StFX Alumni News - Winter 2021 by Stfx University

StFX AlumniNews WINTER 2022

CONNECTING ALUMNI & FRIENDS OF St. FRANCIS XAVIER UNIVERSITY

We asked, you told. What it means to be Xaverian.

Thanks to James Smeaton of Highland Multimedia for this photo of the sun rising over Canada’s most beautiful campus.

TO STFX ALUMNI AND FRIENDS, In early December, just as we were preparing to go to press with the December 2021 issue, StFX was responding to a COVID-19 outbreak associated with events around the December 3 X-Ring and the December 4 Convocation ceremonies. At the time, we made the decision to temporarily press pause on this AlumniNews issue, which was due to be sent to the printers for distribution. What you will see following inside the magazine is the issue planned at that time. The outbreak was a significant setback for our university and the broader community at a moment in which it looked like we were emerging from the grip of the pandemic. It was very hard on our students at a time when they were about to enter end of semester examinations. I applaud them for the great resilience they displayed in moving through that very trying time that eventually resulted in the examination period being shifted online and some moved to the beginning of January. Our faculty and staff were pulled in many different directions during December and January, and I am proud of how they responded to rapidly evolving situations. They have gone above and beyond to ensure that the university could continue with its operations. Please know our university will learn from this experience. The apology I offered to all within our community was the beginning of sustained efforts to rebuild trust. Trust is at the center of this partnership and as President I know that this university is committed to ensuring that protecting that trust remains a priority. We received, and continue to receive, much support from alumni and friends of the university, including community leaders close to home and beyond. We also received questions wondering how the university moved forward with these events given the pandemic. To that end, in the following page Vice-President of Advancement, Murray Kyte, provides details and context regarding the journey that was taken. I thank all who reached out and rallied to support both the university and the community of Antigonish. As I write this article, the university is finishing its second week of in-person classes after completing the first two weeks of classes online. The return of students has reinvigorated both the campus and the community of Antigonish and although students have returned to very different circumstances from those they left in December, their enthusiastic reimmersion into the community has been reenergizing. COVID is now in every community in Canada and we will continue to adapt our approaches to recognize this new reality. The experience, strength, and determination to deliver on our academic mission I see all around me provides confidence that we can continue to be successful, despite the pandemic. In closing, I thank everyone for the many kindnesses that have been shown. We are so grateful for the support the university has received from our community as well as the strong relationships that have been reaffirmed with our partners, community leaders and alumni. This is a time in which the Xaverian value of caring for each other is desperately needed. Never has there been a more important moment for our university to answer the need to graduate well-prepared, well-educated members of society to help move all our communities forward. This is a mission at which StFX University will continue to excel. Sincerely,

Dr. Andy Hakin President and Vice-Chancellor St. Francis Xavier University

IN RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS WE RECEIVED: During the recent COVID-19 outbreak we received some questions asking about how the university could make the decision to go ahead with hosting in-person X-Ring and Fall Convocation ceremonies. Please appreciate that I provide the information below not in a defensive posture; rather, I do so in the spirit of providing the context some have asked for, providing insight as to why we believed we could host these events safely. In the lead up to the events, the Province of Nova Scotia had been operating, successfully, in Phase 5 of its COVID reopening plan for nearly two months. Our campus community was operating safely with face-to-face instruction, enabled in part by the high vaccination status of our students and employees–approximately 98 per cent fully vaccinated. While masks were still required, restrictions such as physical distancing and caps on event gathering limits had long been eliminated by Public Health. With proof of vaccination, large scale, in-person events were happening across the province, including hockey games, conferences, concerts, galas, even in-person convocations. Our plans for the events were developed in accordance with, and even exceeded, Public Health guidelines. Anyone attending had to be fully vaccinated and pre-register, providing us with the ability to keep track of numbers as well as remind those attending of the safety protocols we had in place. Even though capacity requirements were no more, we took the extra step of spreading parents and supporters across four designated viewing rooms on campus to keep participants distanced as much as possible and each room’s number as low as possible. As a further precaution, we distributed rapid test kits to all parents, supporters and participants. As per the conditions within the province and on campus at the time, we had every reason to believe we could proceed safely. In all, 1,350 parents and supporters participated. Of course, what we couldn’t foresee was Omicron. The new variant, as we quicky learned, has been a game-changer. Unlike previous variants, Omicron is highly transmissible and doesn’t differentiate based on an individual’s vaccination status. It was only a few days following the events that we started to receive reports of positive rapid test results among our community. In the days that followed, we enacted our procedures to manage COVID, ensuring students who tested positive or who were close contacts were well supported, whether they lived on or off campus. Exams were moved to online delivery and students given the option to defer exams. Recognizing the impact this outbreak had in our community, we partnered with the Antigonish Chamber of Commerce and the StFX Alumni Association to initiate a buy-local gift card campaign that supported over 100 local proprietors within the community. The initiative also provided us the opportunity to donate the gift cards to frontline health care workers, local charities, and those in need. We also provided free meals to local long-term care workers and their families who were impacted by the outbreak, and hosted vaccination, testing and URI (upper respiratory infection) clinics on campus for the local community. The outbreak was a significant setback for StFX. For over 20 months, the university built strong relationships with our partners, community leaders and alumni, as we all worked together for the common good. We know we’ve taken a step back with some with respect to trust. Please be assured that we are committed to working to rebuild that trust. We have been through a difficult time, yet, I have every confidence we will continue our journey together and come out stronger. Again, please receive this information as intended – providing context that informed decisions. As we enter mid-February, I’m pleased to advise the campus and town are alive with the usual busyness that comes with a thriving small-town community. We are moving forward, but also we are taking care to ensure that our community is supported.

Murray Kyte ’87 Vice-President, Advancement St. Francis Xavier University

StFX ALUMNINEWS

CONTENTS

Former Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney ’59 was on campus for a visit last term. During his visit to StFX, he had a chance to meet with scholarship recipients studying in the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government. Mr. Mulroney is pictured here with StFX students, l-r, Taylor Gorman, Brittany Pigat, Rory Jakube, Katherine Starr, Marcel Desmond, Mr. Mulroney, Joshua Kroker, Madeleine McCarron, Spencer Johnson Band, Abygail Morrissey, Gabriel Maiorino, and Carly MacDonald.

Feature 6

Life-Changing Impact The Xaverian Scholarship and Bursary Fund hit a significant milestone in its efforts to help students.

Contents NewsFlash

Articles 3

Athletics

Alumni Association Update

News Exchange

We must do better StFX takes steps to address racism, establishing the President’s Action Committee on Anti-Racism

Remember this moment StFX ceremony marks inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

18 Achievement honoured StFX graduates over 300 students, honours alumnus and acclaimed author, journalist and social critic Linden MacIntyre ’64 during Fall Convocation 2021

Visit StFX’s online alumni community: www.stfx.ca/alumni StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE | ANDREW W. HAKIN PhD

HAVING AN IMPACT Greetings StFX alumni and friends. Making an impact. It’s something each of us, either individually or collectively, choose to do. When I look at StFX, I feel pride in the impact we have as an academic community, a campus community and as an alumni community. The Xaverian family is strong. Building on the success of the 2020-21 academic year, StFX welcomed students in September to another exceptional year of immersive learning supported through teaching and research excellence. An increase of 7.8 per cent in full-time enrollment over last year was realized this year. Our faculty and staff have been outstanding in their many efforts to work through the ongoing pandemic to deliver the high-quality impactful student experience StFX is known for. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the StFX Women’s and Gender Studies program, a program that for a quarter of a century has helped provide students with the critical and analytical tools to build a stronger society. Faculty members have created opportunities to help students take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to effect change. From its humble beginnings with the StFX Women’s Caucus to the strong academic program of genderbased scholarship and pedagogy we see today, we celebrate the impact made by all

associated with the Women’s and Gender Studies program. November marked a major milestone on our campus. The Xaverian Fund Campaign reached and surpassed its fundraising goal. Over $50 million was raised for student scholarships and bursaries. Some 4,000 donors gave to the fund, many of them alumni. The Xaverian Fund is positively impacting the lives of many students. It provides opportunities for students in financial need; students who may have been unable to attend StFX without such support. New doors have been opened to increase the accessibility of a StFX education, to pathways that will impact and help to shape lives. We celebrate the amazing impact that this fund is already having and will continue to have for years to come, and we recognize the ongoing and growing need for such support. September 30, 2021 marked the inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. As part of StFX’s commitment to advancing actions that support truth and reconciliation, the university worked in collaboration with local Mi’kmaq partners to host a ceremony that honoured survivors of residential schools and remembered the children whose lives were lost. The ceremony was exceptionally well attended by students, faculty and staff, and community members

Dr. Andrew W. Hakin

who were moved by the heartfelt sharing of reflections and tributes. The day had an immediate and lasting impact, with the majority of those attending helping to build a display of 6,000 orange ribbons, representing the 6,000 Indigenous children across the country who have been lost. Such a day helps to heal, but also stokes a fire within each of us to make a greater impact. Let’s continue to use our passion to make an impact. Hail and Health.

