finding our path through education, east through wisdom, and south toward happiness on the route of the ancestors. The purple in the middle is the spirit that unites everything in the life cycle. In wearing this pin, let us honour our sacred connection with each other worldwide,” says creator, Kerry Prosper.

PRIDE OF STFX AWARDS

IN RECOGNITION OF LEADERSHIP IN OR SUPPORT OF THE *2SLGBTQIA + COMMUNITY

*(Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic/Agender +)

AWARDS TO BE GRANTED TO:

• ONE ALUMNI

• ONE FOURTH-YEAR STUDENT

Awards will be presented at the 2023 Homecoming Alumni Recognition Awards Ceremony, Saturday, October 14, 2023.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Please provide two letters of support to amacdona@stfx.ca. Nominations will close September 15, 2023

Kerry Prosper ’09 and Terena Francis ’01 ’20

SPRING CONVOCATION 2020 AND 2021

Senior Class Speaker Luke Kell ’20

Name Senior Class Speaker Taylor Kennah ‘20 Dr. Andy Hakin and Amelie Gero ’20

A CULTURE OF CHAMPIONS:

THE BRIEN FAMILY BASKETBALL LOCKER ROOM OPENS

As the StFX community gathered to celebrate the contributions of Mike “Jake” Brien ’75—naming the new men’s basketball locker room the Brien Family Basketball Locker Room—Mr. Brien turned the tables to thank his alma mater.

“This night isn’t about thanking me. It’s really my night to thank StFX for everything it’s given to me,” Mr. Brien said during the official opening held Feb. 18, 2023, during the X-Men’s last season home game. The night also celebrated the culmination of the Culture of Champions Campaign, designed to support StFX’s aspirations of qualifying for the USPORTS nationals and to reinforce a culture of champions, helping StFX through the years to come.

“It’s a pleasure to be here, to celebrate another instance of StFX alumni and friends stepping up to support our students,” StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin said.

Dr. Hakin told of how after his StFX graduation, Mr. Brien, a former X-Men player (1971-75) formed a lifelong friendship with coach Steve Konchalski (whom he never played for). When StFX began discussing plans for renovations of the Oland Centre, the Brien Family Foundation stepped forward with a leadership gift to help honour Mr. Brien’s good friend, Coach K.

“It is our turn to honour you and your family,” Dr. Hakin said as he thanked Mr. Brien for his long-time support of X-Men Basketball, his gift to the Coach K Court Campaign, for help spearheading the Culture of Champions Campaign, for work as a cabinet member, and for his involvement with the Class of 1975 fund raising campaign.

“Jake, because of your tireless support of StFX and StFX Athletics and your entire family’s contributions and passion for the game of basketball, which extends well beyond StFX we are honoured to officially name our men’s basketball locker room, The Brien Family Basketball Locker Room.”

In attendance with Jake and Beth Brien were their children Mark, Christina and David, with daughters Kelly ’16 and Katherine and son Colin unable to attend in person. Dr. Hakin also thanked alumni instrumental in making this day possible, including Culture of Champions Campaign cabinet members, the leadership group of chair Jeff White ’90 and Dave Joyce ’09 and Ed McHugh ’79. He thanked Frank van Schaayk ’76, who helped engineer the campaign with Coach K and made a generous campaign gift; along with donors, here in spirit, but unable to attend, Rick and Noreen Rosa ’72; Kevin Morris ’87; and John Hatch ’84.

Members of the Brien family, l-r, Carolyn Brien, Mark Brien, David Brien, Rob MacMillan, Christina Brien, Henry & Jacob Brien, Beth Brien and Mike ‘Jake’ Brien ’75.

“This night isn’t about thanking me. It’s really my night to thank StFX for everything it’s given to me.”

~ Mike “Jake” Brien ’75

CARE, COMPASSION, AND CLINICAL KNOWLEDGE

How Kelly MacNeil Cullen ’91 is leading Tampa General Hospital, a world-renowned 1,040-bed academic medical centre.

When Kelly MacNeil Cullen ’91 arrived in Florida in December 1991, she had just graduated from StFX and was starting a job as an emergency room nurse. Today, the Antigonish, NS native is the executive vice president and chief operating officer at Tampa General Hospital, a nationally renowned 1,040-bed academic medical center.

Then as now, she’s guided by the same principle: providing patients the highest quality of care.

“I get up every day, driven by my patients and my team,” says Ms. Cullen, who oversees all clinical and operational aspects of the institute, where she is leading a $550 million expansion plan to bring cutting-edge, transformational care to patients through the creation of a growing medical and research district.

“While I was nursing at the bedside, it was

very rewarding to know the impact I made on patients and families,” she says. “I was introduced into leadership early on and realized I loved it. I really felt the impact I could make could be much greater by leading teams of people to care for patients and each other.

“I knew that’s where I could make the biggest impact.”

Cultivating strong, collaborative relationships and bringing people together from across disciplines for a common goal is a hallmark of her over 30-year career.

“It’s really the ability to lead teams to take the best care of patients that we can,” she says. “I love working with people. It’s just a passion.” Tampa General Hospital, which provides complex care to patients throughout Florida, is widely recognized. It was designated a model of excellence by the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list and is in the top 100 hospitals in the United States, according to Newsweek’s list of the “World’s Best Hospitals 2023.” Two Forbes

magazine rankings recognized its commitment to its team members and recently Becker’s Hospital Review named it to its 2023 list of the “150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare.”

Ms. Cullen says she leads with values honed at StFX.

“StFX provided me with a strong foundation that allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. It really built on my personal value system and reinforced the genuine sense of pride and accomplishment which is important in career development.

“StFX instills in its students and alumni a feeling of community and family; I have taken that preparation and incorporated it into how I lead teams — layering in that drive towards excellence, service to others, and a can-do attitude.” Ms. Cullen says she’s thankful she received her undergraduate education from StFX, a place she also made lifelong friends.

IMPACT OF AUNT CLAIRE

Nursing interested Ms. Cullen from an early age, her passion inspired by maternal aunt, the late Claire MacDonald ’69, who held a nursing degree from StFX.

“She was the most selfless person I have ever met and truly an amazing role model.”

Ms. Cullen remembers accompanying Aunt Claire (who taught at St. Martha’s Nursing School) to nursing functions, and helping her aunt care for her grandmother, who’d had a stroke.

“I watched her and her passion for people. Her love of people was really what drove me to nursing.”

Today, she says her goal is to be that role model, inspiring and supporting her teams to do the best work they can and driving toward results.

Prior to joining Tampa General, Ms. Cullen, who earned a Master of Business Administration in Health Care Administration from the University of Phoenix, spent over 25 years at Baycare Health System in Clearwater, Florida, where she began her career as a nurse before taking on leadership roles, including director of nursing and director of operations.

Work hard, take risks, and don’t be afraid to fail is advice she’d give today’s students. Have a vision, find mentors, and continue to learn, whether structured or more informal, she says, noting her dad, Bill MacNeil ’73 ’74 ’78, who has three degrees from StFX. “Always be a lifelong learner.”

Kelly MacNeil Cullen ’91

XAVERIAN FAREWELL: CELEBRATING THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY

On Sunday, April 2, 2023, a crisp, clear spring evening, senior students, clad in black robes, could be seen walking across campus to the University Chapel to celebrate the spirit of community—and their journey at StFX—during the 2023 Xaverian Farewell ceremony. The annual ceremony is an important milestone for students as they recommit to the pursuit of excellence, a pledge

made their freshmen year at StFX during the Xaverian Welcome ceremony, that starts the student journey. This year, the Xaverian Farewell took place at the end of the academic term, shifting from its usual time slot during Convocation weekend due to special celebrations held to honour the graduating classes of 2020 and 2021 welcomed back to campus to officially walk across the stage.

FINDING YOUR PLACE

Eryn Hessian ’00 ’03, university guidance coordinator at Stanstead College, an independent boarding school in Quebec, has helped positively impact the lives of countless students over the years. In particular, a number of students say they’re tremendously grateful to Ms. Hessian for sharing word about StFX and what it can offer students. Ian Kemp ’19 estimates over the years that Ms. Hessian’s been responsible for sending nearly 15 students to StFX.

“I’m one of them,” says Mr. Kemp, who not only came to StFX, but thrived at the university, where he’s now employed as a Student Success Leader, recruiting students to attend StFX.

“It all started with her.”

“I owe my success in university to Eryn, who gave me the keys to the academic kingdom. Now, as her protégé, I’m passing those keys on to the next generation of aspiring scholars through Academic Advising at StFX,” says Roydell Clarke ’22, another Stanstead and StFX alumnus, now employed at StFX.

Similarly, Tania Tesson ’21 says as a Stanstead College student, Ms. Hessian’s enthusiastic dedication to StFX and the coveted X-Ring ignited her passion

for StFX. “I am forever grateful for her unwavering support, which has led me to proudly join the Xaverian Family, have an X-Ring of my own and be a StFX alumna.”

