StFX Alumni News - Summer 2017 by Stfx University

StFX AlumniNews

SUMMER 2017

CONNECTING ALUMNI & FRIENDS OF St. FRANCIS XAVIER UNIVERSITY

WORLD’S MAGGIE MACDONNELL ’02 WINS GLOBAL TEACHER PRIZE BEST TEACHER

Connect StFX to the next generation of leaders.

As alumni, you can play an important role in helping talented students from your community learn about StFX. And it’s never been so easy to do. Our StFX Alumni website provides you with helpful tips, links and tools, all designed to help you share with your StFX Admissions Team.

Make a difference in someone’s life. Visit www.stfx.ca/refer or contact us to get started.

ADMISSIONS AND RECRUITMENT Toll Free: 1-877-867-StFX l E-mail: admit@stfx.ca l www.stfx.ca

StFX ALUMNINEWS CONTENTS

Congratulations to the incoming members of the 2017 President’s Circle of Young Alumni

Feature 8

World’s Best Teacher Maggie MacDonnell ’02 wins $1 million Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize out of 20,000 applicants worldwide.

Contents NewsFlash

Features 3

Athletics

Alumni Association Update

Chapter News

News Exchange

It’s Official! StFX welcomes nearly 1,000 new members into the alumni family during Spring Convocation 2017.

Q & A with Brian Mulroney A conversation with The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney on StFX and getting involved.

18 Night of Thanks StFX recognizes donors during 43rd annual President’s Gala.

22 Visit StFX’s online alumni community, The X-Ring: www.stfx.ca/alumni StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

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

PROVIDING THE BEST OPPORTUNITIES AND ENVIRONMENT “Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.” Indeed, the more things change, the more they stay the same and this spring, campus feels enlivened once again by the prospect of a new academic building, new green spaces – indeed, a new centre that will further enhance the intellectual life of the university. These will be significant changes, of course, but they come about as a result of our collective desire to provide the very best opportunities for our students and faculty to learn and teach in an environment that stimulates the mind and spurs the heart. The history of StFX is intertwined with the narratives of our students who cared deeply about the communities in which they lived, worked, and studied. In this edition of the AlumniNews, we introduce you to some of the StFX alumni whose experiences at StFX inspired them to continue that devotion beyond their time on campus, and work for the betterment of others. I was recently invited to attend the New York Times Higher Education Leaders Forum with university presidents from across America. There, I was reminded that

Dr. MacDonald and his wife Mary-Ellen MacPhee ’87 on the StFX campus.

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the best universities are made great by a professoriate that is similarly devoted to its students. As the campus changes shape, we are buoyed by the certainty that our faculty members (some of whom are featured in the following pages) are staunch leaders, outstanding researchers, dynamic instructors, and fiercely empathic supporters of our students. In this edition of the AlumniNews, we also introduce you to the significant changes taking place at our university, including the complex Xaverian Commons project. This is the largest investment in our 165-year history. It is anchored by our $100 million Mulroney Hall project that will transform upper campus, and around this beautiful new hall will be more green spaces and a planned teaching and research building that will be dedicated to academic programming related to health and arts. Time at StFX goes by very quickly. As I enter my fourth year at StFX, I must recognize the one person who was most responsible for allowing me to serve as the 18th President, the Chair of the Board of Governors, Mr. Mark Wallace ’80. There were (and are) many reasons to return to StFX. However, over a period of several months’ discussion with the hiring committee, I was struck by the passion that Mark had for StFX. I have long loved StFX, yet Mark’s passion became contagious and, as they say, the rest is history. Over the past three years I worked closely with Mark. We shared ideas about the future of StFX, grappled with challenges of the day, while also recognizing that this university directly impacted our lives today. It is with a real sense of regret that Mark’s term as Chair of the StFX Board of Governors comes to an end this month. I felt it is important to recognize the personal and financial commitment that Mark and the Wallace family has made to StFX and I want to extend a very public thank you to him for his guidance, patience, support, and friendship.

Dr. Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93, StFX President Having studied successful university presidencies, one critical aspect of success is the president – chair relationship and I could not have had a more supportive and helpful Chair. I wish Mark well and we look forward to welcoming him and Anita back to campus in May 2019, when they will proudly attend their son’s graduation! I must say that I am very much looking forward to working with incoming Chair, Mike Boyd ’85. Mike is tremendously experienced and like Mark, has a great love of StFX. Hail and Health.

Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93 President and Vice Chancellor

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

L-r, StFX President Dr. Kent MacDonald ’86, ’93; the Hon. Randy Delorey ’00, MLA for Antigonish and Nova Scotia Minister of Health and Wellness and the Treasury Board and Minister of Gaelic Affairs; Central Nova MP, Sean Fraser ’06; StFX Academic Vice-President and Provost Dr. Kevin Wamsley; and StFX Dean of Arts Dr. Karen Brebner ’90.

STFX RECEIVES $35 MILLION GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT FOR XAVERIAN COMMONS A nearly $30 million federal investment, combined with $5 million previously committed by the Province of Nova Scotia, has given a green light for the single most transformative project in StFX’s history, the Xaverian Commons. “This is a remarkable announcement,” StFX President Dr. Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93 said on the combined $35 million investment announced April 28, 2017 that will help StFX create an academic hub on upper campus through the Xaverian Commons project. “This is a visionary investment in Canada’s next generation of leaders and thinkers. First and foremost, this is an investment in the academic mission of St. Francis Xavier University,” said Dr. Kevin Wamsley, StFX Academic Vice-President and Provost. Dr. MacDonald applauded many people during his address, and in particular Sean Fraser ’06, Member of Parliament for Central Nova, for his confidence and persistent support of the project of regional and national significance, as well as the Hon. Randy Delorey ’00, MLA for Antigonish and Nova Scotia Minister of Health and Wellness, for his support and vision. Dr. MacDonald also singled out Joe MacDonald ’74, StFX’s Executive Director, Government Relations and Strategic Initiatives, for his tireless work. The $29.9 million federal funding is in support of the Xaverian Commons, a threefold project and total infrastructure investment

of $100 million that will see StFX construct two strategically-aligned teaching, research and learning centres, and refurbish a third. This includes construction of the already announced Mulroney Hall and the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government; refurbishing Nicholson Tower; and construction of a new academic building that will centralize and consolidate StFX’s widespread focus on teaching and research in health. Dr. MacDonald noted that StFX will not take on any debt on this project. The monies for the project will be secured through alumni and friends of StFX.

SET IN MOTION NEW OPPORTUNITIES

The project sets in motion a number of opportunities including the ability to reimagine academic space. StFX will align academic research and learning spaces to provide professors of varying disciplines with the opportunity to teach in interdisciplinary programs and to conduct research with fewer intellectual or infrastructural barriers, Dr. Wamsley said Students gain increased access to faculty members for the personal mentorship that StFX uniquely offers, and it gives StFX the chance to green its buildings, enhance campus accessibility, and plan financially for the university’s future.

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

Lynsay Spafford

Dr. Donna MacDougall ’93

IMMUNIZATION RESEARCH LED BY StFX NURSING PROFESSOR RECEIVES NEARLY $200,000 IN CIHR FUNDING Immunization research led by StFX Rankin School of Nursing professor Dr. Donna MacDougall ’93 to help improve the health of children in Canada’s north, particularly in relation to whooping cough, has received a nearly $200,000 two year operating grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) in partnership with the Public Health Agency of Canada. Dr. MacDougall is the principal investigator on an improved immunization coverage initiative entitled “Implementation of an immunization program with pertussis vaccine during pregnancy: identifying barriers, factors that predict success, and interventions to improve coverage among Inuit women.” It’s a research partnership between vaccinology researchers at StFX, Dalhousie, the Canadian Centre for Vaccinology, Public Health Ontario as well as health authorities of Nunavut and Nunatsiavut and the communities they serve. There are 17 investigators in total, and two other investigators from StFX, Cathy MacDonald ’00 and Jacqueline vanWijlen ’12.

StFX STUDENT WINS AWARD AT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

StFX student Lynsay Spafford was singled out for outstanding research at the largest earth and space science meeting in the world. The fourth-year honours environmental sciences student with a biology concentration, attended the American Geophysical Union (AGU) meeting in San Francisco in December, where she presented her undergraduate research on how lakes process carbon. She won an Outstanding Student Paper Award at the major international conference, where about 15,000-20,000 people present. The vast majority are masters and PhD students.

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY DAY AT StFX

Dr. Adam Lajeunesse

LOCK, STOCK AND ICEBERGS: StFX IRVING SHIPBUILDING CHAIR WINS NATIONAL DAFOE BOOK PRIZE For nearly a decade, Dr. Adam Lajeunesse has studied the complex history of the Canadian Arctic to understand its future. Now, the book resulting from this research – Lock, Stock and Icebergs, A History of Canada’s Arctic Maritime Sovereignty – has earned Dr. Lajeunesse, Irving Shipbuilding Chair in Canadian Arctic Marine Security at StFX’s Mulroney Institute of Government, the prestigious $10,000 2017 John Wesley Dafoe Book Prize. The national book prize recognizes non-fiction about Canada. 4

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Back: Dr. Kim MacLean ’87, Dr. Margo Watt ’93 (Coordinator of Forensic Psychology Concentration at StFX), Dr. Mary Ann Campbell (UNB). Front (Alumni Panel): Dr. Meg Ternes ’01, Angelina MacLellan ’15, Jared Uhlman ’07, Nicole McGillivary, Derek Atwood ’01.

A successful Forensic Psychology Day was hosted on campus March 17, 2017, with a wide range of speakers touching on topics from the mental health needs of young and older offenders to a service dog demonstration. The day concluded with a panel of alumni speakers who advised students on “Getting from here (X) to there (Y).” Organizers say these alumni are great friends of the Forensic Psychology concentration at StFX and provide valuable insight.

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

NEW GYM FLOOR, BLEACHERS KICKOFF OLAND CENTRE RENOVATIONS; CLAIM AND NAME YOUR SEAT CAMPAIGN BEGINS New comfortable seating and a professional main gym floor are on their way to the Oland Centre, home of StFX varsity basketball, the Department of Human Kinetics, and numerous university and community recreation uses. On April 10, 2017, phase one of a multi-phase, multi-year renewal and update project began at the building, opened in 1967, that when complete will see a new main

gymnasium floor and new seats installed. The much-needed updates are possible thanks to secured private donations, with efforts continuing. Those interested in supporting the project can do so through StFX’s Claim and Name Your Seat Campaign, which allows people to sponsor and dedicate seats with name plates.

StFX MASTER’S STUDENT IN SPAIN RESEARCHING ORE DEPOSITS, SUPERCONTINENT FORMATION

Lori Paslawski

It’s been an interesting and educational few months for StFX earth sciences master’s student Lori Paslawski ’16 who was in Spain since January working on a project in collaboration with the Spanish Geologic Survey. She is researching the formation of the ancient supercontinent Pangea, the potential geologic linkage between Nova Scotia and Spain, and how this supercontinent formation resulted in some of the world’s most prolific copper, lead and zinc deposits. The project is an extension of her supervisor, StFX earth sciences professor Dr. James Braid’s ongoing research in Spain looking at ancient mountain building processes.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

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

SSHRC GRANT FOR STFX PROFESSOR WILL BRING RESEARCH ALIVE IN FILM, DANCE, THEATRE AND SONG For the past eight years, Dr. Jonathan Langdon has documented and gathered the voices of those defending a 400-year-old livelihood in Ada, Ghana. Now his research work is about to come to life—in film, dance, theatre and song. Dr. Langdon, an associate professor in StFX’s Development Studies Program and Adult Education Department, and Canada Research Chair in Sustainability and Social Change Leadership, is the successful recipient of a $49,925 SSHRC

Connection Grant. The grant will fund an innovative project building on Dr. Langdon’s eight years of research and publications on the Songor Lagoon in Ada, where the communities, and especially the women, living around the salt-producing lagoon have mobilized through a social movement determined to defend their way of life, to connect audiences with the story through collaborative film and dance storytelling.

L-r, Kate Perkins-McVey and Maddie Gillmeister L-r, team members Ross Walker, Amy Czuczman, Emma Fudge and Cecil Ash

SCHWARTZ SCHOOL STUDENTS ENGINEERING STUDENTS SECOND MAKE TOP 10 IN CANADA’S NEXT IN NATIONAL COMPETITION TOP AD EXEC A team of StFX engineering students excelled on the national stage, taking home second place in the consulting category of the Canadian Engineering Competition held March 2-5, 2017 in Calgary, AB. The StFX team included Cecil Ash, Amy Czuczman, Emma Fudge and Ross Walker.

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StFX Gerald Schwartz School of Business students, Kate PerkinsMcVey and Maddie Gillmeister, were in Toronto this spring to compete for national honours in Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec competition after they advanced to the top 10 in a competition process that included 215 submissions from 25 schools.

ALUMNI PROFILE

Dan ’79 and Grace ’12 MacDougall

FIGHTING

GIANTS of the OCEAN

FATHER-DAUGHTER CREW TUNA CHARTER

“

For a father-daughter team, helping visitors to Nova Scotia experience the rush of catchand-release bluefin tuna fishing is all in a day’s work. Captain Dan ’79 and first mate Grace ’12 MacDougall are the crew behind MacDougall Bluefin Tuna Charter, running chartered excursions from late August through October from Cribbon’s Point, NS, into waters teeming with giant bluefin tuna, the giants of the ocean. Some weigh over 1,000 lbs. The tuna migrate to the area, particularly St. George’s Bay and the Northumberland Strait—attracting sport fishermen from around the globe every fall since the federal government okayed catch-and-release fishing about six years ago. Several charters operate from the area. For the MacDougalls, more than fishing, the dad-daughter dynamic is special. “It’s a treasure for me,” says Dan, a StFX science grad and third generation fisherman, who with Grace is also a commercial fisherman. “To have a family business and to have one of your children working side-by-side with you, it’s part of your heritage and to see that keen interest in one of your own is a treasure.” He says he and wife Mary always took the approach they never wanted the children— they have four, each fished and each earned a university degree—to feel it was something they had do. If someone was interested, they wanted them to approach.