Andrew W. Hakin, PhD President & Vice-Chancellor

L-r, StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin; Julia Baniak, X-Women Rugby; Tasha McKenzie, X-Women Rugby; Jack Irvin, President, StFX Students’ Union; Greg MacNeil, X-Men Football; Colin Buffalo, X-Men Football; and Linda Hakin at the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation ceremony held at StFX. 2

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

RIGHT HONOURABLE BRIAN MULRONEY ’59 RECEIVES NOTABLE HONOURS

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING: DR. KAILIN WRIGHT WINS AAU DISTINGUISHED TEACHING AWARD

The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney ‘59 (right), former Prime Minister of Canada, is pictured in this file photo with former U.S. President, the late Ronald Reagan. Congratulations to the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney ’59, 18th Prime Minister of Canada, who is the recipient of two recent notable honours. Mr. Mulroney is the 2021 recipient of the Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy’s Award for Excellence in the Cause of Parliamentary Democracy. “This award recognizes special Canadians, exemplified by Mr. Mulroney, who have dedicated their lives to proving that you can be engaged in partisan politics while also earning the respect of colleagues and the admiration of adversaries,” said Cameron MacKay, Chair of the Churchill Society, a non-partisan, charitable organization that honours the life of Sir Winston Churchill by facilitating education, discussion and debate about Canada’s parliamentary democracy. Mr. Mulroney will be the 38th recipient of the Award of Excellence and the fifth Canadian Prime Minister to receive the award. THE BEST PRIME MINISTERS AND PRESIDENTS ON CANADA-U.S. RELATIONS Additionally, in a special issue of Policy magazine, Mr. Mulroney, along with Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, are the top ranking prime ministers and presidents of the last 100 years on Canada-U.S. relations. The winners of the Policy bilateral PMPresident Rankings were selected by a jury of 50 prominent Canadians and Americans who were asked to rank their Top Five tandems of the last century.

Dr. Kailin Wright Dr. Kailin Wright, a StFX English professor and Jules Léger Research Scholar, has been honoured for teaching excellence, receiving the Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU) Award for Distinguished Teaching. “I want to say how honoured and humbled I am to be receiving the AAU Distinguished Teaching Award. I am sincerely grateful to the AAU Committee for their hard work and to the StFX community for their support. I am also delighted to share this award with such dedicated teachers as Dr. Kate Krug and Dr. Magdalen Normandeau. At my home institution, I have been inspired by the dynamic teachers around me and in my department. Professor Angie Kolen went above and beyond in guiding me through the application; she is a real leader of teaching at StFX,” says Dr. Wright, also a recipient of StFX’s Outstanding Teaching Award. Since joining the StFX faculty in 2012, Dr. Wright, a specialist in Canadian literature and drama, has made a strong and positive impression with students, and has been a tremendous voice for Canadian, feminist, and Indigenous literature on campus.

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

DENNIS FLOOD ’80 APPOINTED STFX BOARD OF GOVERNORS CHAIR

Dennis Flood ’80 StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin is pleased to announce that Dennis Flood ’80 has been appointed Chair of the StFX Board of Governors for a three-year term, which started July 1, 2021. Mr. Flood is currently Director and Portfolio Manager at Scotia Wealth Management. “I am delighted to welcome Dennis to the role,” Dr. Hakin said. “With an impressive track record of leadership, coupled with his long history with StFX, Dennis is a perfect fit to lead the board in the years to come.” Mr. Flood, who served on the StFX Board of Governors from 2010-16, says he’s honoured and pleased to be part of the amazing story that is StFX. “The bias to community and social leadership that StFX has consistently delivered, has truly made StFX ‘Canada’s Premier Undergraduate Experience.’” Dr. Hakin also thanked outgoing chair, Michael Boyd ’85, Managing Director and Head, Global Mergers & Acquisitions with CIBC World Markets, for his immense contributions to StFX. Mr. Flood has been in the financial services industry for over 30 years. He started his career with Citibank Leasing in 1986, eventually becoming their Western Regional Manager for their Medi-Dent leasing division. In 1993, he joined ScotiaMcLeod, now Scotia Wealth Management, where he held progressively senior positions, including over 10 years as Atlantic Regional Managing Director. In this capacity, he was instrumental in the transformation of the firm from an investment management company to a comprehensive wealth management firm. His StFX connection runs deeps. Following in his father’s footsteps, the Rothesay, NB native graduated from StFX. His spouse, Madonna Barry Flood ’83 is a graduate as are three of their four children: Benjamin ’15, Daniel ’17, Michael (UBC 2018), and Meghan ’18. Siblings Geoff ’76, Stephen ’82, Laurie ’84, Jane ’89 and Mary Ellen ’91 also attended StFX. Mr. Flood also holds an MBA from Memorial University and a Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) designation from the Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania. He was granted the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors following study directed by the University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management. He served previously on the Board of Opportunities New Brunswick (Executive Committee). 4

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

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

STFX WELCOMES EMILIE CHIASSON ’02

STFX TOPS COUNTRY IN STUDENT SATISFACTION, SECOND IN REPUTATION— MACLEAN’S

Emilie Chiasson ’02 Emilie Chiasson ’02 has joined StFX’s Advancement Department as Senior Development Executive for Coady Institute. For the last 10 years, in her role as Regional Director for Ovarian Cancer Canada, Ms. Chiasson has been a champion for women’s health. She has worked extensively in fund development, programming, government relations, and event management. Relationships are her forte, and she looks forward to contributing to the Coady’s incredible work. She was awarded the Young Alumna of the Year award by StFX Alumni Association in 2020. Ms. Chiasson is also a columnist for The Saltwire Network where she shares uplifting and often funny stories from her daily life and inspiring people around her. After living away for nearly 20 years, she is calling Antigonish, NS home again.

StFX leads the country when it comes to student satisfaction, and ranks second overall in reputation, according to the annual Maclean’s University Rankings. The 2022 Maclean’s rankings saw StFX ranked #1 in student satisfaction in the primarily undergraduate university category. StFX received high marks in crucial categories, including finishing atop the student satisfaction category as well as #1 in course instructors and #1 in extracurricular activities. StFX ranked second nationally for both reputation and for residence living and placed third overall in experiential learning and in academic advising support. In the overall ranking of Canada’s 19 primarily undergraduate universities, StFX placed ninth.

CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR IN IPCC REPORT

Dr. Andrew MacDougall ’08

Dr. Andrew MacDougall ’08, StFX Coordinator, Climate & Environment, is a contributing author for the most recent report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), approved by 195 governments and publicly released Aug. 9, 2021. The report is a comprehensive assessment of climate science, involving the work of hundreds of experts. This is a major achievement for Dr. MacDougall, says Dr. Richard Isnor, StFX Associate Vice President, Research & Graduate Studies. “The IPCC reports represent the very latest scientific assessments on global climate change and are compiled by top climate scientists from around the world. Being part of this process is a significant achievement given the importance of these reports to international negotiations and action on climate change.”

