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STORIES: ALUMNI PLAY KEY PART IN HELPING PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS FIND STFX

John McNeil ’19

NIA MACFARLANE ’18

Region: Nova Scotia and the U.S. nmacfarl@stfx.ca “My time at StFX remains meaningful to me because it allowed me to experience true independence for the first time, open my mind to the world, and meet my best friends.”

JOHN MCNEIL ’19

Region: Cape Breton, Southwestern Ontario, and the U.S. jmcneil@stfx.ca “Following in the footsteps of my mother and three older siblings, I was able to gain first-hand experience to the communityfocus and extensive opportunities available at StFX, which had been shared by the alumni surrounding me as I grew up.”

LUCAS MIDDLETON ’19

Region: Atlantic Canada lmiddlet@stfx.ca “StFX was especially meaningful because I was directly challenged by professors to improve my work and apply the knowledge I was learning – no professor gave me a

Lucas Middleton ’19

Kieran Ward ’20

poor mark without following up about exactly what was wrong and what could be done to fix it. This level of attention and intention to the learning process is something very few other institutions can provide to first-year undergraduate students, and it was exactly what I needed to succeed.”

GREG NUGENT ’19

Region: Southwestern Ontario and the U.S. gnugent@stfx.ca

Greg Nugent ’19

“StFX is where I spent the formative years of my life and where I grew into the man I am today. Often as a recruiter, we get focused on what program is best for a student. At the end of my presentations, I always try to remind students that by going to X they will learn more about themselves than they can in any classroom could ever teach--this is something I think all alumni speak about best.”

KIERAN WARD ’20

Region: Eastern Ontario and Quebec kward@stfx.ca “At the beginning of my undergraduate experience, what I thought I would finish my degree with included gaining independence, clarity in my future goals, late study nights, and other cliche university ideas. In reflection of what university and StFX specifically offered me was opening my eyes and doors to opportunities for my future, self-growth, and being supported by a community that will stand by me no matter how I choose to answer that looming ‘what’s next’ question.”

Dear AlumniNews,

In December 2019, I graduated with a master’s degree in adult education at age 51, 30 years after graduating with a BA in 1990. I attended graduation with my brother Raymond Sanborn ‘84 and my parents Joseph and Patricia (McMurray) Sanborn ‘59 and ‘57. This was a trip of a lifetime for us, and a time of deep bonding. My mother endured two hip replacements in the months prior to the trip and to have both my 84- and 86-year-old parents attend was a miracle and a blessing.

In 1954, my grandfather Raymund McMurray ‘31 received an honorary degree and he had the pleasure of giving my mother her degree on stage that day. My parents fell in love at StFX and they have eight children who are all successful and thriving. My father played varsity football and basketball for the four years he attended StFX. This experience influenced him to become a high school basketball coach for 20 years and in 2018, players from all over Canada attended his 85th birthday party. He often said his coach at StFX, Don Loney, inspired him.

I was inspired by the master of adult education program and it gave me renewed hope in learning. After two years of starting the program, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I became more determined than ever to get back into my studies after treatment. I realized that the life choices I needed to make were more about bringing the right focus to what brought me happiness. I changed my profession and within a year and half completed the program. I can honestly say this program brought real purpose at a time when I thought my life could be ending. My ability to complete this program was because of the guidance of Drs. Leona English and Maureen Coady.

It is my hope this story can inspire others to search within themselves to pursue their passion. Sometimes life gets in the way of staying on our path and we need a little nudge. Pursue your passion and if you need to go back to school to do so then so be it! StFX is the perfect family to help you get there. My family is deeply proud of our StFX roots and I am personally thankful for the role this institution has played in my life.

Hail and Health, Stephanie Marie Sanborn ’90, ’19

Beth ’71 and Graydon ’68, HON ’94 Nicholas

GRAYDON AND BETH NICHOLAS ESTABLISH HATCHETTE NICHOLAS BURSARY ENDOWMENT AT STFX TO AID INDIGENOUS CANADIAN STUDENTS

Helping Indigenous Canadian students on their educational journey is the purpose of a new bursary generously established at StFX by Graydon ’68, HON ’94 and Beth ’71 Nicholas.