WHEN YOU FISH WITH SOMEONE, IT’S LIKE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF BOND. AND HE CAN KNOW I LOVE FISHING AS MUCH AS HE DOES. GRACE MACDOUGALL

“I’m proud to be able to do it,” says Grace, who holds a B.Sc. in human kinetics. “Half of it is the environment. When you fish with someone, it’s like a different type of bond,” she says. “And he can know I love fishing as much as he does.” Both started to see fishing as a career post university. Dan, the youngest of nine boys, recalls he was in his first year at StFX when his brother, taking a job as a teacher, turned over the fishing license. Dan attended university and he fished. “I fell in love with it,” he says of his time on the water. “It gets in your blood. “I liked the independence, the benefits of hard work and I love the renewable resource, the conservation part. I’m fishing the same grounds my grandfather fished and if we look after it, it will be there for my grandchildren.” “It was my first job too,” says Grace. “I always wanted to be out there. I was slowly falling in love with fishing. I was asking questions. I was interested in more than deckhand work.” Both say they reap the benefits of their StFX degrees.

“I really do feel I use it every day,” Dan says. You’re thinking in many ways, it’s not just brawn in fishing, he says, noting the job involves everything from keeping up with regulation changes, to marketing, to the science involved. Grace, a personal trainer in the off-season, says she often applies what she learned about the body and active situations. She’s learned how to safely move and how to use her muscles, to maximize strength in a maledominated profession and to protect and maximize her own physical health. Being female in the industry, Grace says it’s fun to throw people for a loop. “It’s fun to be able to do what people don’t normally think you could.” Dan says he takes pride showcasing what the Antigonish area, StFX and Nova Scotia offers. Grace says she loves being able to provide the adrenaline rush clients seek. “They travel far for this. They care a lot about this trip.” She says it’s a great feeling when they get off that chair and say they never felt that feeling run through they’re body. “They’re elated. “I love being able to coach someone through that.” “It’s the raw power. Tuna, it’s the king of sport fishing,” says Dan, “It’s exuberance, adrenaline and exhaustion all at once.”

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WORLD’S

BEST TEACHER MAGGIE MACDONNELL ’02 WINS $1 MILLION GLOBAL TEACHER PRIZE, RECOGNIZED FOR TRANSFORMING LIVES, ACTS OF KINDNESS BY SHELLEY CAMERON-MCCARRON Maggie MacDonnell ’02, winner of the prestigious $1 million U.S. 2017 Global Teacher Prize, remembers the day the mayor of Salluit, Quebec, a small, isolated fly-in community in the Canadian Arctic, called to ask if her students—“socalled delinquents, at-risk youth”—could run polling stations during the upcoming federal election. “Look how far we’ve come!” she remembers thinking. “How engaging is that for these Indigenous young people to have this experience.” Not that long ago, these very same students had been regarded as people with “harsh reputations as bullies, vandals, junior criminals.” Ms. MacDonnell wanted to change that. She chased down funding and created opportunities, “Acts of Kindness,” she called them, having students make community meals, patch holes and paint community shacks now used to host a youth music group and AA meetings. She started a running club, helped get daycare work placements, began a life skills program for girls and “did a lot of Cinderella work” to bring a fitness centre to life in the community – just a few of the projects she created to promote self-esteem and healthy lifestyles and to give her students a transformative experience, including a new view on how they saw themselves. “Youth have so much potential. They have to be given a platform,” says a passionate Ms. MacDonnell, singled out from an astounding 20,000 applications from 179 countries to win the Varkey Foundation’s world’s best teacher award at a gala ceremony in Dubai on March 19, 2017. StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

Maggie MacDonnell ’02 accepts the Global Teacher Prize in Dubai.

The Varkey Foundation, which presents the award, said that Ms. MacDonnell so impressed the judges with her dedication in helping not just her school pupils, but the whole community in which she lives and works. But it is her determination to make a real difference to the lives of her students that stood out. She teaches at Salluit, nestled in the Canadian Arctic. In winter, temperatures are minus 25 C. Due to the harsh conditions, there are very high rates of teacher turnover, which is a significant barrier to education in the Arctic. Many teachers leave their post midway through the year and many apply for stress leave, but Maggie has stayed on for six years, carefully building bonds with her students and instilling them with hope. The Varkey Foundation said that Ms. MacDonnell has also been incredibly resourceful and innovative. She has, for example, established a fitness centre, which has become a hub for youth and adults in the local community who are embracing a healthier lifestyle. It is relieving stress, helping young people grow stronger physically and mentally. Though their home is geographically remote, Maggie’s dedication and skill ensures that her students can see far beyond the horizon. Through her, students understand that they are part of a global village where more unites them than divides.

MASTERS OF THEIR OWN DESTINY

Ms. MacDonnell grew up in Afton in Antigonish County, NS. Her mother comes from Margaree, the Cape Breton village that produced the late Moses Coady, namesake and inspiration of StFX’s Coady International Institute. “I’ve always been fascinated a bit about Moses Coady, the man, the legend he was,” says Ms. MacDonnell, who holds a StFX human kinetics degree and who set and achieved a goal to be selected as a Coady youth intern. The Moses Coady outlook on education is one that has stood with her, she says: that people should be masters of their own destiny.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

“THE STFX COMMUNITY AND THE COADY COMMUNITY, I HOPE THEY KNOW HOW MUCH CAPACITY THEY SHARED WITH ME. I STAND ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS” MAGGIE MACDONNELL ’02 “It’s something I always try to bring into my classroom. As a teacher, how can I create experiences to develop skills so students can reach that destiny. “Sometimes, it’s quite crucial to give them the space, confidence and hope within them that they can dream,” says Ms. MacDonnell, who returned to Canada to take a position in Salluit after spending five years working internationally in Botswana, Tanzania and Congo. She says she generally uses a community development approach informed through the Coady, “to no longer see young people as problems, to see them as solutions and to help empower them. “We face tremendous challenges and are going through things incredibly tragic in the North, the youth suicide crisis, I witnessed 10 young people die in my community in two years…food insecurity, intergenerational trauma, tremendous housing overcrowding.” When people ask why she works where she does, her reply is ready. “Why not? Who are we as Canadians to run away from challenging situations.”

Maggie MacDonnell with members of the running club she established.

“THOUGH THEIR HOME IS GEOGRAPHICALLY REMOTE, MAGGIE’S DEDICATION AND SKILL ENSURES THAT HER STUDENTS CAN SEE FAR BEYOND THE HORIZON.” THE VARKEY FOUNDATION POWERFUL EXPERIENCE

In March, she flew to Dubai with three of her former students as a top 10 finalist for a global award. All four attended an education conference at the Atlantis Hotel on Palm Island in Dubai that included invited global leaders and the top 50 teachers from the last few years. She says the Varkey Foundation so strongly believes in education, they created a glamourous red carpet event for teachers for the awards ceremony. The announcement of her name as winner came from the International Space Station. “You’re on stage with an additional nine outstanding candidates. When they announced my name, for sure I was in disbelief. I think I had to hear it twice. I was very amazed and humbled that they would honour me, working in such a small niche, it was a very poignant move by them. It was very humbling. One of the best parts was knowing three of my students were in the audience with me, three students who had graduated and who I had a big impact on and they had a big impact on me, and I was able to call one on stage with me.

Photo: Marie-Andree Tayara

Maggie MacDonnell and her students being interviewed by CBC after running in the Bluenose Marathon in Halifax.

2017 winner Maggie MacDonnell ’02

Photo: Abdullah Kafashe.

At the Global Teacher Prize awards gala in Dubai.

“It was so powerful to have them there with me,” says Ms. MacDonnell who secured funding from her school board for the students to come to Dubai. “I felt I needed to honour that relationship to those students. “Their voices are the most powerful. I wanted the world to know them.” As a non-Indigenous person, she wanted to have that representation there and to shine global attention on her students. She also wanted the experience to open their eyes to new dreams, new horizons. “It’s hugely impactful for my students.” Ms. MacDonnell says one former student in attendance had told her she was the reason she went on to college, a remarkable achievement, that she was the motivating voice in her life. “She had tears streaming down her face as she watched my name get called. It was really genuine and powerful for me to know that, that I could have made her that proud. As a teacher, wow, your student is crying for you. That’s a touching moment.”

OBSERVE, BE COGNIZANT, BE PATIENT

In a community where so many teachers leave, how did she manage to not only stay, but succeed? “Going into the community, I had a huge advantage having worked internationally and cross-culturally before,” says Ms. MacDonnell, who holds a masters in sociology and gender empowerment. “It helps that a lot of my previous education and experience prepared me well for the challenges I would face in that reality. I knew I was going into a place that would be complicated.” She says her time as a Coady intern prepared her well for future endeavours. “The Coady had a fantastic six-week pre-departure workshop and discussions trying to prepare people even before they got on the plane.”

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

When you get to a new place, you need to observe, be cognizant and have patience, she says. Students will put you through an initiation period. And there’s good reason for this distrust, she says. The kids see that revolving door with teachers a lot. When they get to know you and become more comfortable with you, they’ll see you as a whole person. “Once the youth get to know who you are, there’s such an opportunity to build this really genuine, intimate, almost familial connection, and for a personality like me, it has me hook, line and sinker. You see the importance you’re playing in their lives.”

CREATING RELATIONSHIPS

“To me, it was always about creating relationships,” she says. “Because of my relationships, I have been able to do so much in the community. I always see relationships as two-way. It’s only because the kids chose to trust me that we were able to go on such incredible journeys.” Ms. MacDonnell says initially she rejected the idea of entering the competition, but when a friend suggested it may bring more attention to issues facing Canada’s North, she relented. “I’m not one for the spotlight. A friend and colleague encouraged me to apply and I kept rejecting the idea, ‘that’s not for me, no, no, no, this is just not a place I should be standing.’ He kept encouraging, saying, ‘If you got so far, maybe you could raise more awareness of the community.’”

STANDING ON SHOULDER OF GIANTS

Looking back to her time at StFX, Ms. MacDonnell says the size of campus and the closeknit community helped develop leadership opportunities in students. She was certainly involved: serving as a student senator, on the O-Crew, and participating in an immersion service learning trip to Cuba. She fondly recalls experience working with former professor Dr. Heidi Stanish in an adaptive physical activity class with L’Arche, and getting real life work experience “working under the nose of my professor,” Dr. Deb Vossen, who with husband Jeff had operated a gym called Simply Fit. “I worked at the Oland Centre front desk staff with Joan Dillon, who was a legend with X-Project, and I remember giving out turkeys with Coach K (X-Men basketball coach Steve Konchalski) over Christmas,” she recalls. “StFX just had so many rich opportunities to get involved.” And, great faculty who taught her a lot, she says. In particular, the kinetics skills program she took at StFX has been phenomenal. “I feel so lucky to have real practical skills and tools that I could share and engage with

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

young people right away. You need a hook or an engagement tool.” Likewise, the Coady left its mark. “Their stamp is all over my community development approach. I’ve had other influences, but so much they’re the foundation I stand upon. The asset-based, community development approach, I use that approach and have had so much success with people I’ve worked with. “The StFX community and the Coady community, I hope they know how much capacity they shared with me. I stand on the shoulders of giants.”

AMBITIOUS DREAMS

With the award comes a $1 million U.S. prize to use for projects. Ms. MacDonnell wants to start an organization that will revitalize kayaking in the community. The Inuit invented kayaking, she says, but it is rare to see it in Salluit today. The ancestral home of this boat, doesn’t have any paddling on its shores. “I want to use that as my engagement, to take back that tradition, but also to turn it into an environmental stewardship program. So many youth can be disengaged from the land. I want to find ways for young people to engage with the land, fall in love with it, build up skills, advocate for it and take care of the land. “It starts small with a kayak, but my goals are big.” Ms. MacDonnell is hoping that such a program will help Inuit people rebuild and reconnect with their cultural identity, rejuvenate their physical health, their connection to the land and the environment, and perhaps even connect with other youth around the world doing similar things to become global citizens. While still in the early stages, she also hopes to set up some partnerships, including with StFX and the Antigonish community. “My dreams are ambitious,” she admits. If there’s one thing she’d like, it’s her X-Ring, stolen in Tanzania, to find its way back to her. “I’m this million dollar teacher, but the money goes towards these projects.”

VALUE OF TEACHERS

Ms. MacDonnell says she shares this award with the entire team of people she worked with at her high school. She also wants to share an understanding of the value of teachers. “The King of Dubai, astronauts, Bollywood stars, they were celebrating me at the gala. I really got the feeling that teachers matter. “I wish I could share that feeling with teachers. I really want teachers to know how much they matter and how special they are. The future is in their hands every day in the classroom. It’s of incredible value.”

IT’S OFTEN BEEN NOTED THERE IS STRONG SOCIAL AWARENESS AMONG STFX GRADUATES, A DESIRE TO BETTER THEIR COMMUNITIES. WE’RE PLEASED TO HIGHLIGHT JUST A FEW OF OUR ALUMNI MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

Drs. Allison Chisholm ’93 (left) and Teresa (Hynes) Caplice ’93 in Guatemala.