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin (middle) and StFX students Meredith Cudmore-Keating and Marcel Desmond.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

LIFECHANGING IMPACT Xaverian Scholarship and Bursary Fund tops $50 million, still more work to do BY SHELLEY CAMERON-McCARRON At its heart, the Xaverian Scholarship and Bursary Fund has always been about helping students—a remarkable effort to raise $50 million to open the doors to post-secondary education, to impact lives for the better. So, as the StFX community gathered Nov. 3, 2021, the mood was definitely celebratory as the university announced the Xaverian Fund had surpassed its fundraising target, however, with more work to do. “Today is a day of a celebration. It is a day of accomplishment, a day in which we acknowledge through strong commitment, new opportunities have been provided,” StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin told those gathered in the Joyce Family Atrium, Mulroney Hall. The Xaverian Fund has made a difference to so many students, he said. Financial aid for students in need more than doubled since the Xaverian Fund was established in 2014, increasing from $400,000 annually to over $1 million annually and growing. StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

As well, 109 new scholarship and bursary funds have been established and over 3,000 scholarships, bursaries and financial awards have been supported through the Xaverian Fund. The Jeannine Deveau Educational Endowment Fund has provided 668 scholarships and bursaries for African Nova Scotian and Indigenous students from across the Maritimes; over 75 students in the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government have benefitted from renewable scholarships and bursaries; and over 100 students in the Gerald Schwartz School of Business have received renewable scholarships. “This fund is helping to change lives through the sheer number of scholarships provided,” Dr. Hakin said. It was an ambitious, important goal that then StFX President Dr. Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93 pledged in October 2014. He pledged to make a StFX education accessible to all. He set a goal to raise $50 million for student scholarships and bursaries, so that the most talented students, regardless of background can attend StFX and receive the highest quality education. 8

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

“Seven years later, we celebrate that the ambitious goal has been achieved,” Dr. Hakin said.

STILL WORK TO DO

But still there is work to do. “Financial need for students unfortunately continues to grow,” Dr. Hakin said. “The need remains to increase the number of scholarships and bursaries. “While $50 million was the initial target for the Xaverian Fund, we will continue to build the fund to increase the number of scholarships and bursaries available for students.” Dr. Hakin thanked and acknowledged all who contributed to this remarkable step in StFX’s history. “Every donation has made a difference,” he said, noting how the Xaverian Fund has unlocked the door to human potential, one of the greatest gifts anyone can give.

“One of the most satisfying aspects of fundraising is experiencing the joy donors receive from supporting students in financial need.” Iain Boyd ’75

Meredith Cudmore-Keating ’22

Dr. Hakin also thanked StFX Advancement staff for their hard work in this endeavour, and he specifically noted the efforts of Xaverian Fund Chief Campaign Officer Iain Boyd ’75 “serving as a true champion in the fundraising efforts.”

STRONG TEAM

“Our campaign success was the result of a strong team effort by the Advancement unit and other areas of the university. I am most grateful for their support,” said Mr. Boyd. “We kicked off the campaign with 100 per cent participation from the Board of Governors, followed by outstanding participation by faculty and staff. I want to acknowledge the 58 campus volunteers who canvassed their colleagues. Thank you for your tremendous effort. The support at home was the springboard to success.” Mr. Boyd says one of the most satisfying aspects of fundraising is experiencing the joy donors receive from supporting students in financial need. “The Xaverian Scholarship and Bursary Fund has

Iain Boyd ’75

given donors the opportunity to participate in the life of the university. During my 30 years of fundraising for StFX, I have never worked on a campaign that has received such wide support from alumni, friends of StFX, and corporations. Donors understood the pressing need for more scholarships and bursaries and were delighted to help.” Students’ Union VP Academic Meredith Cudmore-Keating ’22 said everyone who steps foot on the StFX campus knows we have something special, a community where everyone can find their place. She thanked all donors and fundraising staff for their generosity and belief in the specialness of this community. “Your contributions will go on to have an immeasurably positive impact on many students.”

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

Lisa Dorsey-Boyd ’87 and Mike Boyd ’85

MIKE BOYD ’85 AND LISA DORSEY-BOYD ’87 ESTABLISH $1 MILLION ENDOWMENT, TIPPING THE XAVERIAN FUND OVER $50 MILLION In June 2021, Mike Boyd ’85, then Chair of the StFX Board of Governors, and wife Lisa Dorsey-Boyd ’87, tipped the Xaverian Fund over the $50 million mark when they established a $1 million endowment to support Indigenous students from the Maritimes, African Nova Scotian students, and students from Atlantic Canada. Half of this new endowment—$500,000—supports Atlantic Canadian students and the other $500,000 supports Indigenous students from the Maritimes and African Nova Scotian students. This latter portion is matched by the Jeannine Deveau Educational Equity Endowment Fund adding an additional $500,000 to the endowment, bringing its total to $1.5 million. These entrance awards, valued at a minimum of $5,000 each, are renewable, and support students who demonstrate leadership, who’ve made an important contribution to their community and who demonstrate financial need. 10

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

“This university has enriched our lives in many ways—providing both of us with an excellent academic experience, many lifelong friendships, and the opportunity to be part of a community which believes in the importance of service and giving back to others. Lisa and I are delighted that we can do our part to make a StFX education possible for the leaders of tomorrow,” said Mr. Boyd, Managing Director and Head of Global Mergers & Acquisitions at CIBC Capital Markets. The endowment also honours Mike’s parents, Louis “Lou” ’55 and Dorothy “Dot” Boyd, who married in 1959 and raised seven children in Dartmouth, NS, six of whom graduated from StFX, who along with Mr. Boyd include siblings, Christopher ’88, David ’89, Timothy ’89, Peter ’92 and Ian ’92.

Aliyah Fraser

Kendra McDonell

Alyzandra Torreon ’21

CHANGING LIVES STFX STUDENTS SHARE THE IMPACT Alyzandra Torreon ’21, Rankin School of Nursing graduate and Sweeney Bursary recipient who moved with her family to Canada from the Philippines over a decade ago, had inscribed an anatomical drawing of a heart on her X-Ring to show that StFX holds a special place in her heart. “That’s due to the wonderful generosity and the heart of the people here at X and in the whole community,” says Ms. Torreon, now a cardiac surgery nurse at the Halifax Infirmary. “A special shoutout to the Sweeney Foundation for the bursary I received because without their heart and generosity, I would not be where I am today.” Arthur L. Irving Family Scholarship recipient Ben Fairhurst of Calgary, AB speaks of his passion for learning about societal issues, why they come about and how we can fix them. “My studies in Public Policy and Governance have been an incredible experience so far, and I’m able to keep coming back thanks to your generosity.

I hope I can continue reaching the expectations of your scholarship program in the future.” “I cannot thank you enough for your kindness. Thank you so much for investing in my future,” says Aliyah Fraser of New Glasgow, NS, Mila Mulroney Scholarship for African Nova Scotians recipient, Bachelor of Arts and Science in Health student, and X-Women basketball player. “This award has allowed me to flourish as a student and athlete.” “This award will make such a huge difference in allowing me to pursue my goals,” says Bachelor of Arts student Kendra McDonell of Ottawa, ON, Barry O’Leary Leadership Award recipient, who plans to pursue an education degree after her BA. “I hopefully will be able to give back in some way to others as you have given to me.”

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

PAYING IT FORWARD Donors share why they gave, what resonated.