The couple, both StFX alumni, have donated $210,000 to establish the Hatchette Nicholas Bursary Endowment to provide emergency funding for Indigenous Canadian students in need of immediate financial assistance. The bursary honours the memory of the late Richard (Rick) Hatchette ’75, brother of Beth Nicholas.

The donation is matched by the Jeannine Deveau Educational Equity Foundation, doubling the endowment fund to $420,000.

“My brother was a strong advocate for Indigenous rights. Rick was an adjudicator with the Indian Residential Schools Adjudication Secretariat. I think he would certainly approve of this bursary fund,” says Beth Nicholas, a retired lawyer. She says that Rick, also a lawyer and legal advisor for the St. John River Valley Tribal Council, who would have celebrated his 45th reunion from StFX this year, passed away from cancer in 2016. Mrs. Nicholas was one of his caregivers.

“We received an inheritance from Rick and we wanted to ensure that his legacy lives on at StFX,” she says. He treasured his years at X and his lifetime friends from the class of ’75. Rick’s BSc from StFX provided him with a solid foundation to pursue a Masters in Biology at UNB and then an LLB from UNB Law School, where he excelled and found his life’s passion in the law.”

HELP IN MOMENT OF NEED

Mr. Nicholas, former Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, retired lawyer and judge, who holds the Endowed Chair in Native Studies at St. Thomas University, and was recently appointed Chancellor of St. Thomas University, says they wanted to help Indigenous students in their moment of need.

He says being Indigenous himself, he knows what it’s like to go to university as an Indigenous student. Finances may be limited, and the students may be the first in their family to attend university. Students may find themselves in need of resources throughout the year to continue their academic journey. Additionally, some students are single mothers who have extra costs associated with childcare and travel.

“This bursary will help them,” he says. “We’re hoping it will make university life a little easier for them.”

“This is a way to assist Indigenous students who are in need during the academic year so they can stay in school,” Mrs. Nicholas says.

Both say their hope is that these students will eventually go on to help their communities. “When they graduate, I hope they’ll think someone reached out to me as a student, so maybe I can do that for someone else,” Mr. Nicholas says.

L-r, front: Farhiyo Salah (nursing) and Priscilla Panchol (BA international development) and back: Amy Graham (WUSC president) and Kristen Stephens (WUSC vice-president), all received their X-Rings this year.

EDUCATION CHANGES THE WORLD: STFX WUSC STUDENTS RECEIVE X-RINGS

StFX celebrated a milestone this year when two students, Priscilla Panchol and Farhiyo Salah, who came to StFX through the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) received their X-Rings.

This is the first time two students from WUSC—a Canadian nonprofit working to create a better world for all young people, including through the Student Refugee Program—have received their X-Ring in the same year.

“X-Ring was a big thing for me because it symbolizes all the struggle I went through. I never thought I would make it this far but with the help of this amazing (WUSC-StFX) society, I kept pushing through as I knew there was a light at the end of the tunnel and X-Ring was definitely that light (bittersweet). It will forever remind me of this journey,” says Ms. Panchol, who came to StFX from the Kakuma refugee camp.

“X-Ring means a lot to me,” says Ms. Salah, who came from Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya. “It’s a constant reminder for a beautiful journey, hard work and determination. It’s a dream that came true, and this wouldn’t never be possible without the constant help and support from WUSC-StFX society.”

WUSC society president Amy Graham, who also received her X-Ring, says at StFX a small portion of every student’s tuition goes to support one student refugee joining the Xaverian family. With the support of the WUSC committee, these students secure an opportunity to be educated at a post-secondary institution.

“Given the COVID-19 pandemic, many WUSC university chapters across Canada have been unable to welcome students to their campuses. Given the strength of the Antigonish community and the current state of our town, we are pleased and grateful to be able to announce that, in January, we will be welcoming two new refugee students to the Xaverian community,” says Ms. Graham.

“Without the outstanding efforts of the StFX WUSC chapter, this wonderful accomplishment would not have been possible.”