Dr. Teresa (Hynes) Caplice

Dr. Allison Chisholm

DENTISTS RECONNECT GIVE BACK IN GUATEMALA When Dr. Teresa (Hynes) Caplice ’93 asked longtime friend and fellow dentist Dr. Allison Chisholm ’93 if she wanted to join her on a 10-day volunteer brigade to the western highlands of Guatemala to bring dental service to indigenous populations facing high rates of poverty, malnutrition, illiteracy and marginalization, the answer was immediate: “I’m in!” Dr. Chisholm replied. Their March 2017 brigade with Change for Children helped treat upwards of 500. “Being able to apply your skills and your time in service to help build stronger communities is a great gift. Sharing it with a lifelong friend is priceless,” says Dr. Caplice. “We came home each night exhausted, but with a great sense of accomplishment.” The communities they visited don’t have access to dental or health

care, they say. “The villages were remote and sometimes difficult to reach, but we were always welcomed like family.” Dr. Caplice, based in Toronto, ON, and Dr. Chisholm, practicing in Fredericton, NB, met at StFX in 1989, bonding over Dr. David Bunbury’s Friday morning organic chemistry quizzes, late nights in the genetics lab working with fruit flies, and the “occasional” visit to the Triangle Tavern, they say. They’ve moved on with work, life and family commitments, seeing one another infrequently. It was time to reconnect and give back. “Our shared values of community development and social justice, instilled at StFX, felt pervasive throughout the trip,” they say. Says Dr. Caplice, “throughout our four years at StFX, I found that there was a general sense instilled that we are supposed to contribute back to society… do what you can to help.”

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

“YOU LEARN THE BASICS IN A SMALL SETTING WITH AMAZING TEACHERS. YOU CAN BUILD ON THE FOUNDATION AND SUCCEED. SO LOTS OF CREDIT TO STFX” DR. ALEIXO MUISE

Dr. Aleixo Muise ’91

MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGH Dr. Aleixo Muise ’91 is a leader on a team that has recently discovered a new disease, ARPC1B, a breakthrough that’s made the difference in particular for a 10-year-old boy who finally received a diagnosis after years of health problems – and now possibly a cure. Dr. Muise and a team from Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children used advanced DNA sequencing to reach the diagnosis. The breakthrough came after a lot of work, says Dr. Muise, a StFX chemistry graduate and a staff gastroenterologist at SickKids, co-director, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Centre, and senior scientist, cell biology program, and associate professor, paediatrics, at the University of Toronto. He says they go from the patient to sequencing all the genes in the body. “Once we have a good candidate – it’s two years to try to prove it really causes disease and how the gene works in health and in disease. Then we look for other patients who have a similar disease and again try to prove it. Long process but great when it all comes together.” Dr. Muise’s research focuses on understanding severe forms of intestinal disease in young children, including inflammatory bowel

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

disease. These patients often do not respond to conventional therapies and are at risk of premature death. The goal, he says, is to revolutionize treatment by defining underlying genetic causes to develop a precision medicine approach to therapy. He established the first clinic focused exclusively on very young children at SickKids and established the National Early Onset Pediatric IBD Cohort Study. His lab is an international leader in the study of pediatric gastrointestinal disease, identifying the genetic cause for five novel diseases, and has led to patients achieving cures from lifelong and life-shortening diseases. It’s always a tough and exciting moment, he says, to tell a family they’ve been able to diagnosis. “Most parents are very grateful to know the reason why their child is sick. When the ‘research’ leads to new therapy or known treatments it is great!” Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children is an unbelievable place, he says, with no other place like it in Canada and one of the top in the world. “I would not be able to do this work anywhere else.” He says his time at StFX provided a great start.

“I WANTED TO HELP PEOPLE. I ALWAYS KNEW THAT WOULD BE MY CALLING.” YUKON PREMIER, SANDY SILVER

Sandy Silver ’92

SANDY SILVER: When Sandy Silver ’92 moved to the Yukon over 20 years ago, he wanted to be involved in the community, to give back and contribute. On Nov. 7, 2016, he certainly accomplished that goal, taking on his biggest role yet, elected to the Yukon’s highest office as premier. Mr. Silver led the Yukon Liberal Party from a single seat—his, won in the October 2011 election when he first entered politics—to a majority of 11 seats. It’s an exciting time to be in politics in the Yukon, says Premier Silver who arrived in Whitehorse in 1996, moved to Dawson City two years later to take a job as a math teacher, and has been an active volunteer, musician and youth mentor in the decades since. He recalls working with First Nations youth when he arrived. “They were my introduction to the Yukon. They were amazing individuals, we became close friends. I had a bond with these Indigenous kids,” he says. At the same time, he couldn’t believe how the school system was set up. “They were left on their own in a lot of ways.” Indirectly, this experience helped put him on a path to politics. “The whole community spirit I was taught by these kids,” Mr. Silver says. “I wanted to volunteer. I wanted to get to know the community, to look past the driveway. “I fell in love with the community that summer, the trust, the sense of community. This community gives you so much.” He started to get involved at the school level, trying to make things better. From here, he stepped up another level to the community. Premier Silver says he’s always been opinionated, always the kind of guy who looks out for the underdog. He remembers complaining

YUKON PREMIER

about some issues and a friend asking him, “What are you going to do about it?” “I didn’t go into it from a political perspective. I came into it from a community perspective,” he says. “These are Houses of Common, they reflect the common people.” Representing community concerns, being a man of the community, has always been his approach, he says. “I wanted to help people. I always knew that would be my calling.” Over the years, he’s done this by coaching, mentoring and tutoring youth. He volunteered for community organizations such as the Dawson City Fire Department, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in community events, Learning Disabilities Association of Yukon and White Ribbon Dawson, and served as president of the Dawson City Music Festival. He was an active educator in the First Nations community. He supervised practicums for the Yukon Native Teacher Education Program and was involved with the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Justice department and the restorative justice process including Community Group Conferencing. StFX, he says, absolutely fosters a social awareness among its graduates, including a desire to better communities. “If you spend four years in Antigonish, at StFX, there’s such a mosaic there, there’s the Coady, and the community is so close-knit,” he says. “People who are attracted to a small community are cut from a similar cloth. They have that sense of ownership over the community. They’ll reach out past their families. They want to give back and be a part of the community. “StFX, it’s a profound statement,” he says. “I could go on forever with what it means to me. Those early years formed me as a person.” StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OFFICIAL!

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

StFX CELEBRATES SPRING CONVOCATION WELCOMING NEARLY 1,000 GRADUATES INTO ALUMNI FAMILY We’re blessed by an environment here at StFX that enables us to be agents of change. Victoria Sandre “Let’s make this official!” With those words, the Class of 2017—together with their parents, family and friends—rose in a standing ovation as StFX Chancellor Dr. Susan Crocker officially conferred degrees and diplomas on nearly 1,000 new StFX graduates from across Canada and around the world on May 7, 2017. Internationally renowned Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw artist, filmmaker, musician, author, and social justice advocate Alan Syliboy, and distinguished Canadian diplomat Anne Leahy were honoured with the degree Doctor of Laws honoris causa. “To the graduating Class of 2017, congratulations,” said StFX President Dr. Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93 who extended a warm StFX welcome to all gathered. Dr. MacDonald urged students as they close one chapter and open another to re-hoist their sails and set their sights even further and figure out what else needs to be done. “Even though the world is a much better place, you don’t have to go far to realize there is more work to be done.” He opened remarks telling a story of human kindness while he was overseas recently. He told graduates that while we are often inundated with negative stories in the news and online, the world is still a wonderful place, and his hope is as they leave that they will be less impressed by money, power and titles and more by kindness, humility, generosity and character. “I hope you now embrace this gift called a StFX education.”

BLESSED BY STFX ENVIRONMENT

“We’re blessed by an environment here at StFX that enables us to be agents of change,” said chemistry graduate Victoria Sandre, who delivered the morning senior class address. “I look forward to witnessing the sparks your energy will spread all around the world.” Schwartz School business graduate Hannah Herbert-Robertson gave the senior class address in the afternoon ceremony. “We’ve all just been given a gift,” she said as she noted how fortunate they all are to come to this school. What’s important now is we use the tools we have and make the world better around us, she told her classmates. Glenn Horne ’07 ’08, president of the StFX Alumni Association, congratulated graduates and encouraged them to become active in the alumni family and in society.

HONOURS AND AWARDS

Many honours were presented during the ceremonies. Among these were the presentation of the StFX Outstanding Teaching Award to chemistry professor Dr. Truis Smith-Palmer and to English professor Dr. Kailin Wright. Political science professor Dr. Lavinia Stan was honoured with the President’s Research Award. Two others singled out were longtime faculty members Dr. Burton MacDonald ’60 and Dr. Daniel MacInnes who each received the distinction of Professor Emeritus during the ceremony.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

A FEW MINUTES WITH STFX ALUMNUS, THE RIGHT HONOURABLE BRIAN MULRONEY â&#x20AC;&#x2122;59

Brian and Mila at their residence in Palm Beach, FL

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

WE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK WITH THE RIGHT HONOURABLE BRIAN MULRONEY ABOUT HIS TIME AT STFX AND THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING INVOLVED AND SUPPORTING STFX. AlumniNews: Before you became Prime Minister, you were working on a different type of campaign – a fundraising campaign for StFX. In fact, you chaired that initiative. What inspired you to get involved? Mr. Brian Mulroney: In 1979, I joined the campaign as its chair. I did so because there was a need at StFX, and also because I felt those of us who benefitted from a StFX education owe it to the university to give back. Really, I got involved because of what StFX had done for me. I’m very proud to say that our goal was to raise $7 million, but by the end of it we had raised $12 million for this great institution. AN: At StFX, helping and giving back is part of our ethos – we attract students committed to making a difference. Even as a student here you led initiatives to support those in need – not just on campus, but literally across Canada. One example was supporting Hungarian refugees. Why was it important for you to get involved with such causes as a student? MBM: That initiative was called the Hungarian Relief Committee and it started following the Hungarian Revolution, which captivated the minds of students around the world – and certainly at StFX. When we saw pictures of these people trying to get out of Hungary to escape the communist regime and then make their way to Canada, we formed the committee to help as they arrived. I was chairman of that at StFX and we put on a number of events, knocked on the doors of some businesses and ended up raising money. For me, that story shows people, no matter what stage in their lives, can always make a difference. My hope is that all alumni recognize the tremendous impact StFX has on people and within communities, and decide to get involved. AN: You’ve been involved in many campaigns, so you know they are traditionally made with gifts of all sizes. But, many people hold back from giving because they believe small gifts won’t make a difference. What would you say? MBM: I would say banish the thought! Every contribution is extremely valuable, from $10 to $1 million. First of all, it indicates the commitment of the alumni to the university; secondly, it presents value for the university, and thirdly -and this is something people who have never been involved in fundraising may not be aware of -- it’s a meaningful component to foundations and other major donors. They always ask, “What percentage of your alumni contribute?” When fundraising,

foundations and major donors say to themselves “Well, if the alumni believe in the university so much, we’ll contribute too.” So every nickel that alumni contribute is of great value to StFX, and it can be used advantageously in a number of important ways. AN: So you’re saying that it’s about participation, because external organizations will look even more favourably upon StFX knowing our alumni are behind the cause? MBM: Absolutely. In other words, their rationale is “If your own alumni don’t believe in the university enough to make a modest contribution every year, why should we be interested?” You can imagine how much easier it would be if we had even just 20 per cent of alumni contributing. If that were the case, we’d have more money for scholarships and research and professors, and we’d also have a great story to tell prospective donors who would be blown away by our alumni participation. AN: As part of the campaign for the Mulroney Institute of Government and Mulroney Hall, you specifically earmarked funds for students in financial need. Why is that so important to you? MBM: We’re going to have about $20 million for endowed academic chairs and scholarships and bursaries - including $1 million for Aboriginal students. This is important to me because many of my classmates and I really didn’t have much money when we went to StFX. It was a sacrifice for all our parents to have us there. Given the escalating costs of a university education, the more money we can pump into student scholarships to attract the best students from across Canada and the world, the more StFX’s reputation and standing will benefit. And it will help a great number of young students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to go to university. That to me is a tremendous achievement for StFX. In fact, after my tenure as Prime Minister, I was very honoured to establish an endowment of approximately $500,000 in scholarships at StFX in the name of my late father, Benedict Mulroney. I did that to ensure students who were less well-off would get to go to StFX and benefit from the university in the same manner I did. AN: It has been reported that you and Mila contributed $1M to the current campaign and assumed a major portion, if not all, of the costs associated with this campaign to make it successful. Why did you feel it necessary to do so?

MBM: I was conscious of the reality that prospective major donors would ask me what I have done to support this campaign. I wanted to be able to demonstrate that I truly believe in what StFX can do and strongly persuade them to contribute. Secondly I had seen situations where consultants and agencies fees absorb a huge percentage of campaign revenue. To avoid that, I decided there would be no consultants and that I would pick up most of the costs to ensure that StFX received 100 cents of every $1 contributed. AN: I’m wondering if you can reflect on your time as a StFX student? MBM: For me, my four years at StFX were happy and productive. I enjoyed them immensely. I learned a lot. It served as a basis for my hopes, my dreams and my ambitions, and it got me from there to law school, from law school to a major law firm in Montreal, to the presidency of the Iron Ore Company of Canada, to the Prime Minister’s job. I am conscious of the fact that while I enjoyed it all, most of it wouldn’t have happened without those transformational years at StFX. I’m very grateful to the university and for all of those who were my teachers and advisors and administrators. It was a transformational moment in my life when I entered StFX as a 16-year-old. I left nearly 20 as somebody who was a different man; a different person. I was very favourably influenced and affected by StFX teachers, scholars and students. I’ve seen over these years lots of successful alumni from StFX. I know many of them, and I don’t know one who was not positively influenced or helped by their time here. We all benefitted from examples of leadership at StFX, ranging from the Coady Institute to some of the wonderful professors who instilled into us values to last a lifetime. And I think it’s incumbent on all alumni, of all backgrounds, to give back to StFX in a major way so that StFX can continue to provide the leadership and support it gave to people like us many years ago. AN: What’s next for you? MBM: As long as I’m around, I’m going to keep raising money for scholarships, for research, for more professors. We want to have the very best professors and students. We have a future to look at and I’m not going to quit now. AN: So no retirement for you? MBM: My wife won’t let me!