“What can be more satisfying than knowing you are creating opportunities for deserving students to experience all that StFX has to offer,” say Tom ’71 and Gail Hayes who created the Thomas J. Hayes and Family Scholarship, supporting full-time African Nova Scotian undergraduate students. “The matching dollar program funded by Jeannine Deveau was the icing on the cake for us in creating a scholarship in our name for African Nova Scotian students. Kudos to Dr. Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93 for making this initiative a priority and a special mention to Iain Boyd ’75 for playing a key role in exceeding the $50 million goal!” Father-and-son Frank ’49 and Kevin McGilly ’86 created the McGilly Bursary to help current students experiencing financial hardship that jeopardizes their ability to stay at StFX to complete their studies. The financial aid team can use it at its discretion to help students in need. “There are several reasons my dad and I decided to contribute to the Xaverian Fund. StFX is a bond we share, and the bursary is a way to celebrate that bond and show our gratitude and pride as Xaverians. We wanted it to help address, however modestly, the growing problem of accessibility to education. One in six university students in Canada drops out before completing a degree, and financial hardship is one of the main reasons. It’s a great loss when that happens, both for that student and for society. So, we wanted to help StFX students facing financial adversity to stay at X and make it a bit easier for them to fulfill their dreams,” says Kevin. Recipients have written to the McGillys about their challenges and triumphs. “I can’t overstate how gratifying it is

“StFX is a bond we share, and the bursary is a way to celebrate that bond and show our gratitude and pride as Xaverians.” Kevin McGilly ’86 to us to know that they were able to continue their studies. It’s one of the most rewarding things either of us has done.” The McGillys, to their knowledge the only father-son duo to edit the Xaverian Weekly, have gone to each other’s milestone Homecomings, including Frank’s 70th reunion in 2019 and say contributing to the Xaverian Fund is an obvious way to thank StFX for these shared experiences and the special place it holds in their lives. “We hope our donation helps other students and families build their own StFX bonds and memories.” Supporting young women in science and giving back to StFX were two main reasons Ted ’65 and Ann ’65 Turcotte established the Ted and Ann (MacDonald) Turcotte Bursary, which supports female students from Cape Breton and Massachusetts develop their potential in the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering or mathematics programs.) “I always felt indebted to StFX. I felt my education provided such an important foundation,” says Ted, originally of Lowell, MA, who spent most of his career in technology. Ann, originally from St. Ann’s, Cape Breton, taught math for many 12

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THE XAVERIAN FUND HAS OPENED DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS. Here, some highlights: • 109 new scholarship and bursary funds established. • Over 3,000 scholarships, bursaries and financial awards supported. • 4,000 donors, including 58 donors contributing $100,000 or more. • StFX Board of Governors has 100 per cent participation, contributing over $2.5 million. • 50 per cent of full-time faculty and professional staff donated. • Financial aid for students in need more than doubled since the fund was established, going from $400,000 annually to over $1 million annually and growing • Donations have ranged from $10 to $6.24 million.

years, ending her career as a guidance counsellor. “StFX has been very important to me, and to my family, I really wanted to give back,” she says. Ann says her ties to StFX started early through family, and she was truly appreciative of support she received as a student. Both say they wanted the bursary to target young women, often underrepresented in the technology field. “I knew, just give them confidence and provide support, then wow, they could do it,” says Ann. In 2015, representing his aunt, Jeannine Deveau ‘44, Bill Gunn was exploring options to support the educational achievement of African Nova Scotians and Indigenous Canadians, in particular for the Mi’kmaw First Nation. In speaking with those communities, he learned of some unfortunate historical relations, but also of positive recommendations for specific faculties and undertakings at StFX that might be the basis of building further. “And so it has proven to be. We developed a strategy of matching funding from other donors if they would agree also to channel their funds to support educational opportunities at StFX for African Nova Scotian and First Nation (Mi’kmaw) learners,” he says of the Jeannine Deveau Education Equity Endowment Fund. “The results have been extraordinary, with significant additional resources leveraged. I’m led to believe the Deveau funding has begun to be transformational for StFX. Possibly. But there is more to do, in creating opportunities and to make StFX a more equitable learning environment. To that end, there is more Deveau matching funding available, and I’m hopeful others might join the effort.”

ALUMNI PROFILE

Stephen Lund ’79

I had some great job opportunities. I’ve gotten involved and tried to give back.”

ACHIEVING SUCCESS

COMMUNIITY BUILDER

Stephen Lund ’79 likes to build community. And for over 30 years, the StFX business graduate and current CEO of Toronto Global—an organization working to attract new international investment to the Toronto region—has used this skill well to help organizations thrive. “I really like working with teams, building teams and building strong cultures, working with companies and seeing results,” says Mr. Lund, who in his current role works with companies from around the world (think Twitter, DoorDash, Netflix) to help them get set up in the Toronto region. It’s the latest role in a noteworthy career that’s seen Mr. Lund take on leadership positions in banking venture capital, finance and economic development. Notably, he’s served as CEO of both Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) and Opportunities NB (ONB) and is a former New Brunswick Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Small Business. Recently, he was named chair of the Conference Board of Canada’s board of directors. “I’ve been really lucky in my career,” says Mr. Lund, who grew up in Saint John, NB, in a family with seven children (five of whom attended StFX). Not only has he held jobs he’s enjoyed, he’s been able to achieve results and share that success with the greater team.

Along the way, he’s been an active volunteer (following his parents’ lead) and a lifelong athlete.

PROFOUND IMPACT

Mr. Lund says he didn’t hear of StFX until high school. He enrolled in business but really wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. “StFX, in looking back now, had a profound impact on my life,” he says, calling it one of two instrumental events. The other is his marriage. “It gave me some confidence in myself, and it developed a strong network of friends. My best friends today are from StFX. We look to StFX as a real strong foundation.” For advice for today’s students, Mr. Lund shares two tips. “One, have confidence. Bet on yourself. Take a chance. Keep improving. If you have a goal, go after it. “And two, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re at StFX, you already have a great opportunity, there’s a huge built-in network. People from StFX like to help fellow StFX people.” StFX, where he played varsity and junior hockey and co-founded BurMac, a hockey game to raise money for charity (“I had no idea it would last so long,” he says) had significant impact. “I’ve been really lucky. StFX got me started,

After StFX, Mr. Lund earned an MBA at Queen’s, moved to Toronto, got married (he and wife Sandy wed at StFX), moved to Bermuda for five years, returned to Nova Scotia for 20 years, raising sons Connor and Shaun, and spent five years in New Brunswick before his current role. Over the years, he served as vice-president of one of Canada’s largest venture capital firms and a corporate banker with Canadian and international banks, obtained the Institute of Corporate Directors ICD.D designation, and completed executive-level studies at Harvard, University of Chicago and Queen’s. Amongst many accomplishments at NSBI and ONB, he points to career highlights in Nova Scotia as being named by fDi Intelligence (Financial Times) as the best-performing region in North America in attracting inward investment (“that’s such a great team accomplishment,”) and in New Brunswick, being named one of Canada’s Top 40 Most Admired Corporate Cultures in 2018. “One of the things I really enjoyed,” he says of this time “was speaking with businesses across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and helping them in any way we could.” Accolades have certainly come (“even though I’m being recognized, it’s really recognition of the team,” he says), including being named one of the Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada five times by Atlantic Business Magazine; one of the Top 500 most influential people in Financial Centres worldwide; and induction into Atlantic Business Magazine’s CEO Hall of Fame. Additionally, he’s served on numerous boards, including the IWK Children’s Health Centre and the QE2 Hospital Foundation. He was a champion for Junior Achievement and was the inaugural chair of the Heart & Stroke Hockey Heroes Fundraiser. He’s participated in the World Triathlon Championships, the Boston Marathon, and the Canadian University Hockey Championships. Through it all, his care for community has been a hallmark.