Dr. Maria Paz-Mackay, faculty advisor to the society, says, “This was a very special day for us. WUSC program’s success is largely thanks to its unique youth-to-youth sponsorship model, which empowers young Canadian students to play an active role in the sponsorship of refugee students. We are lucky to have such a wonderful group of students on our committee who truly embrace the Xavierian spirit! The StFX WUSC group tackled the challenge presented by WUSC Ottawa to receive an additional student this year. The group worked tirelessly during the summer to apply for external funding to make this possible. We were lucky to receive external financial support from WUSC Ottawa and StFX AUT. Also, we are thankful to continually have the kind financial support our university provides to this wonderful student refugee program.”

STFX WELCOME DAYS DIFFERENT, BUT WELCOME REMAINS WARM FOR 951 FIRST YEAR STUDENTS

As new students filed into the Keating Centre on Sept. 10, 2020, the first of two Welcome Days for 951 first year students, members of the Class of 2024 were immediately welcomed by StFX staff with a friendly greeting and directions for the day.

While the process for welcoming new and returning students looked much different this year than how StFX traditionally kicks off the school year, students were greeted with the same spirit, care and excitement that is the hallmark of StFX orientation.

StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin, who with his wife Linda, greeted all students, says after months of planning for the students’ arrival, it was great to see StFX move into operational mode. “The optimism, expectation, and excitement of students returning to campus injected a lot of positive energy into the institution,” he says.

“We are mindful that this semester will be like no other that our students have experienced. But different does not mean worse. Faculty and staff have worked incredibly hard to build a framework of academic and social experiences that will continue to distinguish StFX from the other institutions. The university has prepared all aspects of its operations to build an excellent and memorable experience for students.”

This year, Welcome Day for first year students was extended from one day to two, with students arriving Sept. 10-11 at specified times to check-in, get their green wristband, which signified they completed 14 days of isolation in Atlantic Canada or that they never left, get their student ID, and check-in to residence, if applicable. Pink-shirted O-Crew members greeted students and helped direct people, bringing their energy in a masked and physically distanced way. On September 12-13, returning students moved into residence, checking in at the Keating Centre in a similar way.

WELL ORGANIZED

“It was very energetic, with O-Crew, and it was very safe, with distancing and everyone wearing masks. People were respecting boundaries. It was well organized, with all the extra measures, and lots of people were stopping to talk and say hello,” says Katie Braid, a first year human kinetics student from Toronto, ON, checking in with her mother, Karen McCormick ’86

Ms. McCormick says communication from StFX prior to Welcome Day was clear and she and Katie both felt confident with the information received. “I’m very pleased and proud she is coming here.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by Deniene Beales ’93 and Peter Salovitch of New Jersey, whose daughter Katia Beales-Salovitch is a first year BBA student, majoring in international business with a minor in political science.

“Every parent can attest to the stress and worry about sending your child off to university but add COVID and international travel to the mix and you know you are about to embark on a journey unlike all others! Our experience began with the most thoughtful and responsive group of administrators that any parents would have been privileged to work with,” Ms. Beales says.

“To say that X went above and beyond our expectations is an understatement. As a proud alumna and parent, we are appreciative of the planning that has gone into ensuring our daughter is safe and has the best university experience possible.”

Katia says she is appreciative to have an in-person university experience.

Completing 14 days of quarantine wasn’t exactly how she expected her university experience to begin, she says, but it went okay. “Staying in a dorm room, by yourself, for 14 days in a new country without family was tough, but StFX staff did an amazing job under very unique circumstances. They brought me three healthy meals every day, we had the opportunity to go outside for one hour of the day, which allowed me to meet new friends and if I needed anything the Residence Life staff was there to help. Everyone was focused on keeping the campus COVID-free and everyone played a part in making that happen.”

First year student Isaac Faubert of Ottawa, ON says he had an amazing day. He completed his 14-day isolation off-campus. “I was very excited to move in and it was easily accessible to my parents and I. It was great with the staggered times, so it was very easy to move in. The new protocols were amazing and I felt very safe the whole time. It was an amazing job from StFX.”