FOR THE STUDENT IT FITS, IT CAN BE SOMETHING REALLY SPECIAL

Ms. Hessian—who played with X-Women Rugby and did a Coady Institute internship en route to earning human kinetics and education degrees from StFX— says she loves talking with students about StFX and all Maple League schools.

Because Stanstead is in a small campus community environment, students know each other and their teachers, they play sports and clubs together and students who thrive in this type of school can really benefit from this in a university as well, she says, providing them a launchpad to the wider world. “That environment is not for every student, and not for all of my students, but

for the student it fits – it can be something really special. Finding your fit, whether in school or work, is the goal!

“I want all my students to find something – and some place where they are happy and confident, and where they can make change,” she says, “it’s a bonus when the Stanstead family and the StFX family collide.”

Having alumni share experiences and perspectives is important, she says.

“Education isn’t a transactional thing you have to get through to reach whatever goal you have. It is something that is full of opportunities that are meant to be uncovered and that will eventually shape your path and direction.”

Ms. Hessian says StFX was a transformational experience for her and what makes it magic is the people. “I had mentors and friends and teammates who pushed me and challenged me and made me laugh – it’s still true all these years later! For me, X was a place to grow and learn from all the people I met, to try new things, to gain confidence and learn to be a leader and have the chance to be involved in different things – Students’ Union, intramurals and the Coady exposed me to an entirely new world (literally) and I think my experience helped me find my place.”

Choosing where to attend university is a big step, and we want you to feel confident in your decision. Our team of recruiters is here to provide you with the information you need to decide if StFX is the right fit. Scan the QR code to talk with a recruiter.

“I owe my success in university to Eryn, who gave me the keys to the academic kingdom. Now, as her protégé, I’m passing those keys on to the next generation of aspiring scholars.”

Roydell Clarke ’22

Eryn Hessian ’00 ’03

ALUMNI HAPPENINGS

We kicked off the 2023 year with President’s Receptions in Saint John, Ottawa, and Montreal. StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin and his wife Linda were able to see the Xaverian spirit they know so well, uniting alumni away from campus.

A new chapter was born in the mid-Atlantic! Alumni from the North Carolina region gathered at the home of alumna, Judy KiritsyRoy ’75, to celebrate adding this exciting new chapter to our list, which totals 47 now!

In March, our X-Men Basketball team hosted the U SPORTS Final 8 National Championship in Halifax. We honoured both the 1993 national gold medal team and Coach Steve Konchalski for the decades of excellence he contributed to StFX’s basketball program. This year’s squad made it all the way to the championship match, where they faced four-time title winner, Carleton Ravens. With thousands of alumni and friends chanting, “GO X GO,” the X-Men forced the game to overtime with just seconds left, ultimately losing a heart-breaker in double overtime. This silver medal is the first for the X-Men Basketball team since 2012. Congratulations on your accomplishment!

Our StFX Alumni Florida Chapter has gotten back to their annual reception and welcomed Vice President of Advancement, David

Graham ’92, to Sarasota. Florida alumni were happy to meet the new VP as well as see some familiar faces, Iain Boyd ’75 (Chief Campaign Officer) and Maria Hartery ’87 (Development Officer).

The Eastern Cape Breton Chapter kicked off the year with a toe-tapping event as they gathered for a live show by Signal Hill in Sydney!

Toronto’s Alumni Chapter gained new leadership this winter, who wasted no time hosting their first event. Co-Presidents Ally Hancock ’21, Brien Pattenden ’16 and over 50 Toronto alumni took in a Blue Jay Tuesday, as the Toronto Blue Jays faced off against the Houston Astros. This is a flagship event for the Toronto Chapter and a great way to start the summer. A win for the Jays doesn’t hurt either!

Our Calgary Chapter got together for its annual Stampede Party at Wildhorse Saloon, with a portion of the proceeds going towards the Leone Campbell Memorial Bursary. For our more local alumni, the Halifax Chapter will have a Halifax Harbor boat cruise. Mark your calendars for Friday, July 21st. This evening is sure to provide beautiful views and great times. The boat will set sail at 7 p.m. Tickets are still available! Head to www.alumni.stfx.ca/hfxboatcruise to grab yours. Or contact co-president’s Allison Randall ’17 & Megan Thompson ’17 with any questions (stfxhalifaxchapter@gmail.com)

ST. JOHN’S, NL

NORTH CAROLINA

SAINT JOHN

ALUMNI RECOGNITION AWARD WINNERS

MONTREAL

FLORIDA TORONTO

L-r, Emma Nolan, Teresa Keenan, Naomi Stobart and Shaelyn McCardle each received $1,500 bursaries from the StFX Alumni Association as winning recipients of their annual essay contest.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALUMNI: STFX LAUNCHES OPEN LEARNING

StFX alumni—and all interested—now have a chance to continue their education and expand and upgrade their skills through StFX’s new Open Learning platform.

Launched in March 2023, the self-paced, on-demand courses available through the platform allow participants to access information and learn, without taking a credited course or being a StFX student, which opens the learning possibilities to even more people.

“The whole idea behind open learning is you don’t have to be a StFX student to take an open learning class,” says Jack Rice, Director, StFX Online, Graduate and Professional Studies.

“We’re hoping alumni will take advantage of this new category of learning.”

Participants, he says, can take a variety of on-demand classes they can start at any time. The courses are not-for-credit but do include a certificate of completion.

“Not all learning has to happen in the middle of a university classroom. It can happen anywhere, anytime,” Mr. Rice says.

StFX has much expertise in online learning and is happy to provide this opportunity, a reliable source for people to take continuing education courses in a timely fashion, he says.

Courses currently offered range from digital skills to leadership and management to a platform for international healthcare workers to transition to healthcare practice in Canada.

The platform also offers university preparation courses and a number of courses in partnership with the Coady Institute. Fees range from about $100-$300, while some open education resources are free. Time commitment for each course runs from about five hours to 24 hours.

Classes feature recorded material and subject matter experts are available to answer questions by email.

Mr. Rice says they are interested in feedback from alumni. “We’d like to know what else they might like on the platform, if they have ideas for courses they’d like to see.

“We are starting small and want to grow it intentionally.”

L-r, Trudy DeLorey, Coordinator of Undergraduate and Open Learning Programs, and Jack Rice, Director, StFX Online, Graduate and Professional Studies.

LEADING LEGACY

Norm Hébert ’09 becomes third generation to lead Groupe Park Avenue

Like his father and grandfather before him, Norm Hébert ’09 is looking forward to making a difference in the automotive retail business as he takes over the lead of a business celebrating nearly 65 years in operation—a rare achievement; as the third generation at the helm—even rarer. In February 2023, Mr. Hébert was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer of Groupe Park Avenue, a group of 18 car dealerships, mainly in and around Montreal, but stretching through Quebec province.

“It’s a tremendous honour to be able to raise the flag as the third generation,” says Mr. Hébert, taking over from his father, Norman E. Hébert Jr., who succeeded his father, Norman Dorian Hébert, who built the business from modest beginnings starting in 1959.

“I’m very humbled, but very ready for the challenge.”

As a family business, Mr. Hébert says they’ve planned for this transition, and with no outside forces or reason for it, it’s been a smooth one for the team that feels natural and positive.

Groupe Park Avenue, which sells new and used cars and provides maintenance and repair work, employs about 1,000 people.

“They’re the first thing I think of when I wake up,” he says.

“As a family, we’ve been able to have some success, and in turn, we have been able to impact the communities that have been so important to us. That’s something I also take with me as a I come into this role. If we can be successful, it allows us to give back.”

Mr. Hébert looks forward to contributing to his industry as he steps into the role amidst a changing landscape.

The pandemic greatly impacted the automotive business, with businesses forced to close, to furlough staff, and deal with inventory shortages. Post-pandemic, the industry enters a new reality in a challenging economy with higher interest rates, and with the introduction of more electric vehicles and the complexity that comes with that.

Starting the role at a time when the business is healthy, he says he isn’t here to shake the big tree. He plans to stick to successful, core principles: focusing on people, remaining agile, and doing “the right thing every day, by our employees, customers, suppliers and community.”

Joining the family business wasn’t always a given for Mr. Hébert, a father of two, who has an MBA from HEC Montréal. He worked high school summers around the dealerships, but after leaving for StFX, he didn’t return to Montreal until six years later. Internships were outside the business and his first career job was with strategic consulting firm, Oliver Wyman, with time in Paris and the U.S.

Working hard, he started to think of bringing this effort into the family business. His arrival, in 2014, was treated as a trial. The fit worked. “I enjoyed the people who work here and the challenges of working in the retail business, making sure we stay relevant and competitive.”

“HOW ARE YOU NOT GOING TO STFX?”

His introduction to StFX came through the automotive world.