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Being Xaverian AND CONTRIBUTING TO THE LARGER COMMUNITY Being a good neighbour and caring for your community is something that StFX students demonstrated in spades last year while everyone learned to navigate the restrictions that came with the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, StFX is building on that sense of caring and looking out for each other, investing in a multi-year campaign reminding StFX students to continue to make a difference and work together to take on community issues. This fall, StFX introduced Being Xaverian, designed to help students understand the potential StFX has for them, and how they, as Xaverians, are expected to contribute to the community in positive ways, says Elizabeth Yeo, Vice-President Students. It’s to help students think big picture, relate it to themselves, their interactions and our community, really from day one, she says. In concert with the campaign, and to help reinforce positive behaviours, Student Services launched three interactive, online modules this summer targeted at first year students promoting education, outreach and resources around social movements issues such as MeToo, Black Lives Matter, anti-racism, sexual assault and 14

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

mental health. The modules were followed up with a series of programming this fall, Ms. Yeo says, that builds on that theme of taking personal responsibility and creating a culture of respect and looking out for each other. Materials were also provided to offcampus students, and StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin, Antigonish Mayor Laurie Boucher, Warden Owen McCarron, and other members of the leadership team continued the practice started last year of making off-campus house calls to talk with students, including on how they can make positive contributions to the community. “The program has big ideas that I think are really exciting for StFX students,” Ms. Yeo says. “Many students bring a deep interest and commitment to community and social justice to StFX. “We’re emphasizing that positive community. You’re able to have fun, but you’re doing it with care for your community, and ultimately, that’s what being a community member is about.” She says having that supported by a campaign builds on that sense of community responsibility to take on these community issues. “It’s that sense of social responsibility. Everyone can bring that individuality, all their gifts and talents, together to make a difference.”

Collaboration

Respect True

Growth

Strong Humility

Passion

Pride

Memories

Beautiful

Friends

Kindness

Loyalty Awesome

Valued Unity

Acheivers

Experience

Caring

Tradition Joy

Empowering

Open

Dedication

Authentic

Blue and White

Thankful

Antigonish

Passion

Spirit

Kinship

Confidence

Life Community

Support

Nova Scotia Validated

Family Integrity Compassionate

Selflessness

Giving

Friend

Bond

Welcome

ber Good Mem Inclusive

Belonging

Partner Greatness

Unique

Honesty

Fellowship

Purpose

Legacy

Empathy

Power

Accountability

Friendships

Identity

Connected X-Ring

Rewards Leadership

Home Recognized

This past November, we asked alumni to provide us with a word or sentence about what it means to be a Xaverian. The results were collected and we were able to create the word art below. We would like to thank all alumni who took the time to share their words with us in order to create this representation of what it means to be a member of the Xaverian community.

Proud

Vibrant Helping

Reputation

Courage

Diversity

Service Honour

Loyalty

Excellence

Homecoming

Noble

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

WE MUST DO

Faculty, students and staff of StFX gather on the Coady Institute steps before a Black Lives Matter march on campus.

The tipping point came early last year. Spurred on by racial unrest, notably the Black Lives Matter movement that exposed sweeping societal injustices, StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin and senior administration met last March with StFX students, staff, and faculty who face racism every day to listen and learn about the atmosphere on campus and in the community and StFX’s responses, or lack thereof. “I want to report that we’ve heard you, loud and clear,” Dr. Hakin said. “We have heard that racism exists in the classroom, in residence and in the community. We also heard that these problems have been reported before and have not been addressed. We must do better. Words alone are not enough. We must take immediate action.” To ensure StFX takes meaningful steps forward in addressing racism with the objective of seeing marked and lasting change, Dr. Hakin established the President’s Action Committee on Anti-Racism (PACAR). The committee reports directly to Dr. Hakin and has a mandate to identify and address systemic barriers that affect all under-represented and marginalized groups at StFX. Co-chairing PACAR are Robert Upshaw, an African Nova Scotian and veteran educator with extensive expertise in anti-racism, antiBlack racism and social justice, and StFX Vice-President Students Elizabeth Yeo. “This is an opportunity to move the anti-racism agenda forward,” says Mr. Upshaw. “We are grateful for the students, faculty, staff and community 16

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members who have joined PACAR. Their energy and expertise has already contributed significantly to building understanding and identifying the immediate priorities for action. We look forward to inviting the StFX community to share in the learning and the work to identify the longer term and systemic changes needed to address racism,” Ms. Yeo says. PACAR committee members include co-chairs Robert Upshaw and Elizabeth Yeo; Kerry Prosper, Indigenous Elder; Dr. Tim Hynes, Vice-President Academic and Provost (Acting); faculty Dr. Ornella Nzindukiyimana and Dr. Shelley Price; staff members Krista Hanscomb and Lee Anna Osei; (May-December 2021) community members Ann Sylliboy and Sabrina Skinner; and students Ella Mulvihill, Che Morales, and Gord Gallimore. The committee is currently reviewing StFX’s policies, procedures, and practices to ensure alignment with equity and inclusion, and is working to produce a comprehensive, university-wide, anti-racism action plan that touches all aspects of the university. This includes reviewing information from those who’ve come before them in this work at StFX and researching other organizations with demonstrated leadership in anti-racism to distill key learnings on what’s needed to support change.

POSITIVE ACTION

In a few short months, PACAR has seen positive impact. The VP Students Office and the Human Rights and Equity Office reports implementations including:

BETTER

• A new Harassment and Discrimination Policy. The revised policy incorporates best practices for process, significantly compressing process timelines, and includes definition of microaggressions. • Investigation resources have been added to provide trauma informed investigation as well as a human rights education and response advocate position has been added who will receive disclosures and reports under the policy. • The Human Rights and Equity manager also developed a workshop, which highlights the new policy and supports managers, faculty, and staff knowledge of it. Regular reporting is critical to accountability and trust, PACAR says. • Developed You Belong @X, a 60-minute self-directed online anti-racism student resource, one of three interactive modules offered to students for the first time this year. The modules help students understand why these policies are important and provide exercises to deepen ability to comply with the polices or seek support. Senate has mandated that this module will be mandatory for first-year students. • New equity modules for faculty and staff. • Introduced the #Being Xaverian Campaign, in partnership with Marketing and Communications, which upholds positive expectations for student behavior and zero tolerance for racism.

STFX ESTABLISHES PRESIDENT’S ACTION COMMITTEE ON ANTI-RACISM

• Established free counselling services for Black and Indigenous faculty, staff, and students. (The People’s Counselling Clinic offers virtual services for StFX members who identify as persons of African Descent by contacting (902) 832-1593 jj.wilson677@gmail. com. Andrea Currie, in partnership with StFX, provides counselling for StFX members who identify as Indigenous. Email andreacurrie03@hotmail.com.) Additionally, the Vice-President Academic Office highlights the following initiatives: • StFX’s Teaching and Learning Centre designed and offered two multi-day retreats during the summer focused on topics related to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The first of these virtual teaching retreats was entitled Mawita’yk Mawkina’masultimk (Come together; Learn together) and the second, Black Students Matter. The sessions were well received, described as “eye-opening and informative,” and helped build relationships and hope. A second Black Students Matter teaching retreat took place in November. For more on PACAR, please visit www.stfx.ca/pacar

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REMEMBER THIS

“Remember this moment,” Michelle Sylliboy, a StFX assistant professor and a descendant of Indian Residential School survivors, told those gathered Sept. 30, 2021 at StFX for a remembrance ceremony marking the inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. “Our shared history was never fully written about or talked about,” she said during part of the ceremony held outdoors at Alumni Plaza where all were invited to tie an orange ribbon on an installation in memory of the over 6,500 children who lost their lives in the residential school system. Indigenous Student Society volunteers spent countless hours cutting the ribbons for the installation, which remained on display through October, Mi’kmaq History Month. “Tell your families what happened and tell them they should never repeat that history again,” she said during the ceremony that began in the Joyce Family Atrium in Mulroney Hall. StFX hosted the event in collaboration with local Mi’kmaw partners and the StFX Indigenous Affairs Office. During the event, Prof. Sylliboy provided an explanation of the 215 children statement found in the commemorative garden outside StFX’s Coady Institute.