DUE TO ALL THE CHANGES BEING IMPLEMENTED BY CANADA POST PLEASE MAKE SURE THE ALUMNI OFFICE HAS YOUR CORRECT MAILING ADDRESS

ALUMNINEWS IS PUBLISHED TWO TIMES PER YEAR. DON’T MISS OUT! BE SURE YOUR MAILING ADDRESS IS CORRECT WITHIN OUR SYSTEM. ALUMNI@STFX.CA

FRAME IT INTYLE!

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

XAVERIAN? DO YOU KNOW AN OUTSTANDING

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. (Click on Alumni Association Box) 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)

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED. DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS APRIL 30, 2021.

MASTER OF ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM AT StFX

A Self-directed, Practice-based, Part-time, Distance Learning Program

Do you work with adults? Are you interested in more effective learning as an approach to development and change? Do you want a program that is flexible and affordable? This program is designed for busy professionals whose work involves motivating and helping adults learn in any context or setting. We are Canada’s first part-time, self-directed, Master of Adult Education program delivered through distance education. The StFX Master of Adult Education program offers individualized, hands-on learning opportunities for professionals. Students can design an academic program tailored to their needs and interests at work or in the community. Our program is open to those having an undergraduate degree in any discipline and two years experience working with adults.

For more information contact:

Department of Adult Education

Email: aesecret@stfx.ca Telephone: 902.867.3952 /1-(866)-203-1086 www. stfx.ca/masterofadulted

Shopping for premier X-gear just got easier! shop.stfx.ca X-GEAR ONLINE STORE OPEN NOW Alumni, family, students and friends can now purchase quality university merchandise online from the StFX Store.

StFX Alumni Affairs administrative assistant Glenda Bond, her daughter Laura (Bond) Selig ’10 and granddaughter, Kate Selig.

WHERE ARE YOU?

How important is it to keep in touch with your alma mater? Plenty! At StFX, there’s so much going on – from alumni road trips to student 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

Donald Finnis Weir ’82 Ursula M Franklin ’86 Rob McConnell ’86 Anthony M Sets’abi ’84 Kenneth D Taylor ’81 Patricia E Taylor ’81 Paul J Hogan ’89 Richard Allen Clark ’88 Joseph Harry Jellow ’81 Adel Hammond Rabah ’88 Frank Ernest Campbell ’80 Lenora Keough ’80 Nicole Sandra Bois ’81 Douglas James Aitken ’80 Douglas A Pape ’82 Irene Burns ’87 Carla Heather Mobley ’80 Joy K MacIsaac ’80 Timothy P Hogan ’80 Robyn J Sutherland ’80 Wendy Marie Orli ’80 Vanetta Caisey ’81 Gordon Kennedy ’80 John Mello McIntyre ’80 Bernadette Maria Thompson ’80 Stuart Douglas MacDonald ’80 Mary Ellen Gill ’80 Gordon J Delaney ’81 Jane Anne Doucette ’80 Diana Troup ’81 Kevin Budge ’80 Sharon Ann LaCour ’80 Yvonne M Williams ’80 Patricia Louise Thibodeau ’80 Nancy Fong ’80 Ferne Annette Morrison ’80 Jannine Theresa George ’81 Karen Gail Hollett ’80 Geraldine Miller ’80 Gary Lawrence Brown ’80 Sharon Marie MacLean ’80 Colin P Dumont ’80 Gerard Paul Morris ’80 Patrick Adrien ’80 Angela N Lynch ’80 Donald Wilfred MacDonald ’80 Cecelia Miriam Porter ’82 Garry Walter MacAdam ’80 Raymond Lee ’80 Patrick C Hackett ’81 Anna Rita Nabuurs ’81 David Peters ’82 Danniel Joseph McPherson ’80 Albert D Roper ’81 Janet Marie MacSween ’80 Claire L Kent ’81 Gloria Helen Herman ’80