In high school, he knew he wanted a university experience at a smaller campus in Canada, and quickly realized the Maritimes was where he needed to be. He and his mom flew to Halifax for campus visits. StFX wasn’t on the list.

Until he met the late Paul O’Regan ’65 HON ’12 of O’Regan’s Automotive Group, a friend of his grandfather’s. Mr. O’Regan took them to dinner.

“How are you not going to StFX?” he remembers Mr. O’Regan asking. The next day mom and son arrived, during Homecoming. Mr. Hébert joined a campus tour with alumni from various years. “I was totally taken by their passion for X.” Also appealing was the vibe, the facilities, seeing students out in their house colours. In the end, StFX was the only place he applied. Now, he’s singlehandedly sent about a dozen students from Montreal to StFX, “the way Mr. O’Regan did for me.”

Mr. Hébert says there’s many great things about StFX—the academics, the facilities— but for him, the community is top. “Being part of something like that was extremely special.”

Adaptability and maturity are skills he received along with a finance degree. He minored in languages, learning German in a class with seven others. He played intramurals, even sports he wasn’t good at. He did a semester abroad in France. Take these risks, is the advice he’d give students today. “University goes by so fast. Take advantage of all that X has to offer, and X has a ton to offer.”

Norm Hébert ’09

CAMPUS NEWS

STFX LAUNCHES STRATEGIC PLAN

MEDICINE AND MIRACLE: STFX FACULTY RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS DEBAKEY FELLOWSHIP

StFX has released its new strategic plan, Building Our University the Way it is Meant to Be, defining the mission, vision, and values of StFX that will guide actions over the next five years. The plan follows months of consultation. “More than a year ago, I began a comprehensive consultation process to better understand who we are as a university and why we are,” StFX president Dr. Andy Hakin said. “From that thoughtful process emerged the components of a positive, forward-looking strategy for our university – one that will challenge us to reach new goals while being true to our purpose of being a university committed to social justice, social responsibility, and engaged citizenship.” Great care was taken to develop a plan that adapts to changing circumstances, new challenges and opportunities, Dr. Hakin says. The plan’s central visual is of a woven fabric, a weave inspired by Indigenous symbolism, recalling the history of this land and the communities StFX serves, as well as the values woven through collective efforts. To operationalize the plan, several strategic plans have been developed in concert, including those that focus on academics, student experience and opportunity, accessibility and anti-racism. For more, please visit www.stfx.ca/StrategicInitiatives

Dr. Winston Black, Gatto Chair of Christian Studies at StFX, has won a prestigious fellowship that allows him the rare opportunity to delve into the history of hospitals and gain a better understanding of cutting edge medical care in the 12th century, particularly at a medieval English monastery that carried great influence before it was destroyed by Henry VIII during the Reformation. Dr. Black was named one of four 2023 DeBakey Fellows in the History of Medicine at the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), a prestigious and competitive fellowship that provides a one-time $10,000 stipend to pursue research on materials at the NLM and elsewhere for his project “Medieval Medicine in Transition: The Manuscript Evidence from Twelfth Century England.” The fellowship allows Dr. Black, a historian whose research focuses on the intersection of religion and medicine, to pursue research that’s fascinated him for years and could answer important questions. The National Library of Medicine has in its collection a 12th century medical manuscript, known as E8, that could provide insight into an area that scholars have long wondered about, including shedding more light on the interplay between medicine and miracle in the monastery.

Dr. Winston Black

TOP AWARD FOR EARTH SCIENCES STUDENT

STUDENT RESEARCH DAY: 20 YEARS OF SHARING AND LEARNING

Earth sciences honours graduate Michael LeBlanc ’23 of Antigonish, NS won a top award from the Atlantic Geoscience Society Annual Colloquium held in Truro, NS in February. Mr. LeBlanc presented his undergraduate thesis, “Zircon petrochronology of the West Barneys River Plutonic Suite: Insights into the origin of a potential critical element (REE and Zn) deposit in Nova Scotia,” and won the Rupert MacNeill Award for best undergraduate presentation at the conference, where StFX was well represented. Five StFX faculty and staff, five undergraduate students, three graduate students, and many alumni attended. As well, faculty member Dr. Donnelly Archibald was elected vice-president of the Atlantic Geoscience Society.

SECOND IN CANADA IN RESEARCH IMPACT

The impact and quality of research at StFX has stood out again nationally as the university advanced to second place in Canada in research publication impact. The most recent Research Infosource rankings of Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities 2022, released Jan. 18, 2023, shows StFX continues to be among Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities, according to Research Infosource Inc., a leading research, consulting, and publishing firm. StFX ranked second in Canada (behind only University of Toronto) in the research publication category—a measure of the quality and impact of research published by StFX faculty.

Inside Mulroney Hall hummed with ideas, conversation, and energy on March 23, 2023 as StFX students presented over 100 research posters and oral presentations, showcasing the breadth and depth of their work during the 20th annual Student Research Day. “I continue to be impressed by the many high quality and diverse research projects taken on by StFX students, as well as their level of skill in discussing their work,” says Dr. Richard Isnor, Associate Vice President, Research and Graduate Studies, whose office organizes the event. The opportunity to share her research with her peers and also learn from them is what makes Student Research Day so amazing, says participant and recent honours health graduate Hannah James ’23. Ms. James says there are so many incredible research projects being conducted by StFX students across all disciplines and this event ensures that their knowledge is shared with the broader community.

“I am so grateful that I was able to conduct research as an undergraduate student, as I believe that it has provided me so many skills that I will be able to use as I continue my education and career.”

Michael LeBlanc ’23

On April 1, 2023, A Night for the Blue and White brought together health, business, and political leaders to celebrate significant achievements in health care, and to celebrate StFX’s past, present and future contributions to the health and wellbeing of Nova Scotians.

The gala evening also celebrated news of a significant investment to help create StFX’s new Victor and Mona Dahdaleh Institute for Innovation in Health. When complete, the institute is expected to hugely impact health care in rural Nova Scotia and beyond.

StFX alumni like you are helping invest in Nova Scotia’s future by helping your alma mater continue to impact health innovation.

To Xaverians and friends of StFX who supported A Night for the Blue and White

WHY I GIVE: MEET KATIE CONKLIN ’11

Katie Conklin has supported StFX—and its Writing Centre—since the year after she graduated. It’s all about paying it forward, she says. Here’s why.

Just one year after graduating from StFX with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, when she was still getting started in life, Katie Conklin ’11 donated her first gift of $5 to the StFX Writing Centre, a place she continues to support every year since.

“Not everyone knows that you can earmark your donations to certain departments. I was never the most

attention-to-detail writer, so I always sought aid from the Writing Centre, a highly valuable service that meant a lot to me and that I wanted to help support after I left. I know friends who donate to the library, for example, as it holds a special place in their heart,” says Ms. Conklin, now senior marketing project manager with Discover Halifax.

“I love that the Annual Giving Program allows a donator’s funds to go to a place that means the most to them.”

Ms. Conklin says she had a wonderful time at StFX and worked in Annual Giving

three of her four years. She learned how important donations from alumni are to running the school. “So I vowed, along with my best friend Jenna Welch ’11, to donate early on.”

She and Jenna made a pact to donate $5 the first year after graduating, and to increase the amount by $1 every year after. They figured they could at least donate $5 even if they didn’t have jobs yet. “Every dollar counts!”

It’s all about paying it forward, she says.

“I obviously don’t know all the financials that go into running a university, but from my understanding after working in Annual Giving, donations from alumni are quite important in the grand scheme. It’s also about giving back the way alumni gave back while they were at school, paying it forward, if you will. I benefited from the alumni who donated while I attended school and I hope to do the same for those attending now and for years to come,” she says.

“I think today’s alumni seem to think they need to donate thousands of dollars annually. If they can that’s awesome, but really anything helps. Even starting at $10 and keeping it at that amount for subsequent years or increasing when they can! It all helps. Plus, the program creates dozens of jobs for students.”

Ms. Conklin says StFX had enormous impact on her. “I met my best friends in the world at StFX, who I am still friends with today. I learned to properly write and to critically think.”

She has attended multiple StFX Homecomings, including her recent 10-year reunion. “I’m also still best friends with some of the girls I graduated with, so the reminder of StFX is always with us.”

“I love that the Annual Giving Program allows a donator’s funds to go to a place that means the most to them.”

Katie Konlin ’11

X-Men Football defensive lineman

Alex Fedchun was selected in the 2023 Canadian Football League (CFL) draft in May. He was chosen 55th overall, the first pick of the seventh round by the Ottawa Redblacks.

MAGGY BURBIDGE AND DAVID MUENKAT NAMED 2023 STFX STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

X-Women Hockey forward Maggy Burbidge and X-Men Basketball forward David Muenkat were honoured as the 2023 StFX student-athletes of the year.