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Terena Francis ’01 ’20, StFX Coordinator, Indigenous Student Affairs, and descendant of Indian Residential School survivors, also shared powerful insights, while she honoured the legacy of her parents. Ms. Francis says she was overwhelmed by emotion from the support shown. “I ask you to continue to educate yourself on our shared history.” StFX Knowledge Keeper and elder Kerry Prosper ’09 explained the importance of the smudging ceremony he performed that morning. Elder Prosper also led a prayer of remembrance. StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin noted that the university closed so that people can come together to listen and reflect on a shared history that challenges us so very much. For there to be reconciliation, he said we must learn and speak the truth, we must come together to reflect on the historical injustices inflicted on the Indigenous population, injustices that continue today. This history cannot be swept under the rug. Dr. Hakin called on everyone to commit to a deeper responsibility, to take as many opportunities as they can for deeper insight into our shared history, to listen and learn and work together for healing. “Let’s fully embrace the fact we are all Treaty People.”

MOMENT:

STFX CEREMONY MARKS INAUGURAL NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

“I ASK YOU TO CONTINUE TO EDUCATE YOURSELF ON OUR SHARED HISTORY.” Terena Francis ’01 ’20

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NEW PLATFORM FOSTERS MENTORSHIP BETWEEN STUDENTS AND ALUMNI A new online mentorship program at StFX is pairing upper-year students with StFX alumni and friends, and organizers are looking forward to the power and potential of the community it will create. X-Connects is a partnership between the StFX Alumni Affairs Office and the VP Students Office, through the Student Career Centre. “ We are very excited to work with StFX Alumni to explore the power of mentoring as a support for StFX students as they navigate important transitions in university life” says VP Students Elizabeth Yeo. They’ve teamed together and will work with EnPoint, a Halifax, NS-based online mentorship platform to virtually match mentees and mentors with similar interests. “We’re really excited to launch X-Connects,” says Alumni Affairs director Shanna Hopkins ’01. Many alumni are seeking those opportunities to give back, she says, and to

get involved and be more connected with today’s students. This feedback was recently reinforced from a recent alumni survey her office commissioned. Students, too, are keen to connect and learn from the advice of those who have been there. Student Career Centre manager Jane MacDonald says the program’s primary goal is to provide students the opportunity to gain insight into the work world by participating in networking events and meeting one-to-one with alumni and friends, learning those important networking skills in a supportive environment. Through X-Connects, students will have opportunity to gain knowledge from alumni who work in various fields and have diverse backgrounds, broaden their professional networks, clarify career goals, and build professional and personal

leadership skills. Additionally, they’ll take part in events such as the annual Making the Connection Dinner that brings in employers who recruit StFX students and offers opportunities for speed networking and learning from keynote speakers. “Really the purpose of this is to create those opportunities for upper year students, to introduce them to the work world and to give them more networking opportunities to help with career coaching and interview skills,” says Ms. Hopkins. Another great aspect of the program, she says, is that it introduces current students to the supports available to them through the Alumni Office. “We don’t want students to find out about the Alumni Office after they’ve left campus. We want to provide those opportunities to connect starting when the students are already here.”

To find out more information on the X-Connects Mentoring Program or to sign up, visit

https://enpointmentorship.com/c/stfx

THANK YOU, GLENDA! The StFX Alumni Affairs team would like to inform our alumni of the upcoming retirement of one of our own, Glenda Bond. Glenda has been a familiar name and face to thousands of alumni who have stopped by the office, returned for Homecoming, or reached out to the Alumni Office for the past 20 years. We will certainly miss Glenda and her institutional knowledge, but we wish her the best of luck in her retirement. Glenda’s last day at StFX will be on Thursday, March 31. If you wish to send her a note to wish her luck, you can reach her at alumni@stfx.ca 20

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t H

AUGUST 25-28, 2022

CELEBRATING CLASSES ENDING IN 0, 1, 5, 6

OCT 14 - 16, 2022

OCTOBER 14-16, 2022

CELEBRATING CLASSES ENDING IN 2 & 7 SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, June 18, 2022

The President’s Gala is an evening of recognition as we honour alumni and friends who give to St. Francis Xavier University. Please join us on campus for a wonderful evening of friendship and celebration. For more information, contact Claire Kelly, ckelly@stfx.ca or 902.867.2359 For ticket information, visit: www.stfx.ca/gala2022 “This event will proceed ONLY if the Province of Nova Scotia has lifted most restrictions associated with COVID-19 and the overall safety of guests and the Community of Antigonish can be provided.”

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

STFX GRADUATES OVER 300, StFX graduated over 300 students from across its four faculties and bestowed an honorary degree upon one of its own, acclaimed author, journalist, and social critic, Linden MacIntyre ’64, during Fall Convocation December 4, 2021 in the Keating Centre. Several major honours were also presented. These included the University Outreach Award to Dr. Leslie Jane McMillan, Anthropology; the Outstanding Staff Teaching Award to David Maillet, Modern Languages; and the Community Partner Recognition Award to Nexos Comunitarios.

Dr. MacIntyre, recognized for his outstanding career in investigative journalism and his distinctive contributions to Canadian society, told Convocation this is a great day, but perhaps in ways not yet obvious. The real significance comes into focus gradually as time goes by, he said in an address that ended in a standing ovation, Dr. MacIntyre recalled scenes from his 1964 graduation with his parents, who he said believed his university education was a passport to a world they could only dream about. But what did he really have that would be useful, he wondered? After awhile, the answer came. “It isn’t quite what we learn,” he said. “It’s deeper than that. It’s learning how to learn, how to accept the necessity of learning constantly from everyone we meet, from every

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

encounter.” Learning is an endless process, and a well-lived life is all about learning endlessly, he said. StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin congratulated all graduates in reaching this significant milestone. “The strength and resiliency of our university is our people, and this obviously includes our students. Today, as we celebrate our graduates, I would like to acknowledge how they have grown, adapted, and demonstrated great resiliency.” Society’s need for a better future has never been so great and as a university, we’re helping answer this need, he said, with graduates embracing their collective strength to benefit all. Chancellor John Peacock ’63 advised graduates to use the knowledge gained at StFX for the betterment of themselves and those around them. “My fellow graduates, take pride in how far you have come and have faith in how far you will go,” said class speaker, Master of Education graduate Mary Denny ’21 of Eskasoni First Nation. Ms. Denny, a viceprincipal in Manitoba, couldn’t be at Convocation and pre-recorded remarks. “I truly believe pursuing education is one of the most sacred experiences we can take on our journey through life. It opens endless possibilities and gives us the knowledge to make all our dreams come true.”

Dr. Linden MacIntyre ‘64 at Fall Convocation

Honorary X-Ring recipient Sheree Christie ‘22 celebrates the surprise honour with her family at home.

X-Ring guest speaker Prof. Jonathan Hood ’08

HONOURS LINDEN MACINTYRE ’64 DURING FALL CONVOCATION; STUDENTS RECOGNIZED POWER OF THE XAVERIAN SPIRIT

The power of the Xaverian spirit is the ability to come together and thrive. And that’s what 2021 X-Ring keynote speaker Professor Jonathan Hood ’08 challenged members of the Class of 2022 to do as they received their coveted X-Rings on December 3rd, the Feast of St. Francis Xavier. “You all have the ability to change the atmosphere in any room you enter. I want you to remember that,” said Professor Hood, who joined StFX this year as the first tenure-track faculty member for the Sport Management Minor. He holds a master’s degree from Western University and is completing his PhD at the University of Toronto and is a former CFL linebacker and top special teams player. The X-Ring represents that you are seen, that you have the strength and support to overcome, and you have the ability to support others on your journey moving forward, he said. Recalling his own journey, Prof. Hood said he initially struggled when he came to StFX, however, the Xaverian Family surrounded and looked after him. At StFX, you get that intimacy and intimacy is required as university is hard, he said. Classmates and friends may be struggling. Give them your time and attention so that everyone moves forward. “You have that power and I want to challenge you to embrace that spirit.”