Brenda Anne MacDonald ’81 Sharon Margaret Harris ’81 Peter Royce Graves ’80 M Colleen MacNeil ’81 Carrie Marlene Boudreau ’80 Keith Robert David ’81 Jolene MacNeil ’80 Dawne Margaret Eddy ’80 Patricia McCarthy ’80 Paula Lynn Gillis ’80 Michael Irving Kellock ’81 Corinne Marie Richard ’81 William R Nelson ’81 Roy Pringle MacDonald ’80 Catriona Susan Wilson ’81 Joseph Luc Cormier ’80 Cheryl Anne Morgan ’81 Andrea Everett ’81 Susan Jean Craig ’81 Katherine Stevens ’81 Mary Lorraine Simonds ’81 Faye H Costello ’80 Blanche M Whelan ’81 Leo Brendon Farrell ’82 Susan C Sharkey ’81 Lois Theresa MacNeil ’80 Frank Collier ’80 Patricia Anne Young ’81 Elizabeth Louise MacLeod ’80 Mary Gillian Scott ’81 Patricia MacInnis-MacQueen ’80 Rosemary Elizabeth Bushell ’80 Michael Scott Newton ’81 Kenneth Manson Phillips ’81 Elizabeth Anne Roney ’81 Gordon Craig Benjamin ’83 Tibor Leslie Csonka ’81 Colin Alexander MacAdam ’81 Mary Elaine Muise ’80 Sherelanne Purcell ’81 Maureen F Campbell ’81 Ann Kathleen English ’80 Mark Paul M Gamble ’81 Bernice MacLellan ’81 J Stirling Dorrance ’81 Vincent W F Wong ’81 Patrick Joseph Moran ’80 Christopher N MacNeil ’81 Neil Wilson ’82 Laurie Punch ’82 Christine Laurel ’81 Ronald J MacGillivray ’80 Theresa Elizabeth Barrett ’80 Elizabeth Marie Bonia ’82 Yvonne Michelle Brennick ’83 Paula Theresa Duff ’80 D Blaise MacNeil ’80

Douglas Balke Mitchell ’82 Nancy Rose Griffin ’82 Anne Josephine Malowany ’80 Mark R Hunter ’82 Colleen H O’Brien-McLaughlin ’82 Doreen Agnes White ’81 Rachael Denise Hickey ’82 Susan Anne Shafer ’82 Jo-Anne C Corcoran ’82 Steven Pigeon ’81 D Christopher Hope ’82 Gisele Tompkins ’81 Timmy-Dean M Chaisson ’82 James Arthur MacLeod ’82 Suzanne Bergeron ’82 Katherine Marion Higgins ’82 D Marie White ’81 Cyril M Tobin ’81 Kimberly Jean Bird ’82 Michele Lynn Cormier ’82 Jane C Gillis ’81 Linda Darlene McCormick ’82 Jacqueline O’Sullivan ’80 Andrea P MacLean ’81 Stephen Michael Kincaid ’82 Marilyn Jean Smith ’81 A Claire MacDougall ’82 Chiyo Mizuno ’82 Margaret Joan Britten ’80 Margaret Mary Lambert ’82 Alexander N Murphy ’81 William Edward Chappell ’80 Frances Lillian MacDonald ’82 William David Sinfield ’82 Christine Leroy ’82 Ian Craig Wilson ’82 Jamiel Tobias ’81 Keith Patrick Brown ’82 Catherine Ann MacLellan ’82 Keith Allison Rogers ’82 Joan Mary Steele ’82 C Jane Woodford ’80 Bruce Clarence Bradley ’82 Carrie Lynn Kennedy ’81 Ross Gerard Griffin ’82 Bettina Nolting ’82 Paul G MacDonald ’81 Henry James Maitland ’80 John Michael Sampson ’82 Eddy Muha ’82 Edward E English ’82 Seamus Richard Marriott ’82 Larry Arthur Boudreau ’82 Lawrence Joseph Windsor ’82 Archibald Grant ’82 Fonce J Farrell ’80