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

CAMPUS NEWS

StFX FOR SAFE REACHES $100,000 FUNDRAISING GOAL

FIRST TWO RESEARCH CHAIRS FOR BRIAN MULRONEY INSTIUTE OF GOVERNMENT

StFX students Kohlin (back left) and Kristian (back right) Rasenberg celebrate at the “Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow” fundraiser with members of Kristian’s Antigonish Minor Basketball team who were ushers and emcees at the ceremony.

Just weeks after raising $70,000 of its $100,000 fundraising target, StFX for SAFE has surpassed its goal. At an April 27, 2017, fundraiser, SAFE treasurer Sheila Sears announced the event raised over $8,000. Then she astonished the audience, announcing a $20,000 anonymous donation to up the total to over $100,500. The news brought the audience to its feet and StFX education student and StFX for SAFE co-chair Kristian Rasenberg to tears. “This means SAFE will be able to sponsor another Syrian refugee family,” he said. “This really has been an incredible story of community generosity and the Xaverian spirit,” says sociology professor Dr. Norine Verberg, co-chair of StFX for SAFE, a campaign established by students, staff, faculty, unions, and local alumni with a goal of raising $100,000 for the local settlement group called SAFE, or Syria Antigonish Families Embrace. Says Mr. Rasenberg, “Never doubt that every kind gesture, big or small, builds lives.”

Dr. Adam Lajeunesse

BROAD ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS STUDENT RESEARCH DAY Dr. Karl Skogstad

StFX has selected its first two research chairs for the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government. In collaboration with Irving Shipbuilding Inc., StFX has appointed Dr. Adam Lajeunesse as the Irving Shipbuilding Chair in Arctic Marine Security Policy and Dr. Karl Skogstad as the Irving Shipbuilding Chair in Marine Security Economics. In their new positions, Drs. Lajeunesse and Skogstad will work together to research Canada’s role in global marine security issues with a focus on the Arctic region, and will contribute to strengthening the marine industry in Canada. The full breadth of StFX’s rich academic experience was on display March 30, 2017, as a record number of students showcased their research and advanced studies during the 15th annual Student Research Day. Students across disciplines explained and discussed their research—covering topics from the economic future of lobster in the Gulf of Nova Scotia to the evaluation of group therapy for Canadian veterans and RCMP officers with PTSD— during the university-wide forum. 20

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

StFX STUDENTS LEAD WAY FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

SECOND ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF StFX AUTHORS FETES FACULTY AUTHORS

Students from the StFX Environmental Society and Department of Engineering created a successful proposal that could see more solar panels installed on top of Bloomfield Centre.

StFX students are helping lead the way in making the campus community more environmentally-friendly. Student representatives from the StFX Environmental Society and the Department of Engineering have developed a proposal that will see more solar panels installed on campus, increasing the amount of renewable energy produced. The proposal has received support from university administration. Panels could be erected as early as this fall, once an agreement is reached between StFX and Nova Scotia Power regarding rates for renewable energy produced on campus.

L-r, Carole Roy, Maureen Coady ’79 ’92, Lavinia Stan, Molly den Heyer ’93, William Sweet, Katarin MacLeod, Murray Gibson, Dan Robinson, absent from the picture are Kailin Wright and James Mensch.

The campus community celebrated with StFX faculty authors who published a book in 2016 during the Second Annual Celebration of StFX Authors held April 6, 2017 in the Hall of the Clans, Angus L. Macdonald Library. The Offices of the Academic Vice-President & Provost and the Associate Vice-President of Research and Graduate Studies hosted the event.

EXPLORING SOCIAL JUSTICE FROM THE AFRICAN HERITAGE PERSPECTIVE

CAPTAIN X AND SUPER XAVIA ARE ON A SUMMER ROAD TRIP TO FIND OUR ALUMNI. Help them in their search by updating your contact information. Once you update your contact information, we will send you a prize PLUS you’ll be entered to win a StFX Roots leather satchel! Contest runs until September 1, 2017.

☞

☞ www.stfx.ca/alumni

Pictured during the President’s Colloquium are panelists LaMeia Reddick and Augy Jones ’90, ’91, ’02.

What can StFX do as a community to be more aware of and better serve students of African descent? That was one of the questions posed at StFX’s 5th President’s Colloquium, an evening focused on “Living the Legacy: Social Justice from the African Heritage Perspective.” The event held in Lane Hall on February 28, 2017 was highlighted by animated, important discussion. Speakers included Augy Jones ’90, ’91, ’02, African Nova Scotia activist and StFX women’s basketball coach; LaMeia Reddick, founder of Kinnected Leadership and community engagement specialist; and Tendai Handahu, specialist in global Afrikan history, Afrikan revolutionary theory and Afrikan centred education.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

StFX THANKS, CELEBRATES DONORS DURING 43RD ANNUAL

PRESIDENT’S GALA StFX alumni, friends and supporters were thanked and honoured during a special evening of celebration and recognition, coming together June 17, 2017, for the 43rd annual President’s Gala Dinner. The evening annually thanks members of the President’s Club for their support, and recognizes those members reaching milestones, including new Lifetime Xaverian Patrons, new 20-Year Xaverian Patrons and new 10-Year Xaverian Patrons. “StFX’s outstanding reputation is due in no small part to the support of our generous donors,” Master of Ceremonies Murray Kyte ’87, StFX Vice President, Advancement, told the crowd gathered as he thanked them for their support. He said on this night he’s reminded why people give to StFX. One constant is the opportunity to make a difference in assisting students, to make a difference in their lives. “You’ve made a significant difference,” StFX Director of Development Wendy Langley ’92 said as she announced that since its inception the President’s Club has raised $140 million for StFX. “StFX is truly fortunate to have such generous patrons. Thank you all.” Students’ Union president Annie Sirois, consistently a dean’s list student, echoed this thanks as she delivered the student acknowledgement. “Your individual contributions have had a collective impact,” she said as she noted how StFX’s generous donors have paved the road toward success for students, through scholarships and bursaries.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

Donors have helped students who may not otherwise have had opportunity to attend StFX, she says. In his remarks, StFX President Dr. Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93 highlighted academic, research, and athletic successes of the past year, and updated the crowd on upcoming projects including the transformational Xaverian Commons and Mulroney Institute. He highlighted a number of major events recently hosted at StFX and pointed to the fact it’s important not only for our students, faculty and staff to have world class facilities to learn and research, StFX exists for the entire region to grow and be prosperous.“It has been a remarkable year. None of this happens without supporters,” he said. In a special moment at the ceremony, Ms. Langley and StFX X-Women basketball coach Augy Jones ’90, ’91, ’02 proudly announced the donation of $50,000 from the Jeannine Deveau Educational Equity Endowment to help establish the Wade Smith Memorial Scholarship for African Nova Scotia Youth. The scholarship is in honour of Wade Smith ’90, a proud member of the StFX community, who passed away on June 2, 2017. Mr. Smith was principal of Citadel High School, a former X-Men basketball star, and a 26-year staff member at the StFX basketball camp. “He would be pleased to know his name will continue to provide post-secondary education opportunities for young students from his community,” friend and former X-Men teammate Mr. Jones said.

Thank You ~ your support makes a significant difference THE NEED StFX, like all universities, is challenged by the increasing cost of providing a quality education while government funding continues to decrease. WHAT IT SUPPORTS Money raised through StFX’s Annual Giving program is used for the immediate needs of the university to improve quality of life on campus. • • • • •

The Xaverian Scholarship Bursary Fund funds library acquisitions helps varsity athletics helps fund numerous academic departments and programs campus beautification

LYNN O’DONNELL ’13 National External Relations Officer St. Francis Xavier University PO Box 5000, Antigonish, NS, B2G 2W5 Toll-Free: 1-877-367-7839 lodonnel@stfx.ca

Join the StFX Legacy Circle ~

Time and time again,

Leave a Legacy at StFX

alumni describe their days at StFX as one of the most important and transformational experiences of their lives. Enhance your lifetime relationship with StFX by making a gift to help future generations of students. Include StFX in your will and designate your gift to a specific academic program, scholarship and bursary endowments, or other area of interest. For information about Planned Giving and the StFX Legacy Circle, contact: MARIA HARTERY ’87 Planned Giving Officer St. Francis Xavier University, (902) 867-3380 mhartery@stfx.ca

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

ATHLETICS STFX ADDS TO BANNER SEASON

StFX Athletics added another two AUS championship banners to what was already a very successful fall season that saw four StFX teams bring home AUS championship titles (X-Women rugby, X-Men cross country, X-Women soccer and X-Men football), along with one U SPORTS national title from the X-Women rugby team.

The X-Men hockey team won their second consecutive AUS conference title, going undefeated with a 7-0 playoff record, including a sweep of UNB in the final series. They represented the AUS at the U SPORTS national championship, but lost to Saskatchewan in the semifinals. The X-Women hockey team also competed at the U SPORTS championship, falling to McGill in the quarter-finals. They lost a heartbreaking triple overtime game to Saint Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the AUS final, narrowly missing out on a banner of their own. The X-Women curling team (picture at left, led by skip Emma Logan, won the first ever AUS curling championship for the university. They went on to compete at the U SPORTS national championship where they went 3-4 in round robin play, just missing the playoff round on a tiebreaker.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

ATHLETICS

2017 STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

X-Women hockey forward Sarah Bujold and X-Men football quarterback Tivon Cook were honoured as the 2017 StFX Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year recipients. Sarah Bujold is a third-year human kinetics student from Riverview, NB and the recipient of the prestigious Broderick trophy as the women’s hockey most valuable player in the country. A U SPORTS first-team all-star, Sarah led the conference and the country in points (43) and goals scored (24). She led the X-Women to a national championship berth, narrowly losing out on an AUS title with a triple overtime loss in the final game. Her plus-minus rating of +30 was the second highest in the country, as were her three hat tricks. She led the AUS conference in game-winning goals (5). Tivon Cook is a fourth-year arts student from Scarborough, ON who led X-Men Football to their second consecutive AUS championship title and a berth in the U SPORTS Mitchell Bowl national semifinal. The most valuable player of the Atlantic conference, Tivon led the AUS in nearly every passing category this season, including touchdowns (21), completions (174), attempts (251), completion percentage (69.3%), yards (2,537) and yards per game (317.1). He broke several StFX school records and he now sits tied for second in the AUS record book for most passing touchdowns in a single game, most passing yards in a single season, most career passing attempts, most career passing completions and third in most career passing yards.

X-Men football defensive lineman Kay Okafor was drafted by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the third round of the Canadian CFL draft, going 21st overall. A fourth year business student and recent graduate from Enugu, Nigeria, Okafor was on the CFL prospect radar throughout the year and attended the CFL National Combine and the Minnesota Vikings Regional NFL Combine last March.

X-Women hockey forward Sarah Bujold was one of eight finalists for the prestigious BLG Awards, recognizing the top female and male U SPORTS athletes in the country. Sarah was the female nominee from the AUS conference and received a commemorative gold ring at the awards ceremony held in Calgary this May and broadcast nationally on Sportsnet.

LEADERS OF DISTINCTION

STFX COMMUNITY X-CELLENCE AWARD WINNERS

Nine student-athletes received Leader of Distinction Awards, the highest honour bestowed by the StFX Leadership Academy, which recently wrapped up its fifth year. Leadership Academy instructors Dr. Angie Kolen (left) and Leo MacPherson ’89 (right) present the awards to Daley Oddy (hockey), Tivon Cook (football), Justin Holland (football), Hayley Wilson (track & field), Scott Donald (cross country), Claire Gibbons (soccer), Eric Locke (hockey), and Nicole Corcoran (hockey). Kay Okafor (football) also received the distinction.

StFX President Dr. Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93 (left) and Director of Athletics & Recreation Leo MacPherson ’89 (right) presented the StFX Community X-Cellence awards to Ryan Washburn (X-Men track & field), Connor Garagan (X-Women hockey), and Eric Locke (X-Men hockey) in recognition of their outstanding community initiative and involvement, volunteer experience and extracurricular contributions outside of their varsity and academic experiences. StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

STFX COADY INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE

MAPPING COADY’S IMPACT AROUND THE WORLD

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

“

This winter, the Coady International Institute’s Dr. Molly den Heyer ’93 found herself back in Kathmandu 20 years after travelling there as part of the first group of Coady youth interns funded by the Canadian government in 1996. This time, she was in the country interviewing Coady graduates as the driving force behind a project designed to understand Coady’s impact, Learning from Stories of Change. Dr. den Heyer, an Antigonish County native who has been a senior program analyst at Coady and part-time faculty with StFX Development Studies since 2013, is leading a project to map Coady’s impact around the world. Essentially, “we ask how our graduates create positive social change?” says Dr. den Heyer. To date, Molly has led the collection of over 350 stories of change from Coady alumni in 58 countries though online and face-to-face methods. Online focus groups conducted this February brought graduates together from across continents. She then travelled to Haiti, Nepal, and Uganda earlier in the year where she led focus groups. Coady graduates shared a range of stories of their leadership in navigating social change initiatives, providing rich

MOSES COADY CALLED IT THE ‘WELL-BEING FOR ALL’—A PROGRAM OF SOCIAL CHANGE THAT RECOGNIZES THE PEOPLE’S CAPACITY TO LEAD, VALUES LEARNING, AND CELEBRATES HUMANITY.

Dr. Molly den Heyer ’93

illustrations of initiatives such as the introduction of women’s savings and loan programs, supporting farmers’ production guided by community based assets and value chains, influencing policy for children with disabilities, and revitalizing indigenous environmental practices. “These stories reveal the scope of Coady’s influence – it is truly inspiring,” said Dr.

den Heyer. She attributes the success of this approach to the way adult education theory and methods are embedded in the Coady classroom. “We provide a rich learning environment where participants can share perspectives and compare different practices from around the world. Participants apply their new perspectives, knowledge, and skills to create the change that matters to their communities.” Dr. den Heyer, who holds a masters in rural planning and development from the University of Guelph and a doctorate in interdisciplinary studies from Dalhousie University, is no stranger to learning and research environments. National and international recognition as a development specialist includes her contribution as co-editor of Rethinking Canadian Aid, a book that casts a critical eye on Canada’s role in foreign aid and development cooperation. Dr. den Heyer credits her roots in northeastern Nova Scotia to her drive for this work. “The Antigonish Movement, StFX, Extension, and the Coady framed my thinking about development,” she says.