Burbidge, a third-year arts student from Falmouth, NS, led the country in scoring (47) this season and earned recognition as a U SPORTS first team all-Canadian and an AUS first team all-star with the AUS finalist X-Women. Her 25 goals and 22 assists were both second-best in the nation and she led U SPORTS in shots (194) and plus minus ratio (+33). The two-time X-Women MVP was a member of the U SPORTS Team Canada all-star team that won gold at the FISU World University Games.

Muenkat, a third-year arts student from Brampton, ON, was the 2023 U SPORTS and AUS defensive player of the year. Honoured as a U SPORTS second team all-Canadian and an AUS first team all-star, he led the conference in rebounding (10.2) and was 11th in AUS scoring (15.2). David garnered both U SPORTS and AUS tournament all-star recognition and was the AUS playoff MVP, helping lead his team to the conference championship banner, followed by a U SPORTS silver medal.

Other major award winners at the athletic awards gala included Community X-Cellence awards winners Kathleen Dolan (X-Women Rugby), Aliyah Fraser (X-Women Basketball) and Liam Wilde (X-Men Football). StFX football head coach Gary Waterman was honoured as the 2022 StFX coach of the year while the ‘X-Ceptional Award’ which recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to contribute in a positive manner to StFX Athletics, was awarded to StFX Dean of Business and long-time Athletics supporter and volunteer Dr. Tim Hynes.

A pair of X-Men Basketball forwards were selected first in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) U SPORTS 2023 draft. David Muenkat was the 9th overall pick, selected by the Scarborough Shooting Stars, while Deon Ejim was chosen by the Calgary Surge, 18th overall.

Four StFX hockey athletes represented Team Canada at the FISU World University Games in Lake Placid, USA in January.

X-Women forwards Maggy Burbidge and Lea MacLeod were members of the U SPORTS female all-star team that won gold, while X-Men forwards Liam Hawel and Matthew Struthers were members of the men’s gold medal winning squad.

X-Men Hockey alumnus Patrick Grandmaitre ’03, ’05 was an assistant coach with the men’s team. Grandmaitre is the current head coach of the Ottawa Gee Gees.

Alex Fedchun

David Muenkat

Liam Hawel, Maggy Burbidge, Lea MacLeod, and Matthew Struthers

Deon Ejim

X-MEN BASKETBALL EARN U SPORTS SILVER MEDAL

FANS BREAK ATTENDANCE RECORD AT STFX-HOSTED CHAMPIONSHIP

Basketball fans were treated to an incredible display of talent and excitement this past March at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax as StFX Athletics and Sports & Entertainment Atlantic hosted a highly successful U SPORTS men’s basketball national championship.

The StFX X-Men took the three-time defending champion Carleton Ravens to double overtime in the thrilling championship game, ultimately falling 109-104 as the host squad and AUS champions took home the silver medal. The game was played in front of over 9,000 fans, part of the contingent of a tournament record-breaking attendance of 40,092 over the three-day event.

The X-Men had punched their ticket to the national final with a 77-64 semi-final win over Victoria and a 107-98 quarterfinal win over Queen’s. Two weeks prior the X-Men earned their first AUS conference title since 2006 in the same venue with a dominant 104-54 victory over UPEI.

U SPORTS ACADEMIC ALL-CANADIANS HONOURED

STFX SPORTS HALL OF FAME WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

StFX Athletics honoured 82 U SPORTS Academic All-Canadians from the 2021-22 season, student-athletes who achieved an 80 per cent average or above while consuming a year of eligibility competing for a varsity team. The Athletic Director’s awards for academic achievement were presented by Leo MacPherson ’89 to the top StFX male and female academic student-athletes Joseph Raaymakers (X-Men Hockey) and Kathleen Dolan (X-Women Rugby).

StFX Athletics inducted its 24th class into the StFX Sports Hall of Fame at an October induction ceremony. The Class of 2022 inductees included three athletes (l-r): Richard Karikari ’05 (X-Men Football), Ghislaine Landry ’10 (X-Women Rugby), and (missing from photo) Fred Perry ’01 (X-Men Basketball), along with long-time basketball coach Peter ‘Doc’ Ryan ’78 ’79 who was inducted as a builder.

Athletes, coaches and staff from the 2010 StFX X-Women rugby national championship squad were inducted into the StFX Sports Hall of Fame in the team category.

COADY GRADUATE RESEARCHING MATERNAL HEALTH IN RURAL ECUADOR

In 2017, Maria Gangotena left her home in Ecuador to travel to Antigonish, NS to attend the Diploma in Development Leadership at StFX’s Coady Institute. Now living in Toronto, ON, she is completing her PhD in Educational Studies through StFX in collaboration with Acadia and Mount Saint Vincent universities.

In her early career, Ms. Gangotena was an academic researcher at two large universities in Ecuador with a focus on health and nutrition. She felt disconnected from the communities central to her work, so she left academia and opened a consultancy business. She worked in partnership with non-profit and NGOs such as UNICEF, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

“I started to learn the reality of the communities in my country,” she explains.

“I saw that the community health facilities used a didactic model to teach mothers about maternity health skills. It was like a class in a university, and it was not working because the mothers didn’t understand most of the information.

“The staff were from cities, and they’d go into the rural communities to teach – but

they hadn’t faced the same realities. They were telling the mothers to do things, but not listening to them – not being part of the culture of the mothers.”

When she first came to StFX to attend Coady, she wanted to learn how to develop a methodology to better convey health messages at the community level as a driver of social change.

supervisors for her PhD studies.

For her dissertation, she is conducting community-based research in Conocoto, Ecuador on women’s experiences giving birth in public health facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is a qualitative study that aims to give voice to women,” she explains.

“The mothers are very young. They are 16, 17, 18 years old. They don’t know many things. And sometimes they come from families that don’t give them support because adolescent pregnancy is a social problem for the families and so they reject these young women.

“Coady was the beginning of my new pathway in life – in my personal life and in my career – because after that experience, I started to do things differently,” she explains.

“It was like learning 100 years in five months.”

It was also during her time at the Institute that she met StFX professors Dr. Maureen Coady and Dr. Ann Bigelow. Six years later, they are now Ms. Gangotena’s

“When talking to some leaders in the community, they started to tell me stories about women being separated from their babies in the public hospitals. They were not given breastfeeding counselling and were facing many challenges to breastfeed their babies.”

Ms. Gangotena says that although balancing her duties as a business owner, a researcher, a mother and grandmother, and a student is not easy, it is well worth the pursuit.

“I feel like I have gained 400 per cent more knowledge and skills during these four years of my PhD program.”

“Coady was the beginning of my new pathway in life –in my personal life and in my career – because after that experience, I started to do things differently.”

Maria Gangotena

Maria Gangotena

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

St. Martha’s School of Nursing Alumni Banquet

St. Martha’s School of Nursing, Laboratory, X-Ray technologist’s alumni banquet. The banquet will be held at St. Ninians Place in Antigonish. For tickets contact Janet Gotchall at (902) 863-9414 or email atlanticcathedralpainters@gmail.com

FRI-SUN, OCTOBER 13-15

HOMECOMING

Antigonish, NS

www.stfx.ca/alumni/homecoming

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

STFX CELEBRATES FRIENDSHIP, SUPPORT AT 48 TH ANNUAL PRESIDENT’S CLUB GALA

StFX is truly blessed to enjoy the friendship and support of so many generous patrons, and on June 3, 2023, the university had opportunity to say thank you as StFX celebrated the 48th annual President’s Gala, this year held in Morrison Hall.

“Tonight, we join to express our deep gratitude to you, whose generosity makes it possible for StFX to remain one of Canada’s finest universities,” said evening co-host David Graham ’92, VicePresident of Advancement, who emceed the gala with Monica Foster ’90, Vice-President Finance.

The President’s Club originated in 1975 and the first dinner was held within the Priests’ Dining Hall, moving into the main dining hall through the 1980s and ’90s. As StFX closes in on the 50th

President’s Gala, it seems fitting the university is getting back to its roots for this year’s celebration, Ms. Foster said.

Director of Development Wendy Langley ’92 thanked all patrons who have made a tremendous impact over the years. “Since the inception of the President’s Club in 1975, our members have donated over $221 million dollars to StFX. Yes, that is correct, $221 million dollars!”

StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin shared his vision of StFX’s future during remarks, and Dr. Hakin and his wife Linda presented awards to this year’s 10-Year and 20-Year Patrons, who have given $500+ a year for 10 and 20 years consecutively, and to Lifetime Xaverian Patrons who have reached $100,000 in lifetime giving.

Trevor Gould of Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation

StFX senior executives took part in a panel discussion on the pillars of the university’s new strategic plan.

NEW LIFETIME XAVERIAN PATRONS

Recognizing $100,000 and above in lifetime giving

Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd.