EXCITEMENT, PRIDE

Pride and accomplishment were palpable as students received their X-Rings. As well, 80 Class of 2021 graduates resubmitted their rings to participate. StFX also welcomed supporters spread out in viewing rooms across campus following COVID-19 protocols. StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin said many things make the X-Ring special. “It symbolizes the transformative educational journey at StFX that is unique to you. It serves as a daily reminder that you are a Xaverian,” he said. “Use your StFX values to make a difference all around you. The world will be a better place because of what you can offer.” Senior Class co-president Ailie Sullivan ’22 was master of ceremonies and Nathan Penman ’22, fellow co-president, gave remarks. They teamed with class development officer Nicole Youssef ’22 to establish a Senior Class Gift for students requiring financial assistance with textbook purchases. Chancellor John Peacock ’63 pledged to match every dollar donated by a student up to $5,000. The honorary X-Ring, always a guarded secret, went to Sheree Christie, recently retired from Facilities Management.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

CAMPUS NEWS DR. MATHIAS NILGES NAMED EDITOR OF LEADING HUMANITIES JOURNAL

STFX’S UNIQUE-IN-CANADA SPORT MANAGEMENT MINOR CONTINUES TO GROW

Prof. Jonathan Hood ’08 (centre) is pictured with business student Renee MacLeod (left) and human kinetics student Ben Boudreau, both taking courses in the Sport Management Minor

Dr. Mathias Nilges

StFX English professor Dr. Mathias Nilges has been named editor of one of the world’s top journals in the study of contemporary culture, arts, and theory, Postmodern Culture, a non-profit, scholarly, peerreviewed interdisciplinary humanities journal published by Johns Hopkins University Journals. “I am deeply honoured to have been given opportunity to serve as editor of one of the leading journals in my field of research, a publication that I have admired since my time as a student and that has published some of the biggest names in cultural criticism and theory as well as world-renowned authors,” says Dr. Nilges, a faculty member since 2008 and director of StFX’s Frank McKenna Centre for Leadership since 2018. “We have also created an editorial assistant position for an undergraduate student in English at StFX,” he says, “which will provide future students in my department with a fantastic opportunity to work in academic publishing.”

A unique-in-Canada program offered at StFX that brings together students in the Gerald Schwartz School of Business and the Human Kinetics Department to study sport management, continues to grow and become more formalized, now with the addition of its first tenuretrack appointment. Jonathan Hood ’08, an expert in sport management has been named the first tenure-track faculty member for StFX’s Sport Management Minor, which offered its first course, SMGT 101, in winter 2018. “After three years of consistent enrollment, the minor now has a tenure-track position. This is very exciting and attests to the minor’s growth and popularity. Having Jonathan who is a former CFL player, who ran his own charity and motivational speaking business, will provide interesting perspectives for students in the SMGT minor,” says human kinetics professor Dr. Charlene Weaving, who sits on the Sport Management Minor committee with Dr. Neil Maltby and Dr. Denton Anthony from the Gerald Schwartz School of Business and Dr. Ornella Nzindukiyimana from the Human Kinetics Department. “While there are sport management degrees across Canada, the Sport Management Minor – connecting a business program with a kinetics program is unique in Canada,” says Dr. Maltby.

EXCELLENT STANDARD EARNS TRUSTED REVIEWER DISTINCTION

Dr. Peter Marzlin

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

StFX physics professor Dr. Peter Marzlin has been recognized as a “Trusted Reviewer” by IOP Publishing, one of the top publishers of physics journals internationally. The status acknowledges that the recipient has demonstrated a high level of peer review competence, with the ability to critique scientific literature to an excellent standard. The IOP says about 15 per cent of their referees may become a Trusted Reviewer. This recognition builds on a similar award given to Dr. Marzlin by the American Physical Society (APS) a few years ago when he was recognized as an ‘Outstanding Referee.’ This lifetime achievement award recognizes exceptional contributions to refereeing papers for the APS. This means Dr. Marzlin assesses manuscripts for the most prestigious physics journals in the world for publication in the APS

NOVEL INSIGHT: GLOBAL TRENDS IN AQUATIC ANIMAL TRACKING

HUMAN NUTRITION, ANTIGONISH FARMERS MARKET PARTNER IN COMMERCIAL KITCHEN

Dr. Jordan Matley

In a new study, a StFX aquatic resources professor is providing novel insight into where to focus research to optimize relevance to management within the growing field of movement ecology of aquatic animals. Dr. Jordan Matley is the lead author of the research paper, ‘Global trends in aquatic animal tracking with acoustic telemetry,’ released in the journal, Trends in Evolution and Ecology (TREE). The article, he says, is a comprehensive review of research studying movement ecology of aquatic animals and was designed to help direct similar research in the future. “Along with my co-authors, I was thrilled to have this work published in a high-impact journal like TREE. We put a lot of effort in comprehensively reviewing over 1,800 articles and incorporating a global perspective, so it is rewarding knowing that our findings will reach a broad readership.”

StFX has finalized an agreement with the Antigonish Farmers Market that will allow StFX, through its Department of Human Nutrition, to access the market’s commercial kitchen for teaching and entrepreneurial activities. One of the first activities saw StFX nutrition students both learning and giving back to the community as they served 50 takeout meals on Nov. 1 to local frontline health care workers and their families as part of their Introduction to Food Service & Quantity Food Production course.

MULRONEY INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES FLAGSHIP ECONOMIC FORUM The Brian Mulroney Institute of Government at StFX unveiled its inaugural conference on economic growth in Atlantic Canada. The Atlantic Economic Forum, planned for spring 2022, brings together heads of industry, policymakers, academics, students and other opinion leaders to discuss challenges facing the Atlantic provinces. Participants will also provide recommendations on how to address those issues. The event’s aim is to stimulate economic growth in the region. “The forum will solidify the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government’s position as not only an exceptional educational facility, but an essential contributor to the future of the Atlantic Canadian economy,” said Dr. Don Abelson, founding Director of the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government and Steven K. Hudson Chair in Canada-U.S. Relations. The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund, is providing a non-repayable contribution of $200,000 to StFX to plan and host the forum. The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney ’59, the Honourable Frank McKenna ’70 and the Honourable Sean Fraser ’06 will serve as informal advisors and play a role in building political and financial support. StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

ATHLETICS

X-WOMEN RUGBY WIN AUS TITLE The StFX X-Women rugby team won their 22nd AUS conference championship in team history as they defeated the Acadia Axewomen 42-24 in the AUS championship game played in Wolfville, NS. The X-Women had a 3-3 regular season and earned a semifinal playoff win over UPEI to advance to the final. At the U SPORTS championship, the team lost out to Ottawa in the quarterfinals.

X-WOMEN CROSS COUNTRY CLAIM FIRST AUS TITLE SINCE 2012 The StFX X-Women cross country team won their ninth AUS championship banner and first since 2012 at the 8 km championship race held in Moncton, NB. Siona Chisholm led the team and was the individual gold medalist as the StFX squad had six runners in the top ten. The X-Men cross country team was the silver medalist in team standings. Both teams competed at the U SPORTS championship hosted by Laval with the X-Women coming seventh in the country and the X-Men 15th. 26

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

ATHLETICS

X-MEN FOOTBALL WIN AUS TITLE WITH UNDEFEATED SEASON The StFX X-Men football team went undefeated with an 8-0 record in regular season and playoff competition as they won the AUS banner on home turf, defeating the Bishop’s Gaiters 27-15 in the AUS Loney Bowl championship game. The win marked the 15th overall title in team history and third of the past six seasons.