DIPLOMA IN

ADULT EDUCATION

INTER-UNIVERSITY DOCTORAL PROGRAM IN EDUCATIONAL STUDIES The Inter-University Doctoral Program in Educational Studies (a collaborative partnership between Acadia, Mount Saint Vincent, and St. Francis Xavier universities) is continuing to accept applications. The program can support students in preparation for assuming the role of educational researcher in one or more of six themes: curriculum studies, educational foundation and leadership, inclusive education, lifelong learning (adult education), literacies, and psychological aspects of education. Any enquiries about the program can be directed to: Dr. David Young Chair, Inter-University Doctoral Administrative Committee St. Francis Xavier University dyoung@stfx.ca 902-867-2215

Ruth Ann d’Entremont Doctoral Program Assistant Mount Saint Vincent University ruthann.dentremont@msvu.ca 902-457-6564

National Program of Excellence

Canadian Association University Continuing Education Excellence is what St. Francis Xavier University’s Diploma in Adult Education is all about. It is the #1 choice among adult educators and HRD professionals. Now in our 35th year. It is available to you in major centres across Canada or ask about our in-house programs. Our 2017 schedule includes Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina and Calgary.

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

Apply for the July, 2018 intake by November 15, 2017.

http://nsphdeducation.ca

DO YOU KNOW AN OUTSTANDING

XAVERIAN? The StFX Alumni Association asks you to think about the outstanding StFX grads and friends of the university in your life. Each year, we recognize the accomplishments and contributions of very special members of the StFX family through the Alumni Awards of Excellence and the StFX Hall of Honour at Homecoming. But deserving candidates cannot be considered for these honours without nominations. That’s where we need your help. For more information and nomination information, go to www.stfx.ca/alumni. The Hall of Honour recognizes alumni whose lives, achievements and contributions reflect the StFX tradition of helping others. The Awards of Excellence recognize outstanding achievements in the following categories: Distinguished Alumnus/A Young Alumnus/A Friend Of StFX (non alumni)

Located in the STFX Campus Store Hours of operation: M, T, W and F 9 - 4 • Th 9-8 • Sat 10 - 4 e. xring@stfx.ca • t. 902-867-2450 • xringstore.ca 100% of net proceeds from ring sales go directly to the Xaverian Fund

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED. DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS APRIL 30, 2018. StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

LETTERS

X-RINGS AROUND THE WORLD

X-RING OVER THE RIVER KWAI James Cummings ’92 of Whitehorse, Yukon took this shot of his X-Ring on April 17, 2017 in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. The ring is placed on the Thai-Burma Railway (Death Railway) on the infamous ‘Bridge Over the River Kwai.’

X-RINGS ON TOP OF MOUNT KILIMANJARO L-r, Emily Pelly ’15, Marlene Van De Wiel ’91, Sydney Van De Wiel, current StFX student and daughter of Michael and Marlene, and Michael Van De Wiel ’89, along with a group of 26, reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro on February 24, 2017, bringing the spirit of StFX to Africa’s highest peak. The challenge was a fundraiser for the Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation. The group raised $625,000 to support youth in foundation programs. A video of the trip can be found at https://youtu.be/-IPXWGcV9oE.

CLOSE ENCOUNTER OF THE X-RING KIND

They all told me it would happen one day – but I never believed them. “Sooner or later,” they said, “you will feel you are being watched and then, out of the blue, will come the call.” Well, they were right! There I was, in the checkout at Atlantic Superstore in the Quinpool Road location in Halifax, NS, when this eerie feeling came over me. I looked up and there she was – making eye contact. She spoke: “You have an X-Ring! When did you graduate?” Suddenly packing my frozen peas away didn’t seem important any more. My heart began to beat faster, and it was with great pride I replied, “actually, I hope to graduate this year.” Okay, I admit, I was a sceptic, but now I am a true believer. People know the X-Ring! They want to talk to those of us who are lucky enough to wear one and it really means something. It is an odd feeling, but also an amazing one, when a total stranger picks you out because of what is on your finger, and it does make you proud in some peculiar way. Now I am ready; now I can enjoy these close encounters – because I am sure there will be many more of them.

X-RINGS IN THE SUPREME COURT Marc Rodrigue ’08 shows off his X-Ring in the Supreme Court.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

Pauline Liengme ’17

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

COMMUNITY IS FRONT AND CENTRE Greetings from Antigonish! This issue of the AlumniNews features inspiring stories of community and social engagement. StFX has always been a place where community is placed front and centre. Xaverians have thrived in this setting across generations. The stories herein demonstrate how that Xaverian spirit continues to flourish and has positive effects on our community. Maggie, Alex, Sandy, Teresa and Allison and others; congratulations on your achievements and thank you for your leadership! Following in the footsteps of these inspirational Xaverians are the recipients of the Alumni Recognition Awards. One of the privileges that come with serving on the Alumni Council is an opportunity to meet an incredible cross-section of current students in consideration for these awards. This year’s recipients and applicants are like those who have come before them, in filling us with a sense of hope and inspiration. Congratulations to each recipient: Cassia, Adam, Jamie and Sydney.

As an alumni association, we want to encourage every Xaverian to become and stay involved in their community. The association has identified community service as one of its strategic priorities. As an initial step in the coming months, and under the leadership of Susan Chisholm ’92, we will catalogue and share the many ways in which alumni serve their communities. Whether a simple act of kindness or leadership with a large initiative or group, commitments to our communities make a difference in the lives of our neighbors. We each have stories of our own – private and public – and I encourage you to share them. You never know when you are inspiring someone else to act. Conversely, when you are inspired by your neighbor’s act(s) of community service, tell them. Communities are built by committee and thrive through constant cultivation. If you are hesitant or unsure of how to get involved and give back to your community, please reach out to your fellow Xaverians,

Glenn Horne ’07 ’08, Aiden Horne and Sarah MacDonald ‘09

either through your local alumni chapter or friends. In the words of Anne Frank, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Hail and Health! Glenn Horne ’07 ’08 President, StFX Alumni Association X

FROM ALUMNI AFFAIRS l MARY JESSIE MacLELLAN ’87, DIRECTOR

WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN and on the Alumni Council. Everyone brings a gift and together these gifts grow and develop. It is truly amazing to see how Xaverians give back on campus and in their communities! Once again this fall, we are looking forward to welcoming alumni back to campus to celebrate Homecoming. I look forward to hearing their stories and sharing their memories.

Alumni Affairs Director Mary Jessie MacLellan ’87 with Captain X and Super Xavia.

As the Class of 2017 begins the next phase of their lives as StFX alumni, I am reminded that they, like the classes before them, have made StFX a place of purpose, a community, and a family. Their experience as Xaverians is not over, but just beginning. As I worked with this year’s Life Officers to create a 2017 time capsule, I enjoyed

sharing in their memories, whether it be the Shine On ticket for the event that never was, or the famous campus debate over the pizza of choice. The Xaverian experience manifests itself differently in everyone. Each class and every Xaverian brings something special to the experience. It’s the same way within our chapter network

This summer, we’re joining Captain X and Super Xavia on adventure to find StFX alumni with our #where2neXt campaign. This initiative encourages grads to update their contact information with StFX. Alumni who update their address will receive a free gift and be entered to win a grand prize of a StFX embossed Roots leather satchel. Join us for the fun and update your address at https://www.stfx. ca/content/update-your-contactinformation. Hail and Health! Mary Jessie MacLellan ’87 Director, Alumni Affairs X

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

ALUMNI HAPPENINGS

L-r, NSSSA conference co-chair Aidan MacFarlane, Dr. Beth McCharles ’01 and NSSSA conference co-chair Kassandra Kelbratowski.

L-r, Adam Morin, Jamie McCarron, Cassia Tremblay and Sydney Van De Wiel

BETH MCCHARLES ’01 KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR NSSSA PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE

2017 ALUMNI RECOGNITION AWARD WINNERS

In May 2017, we welcomed Beth McCharles ’01 back to campus as a keynote speaker for the Nova Scotia Secondary Schools Association (NSSSA) provincial conference held at StFX. Dr. McCharles is a performance coach, a professional speaker, and a proven leader. She has worked with a number of different organizations including Nike Inc., OneXOne, Canadian University Sport, Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Sport Institute. Her keynote address inspired Nova Scotia student leaders and challenged them to reach new heights.

Congratulations to Sydney Van De Wiel, Jamie McCarron, Adam Morin and Cassia Tremblay who have been selected as the 2017 recipients of the annual Alumni Recognition Awards. To be considered for this award, students must submit an essay about the impact StFX has had on them. Finalists are interviewed by members of the Alumni Association Council. Four awards of $1,500 each are made to one student in each undergraduate year of study.

CLASS OF 2017 LIFE OFFICERS

CAPTURED IN TIME

Look for Life Officers—Jenna Kennedy, Joelle French, Warren Ferguson, Kyla MacDougall, Brett Pinkham, Connor O’Brien, Dalainey Drakes, Gillian Crosby, Katherine Simon and Victoria Sandre—to keep the spirit of the Class of 2017 alive.

As part of this year’s Xaverian Farewell Ceremony, the Class of 2017 Life Officers created a time capsule of special mementos and photographs, which will be opened in 2027 at their 10th anniversary Homecoming. Life Officer Brett Pinkham includes two Shine On tickets—the event that never was!

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

2017 HALL OF HONOUR

Clifford Vincent Maxwell ’57

James Bernard Bowne ’67

Hugh Frederick Hines ’87

The StFX Hall of Honour recognizes members of the StFX community who have carried on the StFX tradition of helping others. The Hall of Honour serves as an inspiration to current students to ensure this StFX tradition continues. The 2017 inductees Clifford Vincent Maxwell ’57 (posthumously), James Bernard Bowne ’67 and Hugh Frederick Hines ’87 have promoted StFX and its ideals through involvement in their communities. Join us on Saturday, September 30, 2017 during our annual Homecoming celebration, as we honour these worthy recipients.

SOMETHING FOR

EVERYONE AT HOMECOMING 2017

WELCOME HOME DINNER SEPTEMBER 29, 2017

Whether it’s your reunion year or not, be sure to include the Welcome Home Dinner in your plans for this fall. Catch up with old friends and rediscover your X-Spirit on campus. Enjoy a lovely meal and great atmosphere in the Keating Centre. WELCOME HOME DINNER 6 pm Reception 7 pm Dinner Tickets are $50 each. Advance tickets only.

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

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

Jenelle Sobey ‘08 Young Alumna of the Year

St. John’s, Newfoundland Chapter of the Year

Daniel Gillis Friend of StFX

Maggie MacDonnell ’02 Distinguished Alumna of the Year

TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS: (902) 867-2186 | alumni@stfx.ca | www.stfx.ca/alumni StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

CHAPTER NEWS

PRINCE GEORGE

StFX ROOTS KEEP OUR TRADITIONS STRONG

hosted many events on StFX Day again last year as they celebrated along

PRINCE GEORGE The Prince George chapter gathered at Brent and Sonja Arsenault’s house on December 3, 2016 to celebrate StFX Day. Special thanks to Mike from The Wheel for sending out some awesome “Wheel Pizza.” Thanks to Joe A and John Nolan ’91 for getting the pizza to the airport. It was a great night of connecting and sharing stories.

with the newest group of Xaverians to wear an X-Ring. StFX also has a

Brent Arsenault ’91 ’92

One of the many things that make StFX great is our roots in tradition. A shining example of this is StFX Day. Every December 3rd, Xaverians across the globe gather to honour all things StFX. Our extensive chapter network

tradition of excellence when it comes to our athletic teams. Many chapters cheered on our X-Men and X-Women teams when they were on the road for regular season and championship games. With one of our most successful athletic seasons to date, perhaps that support played a part in propelling our teams to the top. You are encouraged to embody this tradition wherever you call home. Chances are there is a chapter near you carrying the StFX flag and personifying tradition. Jessica MacLellan ’12, Programs Coordinator, Alumni Affairs Contact your chapter president for upcoming X-events in your area. 32

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

CALGARY The Calgary chapter started off 2017 with a student information night in February. We had the pleasure of hosting Mark Kolanko ’05, StFX Manager of Recruitment, and Dr. Kevin Wamsley, StFX Academic Vice President, to speak and provide insight on the StFX experience to a wonderful group of Calgary high school students and their families. The information night is crucial for our Calgary students – it’s an opportunity for potential students to learn, ask questions and speak openly with current staff and alumni prior to deciding their post-secondary path. We thank the local alumni community, especially those