Bell Canada

John ’87 and Ambrosia ’87 Caplice

Class of 1967

Mary Gillis Norton

Ronald A. MacIsaac ’63

Margaret M. McLean ’65

Martin J. Rochon ’86

Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception

Sodexo

NEW TWENTY-YEAR

XAVERIAN PATRONS

Recognizing 20 Consecutive Years of President’s Club Membership

Sheila Donahoe ’66

Bill ’78 and Linda Ellsworth

Kirk ’95 ’99 and Danielle ’97 ’99 Francis

Hon. Patrick Sullivan ’71 and Suzanne Leclerc

NEW TEN-YEAR XAVERIAN PATRONS

Recognizing 10 Consecutive Years of President’s Club Membership

Andrew ’68 and Dianne Barker

Thomas J. Brideau

Errol R. Callbeck ’91

Stephen ’98 and Margo ’99 ’01 Chiasson

David ’92 and Anne ’91 Graham

Peter and Joanne Kenny

Bradford ’69 and Georgene Kinsman

Stephanie Langley ’89 and Daniel Bunbury ’83 ’87

Hon. Peter J. McIntyre ’67

Donald G. McNeil ’72

Thomas ’84 and Ann ’84 Van de Reep

A new award, honouring a class whose fundraising efforts have surpassed the Lifetime Xaverian Milestone of $100,000, went to the Class of 1967.

Anne ‘91 & David ‘92 Graham

Bill ’78 and Linda Ellsworth

Ambrosia ‘87, John ‘87 and Mary ‘22 Caplice

Stephen ‘98 and Margo ‘99 ‘01 Chiasson

Linda Hakin, Dianne & Andrew ’68 Barker, Dr. Andy Hakin.

Linda Hakin, Sheila Donahoe ‘66 and Dr. Andy Hakin

Dr. Jacinta Sullivan ‘11 and Rachel Sullivan ‘97 center, accept the 20 year patron award from Dr. Andy & Linda Hakin on behalf of their uncle Hon. Patrick Sullivan ’71 and Suzanne Leclerc

Tim Thornton, centre, accepts a Lifetime Patron Award on behalf of Sodexo from Dr. Andy & Linda Hakin.

Bill Kiely ‘67 ‘69, accepting the Lifetime Xaverian Award on behalf of the Class of 1967, Dr. Andy and Linda Hakin.

Grant School of Highland Dancing entertains the crowd.

Members of Festival Antigonish kept the crowd entertained with some improv comedy.

John & Joanne ‘88 Kerr, Jacqueline & Shannon ‘90 Stephenson

Natalie Kenny ‘92, MJ MacDonald ‘14, Jim McMullin ‘61, Tracey Pitts, Heather MacPherson and Susan Chisholm ‘92

Dr. Andrew Hakin

ALIGNING THE ASSOCIATION FOR A STRONG FUTURE

After an unprecedented few years, let me start by saying how great it is to see the Hakins, and StFX staff, out on the road meeting so many alumni and friends. Additionally, thank you all who supported our X-Men Basketball team at the USPORTS final in a record-breaking crowd. The Xaverian spirit is alive and thriving!

The StFX Alumni Association has been working hard developing its next strategic plan. We’re often referred to as “Canada’s most engaged alumni network;” however, it’s a title we cannot take for granted. Each of us has a role to play! I’m pleased to share our 2023-2028 plan, Turning Our Pride Into Action, now available at stfx. ca/alumni. I’m proud of StFX alumni, and how we show up for the Xaverian community, in good and hard times. I’m proud of the impact we will continue to make together as we carry out our mission to foster connections between alumni and StFX.

On April 1, the association was pleased to be a presenting sponsor of StFX’s “A

X CONNECTIONS

One of my favourite questions to ask current StFX students is ‘Why StFX?’ What is it that made you chose to move here from the west coast, from the United States, or from a country that doesn’t experience -30 windchill days? Most times the responses are similar—because of the small class sizes, because of the prestige of the program, or my favorite, because another alumni recommended that the student would enjoy the same StFX experience that they had. For many students I speak with coming to StFX is a family tradition. For some of our more recent graduates, they are the first in their families to attend StFX, and that is largely possible because of you, our amazing alumni, sharing your

Night for the Blue & White,” which celebrated the university’s contributions to health care in Nova Scotia. We are grateful to the Province of Nova Scotia and to Victor and Mona Dahdaleh for their historic donations!

During Spring Convocation, we rewelcomed 2020 and 2021 graduates to the association at their in-person ceremony. A day later, nearly 1,000 2023 graduates joined our organization. I encourage all to lend a hand to these new alumni, whether introducing yourselves at a chapter event, or offering to be an XConnects mentor (stfx.ca/alumni/xconnects).

On June 2-3, the association’s governing Alumni Council held its annual spring meeting and invited numerous chapter leaders to participate. Our alumni chapters are flourishing – thank you to all volunteers! Because of your affinity, alumni near and far continue to gather and celebrate all things StFX. We’ve recently launched a new chapter in North Carolina, and plans for more international chapters are underway.

Lastly, the Alumni Association is always looking for volunteers! Interested in starting an alumni chapter? Curious about joining Alumni Council? Reach out to alumni@stfx.ca.

Enjoy summer, and I look forward to connecting at Homecoming in October.

Hail and Health!

Kathleen Sheridan

President, StFX Alumni Association

stories and encouraging students in your lives to give StFX consideration. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you out there who have been our biggest cheerleaders, just like my classmate, Eryn Hessian ’00 ’03, featured in this edition. If you know of a student who might be interested in attending StFX and joining Canada’s most engaged alumni network, please reach out to alumni@stfx.ca or scan the below QR code and we can have one of our recruitment team members reach out!

Hail and Health!

Shanna Hopkins ’01 Director, Alumni Affairs

FROM ALUMNI AFFAIRS l SHANNA HOPKINS ’01, DIRECTOR

’15

Kathleen Sheridan ’15

Shanna Hopkins ’01

Everywhere they went—from ordering falafel sandwiches to touring the Israeli Supreme Court—10 StFX students and their professor Dr. Jamie Levin encountered modern history, while also gaining a more nuanced understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during a 10-day experiential political science course in Israel and Palestine.

“It was remarkable,” says Dr. Levin, the StFX political science professor who led and organized the full credit course, Fault Lines in Israel/Palestine, that included extensive readings and assignments before the April 25 to May 5 on-the-ground experience.

It’s the first time StFX offered the course, the only program of its type in Canada, which saw students learn about the complexities of the Israel-Palestine relationship by visiting sites of importance and speaking with experts and locals.

The trip was made possible through a generous donation from the Larry and Judy Tanenbaum Family Foundation that funded 10 scholarships of $4,500 each in addition to thousands of dollars of institutional support.

The Mulroney Institute at StFX also generously contributed $10,000 in financial support to the program and provided institutional support.

Dr. Levin says the group arrived at an interesting time in Israel’s young history, as the country marked its 75th anniversary of independence, and on week 14 of massive

social protests against a judicial overhaul policy believed by many to threaten vital government checks and balances.

The protests, he said, had a peaceful, almost celebratory vibe with bands set up and families in attendance.

Everyone they encountered, be they for it or against, held a strong position on the hugely divisive policy.

“The students had an opportunity to see this. We’re coming from a society that is politically jaded and apathetic, particularly in the student age cohort, to a country where there is zero apathy and 100 per cent engagement.

“People are on the streets, every week, with their parents and grandparents. That was a transformative experience for the students,” he said.

“One of the things that we try to do is to imbue that politics is everywhere and in everything, and that can be a tough nut to crack in Canada where many young people believe it doesn’t matter, it doesn’t affect them, or they would have little influence over it.

“To go and see this political vibrancy…it awakened something in our students,” he says. “To go there and see there are layers of complexity and nuance, and to be able to relate that back to your own experience, to me this is profound. Students start asking these questions and the hope is they never stop.”

Dr. Levin says part of the reason he wanted to offer the course is to give students a humanizing experience, a literacy about the names and places in the news so they become real places and real people to them.

“They developed a literacy and confidence to read the news differently,” he says. And even if those memories and connections fade, that’s okay. They’ve developed a political literacy and an ability to see humanity that they can bring with them to whatever is important to them.

For students, the opportunity was transformative.

“This experience has already had such a significant impact on me and my perspective about the conflict and even about issues going on here in Canada,” says Katherine Starr, a third-year honours public policy and governance student from Newmarket, ON, doing a subsidiary in political science.

Ms. Starr says she feels so lucky to have received such a distinguished scholarship and the fact that StFX provides these opportunities to students, no matter their financial abilities, is amazing.

“We are very lucky to have the (Tanenbaum) foundation believe in the program,” says Dr. Levin, who hopes it may become an annual event.

Dr. Levin also thanked StFX Service Learning and the Office of Internationalization for their help in preparing for the trip.