Mary Agnes (MacDonald) Barry, MSB ’42 former staff J. Albert Lynch ’45 Dr. Charles A. Campbell ’47 Donald Francis MacLellan ’47 Patrick Noel Kyte ’48 Adélard Lavallière ’48 Sr. Ann Marie McGloan ’50 Valery Joseph Legere ’51 Mary (Donovan) Tilden Smith ’51 Catherine “Viberta” Marie (MacLean) MacNeil ’52 Raymond “Sonny” Cantin ’53 Harold Jabalee ’54 ’93 Fr. Patrick Joseph Kelly, SFM ’54 Joseph Leonard LeBlanc ’54 Margaret (Kiely) Murrin ’54 John Bernard Cusack ’55 Mildred J. “Millie” (MacDonald) Forbes ’55 MSB Michael F. Keating ’55 George Wallace McPhee ’55 Robert Earl “Bob” Stewart ’55 William MacDougall “Bill” Bishop ’56 Estelle Renault Forest ’56 Mildred (Webb) LeBlanc ’56 Joan Marie Ryan ’56 (former CND) Andrew “Drew” William Rogers Dolan ’57 Cyril James Grant ’57, former faculty James Gerard “Jerry” Brophy ’58 Margaret Mary (MacDonald) Murdoch ’58 William “Bill” Gromick ’59 Nicholas Horechuk ’59 Iris Rose Ann Hutton ’59 Dr. J. Kevin Lynch ’59 Richard W. “Dick” Papp ’59 Aidan Furlong ’61 George Thomas Haley ’61 Brian P. Kasouf ’62 ’65 Kelvin “Kelly” A. MacPhee ’62 John S. Vegso ’62 Kenneth Allan Morrison ’62 Edwin H. “Ted” Flaherty ’63 Bernard Francis Campbell ’64 Walter Ronald Farmer ’64 Pierre A. Lord ’64 Thomas Michael Chmiel, Jr ’65 James Robert “Jimmy” Ronan ’65 Marlene (MacDonald) Cheng ’66 Brian Alan Gallant ’66 Rev. Bernard Benedict McCosham, OMI ’67 Gerard “Jerry” James Butler ’68 Eileen Elizabeth Burns ’68 Aileen Hartigan ’68 Joseph Clifford McGann, Jr ’68 Ralph Purcell ’68 ’71 Robert James “Jim” Edwards ’69 James Henry “Jimmy” McNeil ’69 James J. “Jimmy” Walsh ’69 John Alexander “Alex” Chisholm ’70 Leo Joseph Duggan ’70 Beverley Louise “Bev” Fox Hayman ’70 Elaine Marie Hines ’70 Sr. Josephine Kennedy ’70 Cletus Maurice Couture ’71 Robert “Bob” Hanlon ’71 Malcolm Angus “Malkie Doo” MacDougall ’71 Sullivan, J. Jerome ’71 Patrick Charles Augustson ’72 Bruce Murray ’72 Mildred Ann (Nolan) Parsons ’72 Bernice Kaye MacLeod ’73 Tom Chisholm ’75 James Brian Oliver ’75 Florence Jeanette (Young) Grant ’77 ’78 John Bernard “Bernie” White ’77 Albert Joseph “Al” Connors ’78 Lucie (Beck) Potts ’78 Lynne Ann Sherren Rodgerson ’78 Anne (Creaghan) Hall ’79 Sandra Anne (MacNeil) MacDonald ’79 Brian F. Olds ’79 Harold B. “Mr B or Wiggy” Bezanson ’80 Sr. Maria Rosa Leggol ’84 Eileen “Therese” (Proctor) MacDonald ’86 Vicki Lynn Weldin ’86 Bradley Joseph Doyle ’88 Keith Michael MacSween ’94 Eric K. Ho ’95 Brian Keith MacIsaac ’95 Eileen Elizabeth Burns ’96 Phyllis M. MacDougall ’96 James “David” Arthur Alexander ’99 Robert Kenneth Carreau ’00 ’04 ’16 Mary Dawna MacDonald ’05 Shane Michael Nolan ~15 Sergei Kalvin Aalto, former faculty B. Marlene Chisholm, former staff Helen Patricia Mattie, former staff Hans Van Mulukom, former staff John Bernard “Bernie” White

MANAGING EDITORS Shanna Hopkins ’01 Email: shopkins@stfx.ca Kyler Bell Email: kbell@stfx.ca

ASSISTANT EDITOR Shelley Cameron-McCarron Email: sacamero@stfx.ca

WRITER Shelley Cameron-McCarron

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. ’93, 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,

ESSENCE OF STFX, THAT LIVED EXPERIENCE OF PERSONAL GROWTH, HASN’T CHANGED

Inside this edition of the AlumniNews are compelling stories of commitment, determination, community, service, resilience, and leadership. The past nine months have been incredible on so many levels: for the university to have remained open this fall semester, delivering in-class learning and providing the full complement of on-campus services (including residential living, meals, and extracurricular activities) without a single active case of COVID-19 … it’s almost unbelievable.