ST. JOHN’S Calgary educators sporting their X-Rings, for continuously referring the bright and talented group of students we send off to StFX each fall. Looking forward to the summer, we hope to see everyone at our annual chapter events which include the student send-off in June, the Stampede Party in July and our StFX Day celebrations in December. In addition to these events, we’re happy to support the StFX soccer alumni as they hosted a much-anticipated lobster dinner on June 2, 2017. Stay tuned to our Facebook page, Twitter (@ StFXCgyChapter) and Instagram (@stfxyyc) for the latest chapter news. To add yourself to the chapter email list, please contact us directly at calgarychapter@stfx.ca. Alexia Tedesco ’09 AMHERST, NS/SACKVILLE, NB The Amherst/Sackville alumni chapter met to celebrate StFX at Duncan’s Pub in Amherst. A small, but vocal group gathered and enjoyed lively conversation and laughter. The highlight of the night occurred when co-president, Barry Anderson, presented Dave Milner ’66 with his 50-year alumni pin. Dave was unable to attend Homecoming. StFX sent along some swag and tickets were drawn. The Christmas ornament was won by Liam Keliher ’93, the StFX scarf by Dale MacDougall ’80 while the toque was won by Diane Leger ’81. The X-Spirit is alive and well in our area. Barry Anderson ’68 Blaise Dobbin ’90 YUKON The Yukon alumni chapter celebrated the Feast Day of St. Francis Xavier with some down-east camaraderie and good cheer

while enjoying some long awaited, and well prepared Nova Scotia lobsters! A baker’s dozen of our local alumni ventured out in the cold to congregate in the warmth of the Gold Rush Inn and enjoy the feast (kudos to chef Robert!). As is normally the case during a good kitchen party, we had a bit of rotating crowd as some alumni filled in a few recently emptied seats and the party continued later into the evening while supporting the local live music. One such well-timed alumni was Mr. Sandy Silver ’92, who had a fair excuse for his tardiness, as he was sworn in earlier in the day as the new Yukon Premier. Premier Silver led the Yukon Liberals back from his single seat (pun intended) to take an 11-seat majority government, only the second Liberal government in the legislative assembly since territorial elections began in 1978, and the first premier elected from Dawson City, the Klondike riding. James Mooney ’88 ST. JOHN’S, NL It has been a brutal winter and as a result we have been hibernating. The St. John’s chapter met for X-Ring ceremony celebrations in December. We first attended Mass at St. Teresa’s Parish where a service was led by Archbishop Currie ’64, and Austin Hawley ‘67 spoke about the Feast of St. Francis Xavier. Everyone met afterwards for coffee, tea and dessert in the lobby with a food donation for the church’s bank. We headed out to Jungle Jim’s afterwards for food and drinks to celebrate X-Ring and have a great few chats. Everyone really enjoyed the different options for the celebration and having the opportunity to share stories. With winter hopefully behind

Iqaluit Xaverians stay warm on StFX Day. Pictured are (back) Heather Campbell ’02, Shauna Beaton ’01, Fraser Turner ’04, Sarah LeBlanc ’08, John MacDonald ’03, Katie (MacDonald) Didham ’04, Sarah Lesperance ’05, Michael Murphy ’08, Shannon Hessian ’07, Sonja (LeBlanc) Lonsdale ’00, (front) Jeff Avery ’02 ’08, Krista Thompson ’05, Sara Mahar ’10 and Sharon (MacDonald) Nowlan ’03. us, we are meeting with our alumni committee to start planning events for the summer and prepare for new ideas that will help towards our Newfoundland entrance scholarship fund. We have raised over $1,000 so far—if you would like to start making a monthly contribution OR a single donation, please contact stfxst.johns@gmail. com. Our chapter also hosted a meal preparation at the Ronald MacDonald House. We are seeking to connect with alumni on the west coast and Labrador. We want to widen our span on ‘the rock,’ so if you are an alumnus, PLEASE give us a shout. Stay tuned for some great upcoming events! Gina Hartmann ’05 & Allison Stamp ’08 LONDON, ON On November 26, 2016, the London alumni chapter hosted their annual StFX Day Celebration where members and guests StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

CHAPTER NEWS

STRAIT HIGHLANDS attended the dinner and social at McGinnis Restaurant and Bar in North London. There was a great mix of old faithful alumni and new faces. All members had a great night of fun and fellowship. Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 2, 2017 for the next StFX Day celebration and plan to come out and join the gang. We are looking forward to the next event, the student summer send-off, to be held Saturday, June 17. It is great that we have new students already expressing interest in the BBQ and send-off as word continues to grow of the benefits to parents and students to attend this informal get together. We are also looking for energetic area Xaverians to consider becoming part of the alumni chapter executive. As I enter into my last full year as chapter president and Ontario Alumni Council representative, I am looking for my successor. This role offers opportunity to stay involved with the university and give back your time and talent to our alma mater. If you are interested in becoming involved, please reach out. Although I will be finishing my role as president, I will still be engaged as past president to support a new person in their role and happy to assist in continuing the traditions of the London area alumni. Please feel free to check us out on our Facebook page at Facebook - St. F.X. Alumni - London Area Chapter or email us at londonchapter@stfx.ca. Remember to get connected and get involved. Roger Campbell ’89

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

football pub and game night in conjunction with Boston Pizza on Friday, August 25 (playing against the Saskatchewan Roughriders). Tickets are $40 per person, which includes the game ticket, a beer at Boston Pizza and transportation to and from the game and Boston Pizza (Kingsway). We would like to extend our thanks and best wishes to Heather Nantes ’09 who has been on our executive for the past few years. She and Josh have relocated to Halifax. Our loss is definitely Halifax’s gain. Anyone in Edmonton and area who would like to become involved in our dynamic group or who has ideas to share is asked to contact Laurie at oakesluc@shaw. ca. We look forward to hearing from you. THUNDER BAY EDMONTON On December 3, 2016, we celebrated StFX Day with a reception and dinner at the Dovercourt Community League. The event was well attended and was catered by Bridge’s Catering featuring a turkey dinner with all the fixings. It was a wonderful evening! On March 3, 2017, we held a pub night at The Trap and Gill. Everyone had a great time. Our steak & lobster dinner in June was hosted at the Dovercourt Community League. Our new student send-off and alumni BBQ will be held again this summer at the home of Brenda ’73 ’74 and Larry Rankin ’59 on Saturday, August 19 at 4 p.m. We are also hosting an Eskimo

Laurie Oakes ’79 ’80 STRAIT HIGHLANDS Friends of St. Francis Xavier University gathered at the home of Morag Graham ’68 in Judique to celebrate the Feast Day of our patron in December 2016. Many stories and adventures of our time at “X” were told among those gathered. Lots of laughter and memories were shared. Thank you to Morag for her excellent hospitality! We look forward to a summer gathering of the Inverness County chapter. Flo Campbell ’83 ’85 ’05 HALIFAX StFX alumni in Halifax continue to have a blast together and display our X pride in the

CHAPTER NEWS

THUNDER BAY city. We have welcomed David Graham ’92 as our new chapter president, and want to offer a big thank you to Dan Merzetti ’91 for all he has done! On February 10, 2017, alumni gathered to catch up and make new connections at a pub night at the Alehouse. There was a great turnout from various graduating classes, especially recent grads. We enjoyed a family skating day on March 19, 2017 at the Sackville Sports Stadium with all ages in attendance, including some potential future Xaverians. This event was a resounding success and something we will

definitely have again next year! With the busy university sport season, Halifax alumni attended the exciting AUS games to get loud and support our X-Men and X-Women. Pre-game receptions were also held in the city. We were finally able to showcase our local alumni musical talent with an open mic night at Durty Nelly’s. This event was well attended with a ceilidh beforehand and then the party continued into the night. Chapter outreach continues to expand and help those in need in our community. A new endeavor is a garden

project and a ‘Vet in the Park’ event. To keep up-to-date or get involved please reach out to Sister Jovita MacPherson ’72 at jovitaemacpherson@hotmail.com. Our student send-off is coming up in August and we will be having our second annual wine tour in September! For more details please follow our Facebook page www. facebook.com/stfxalumniHalifax. Melinda Palmeter ’11 Communications Chair

StFX RUGBY REUNION AUGUST 11-13, 2017 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF MODERN ERA RUGBY @ X

Celebrate over 50 years of Modern Rugby at X! StFX Rugby Alumni and Friends are invited back for a reunion August 11 - 13, 2017. It’s time to honour those responsible for the success of rugby at X since its beginnings in the 1960s and onwards. The weekend schedule will include social activities, banquets and of course rugby. The Reunion Co-Chairs are working to create a weekend of memories and celebration. Join our Facebook Page: StFX Rugby Alumni for updates and news.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11 4:30 pm Registration at the The Golden X Inn Cocktails Meet and Greet The Golden X Inn 6:00 pm BBQ Dinner - The Golden X Inn overlooking the Stadium (Presentations, StFX, and Athletics update) 9:00 pm Rugby Night at the Inn

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 12:00 pm Alumni Rugby Games - Games for all ages and abilities 6:30 pm Reception & Dinner MacKay Lounge 9:30 pm Rugby Night at the Inn SUNDAY, AUGUST 13 11 am Snow Queen Breakfast

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Stay on campus at Riley Hall https://accommodations.stfx.ca/ Hotel/rugby2017.bnb Reunion Co-Chairs: John Simon

T 506-645-1448 E jcpsimon@yahoo.com

Rick Benson

T 506-632-5429 E rick.benson@horizonnb.ca

Eryn Hessian

T 514-949-3796 E erynhessian@gmail.com

Suzanne Anderson T 403-479-8682 E anderzanne1@gmail.com

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

OBITUARIES

DECEASED

FR. SYD MIFFLEN ’52 ’53 The StFX community was saddened to learn of the death of Rev. Sydney Mifflen on April 6, 2017. Father Syd served the university for over 40 years as professor in the Department of Education and as Dean of Students. He also served on the Board of Governors from 2008-13. Father Syd earned a Diploma in Engineering, a BA and a B.Ed. from StFX, and his PhD in educational psychology from Indiana University. He was ordained in 1957. A close friend and colleague remarked that Father Syd was a great man who touched the lives of many students during his long career at StFX. He saw the good in everything and wanted to pass that on to others. PROF. ANTONIO (TONY) WEINGARTSHOFER StFX was saddened by the passing of Prof. Antonio (Tony) Weingartshofer on Jan. 8, 2017. He began his career as an experimental physicist in 1954 at StFX where he helped establish the Laser-Electron Interaction Laboratory and was a pioneer in the field. He traveled extensively, collaborating with other scientists and authored numerous publications. He was recognized as Visiting Professor of Physics at the University of Mexico City 1995-97. In retirement, he devoted himself to bringing physics to high school students through the Community Science Centre in Antigonish, which inspired many students to pursue a career in science. He was recipient of the StFX University Outreach Award and a Discovery Centre Science Champion Award. SR. YVONNE VIGNEAULT ’62 ’75 StFX was saddened to learn of the death of Sr. Yvonne Vigneault, CSM on Jan. 12, 2017. From 2000-10, she served at Wellspring, the CSM Ministry at StFX. Sister Yvonne, formerly Sister Mary Cyril, a Sister of St. Martha of Antigonish, was in her 59th year of her religious life. FELICITY REDGRAVE The StFX community was saddened by the death of Felicity Redgrave, who taught drawing in the StFX Art Department on a part-time basis from 1998-2004. DR. JOHN BERRIDGE StFX is saddened by the passing of Dr. John Berridge on April 26, 2016. In 1968, he joined the StFX Religious Studies Department. He is remembered as a highly-respected member of the university community and a much-loved professor by his students PAUL NDERITU The StFX community is saddened to learn of the death of Paul Nderitu, Safety & Security Officer on May 9, 2017. He began serving StFX in 2006. His perspective and presence will be missed.

LOST X-RINGS LOST Woman’s ’61 Woman’s ’66 Woman’s ’70

Woman’s ’71 Man’s ’71 Woman’s ’90

Woman’s ’08 Man’s ’11 Woman’s ’15

Man’s ’15 Woman’s ’17 Man’s ’17

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

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

Dorothy Eileen Doyle ’39 Daniel Jerome “Jerry” Druhan ’42 Claude “Tidi”Willett ’44 Annemarie Levesque Macdonald ’47 Alan Macdonald ’47 Isabel Teresa Wallace ’47 Thomas Gilbert ’48 Frederick Leonard LeBlanc ’48 Dorothy Mary (Crowdis) MacDonald ’48 Albert Conrad Scott ’48 Hugh Roderick Farrell ’49 Marguerite MacLellan ’49 Robert G. “Bob” Heitshu ’50 Mairi Teresa St John Macdonald ’50 John Allister MacIsaac ’50 Michael Dougall MacPhee ’50 Josephine M. O’Sullivan ’50 Courtney Edmund Head ’51 Lucille Mary Eleanor (Leger) Killorn ’51 Kenneth Nelson Neal ’51 Henry M. Propper ’51 Reginald Carey Purdy ’51 Mary Hamilton (Mancini) Stepaniak ’51 Andrew Gregory Trasuk ’51 Joseph Bruce MacDonald ’52 Paul Patrick O’Connor ’52 Michael Joseph “Mickey”Woodford ’52 Ross Carson ’53 James Gerald Fleming ’53 Murvin Edward McInnis ’53 ’65 ’01 Fr. Sydney Mifflen ’53 Warna Penney Roa ’53 Mary Joseita Nishida ’54 Harvey J. MacArthur ’55 Rev. B. Gerard MacInnis ’55 Paul J. Peters ’55 Ronald E. Thompson ’55 Ernest Joseph MacEachen ’56 Oonagh Brigid (MacDonald) Magrath ’56 John “Gerry” McEachern ’56 John Alexander “Miner” MacDonald ’57 Rev. Gregory Jerome MacLeod ’57 Frances Schmidt ’57 John R. Andrews ’58 Stanley McNeill ’58 John Paul Tumback ’58 Julius Stephen Csabai ’59 Edward John Mroz ’59 Bernard Joseph Saucier ’59 James D. “Soupy” Campbell ’60 Rheal J. LeBlanc ’60 Mary Janet (MacIsaac) Munari ’60 D. Paul Emery ’61 Stephen Bernard MacNeil ’61 Kenneth “Kenny” McIsaac ’61