STFX STUDENTS COMPLETE ON-THE-GROUND COURSE IN ISRAEL AND PALESTINE

CLASS OF 1975 LEGACY GIFT TO HELP PROVIDE AN EDUCATION FOR ALL

TELLING TALES OUT OF SCHOOL

To celebrate its upcoming 50 th reunion in 2025, the StFX Class of 1975 has set itself a goal of helping others—establishing the Class of ’75 Legacy Endowment Fund to help support StFX’s Tramble Centre for Accessible Learning, a critical resource for students with learning and physical disabilities.

In the 2022-23 academic year alone, 725 students were registered with the Tramble Centre. Many of these students have said that without the support they receive, they would never have succeeded at StFX.

“It’s been a StFX tradition that the class celebrating its 50th reunion present the university with a legacy gift,” says class president Mike Cahill ’75. “As we approach this milestone, we wanted to pursue a project that held wide interest and make an impact. Supporting the Tramble Centre is a way to pay it forward. The funding will, among other things, help the centre replace technology in the testing lab and purchase essential learning aids.”

The class has set a goal of raising $100,000 by 2025. One classmate agreed to match all donations received by March 31, 2023, and already, with the matching gift, over $60,000 has been raised.

“We are striving for strong class participation and every donation regardless of the amount is greatly appreciated. We should easily exceed our initial target. The more we raise means there will be more money each year to support the Tramble Centre,” said Mike “Jake” Brien ’75, campaign co-chair with Iain Boyd ’75.

To make it as manageable as possible, pledges and donations can be made monthly or over other multiple periods of time and made by credit card or pre-authorized chequing.

To donate online, please visit www.alumni.stfx.ca/classof1975fund

For more information, please contact Mr. Brien at Mike.brien@ rocklandcapital.ca or Mr. Boyd at iboyd@stfx.ca.

Editor’s Note: StFX is well-known for community and connection— even those bonds that come in roundabout ways. Here, Dr. Dorothy Lander ’81 shares one such tale in the following article.

Reconciliation is in the Zeitgeist—and storytelling and story listening clear the path to achieve it. In 2021, Jim Healy ’81 and Dorothy Lander ’81 “friended” each other on Instagram. Some 45 years earlier in 1976, when Jim was new in his role as Housing Commissioner of the Students’ Union and I had just taken over the management reins for service operations (residences, food service, cleaning services, conference services), friendship did not exactly characterize our relationship.

In April 2023, I posted on Instagram photos of the 100thanniversary university-community collaboration on the historical reenactment of the founding of the first permanent European settlement of Antigonish at Town Point, Antigonish Harbour in 1784. Jim responded immediately: I have a wonderful story for you Dorothy. In my first term as Students’ Union President in 1977, Ray MacLean [history professor] came to 4th Floor Bloomfield and asked me to be on the StFX Varsity Fishing Team! It was a threeday international tournament held in Yarmouth with four American universities and four Canadian universities each competing on a deep-sea fishing boat. We pulled in 4,000 pounds of fish and placed third behind McGill and Harvard!

Dorothy: Dennis Flood ’80 would know this story, right?

Jim: Yes, he was my roommate in Burke—Dennis was Chairman of Council then, now Chairman of the Board! Ray picked me up at the suite at 5 a.m. for the drive to Yarmouth and I forgot my wallet and rubber boots. I fished on the boat for three days in my slippers.

My gratitude to Instagram as a powerful vehicle for reconciliation. Jim and I would never have discovered that we graduated from StFX in the very same year and that we have much more in common than our early interactions would ever have predicted.

L-r: Mayor Colin Chisholm, Warden Angus MacQuarrie, Deputy Mayor Eileen Henry, J. K. MacDonald, Ray MacLean, community member cast as Colonel Timothy Hierlihy. (Photo: Archie MacLellan)

NEWS EXCHANGE

’80s

Mary Ellen (Murphy) Strautmanis ’83 recently relocated from New York City back to Cape Breton Island and released her debut novel Reverse Ripples in late May. The novel is set on the island of Vieques off the coast of Puerto Rico, and was inspired by her own visits to this island with its world-renowned bioluminescent bay. Reverse Ripples is described as a magical, suspense-filled story of friendship, adventure, time travel, and love that transcends time.

Tony Fabijančić ’87 was recently promoted to full professor of English at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland. He is the author of three books: Croatia: Travels in Undiscovered Country (University of Alberta Press, 2003), Bosnia: In the Footsteps of Gavrilo Princip (University of Alberta Press, 2009), and Drink in the Summer: A Memoir of Croatia (Athabasca University Press, 2023). His other publications include scholarly articles, travel essays, personal essays, political essays, short fiction and photographs in the University of Toronto Quarterly, The Globe and Mail, Calgary Herald, The Antigonish Review and elsewhere.

90s

Hugh Cameron ’91 ’93 received an OCSB Director of Education Commendation Award. The awards are presented annually to outstanding role models in the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Hugh has been teaching at Monsignor Paul Baxter School for over 20 years.

’10s

Zak Lewis ’14, head coach of the Ottawa Rowing Club, was the recipient of Rowing Canada’s President’s Award for his significant contributions to rowing. In addition to coaching the highly successful women’s senior and U23 programs, Zak has made efforts to make the sport more inclusive and diverse by bringing a free rowing program to underprivileged communities in the Ottawa area and starting a Pride Paddle to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. Zak was also instrumental in securing a $149,000 grant to complete renovations of the clubhouse so that training can take place year-round.

After graduating from X, Siobhan Morris ‘16 completed her J.D. degree at Queen’s University Faculty of Law, and just completed her Master of Laws (LL.M) from

Harvard Law in May 2023. Siobhan credits St FX – in particular Prof. Peter Poole – for fostering her love of learning. She plans to return to Canada to work as a litigator at Conway Baxter Wilson LLP/s.r.l., and would love to hear from Xaverians passing through Ottawa.

’20s

Nina Sanchez ’22 upon graduating with a BA dual major in aquatic resources and public policy and social research, returned to The Bahamas to begin mangrove restoration work. Nina is the Bahamas Initiative Coordinator with Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT) on a project that aims to transplant up to 100,000 mangroves in the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Working with Nina is another StFX aquatic resources grad from The Bahamas, Justin Lewis ’13, who is the Bahamas Initiative Manager with BTT.

Catherine (MacLellan) Schneider ’09 ’11 and Christopher Schneider

Shanelle Clowe ’14 and Christopher Hillier ’12 with their beloved dog Charley on their wedding day in Bowring Park, Newfoundland on June 30, 2022.

Landon Joseph Barclay June 4, 2021

Katie (McGann) Barclay ’03 and Ryan Barclay

Jim Dineen ’66 holding his first great-grandchild Red Edwards and nephew of Alumni Association president Kathleen Sheridan ’15.

Vanessa Neilly ’14 married Patrick LeClair ’15

Emma Dwyer ’20 was promoted to the rank of Acting Sub-Lieutenant in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Proud parents, Denis Morris ’82 and Dr. Kathy O’Brien ’84, congratulate their daughter Siobhan Morris ’16 on receiving her Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Harvard Law School in May 2023. Siobhan is also the granddaughter of Dr. Brian ’52 and Florence O’Brien.

Bernice ’78 and Bill ’67 ’69 Kiely at the Prince George Hotel before the U SPORTS Men’s Basketball Championship final game.

Colin Alexander Victor Schneider June 18, 2022

John McCara ’82 (right) received the QEII Platinum Jubilee Medal in recognition of his outstanding service as a tax information officer with the Nova Scotia Provincial Tax Commission. John was also a recipient of the Service Nova Scotia & Internal Minister’s Award in December 2022.

Mitch

’17, pictured with the 2023 IIHF World Championship Cup after Team Canada edged out Germany 5-2. Furlotte was the Coordinator of Hockey Operations for Team Canada.

Sachin Mohandas ’19 has completed an MS in physics from Louisiana State University. He will be attending Boston University in the fall for the MS in Applied Data Analytics program and intends to pursue a career in data science.

Olivia (Dube) Donovan ‘84 ’85 was travelling in Porto, Portugal with her husband Alvin Donovan ’85 when she had a wonderful chance encounter with Cathy MacArthur ’85, a B.Ed. classmate whom she hadn’t seen in 38 years. Oliva and Cathy are now both retired from teaching secondary English on opposite sides of the country. From l-r: Alvin Donovan ’85, Olivia Donovan ’84 ’85, Cathy MacArthur ’85, Barry MacKay (Cathy’s husband).

federal ministers and StFX graduates, the Hon.

Minister

Labour, and the Hon.

Fraser ’06, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, visited campus on Feb. 28, 2023, touring the Rankin School of Nursing and the Health and Counselling Centre. Here, the two are pictured by the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government, named in honour of another StFX alumnus and former Canadian Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney ’59.