StFX has led the country this year, successfully providing our students with a “normal” academic semester, relatively speaking. With adjustments, our students have still had what we alumni can all relate to—a fully immersive, fun semester. We missed the in-person X-Ring ceremony this year, but the essence of StFX—that lived experience of personal growth and development amidst a community ethos of care, leadership, and service to others, hasn’t changed. Indeed, it was only amplified as students, staff, and faculty rallied around a common goal: keeping Antigonish safe.

When we decided to welcome students back to campus this fall, we battled the twin arguments that the StFX experience is inherently a social one, and that we have an extremely long tradition of service and sacrifice. We were convinced that the latter would override the former, and that our students would rise to the challenge. We planned and executed myriad activities and tactics to mitigate the risk of the virus taking hold in our community, and mapped out contingencies for a potential outbreak,

Murray Kyte ’87

working in lockstep with our public health agencies. Thankfully, we have not had to enact any of those contingencies – but our work is not yet finished. Winter is here and we are in the midst of a second wave … but we have a strong belief that our second semester will be as successful as our first, because we are all working together.

We are very grateful for everyone’s hard work, support, dedication, and commitment to the University during these extraordinary times. As you all know, StFX is a very special place, where traditions have been shaped by each successive generation. This year is no different, and it will be interesting to see what new traditions spring forward from this turbulent time. Now, perhaps more than ever, I am gratified to be working alongside so many selfless and creative people – and I’m pleased that you get to read about some of them in this issue of the AlumniNews.

Happy Holidays and have a very Merry Christmas,

StFX VP Advancement Murray Kyte ‘87 and Campaign Director Kathleen Provost volunteering at Neighbours Helping Neighbours information table. Murray E. Kyte ’87, M.Ed, LL.B, B.B.A Vice-President, Advancement X

CHAPTERS SUPPORTING COMMUNITY IN TIME of COVID-19

COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on our ability to host in-person events and to connect with chapter members. We know our chapters want, can, and are making a tremendous impact in their communities despite the current challenges. It is in this spirit, with the generous support of our affinity partners TD, BMO and Manulife, that the StFX Alumni Association Council approved $500 for each chapter to allocate to a project or initiative to support their community during the COVID-19 pandemic. These donations were made last spring to fund or support individuals or organizations in their community who may need extra help during this time. The recipients were:

Amherst/Sackville Antigonish/Guyborough Eastern Cape Breton Fredericton Fredericton Fredericton Fredericton Manitoba Montreal Northern California Nunavut Ottawa Ottawa Pictou County Saint John St. John’s St. John’s Toronto Vancouver Victoria Victoria Victoria Victoria Yarmouth County Yukon Amherst Food Assistance Network StFX Student Resource Food Bank Loaves and Fish Food Bank - Sydney Sobeys Gift Card - Grocery Support Liberty Lane - Female Violence Outreach Veterans Ward - Flowers Current Student - Grocery Card Harvest Winnipeg Share the Warmth - Back to School Program Community Services Agency Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre Ottawa Food Bank Eldercare Foundation of Ottawa The Shepard’s Lunchroom L’Arche Bridges to Hope Choices for Youth Daily Bread Food Bank Simon Fraser Urgent Student Response Fund Victoria Women’s Transition House The Soup Kitchen Victoria Women in Need Anawin House Victoria VON Tri-County – Meals Program Yukon Women’s Transition Home Society $500 $500 $500 $100 $200 $150 $50 $500 $500 $500 $500 $250 $250 $500 $500 $250 $250 $500 $500 $100 $200 $100 $100 $500 $500