Nancy Keith Fraser ’62 Sr. Yvonne Vigneault ’62 ’75 Susan Margaret (MacGillivray) LaMorre ’63 Hugh Craig McCarron ’63 David Arthur Watier ’63 Michael Joseph Burke ’64 James “Jim” Patrick Killen ’64 Marilyn (Hubisz) MacCaffrey ’64 Gertrude Marilyn Mooney ’65 John Jimmy Malcolm Gillis ’66 Thomas “Tom” Read ’66 Barbara Jean (Kenney) MacPherson ’67 Ann Sharon McIntyre ’68 Mary Elizabeth Fagan ’69 Casey Kozdron ’69 Roderick Murdock McKinnon ’69 Terrance “Ted” Michael Sheppard ’69 Peter John Nugent ’70 Sr. Theresa Kurtz ’71 Star Charlene Dawn LeVatte-O’Neill ’71 William Joseph “Bill” MacInnis ’72 Donald Francis McPhee ’72 Angus Gerard MacLean ’73 Wendell Joseph McNeil ’73 ’74 Terry James Patrick Allen ’75 Edmund T. Cassidy ’77 Brian Edward Hubley ’77 Donald Joseph Hodder ’78 Dr. F. Ross Johnson ’78 James McGrath, Hon. Deg. ’79 G. Lloyd Matheson, Hon. Deg. ’80 Patrick Killoran ’81 Kevin Cornelius McNamara ’81 John Laureijs ’82 Timothy Stanutz ’85 Bob White, Hon. Deg. ’93 Russell David Boucher ’94 ’95 Laurence McChesney ’00 Bert Monster ’02 Jennifer Sarah Ross (Sherjan) ’09 Ashton Dickson ’15 Shanna Raylene Desmond ’16 Mark Cannon Alexander, former faculty Lou Duggan, staff John “Jimmy Malcolm” Gillis, XJC Ann Sharon McIntyre, XJC Mary Marguerite MacGillivray, MSB Margaret Josephine MacLellan, former staff Joan (MacInnis) MacNeil, MSB Ronald Michael MacIsaac Joseph Alexander “Papa Joe”MacPherson, staff Paul Thuku Nderitu, staff John Berridge, faculty Felicity Redgrave, faculty Dr. Antonio “Tony”Weingartshofer, faculty

StFX AlumniNews

MANAGING EDITORS Mary Jessie MacLellan ‘87 Email: mjmaclel@stfx.ca Kyler Bell Email: kbell@stfx.ca ASSISTANT EDITOR Shelley Cameron-McCarron Email: sacamero@stfx.ca

Matt Martell

STFX PHYSICS STUDENT COMPLETING SUMMER INTERNSHIP AT WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH FACILITY IN CALIFORNIA Third year honours StFX physics student Matt Martell is travelling coast to coast this summer, from Nova Scotia to California, to pursue research. Mr. Martell, of Bedford, NS, is spending the summer in Livermore, California, working in the Center for Micro and Nano Technology at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) under the supervision of StFX physics professor Dr. Karine Le Bris and Dr. Tiziana Bond (LLNL). “This internship represents an incredible opportunity for an undergraduate student to work in a world-renowned facility and to develop an expertise at the frontier of science and engineering. I thank all the people at StFX and at the LLNL who have worked to make that possible,” Dr. Le Bris says. Mr. Martell, a recipient of a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) in 2016 and 2017, will also receive a stipend from the LLNL to cover his living expenses in California. Dr. Le Bris says they are working on whispering-gallery mode spectroscopy (WGM) in the near- and mid-infrared spectral region. This involves the development of highlysensitive instruments, which use infrared radiation from a laser to detect and characterize the properties of molecules. An important application of this technology is sensing trace gases in the atmosphere, which contribute to climate change. “Matt’s project this summer will build a foundation to extend gas-sensing by WGM spectroscopy to longer wavelengths where molecules absorb more light. This second phase of the project can then be done in the Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory at StFX,” she says. The LLNL internship will last two months, from June 26 to September 1, but Mr. Martell has been doing preliminary work at StFX. The total length of his summer internship is 16 weeks.

LEARN FROM EXPERTS

Mr. Martell says he is most looking forward to the opportunity to work at a world-class research facility, and learn from experts in his field of study. “I had read about the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and the reputation that the San Francisco Bay Area has for science and technology development, but I never would have thought that I would get to spend a summer there,” he says. “The experience I will gain as a research assistant on this project is invaluable, and I am excited to be a part of the group working on this extremely interesting experiment. I thank my supervisor Dr. Karine LeBris, co-supervisors Dr. Tiziana Bond and Dr. Balaji Subramanian, the LLNL, NSERC, and the many other people that were involved in making this internship possible. “It will greatly help to prepare me for graduate studies, and a future career in science.”

WRITER Shelley Cameron-McCarron DESIGN & PRODUCTION Andrew Conde Email: aconde@stfx.ca NEWS EXCHANGE EDITOR Glenda Bond Email: gbond@stfx.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Glenda Bond Phone: (902) 867-2186 Fax: (902) 867-3659 Email: gbond@stfx.ca DEADLINES SUMMER ISSUE copy deadline April 15 for June mailing 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 © 2015 by St. Francis Xavier University. Subscriptions to AlumniNews are available to the public for $21 a year, single copies $7. Letters to the editor are welcome. Address correspondence to: AlumniNews St. Francis Xavier University PO Box 5000 Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5 Email: alumni@stfx.ca Phone: 902-867-2186 Personal Information: St. Francis Xavier University gathers and maintains records of personal information for the purposes of admission, registration, provision of educational services, ongoing contact with students and alumni, and soliciting support for these and other University activities. The collection, use and disclosure of personal information by the University is governed by the Nova Scotia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, S.N.S. 1993, c.5. Information provided to the University from time to time will be maintained in the University’s records. The personal information provided may be used by University personnel and disclosed to third parties as required or permitted by applicable legislation or in accordance with the purposes for which it is collected. If you wish to have your contact information removed for the purposes of any mailings to alumni from St. Francis Xavier University, the Alumni Association or our Affinity Partners, please send us a note using the contact information on this page.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

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

Heather Julianna Boudreau March 8, 2016

’50s

Cat London, is the daughter of StFX grad Phemie (Oliver) London ’66.

Robert U. Doyle ’59 has published his second book in the Tara Street crime fiction series Ghosts in the Brothel.

’70s Tiffany Briand Boudreau ’10 and Grant Boudreau Nora Rachel Goudreau February 18, 2016

Jane (Williamson) ’05 and Al Goudreau Sarah Marie O’Reilly April 30 2016

Sr. Jovita MacPherson ’72 ’73 is being honoured by the Atlantic School of Theology. She was named winner of the Honourable Mayann Francis Faith in Action Award. The award honours exceptional community outreach providing significant benefit to the wider community. Sr. Jovita is the director of the Sisters of St. Martha Street Ministry in Halifax. AST notes the Saint Mary’s Outreach Program exists because of Sr. Jovita. More than an ordinary “soup kitchen of goodwill,” it has become the hub of socialization for many. It also provides additional services including haircuts, art classes, clothing, access to legal services, and specially made meals. Anne Emery ’74 recently launched her ninth mystery novel, Lament for Bonnie, which is set in Cape Breton and revolves around a Celtic music band. Celtic Life International did a story on Anne in the October issue of the magazine. Anne’s Toronto publisher assigned her a sharp-eyed and wonderful editor for the past few books. Interestingly, the editor,

Colleen Farrell ’79 has retired after 35 years employment with the Meteorological Service of Canada. She has fond memories of the “120”class of 1975-76. She received an excellent foundation in the physical sciences from Drs. Sergei Aalto (Math 120), Douglas Hunter (Physics 120), and Bernard Liengme (Chemistry 120). She encourages other graduates of the physical science and engineering faculties to support the naming of the “new”Physical Sciences building after Rev. Ernest M. Clarke, as it is one of the few buildings on campus that has not received such a dedication.

’80s

Robert Kiely ’85, formerly of Antigonish, NS and now of Fredericton, NB, was a finalist for the 2016 Atlantic EY Entrepreneur of the Year award. EY recognizes Atlantic entrepreneurs for their financial performance, vision, leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and personal integrity, and are considered to represent top entrepreneurial business leaders in Atlantic Canada. Robert graduated from StFX and from Dalhousie University’s engineering program. He is currently president and general manager of Envirem Organics Inc. Margaret (Mulcair) MacKenzie ’85 has made great strides in interactive

virtual outreach, and is featured in an article recently published by the Canadian Military Family Magazine on how virtual outreach has connected CAF, veteran and reservist families regardless of posted location. Her X-Ring is prominently displayed in the photo that accompanies the story, http://ow.ly/VvnF309IG2T.

’90s

George Csontos ’91 says “Hello to the boys from Lane B second floor and to his niece Christina Wentzell ’06 nursing grad.” Kenneth MacAskill ’91 has been named chief financial officer (CFO) for Klipfolio, a provider of cloud business dashboards. He joins the firm, one of Canada’s fastest growing startups, at a pivotal time as it recently announced a $12 million Canadian series B funding. He brings more than 25 years of experience to Klipfolio, including 13 years focused on high-growth Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) business models. Previously he served as the CFO and then the CEO of Recognia. He also held the CFO position with companies such as Desktone, Blaze Software, Third Brigade, and Watchfire. Wes Gould ’99, partner and CTO with digital design firm REDspace Inc., is pleased to share the company

has been selected as one of Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers for 2017. This year’s Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers were announced in a special magazine in The Globe and Mail and were celebrated at a reception as well.

’00s

Michael J. Isaac ’05, ’10 has recently returned from Cuba representing Canada along with 29 authors at the International Book Fair in Havana. Mr. Isaac is the author of two books – the first, “How the Cougar Came to Be Called the Ghost Cat,” he wrote as a required assignment while attending StFX’s B.Ed. program; the second “The Lost Teachings” was published in 2013. Both are children’s books and both are written in Mi’kmaq, English and French and are used within the Nova Scotia curriculum and some university B.Ed. programs. He says his educational and work experience has been some ride to say the least. He says in 1978 he was accepted to StFX, and was expected to be the first in his family to graduate with a university degree. It was an exciting, but scary time. He was 16 and it was the first time away from family and the First Nation Community of Listuguj, Quebec. He attended class and studied, and says when he wrote his mid-term exams, he was disappointed in his marks. While home for Christmas he received a

August 27, 2016.

May 14, 2016.

Aimee MacDonald ’02 and wife Allison MacLennan and their daughter, Ceileigh MacDonald-Lyons

Curtis LeBlanc and Steph (Barteaux) LeBlanc ’06

Sean “Barney” O’Reilly ’99 and Fabienne Lachance

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

Grace Jessica Jardine December 3, 2016

Karen MacKenzie-Stepner ’79 will be returning to Peru in July with Team Canada Healing Hands on her 4th Deaf Schools Teacher Training mission to that country. Karen has been travelling with Team Canada Healing Hands (www.tchh.org) for 15 years and has made over 30 trips to the four countries. letter stating based on his marks he would not be successful should he return. “I became what is called a Christmas graduate. My parents and grandparents were disappointed, so was I.” Over the years, he worked in policing services and a number of federal departments, including the Canadian Security Intelligence Services. But university was still calling. He enrolled at the University College of Cape Breton, now Cape Breton University and obtained a BA in anthropology/sociology graduating with honours. He was accepted to the StFX B.Ed. program and graduated in 2005. In 2010 he obtained his M.Ed. in education from StFX. He taught Grade 5 at Shipyard Elementary for over six years and later took a position as Student Services Consultant within the Mi’kmaq division of the Department of Education in Halifax. Jenelle Sobey ’08, managing partner of Norex and Digital Nova Scotia member, has won a prestigious national leadership excellence award. She was named the Women in Communications and Technology (WCT) Emerging Leader of the Year, one of 11 Canadian leaders and achievers recognized by WCT for their efforts

to advance and inspire women across Canada in communications, media and technology. Recipients were honoured at the WCT Annual Awards Gala in Ottawa in April.

Brendan Corcoran ’87, Daphne Hamilton 86, Veronica Visentin ’87 and Stuart Sankey ’87 enjoying the summer.

Scott Jardine ’06 and Adrienne Mitchell ’04 ’06

Kinkora PEI, June 18, 2016

Claire Elizabeth MacPherson September 24, 2016

’10s

Britney Benoit ’10 is the 2016 recipient of one of Canada’s most prestigious awards, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, valued at $150,000 over three years. The funding is used by recipients to complete their graduate work. Britney is a PhD student in the School of Nursing at Dalhousie University. Her doctoral research focuses on the influence of breastfeeding on pain in newborns. Britney is also the 2016 recipient of the College of Registered Nurses of NS Rising Star Award and the Faculty of Health Profession Graduate Student Excellence in Research Award.

Courtney MacNeil ’11 articled with Legal Aid Ontario, concentrating on criminal and family law. In 2016 she joined Nova Scotia Legal Aid in Sydney where she focused mostly on family law. She is now the newest member of the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Office in Antigonish.

August 13, 2016

Heather (Norton) ’11 and Joseph MacPherson ’10 ’12 Theron James MacNeil April 3, 2016

Kelly Murphy ’07 and Ian Drummond Top Row L-r: Mike Reithmier ’06, Becca Morey ’07, Melissa Richard ’06, Heidi (MacLeod) Connors ’07, Christa (Baker) Diamond ’07 and Linda Endres ’07 Front Row L-r: Logan Cochrane ’06, Dave Cartwright ’06, Jenny (Johns) Cartwright ’07, Kelly (Murphy) Drummond ’07, Jenn (Robinson ) Proulx ’07, Melissa (Hussey) King ’07 and Aidan Proulx ’07

Meaghan O’Handley ’07 ’09 and Ian Hugh MacNeil

Alison ’02 and Janko Sampson and their two children Hendrick and Anika in Antigonish.

Good buddies Aaron Norris ’12 and Henonc Muamba ’11 catch up before cheering on the X-Men in the 2016 Mitchell Bowl

Kenneth MacAskill ’91 CFO for Klipfolio

July 23, 2106, Souris, PEI

Bobby Reed ’06 ’08 took a photo of his X-Ring while on vacation in Boracay, Philippines on White Beach.