Phillip Cooper with several alumni enjoying a two-week sailing trip in the Caribbean. By coincidence, Phillip’s neighbour Fearghus MacDonald ’22 who just started studying medicine in St Vincent, was able to join the group for an evening on board on Dec. 3 to celebrate the feast of St Francis Xavier! From l-r: Leif Vaage (visiting prof Religious Studies ‘08), Phillip Cooper, Fearghus MacDonald ’22, Captain Gordie Pellerin ’66, Dave Cashin ’77, Gary Samson (husband of Karen Samson ’76).

Two

Seamus O’Regan ’92 (left),

of

Sean

Ryan MacKinnon ’08 and Collette Murphy ’15 were married on March 17, 2023 in St. Joseph’s, Antigonish. Pictured here with family and friends who are also X alumni.

Furlotte

Nina Sanchez ’22 has been working on mangrove restoration in The Bahamas since graduating with her BA in aquatic resources & public policy and social research.

Doris Veronica (Boylan) Anstie ’38

J. Joseph MacDonald ’46

Dr. Tom J. Southcott ’47

Mary “Ailene” (McKenna) Campbell ’48

Daniel “Don” McNeil ’48

Rosemarie (Casey) Goguen ’49

Francis “Frank” J. McGilly ’49

Therese Marie Martin (Warner) ’51

Most Rev. J. Edward Troy, Bishop Emeritus ’51

Rev. P. Brian Hansen ’52

Dr. Richard “Dick” Keogh ’52

Malcolm “Vic” J. MacInnis ’53 ’56, former staff & faculty

Arthur Francis Coady ’54

Joan Margaret (Gildersleeve) Nunn ’54

John Roy MacDonald ’55 ’56

William “Bill” Alexander MacPherson ’55

Kenneth Ross Gordon ’57

Duncan Joseph Keenan ’57

William “Ted” Edward Leahy ’57

Lawrence Alexander MacDonald ’57

Ruth Rafuse (Grant) ’57

Rev. Francis Cameron ’58

Guy C. Lebel ’58

William Francis Kennedy ’59

Robert Leo Campbell ’60

Dr. Peter J. Christmas ’60 Hon Doc ’90

Vivien Kruszewski ’60

Donald William MacLean ’60

Wilbert Leo Pellerin ’60

William “Bill” Edward Stone ’60

Pierre Harty Berube ’61

Robert V. Haley ’61

William “Bill” A. Clarke ’62

Daniel MacKay ’62 ’63 ’77

Dr. George Albert Sapp ’62

Daniel Archibald MacKay ’62 ’63 ’77

Raymond S. Chrzan ’63

Carmel Bernadette (MacPherson)

Campbell ’64 ’65

Blair Joseph Campbell ’65 ’66

Joseph “Joe” Freeman Haley ’65

Thomas D. Noonan ’65

Anne Furlong (Hyslop) Stapleton ’65

Leon Isaiah Dubinsky ’66

Shauna (MacDonald) Doolan ’67

Daniel Gregory “Greg” MacSween ’69

Lt. Col. Sean P.B. McGrath (retd) ’69

Dr. Velautham “Karuna” Karunakaran ’69, former faculty

J. Wayne Rogers ’69

Thomas “Tom” Joseph Meyers ’71

James “Jim” P. Nunn ’71

Blair Sherman Pellerin ’71

John Francis “Ace” Clark ’72

James “Jim” Kevin Holmes ’73, former staff

Elizabeth “Libby” Anne (MacLennan)

Coady ’75

Paul Gregory Wallace ’75

Adele Dorothy Young ’75 ’89

David Allan McIntyre ’77

Mary Kathleen (MacDonald) Purcell ’77

Paul Edward Steele ’79

Dr. Nurjahan Huq ’80

Rev. John Edward Melnick ’81

Betty Jean (Hamilton) MacMillan ’82

J. Clyde Nunn Jr. ’82

Alan Edmund Sullivan ’83

Barbara Marlene MacInnis ’88

Glen Joseph O’Neil ’91

Patrick Joseph Cooney ’94 ’12

Jennifer Nicole MacEachern-Nichols ’95

Charlene (Hayes) Schneiderman ’98

Dale Austin MacPhail ’00

Blair William Connors ’03

Sr. Elaine MacInnes, OLM, Hon Doc ’05

James “Jim” Frederick Judiesch ’10

Robert “Rob” John Hall ’16

Helen Vari, Hon Doc ’19

Hugh James “Jim” Delorey, former staff

Walter Byron DeWolfe, former staff

Alanna Teresa Fahey, former staff

Julia Anastasia (Wallace) MacMillan, former staff

Judith Anne Shaw, former faculty

Reynold Lance Stone, former faculty

John Tompkins, former staff

William “Billy” Michael Wallace, former staff

Enid Gladys Rita Wood, former staff

OCT 13-15, 2023

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

Lianne Campbell

Email: alumni@stfx.ca

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

Rita Myatt

Phone: (902) 867-2186

Fax: (902) 867-3659

Email: rmyatt@stfx.ca

DEADLINES

SUMMER ISSUE

copy deadline April 15 for July mailing

WINTER ISSUE

copy deadline October 15 for December mailing

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 Alumni News 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

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

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.

FRI-SUN, OCTOBER 13-15 Antigonish, NS

SHOPPING FOR PREMIER X-GEAR JUST GOT EASIER!

WHERE ARE YOU?

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

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 send-offs each summer in cities and towns across the country and beyond. If we don’t have your current contacts, we’re not able to send out event notices, alumni mailouts, or the AlumniNews magazine, mailed free of charge 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