Jonathan Croft ’09 and Danielle Deveau ’09

Sarah (Moen) Mackenzie ’12 ’14 and Dylan Mackenzie ’12

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

I C O S R U O Y WE ❤

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

! S T S O P A I D E IAL M

! T S O P U O Y N E H W D #STFX N A I N M U L A X F T S TAG @ O T T E G R O F T â&#x20AC;&#x2122; N O D

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

UPCOMING EVENTS Check out www.stfx.ca/alumni for a complete listing of upcoming events and up-to-date details. ST. MARTHA’S SCHOOL OF NURSING ALUMNAE DINNER THE CLASS OF 1967 WILL BE OUR HONOREES September 28, 2017 St. Ninian Place, Antigonish, NS Cocktails, 6 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m. Tickets: $35 For tickets call: Peggy McVicar at 902-863-3643 or Emma Lee MacDonald at 902-863-1402. 2017 PRESIDENT’S RECEPTIONS August 22 Charlottetown, PE October 16 August 29 Judique, NS October 17 September 12 Moncton, NB November 21 September 13 Saint John, NB November 22

Corner Brook, NL St. John’s, NL Ottawa Valley Ottawa

StFX HOMECOMING 2017 September 29 – October 1 Antigonish, NS CALGARY CHAPTER EVENT WITH SIGNAL HILL November 16 Calgary

FRAME IT IN

TYLE!

StFX DEGREE & PHOTO FRAMES

Distance Education Programs for REGISTERED NURSES

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

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

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

hIp://sites.sGx.ca/con3nuingeduca3on

MASTER OF EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT StFX

For a detailed view of the frames or to order online, visit www.stfx.ca/frames or contact the Alumni Affairs Office 902-867-2186 | alumni@stfx.ca PART-TIME DISTANCE PROGRAMS Students may complete Master of Education programs in Educational Administration and Leadership or a variety of Curriculum and Instruction areas. These part-time programs require one month of study on campus in July. The remainder of the program can be completed online over a two-year period. These programs may be completed by coursebased, project, or thesis routes. SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR FULL-TIME GRADUATE STUDY StFX admits a limited number of full-time graduate students annually who wish to develop capacity in teaching/leadership or applied research. Students are paired with faculty who provide them with internship opportunities related to university teaching and field experience in the BEd program and/or research. Students who choose the research-based option may have the possibility of participating in funded research programs in collaboration with full-time faculty. For more information or to receive an information package, contact Continuing and Distance Education: Tel: 1-877-867-3906 or (902) 867-3906 E-mail: med@stfx.ca

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

Shopping for premier X-gear just got easier!

www.stfx.ca/xstore

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

WHERE ARE YOU?

ow important is it to keep in touch with your alma mater? Plenty! At StFX, there’s so much going on – from alumni road trips to student send-offs each summer in cities and towns across the country and beyond. If we don’t have your current contacts, we’re not able to send out event notices, alumni mailouts, or the AlumniNews magazine, mailed free of charge three times a year to StFX alumni and friends. If you’re plugged into the StFX network, you can stay in touch with friends, find mentors, visit the Alumni website, and keep up-to-date with all the details of Homecoming, and chapter events in your area. We’d like to reconnect with some of those with whom we’ve lost touch. If you have a current contact or information on any of the following alumni, listed by decade, please contact:

Records Researcher, St. Francis Xavier University 1-888-739-0031 • records @stfx.ca CLASS OF 1980 - 89

Gregory, Griffen and Zachary Kelly. Sons of James and Claire Kelly, Executive Assistant to the Vice President, Advancement.

X-Gear is the perfect gift for anyone! Visit often to discover new items as they are added to the store.

SHIRTS STARTING AT

$12!

Amrit Lal Anand ’80 Jeffrey Dale Andrews ’80 Royden Lewis Baxter ’80 Onkar N Bhaskar ’80 Theresa Helen Cadegan ’80 Joan Louise Campbell ’80 Jean D’Auteuil ’80 Daniel Ronald Daigle ’80 Dawne Margaret Eddy ’80 Fonce J Farrell ’80 Karen Gail Hollett ’80 Douglas William Howlett ’80 Kwok Hung Lam ’80 Philip Lynch ’80 Donald A MacDonald ’80 Jolene MacNeil ’80 Leo Barrington Russell ’80 Marcella Ann Ryan ’80 Kenneth Dominic Smith ’80 Susan Stewart ’80 Craig Alison Whalen ’80 Daniel Douglas Anderson ’81 Michael Anderson ’81 Natalie Rose Battcock ’81 James Brendan Campbell ’81 Joseph Scott Dalton ’81 Claire T Dunne-MacDonald ’81 Patrick C Hackett ’81 Sharon Margaret Harris ’81 Todd Inglis ’81 George Edward Kane ’81 Christine Laurel ’81 Colin Alexander MacAdam ’81 Mary Alexina MacNeil ’81 William R Nelson ’81 Elizabeth Ritchie ’81 Jane Stephenson ’81 Katherine Stevens ’81 Christopher Watson ’81 Blanche M Whelan ’81 Patricia Anne Young ’81 Barry Michael Belding ’82 Suzanne Bergeron ’82 Deborah Carol Campbell ’82 Leo Brendon Farrell ’82 Gladys Haddad ’82 Alison Hall-Wright ’82 Ian Robert Hannant ’82 John Domingo Inyang ’82 Robert Laberge ’82 Angus Warren Leadbetter ’82 Anita M MacAdam ’82 Frances Lillian MacDonald ’82

Jo-Ann Magliaro ’82 Shari Ann Pearson ’82 Donna Therese Peele ’82 Cary Blake Sterling ’82 Catherine Mary Watson ’82 Donald Finnis Weir ’82 Evelyn Jane Bazos ’83 James Darryl Currie ’83 Mary Cuvelier ’83 Hamid Farkhondi ’83 Carolyn Ginger Fillier ’83 Shahriar Hooshangi ’83 Hassanein Y Ibrahim ’83 Donald Henry Janes ’83 Elaine P Janz ’83 Donald Charles Lynch ’83 Donna Marie MacDonald ’83 Elsie Bonita MacDonald ’83 Jean Eileen Morrison ’83 Judith Nevelos ’83 Shaun C O’Neill ’83 Shaun Joseph Quirk ’83 Kathie Marie Smith ’83 Robert David Stevenson ’83 Eric Sydney Turner ’83 Andre P Weingartshofer ’83 Bonnie Kathleen Weyman ’83 Brenda Lori Bell ’84 Christena M Callaghan ’84 Patrick John Daley ’84 Wendy Lee Dutton-Webb ’84 Gordon Edmondson ’84 Ali A Farhat ’84 Mary Eileen Humphrey ’84 Catherine Ann Jackson ’84 John Hugh MacIsaac ’84 Michael Gerard Basha ’85 Francis Robert Bastarache ’85 Kathleen Y Campbell ’85 Christopher Edwards ’85 Wayne Hounsell ’85 Patrick O Ikejiani ’85 Akhtar Jamal ’85 Sharon Jane Jan ’85 Karim H Kanji ’85 Kevin Donald Kasha ’85 Stephney Cheryl Mason ’85 G Curtis Morrison ’85 Shawn Vincent O’Neill ’85 Sharon Quinn ’85 Pauline Rivera ’85 Donald Wayne Sexton ’85 Janet Maureen Smith ’85

Ian C Tulle ’85 Ted Angus Warren ’85 Mukta Dolly Anand ’86 Doreen Andruk ’86 Thomas Basha ’86 David John Batterham ’86 Janet E M Campbell ’86 Agnes Kathie Dwyer ’86 Francis Blair Haines ’86 Susan Elizabeth Henderson ’86 Anna Marie Jacobs ’86 Robert John Laffin ’86 Kai Seng Lam ’86 Tan Thieu Mac ’86 Rosetta Masciulli ’86 Catherine D McGrath ’86 Judy Ann O’Reilly ’86 Melvin Payne ’86 Heather Irene Stevenson ’86 M Melissa Wheatley ’86 Nola Hua Yu ’86 Louie J van Bommel ’86 Jemal Hussein Abba-Wajy ’87 Warren Reginald Hingley ’87 Ioannis Ilioudis ’87 Sheila C Jamieson ’87 Margaret Ann Leadbetter ’87 Charlene Iris Mader ’87 Julian Mark Stiles ’87 Paul Douglas Tupper ’87 Jennifer Ann Beaton ’88 Joanne Lois Campbell ’88 Hur Guler ’88 Abdou Al Majid Hammoud ’88 Ahmad A Ibraheim ’88 Lloyd Winfield Janes ’88 Lizabeth Anne Laureijs ’88 Augustus Joseph McGrath ’88 Adel Hammond Rabah ’88 John David Smith ’88 Suriahni Abdul-Hamid ’89 Beverly Ann Ferguson ’89 Damon Arnold Harvey ’89 Mariah Noraslina Ismail ’89 Janice Laureen MacNeil ’89 Jehad Samih Shahrouj ’89 Karen Patricia Turner ’89 Cynthia M Webb ’89 Adele Dorothy Young ’89 Rozita Yusoff ’89 Mohammad Aris Yusop ’89 Badriyah Zakaria ’89

www.stfx.ca/xstore StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

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

COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION AND REMEMBERING FATHER SYD It’s been a wonderful year and half since returning to StFX as VP Advancement and hearing from alumni just how much StFX means to them. So many of us look back with feelings of pride and cherishment. It was a time chock full of opportunities to learn, develop and grow—not only as a student, but also as a person. Last year a physician and alum from the ’70s said it best in capturing the essence of StFX when he said, “It’s a place of great academics, but even better education.” I’ve used this phrase time and time again when describing the StFX experience to others wanting to know why StFX is so highly regarded by its students and alumni. And the one critical learning for me upon returning and seeing firsthand is that this culture of providing a top-notch educative experience is still very much present—something which I’m very proud of and have shared with many of you. My return to the campus allowed me to reconnect with faculty and colleagues that I first met as a student during the mid-1980s. Importantly for me was reconnecting with a dear friend and mentor, Fr. Syd Mifflen, who was the Dean of Students during those years. Syd was a kind and caring leader who guided many RAs and RDs through their trials and tribulations in residence, but for others who came before us, Syd was the excellent professor and administrator in the Faculty of Education. And yet for others who came after us and living in northeastern Nova Scotia, Syd was the bedrock in their community --

the parish priest who nourished the hunger for a better understanding of Christ and his teachings through carefully crafted homilies, that resonated with all. To his family, he was the wonderful uncle who cared deeply for his nieces and nephews and their children. To all of us, Syd committed his life to helping others in the service of God. Syd married Cathy ’87 and I and we kept in touch over the years, dropping in to see him when visiting campus—as many of you did. Syd passed away this spring after a two-year battle with cancer. Know that throughout this time, he continued to be an inspiration, revealing his strength and character repeatedly saying he was dealt a great hand in life, was very thankful and wasn’t at all worried about death as his relationship with and faith in the Lord was so strong and present. In fact, more often than not, Syd was always asking of others to see how they were doing rather than talk of his health. With Syd’s death, an era has passed at StFX for he was the last of the priests who were faculty or administrators and living on campus. For many of us, having a priest as a professor or administrator, interacting with them on a daily basis, living among them in the various residences, in Mockler Hall, eating in the Priest Dining Hall and having them celebrate Mass every Sunday at the Chapel was very much the norm. And they were an eclectic bunch—which for me, humanized their lot and in so doing, brought faith and discipline to the fore in meaningful ways.

We all stand on the shoulders of those men and women who came before us, since 1853, who gave so selflessly to making StFX the absolute best place to experience an education. There are too many to thank here, but Syd would be proud to know in his humble way, that we as Xaverians honour him on behalf of all the priests at StFX who were pillars of strength, knowledge and respect, guiding us through to graduation and thereafter. May they all rest in peace and never be forgotten. Hail & Health,

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

Larry Andrea ’84 ’85 and Fr. Syd Mifflen ’52 ’53. Larry was dressing up as Fr. Syd for Halloween.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l SUMMER 2017

SEPT 29 - OCT 1, 2017 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 7:30 pm

StFX Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Induction of StFX Sports Hall of Fame candidates. Auditorium, Schwartz School of Business

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

1 pm

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

1:45 pm 2 pm – 5 pm

Ceremonial Kick-Off, Football Game Homecoming Football Game StFX vs. SMU Intermission & post-game receptions in the Main Gym, Oland Centre

2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

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

10 am – 9 pm

Homecoming Registration & Information Hospitality Suites, Keating Centre

1 pm

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

3 pm

StFX Alumni Association Annual General Meeting All alumni are encouraged to attend Location: TBD

6:00 pm reception, 7:00 pm dinner

6 pm reception, 7 pm dinner

Welcome Home Dinner All alumni are welcome to attend. Presentation of Alumni Awards of Excellence. Advance ticket sales only- $50 each. To reserve, please contact Alumni Affairs at 902-867-2186 or email alumni@stfx.ca Main Arena, Keating Centre

President’s Reception and Golden Grad Dinner A dinner hosted by the University President, to honour our Golden Grads from the Class of ’67. Main Arena, Keating Centre. Alumni who have graduated prior to 1967 are welcome to attend this dinner. Pre-registration is required. To purchase tickets contact – 902-867-2186 or email alumni@stfx.ca

9 pm

Homecoming Pub Night A gathering place for all alumni and friends! Live musical entertainment Admission: $10 MacKay Room, Bloomfield Centre Class reunions are also planned for the class of 1957, 1962, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017 For details visit: http://www.stfx.ca/alumni/homecoming

9 pm

Homecoming Mix and Mingle A gathering place for all alumni and friends! Music; DJ. Free Admission Bloomfield Centre

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 8 am

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

9 am – 6 pm

Homecoming Registration continues Hospitality Suites, Keating Centre

9 am

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

11 am

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

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1 11 am

Alumni Mass Class seating. StFX University Chapel

11 am – 1:30 pm

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

1 pm

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

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

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