Elisabeth Mariann AbiDaoud ’98

Barbara J Adams ’98

David Warren Algee ’01

Conny Barbara Amlung-Manson ’04

Paul Amos ’99

Jayne Marie Andrews ’02

Noralea Arsenault ’99

Derek Rodney Atwood ’01

Kimberly Rose Aucoin ’04

Kevin Gerald Austin ’99

Joseph Harold Baird ’02

Dennis G Barrie ’01

Nicole Madonna Barry ’02

Jason Conrad Beaton ’03

Jonathan Francis Beresford ’02

Paul Bryden Berkvens ’02

Eva M Bernard ’01

Jacob Newman Billard ’02

Christopher Alan Blakney ’00

Carol Anne Boudreau ’02

Shelley Marie Boudreau ’99

Ellen Bourassa ’03

John Gerard Boutilier ’99

Susan Christine Bowers ’04

Thera Beth Breau ’99

Charles Wilfred Broderick ’00

Gregory George Brophy ’01

Danielle Anne Brothers ’00

Debra Lynn Bruton-Kinnear ’03

Cynthia Louise Bryanton ’04

Stephanie Anne Bullock ’98

Donna Bulman ’98

Tania Anne Burke ’00

Susan Caines ’02

Craig Edward Campbell ’00

Danielle E Carmichael ’98

Liesje Marie Carrigan-Quinto ’01

Tanya Louise Carroll ’99

Mary Ellen Carter ’99

Leigh Everett Casey ’00

Jo Anne Kerry Cassan ’02

Graham Joseph Cassidy ’04

Barbara Jean Caulfield ’98

Charles Everett Chambers ’02

Donald William Chisholm ’99

Rocco Ciccone ’99

Arleen Closter ’03

Vanessa Ann Clowe ’00

Jenna Michelle Cock ’04

Shana Marie Coffin ’04

Annette Colville ’00

Margaret Rose Connors ’99

Rita Darlene Cooley-Warnell ’03

Melissa Marie Couch ’03

Peter William Crawford ’03

Bobbie-Lee Cummings ’02

Andrea Hazel Currie ’04

Jedediah David Curry ’04

Trevor Allen Curry ’00

Sean Aiden Dalrymple ’99

Crystal Leeanne Dandy ’99

Hollie Mae Dawson ’99

Cheryl Lynn Daye-Fraser ’04

John Joseph Decoste ’01

Nancy Raquel Dillon ’02

Amanda Diochon ’00

Mark Andrew Dolmont ’02

Lindsey B M Donovan-Neto ’00

Shannon Eileen D’Orsay ’01

Matthew John Doucette ’01

Robert Thomas Doucette ’00

Margot Jean Doyle ’01

Margaret Louise Eddy ’99

Gillian Marie Ellis ’01

Kristan Aileen Ellis ’04

Stephanie Adele England ’04

Barbara Ann Everdene ’99

Jacqueline B Faber ’99

John Farrugia ’99

Michael James Faulkner ’00

Dale Marie Fewer ’03

Jennifer Ann Field ’04

David Finlay ’98

Jillian Flight ’00

Andrea Raylene Forgeron ’98

Bonita Marie Fougere ’99

Shirley Darlene Fradella ’04

Kathryn Beverley Franklin ’04

Bonnie Fraser ’98

Joseph Scott Fraser ’00

Melissa Jean Friel ’02

Carrie Ellen Gabriel ’03

Donald Kempton Gamblin ’04

Jonathan Patrick Gardner ’01

Nuria Garza de Rojas ’03

Liza Gaudet ’99

Evelyn Marie Gavel ’99

Jeffrey Matthew Gay ’01

Joseph T George ’98

Jaswant Ghali ’01

Gwen O Gillette-MacKillop ’98

Deborah Elizabeth Gillis ’04

Joseph Royden Gillis ’99

Paul Michael Gillis ’00

Paula Gouthro ’00

Matthew David Gray ’04

John Leo Green ’01

Sadie Griffin ’02

Shane William Gushue ’04

James David Hall ’02

Laurie Ann Hanson ’03

Michael Vincent Harley ’02

Kelly Jean Harrington ’01

Sherryl Marie Harrison ’98

Michelle Ellen Hart ’98

Joseph Patrick Hayes ’02

Kelly Hayes ’02

M Lorraine Heighton ’99

Kendra Lynn Hillier ’98

Thomas Joseph Hines ’00

Barbara Lois Holmes ’99

Frances Hunt-Jinnouchi ’01

Sabrina Grace Jeans ’99

Krista Amelda Jenkins ’99

MacKenzie Kirk Jessome ’04

Jessie Emily Johnston ’03

Shelley Anne Kaiser ’99

Md Kamruzzaman ’04

Tara Jean Kell ’01

Robert Terrence Kellock ’00

Katherine Arlene Kennedy ’03

Michael Todd Kennedy ’00

Natalie Lorraine King ’02

Pamela J King ’00

Sarah Louisa Kolybaba ’02

Carolyn Ann Lamey ’03

Jean-Pierre Landry ’03

Marie Michelle Landry ’98

Vanessa Madonna Landry ’99

Claudette Landry-Lefort ’99

Christopher Gordon Langille ’04

Roger Lapierre ’99

Chara Dawn LaRusic ’03

Robyn Gail Lauder ’01

Cheryl J Leahy ’99

Joseph Thomas Leblanc ’99

C Ryan Lee ’04

Deborah Lynn Lelievre ’02

Meredith Anne Letain ’03

J Simone Levy ’01

Loren Anne Lewis ’04

Lisa Nicole Long ’03

Kyriakoula Lozos ’99

Tahneen Faith Luedee ’01

M. Adele Lumsden ’04

Angela Ann MacDonald ’99

Brenda Joyce MacDonald ’99

Brian Daniel MacDonald ’99

Christopher Hugh MacDonald ’00

Jaime Ann MacDonald ’04

Jeanne Elizabeth MacDonald ’04

Jeff Young MacDonald ’01

Joanne Elizabeth MacDonald ’04

John David MacDonald ’03

Jordan Thomas MacDonald ’03

Karen Marie MacDonald ’03

Kerri MacDonald ’04

Leo Mills MacDonald ’04

Nicole Cecelia MacDonald ’98

Anna Angela MacEachern ’99

Brent MacEachern ’99

Amy Maureen MacEwen ’00

William Cameron MacFarlane ’02

Patrick Stephen MacGillivray ’99

Elizabeth Anne MacInnes ’04

Jennifer Lynn MacInnis ’02

Janet Lorraine MacIsaac ’00

Daniel Philip Austin MacKay ’03

Jonathon MacKeigan ’00

Angel Meridith MacKenzie ’98

Susan Jill MacKenzie ’00

Blair Joseph MacKinnon ’99

Crista Jane MacKinnon ’99

Margaret Patricia MacKinnon ’04

Michelle Kathryn MacKinnon ’02

Richard Raymond MacKinnon ’03

Aynsley Elizabeth MacLean ’04

Carrey Lynn MacLean ’98

Erin Elizabeth MacLean ’04

Nancy Eliz MacLean ’99

Andrea Michelle MacLeod ’98

Krista Leigh MacMillan ’03

Helen Laura MacNeil ’99

Kimberly Deborah MacNeil ’99

Loretta Joan MacNeil ’03

Mary Gillis MacNeil ’02

Nicole Marie MacNeil ’02

Scott Angus MacNeil ’98

Tammy Lynn MacNeil ’99

Lori Ann MacPhail ’00

Craig Joseph MacPhee ’98

Heather Terese MacPherson ’98

Lauren Jessica MacPherson ’04

Nicholas Lawton MacPherson ’01

Cindy Eltha MacQuarrie ’00

David Magloir ’01

Robert Lawrence Mahoney ’99

James Edward Marlow ’00

Jenna Martell ’00

Curtis Lee McCormick ’03

Cory McDonald ’00

Erika Dawn McEachern ’00

Paul Daniel McGuire ’03

Kellie A McIvor ’04

Jessie Anna McKay ’99

Julie Rebecca McKenna ’01

Michele Anne McLachlan ’01

Christopher Gary McNamara ’01

Adam Miller ’00

Crystal Miller ’02

Peter Sidney Mitchell ’98

Sean Coleman Mitchell ’01

James G Morrison ’02

Robert George Moser ’01

Dawn-Marie Moxsom ’02

Natalie Muise ’98

Kevin Daniel Murphy ’01

Marylea Anastasia Murphy ’98

Dennis Elliott Murphy-Odo ’99

Michele Lynn Murray ’99

Pamela Marie Nicol ’00

Natasha Lynn Nolan ’04

Judith Norman ’99

Kellie Kristin O’Dea ’03

Tara Marie Oicle ’02

Adeola Adenike Ojelabi ’03

Margaret Anne O’Neill ’00

Susie Paula Pacheco-Doppelreiter ’98

Amanda Jane Paolini ’03

Julie Corine Paquin ’99

Nicholas Chad Pashkoski ’04

Angela Charlotte Payne ’01

Holly Dawn Peley ’98

Suzanne Marie Pelrine ’01

Lorie Anne Penton ’01

Nichol Delaura Peterson ’99

Andrew Marc Pierce ’04

Jeanette Patricia Pink ’00

Matthew Robert Porter ’03

Asetha Jaclyn Power ’00

Edward Power ’01

Roy William Power ’02

Sara Lee Quann ’04

Ryan Arthur Quick ’00

Rania Adel Rabah ’98

William Radford ’99

Loretta Edith Ransom ’99

Patricia Anne Rawding ’98

Daniel Kincade Renton ’02

Melissa Marie Reynolds ’01

Paul Melville Rhindress ’99

Steven Gary Rhodenizer ’02

Carol Ann Richard ’99

Nadina Marie Richards ’01

Duncan and Samuel, children of Kristin and Mike MacKenzie, StFX Communications & Marketing Officer.

THE POWER OF THE STFX EXPERIENCE

Hail and Health StFX alumni and friends!

As I reach the end of my first six months as VP Advancement and get reacquainted with Antigonish and StFX, it has been an incredible experience to walk around campus and absorb the remarkable transformation that has occurred in the 30 years since I graduated. As I view campus life once again through more ‘experienced’ eyes and see so many new Xaverians creating their own stories, I see a community of engaged students, intent on learning and creating a better future for themselves. They’re also committed to creating a better world.

StFX is as vibrant a community today as it was when I was a student. The student experience is similar in many ways to the one that I’m sure we all experienced, but it has evolved to meet the modern student’s needs. There is a tremendous feeling of community on campus that is fostered in our immersive residential experience. There are passionate faculty still calling students by name and challenging them to explore ideas critically and to take on research only available to post-graduate students in other institutions. There are talented student

athletes who wear the X with pride on their jerseys and who have the whole of Antigonish and our alumni rallying around their efforts as we witnessed when we filled the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax with almost 10,000 cheering fans for the USPORTS Basketball final. And finally, there is an incredibly dedicated staff group, who support our students in so many ways. Our small university in northern Nova Scotia continues to far exceed the expectations that others set for a school of our size and location. Some continue to underestimate the power of the immersive student experience and how that crafts highly motivated individuals who aren’t afraid of setting lofty aspirations and tackling complex challenges. I look forward to reconnecting with many of you as you return to campus for events or when we bring StFX to you through alumni events and President’s receptions. I look forward to telling you our students’ stories and connecting you with their hopes and dreams of what a StFX education will give them as they move out into the world. I hope to be able to engage you in discussions on how we

can best serve our students and overcome some of the challenges that we face at StFX and I look forward to hearing from you on how StFX helped create the person you are today. Assembling all these perspectives will help us shape our approach to some of our current priorities which include:

• Renovating Cameron and MacKinnon Halls to update them to a modern standard. This will enable us to meet the needs of more students in two of our iconic buildings.

• Expanding our student financial aid funding, specifically in bursaries that address student financial need.

• Removing our central heating plant and transferring our campus onto a more sustainable energy source. This will create an incredible opportunity to re-envision what that space could be as we move forward.

I can’t wait to see what lies ahead and I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to return to a place that shaped so much of who I am today.

Hail & Health

David Graham Vice-President, Advancement

Anne ’91 and David ’92 Graham, Vice-President Advancement, were recognized as new 10-Year Xaverian Patrons at the recent President’s Club Gala.