The StFX X-Women soccer team were AUS finalists this fall, dropping a close 1-0 game to Acadia in the AUS championship game played in Sydney, NS. The X-Women sported a 7-4-1 in regular season play and were fourth in the standings. The X-Men soccer team went 9-2-1 in the AUS regular season and claimed first place atop the standings. After receiving a bye to the AUS semifinal game, the X-Men lost a disappointing 2-1 game to Saint Mary’s. Nick Aquino

Lea MacLeod

Amanda Smith

Tyra Meropoulis

Liam Hawel

Matthew Struthers

Four StFX hockey studentathletes are heading to Lucerne, Switzerland for the FISU Winter Universiade in December as members of Team Canada. X-Women hockey forwards Tyra Meropoulis and Lea MacLeod and X-Men forwards Liam Hawel and Matthew Struthers will be lacing up for their respective teams at the event. StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

STFX COADY INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE

Coady Diploma in Development Leadership graduate Saloni Singh (second row, right) helped co-facilitate Coady Institute’s Advocacy and Citizen Engagement certificate course in May 2006.

COADY GRAD MAKING BIG IMPACT IN NEPAL In 1990, Saloni (Pradhan) Singh traveled from Nepal to St. Francis Xavier University to attend Coady Institute’s Diploma in Development Leadership program. Since that time, she has returned to Coady several times as a participant and as a co-facilitator. Ms. Singh also continues to be a champion of the institute serving as president of the Coady Alumni Association in Nepal while continuing her efforts as a social change leader. Her newest role is a prestigious one. The Government of Nepal has appointed Ms. Singh to the country’s National Planning Commission (NPC). “The National Planning Commission is the specialized and apex advisory body of the Government of Nepal for formulating a national vision, development policy, periodic plans and sectoral policies for overall development of the nation,” she says. “It is headed by the Right Honorable Prime Minister.” Ms. Singh, and those serving on the commission, assess resource needs, identifying sources of funding, and allocating budget for socio-economic development. The commission also brings together new development ideas and proposals from scholars, private sector, civil society, and development partners.

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The Government of Nepal has appointed Coady Institute graduate Saloni P Singh (Diploma, 1990) to the country’s National Planning Commission, a specialized apex advisory body headed by Rt. Honorable Prime Minister.

“My expertise in overall development and planning and policy development, that’s how they selected me and approached me to see if I’d like to contribute,” Ms. Singh says. “I happily accepted as this is one of the opportunities that I’d be contributing and sharing my expertise and experiences from all over the world.” At the time of the appointment, Ms. Singh was with Didi Bahini, a Nepalese NGO that encourages “a positive, peaceful and equal approach to life to promote

gender responsive social transformation and support women, children, and youth to help themselves.” She has worked with different people, cultural groups, and various sectors across Nepal and Asia. Ms. Singh says her time at Coady and at StFX are important factors in her success. Her initial trip would not have happened without an invitation from former Coady directors A.A. MacDonald and Eric Amit. “When I was at Coady, I was also given lots of opportunity to not only learn but also to facilitate,” she says. “I had a great opportunity, exposure, and learning when I was there. It was not only that, I was encouraged to be a facilitator, a change maker, and a multiplier.” She says serving on the NPC is an opportunity to influence directly the policy, plan, budget, and implementation of pro poor, women and disadvantaged community projects across Nepal. The position provides her an opportunity to instruct, support, and advise ministries in the government. “This normally is the highest aim for anybody who is in development. So, it is nice, it is great to be recognized by the country and know the country has given me this responsibility and this space.”

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION UPDATE l MARC RODRIGUE ’08, PRESIDENT

PJILA’SI FROM “THE LOVING HEARTS OF A LOYAL PEOPLE” Words of welcome are a fitting start for an Alumni Association president’s last column in the AlumniNews. The words above—Pjila’si from “the loving hearts of a loyal people”—is found on upper-campus, carved in stone in our beautiful new Alumni Plaza. The words were carefully chosen to commemorate the Alumni Association’s 125th anniversary, working together with Elder Kerry Prosper, StFX Knowledge Keeper and respected member of Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation. “Pjila’si” is a welcome in the Mi’kmaq language. From “the loving hearts of a loyal people” is a quote from Dr. Alexander MacDonald Thompson, StFX President, during a celebration of StFX’s 50th anniversary. The speech commemorated that StFX was built on the industriousness of its communities, and that its existence was not inevitable. In 2021, those communities have grown ever more diverse, and partnerships are realizing new depths. That his speech was largely referencing settler peoples of Nova Scotia, and that today, we have reclaimed those words to forge a new welcome from a broader coalition of StFX and community, is

something for which I am deeply grateful to Elder Prosper and Paqtnkek community members. The words are also a reminder the wide StFX community and its continued good work are not inevitable. We can all play a role in ensuring our alma mater is a place for growth, where change can happen, where progress is made. We know it can be this place because we’ve all experienced its impact. And so I challenge you to find a way to commit to our ever-growing loving hearts. StFX has never been, and is not, inevitable. Alumni support deeply matters. Join us at your next chapter event, give back to StFX financially as you can, remind youth and those seeking an academic challenge that adventure awaits in Antigonish. We have something precious to share – a community of welcome, of loving hearts, and loyal people. It has been an honour to serve as Alumni Association president, and to do so as our first open member of the LGBTQ+ community. It gives me such gratitude that our alumni have entrusted the chair to an amazing next president, Katheen Sheridan ’15, only the fourth woman to hold the post.

Marc Rodrigue ’08

Our alumni council continues to be a strength and our local chapter presidents and volunteers remain best in the country. The Alumni Office, under Shanna Hopkins’ leadership, is award-winning. We are an organization for all, and all are welcome. Hail and Health! Marc Rodrigue ’08 President, StFX Alumni Association

FROM ALUMNI AFFAIRS l SHANNA HOPKINS ’01, DIRECTOR

LESSONS WE HAVE LEARNED

The late Dr. Dan Belliveau ’88, StFX Dean of Science and former Alumni Association council member and former president of the London, ON alumni chapter, presented his son Xavier ’21 with his degree this past May. Dr. Belliveau passed away in August. The Dr. Dan Belliveau Bursary has been established for students with financial need in the Bachelor of Science Program.

The past 20 months have not been easy, but we are now learning to live with COVID. Throughout this pandemic, we have had to change the way we do things in our work life and in our everyday life. Because of this, we have been forced to think outside the box, and at times, outside our comfort zone.

As we return to in-person events here at StFX, I cannot help but think of the words spoken by our late Dean of Science, Dr. Dan Belliveau ’88--“Don’t Waste the Pandemic.” Dan rightly encouraged us in his words and actions to take advantage of the things we have learned during COVID, including the ways we had to

Shanna Hopkins ’01

adapt to be more inclusive and intentional in planning our events and communications, and to carry these lessons with us as we move forward. It is his words that will guide us and remind us that out of this difficult time we have all learned very valuable lessons. Thank you, Dan.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

ALUMNI HAPPENINGS

Fredericton

Iqaluit

CHAPTERS RELAUNCH ON STFX DAY! After 20 long months, our alumni chapters were so excited to finally be able to greet the Xaverian community in person again! Over 15 chapters – including Victoria, Iqaluit, Calgary, Ottawa, St. John’s, and Halifax – hosted StFX Day Socials, with the official relaunch of all alumni chapters taking place on Friday, December 3, with COVID precautions in place. On behalf of our chapter presidents and the StFX Alumni Association, we would like to say welcome back! We are so happy to finally be back out in our communities, reconnecting with our amazing Xaverian family! Stay tuned for more chapter events happening near you. If you didn’t receive an invitation to an event in your area, please update your contact information by visiting www.alumni.stfx.ca/updateinfo.

Toronto

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

The Victoria alumni chapter had eight spirited individuals who participated in the StFX Reconnect Pub night at the Penny Farthing Pub in Oak Bay. Most of the evening was spent sharing old alumni stories and the challenges and adversity we have all faced. We very much appreciated the ability to gather again in a social setting and remember our X grassroots. Gathering from left to right is Jordan Cramen, Fran Collins, Derek Collins, Shane Hickey, Andrew Lauzon, Susanna Cross, Darlana Withers, and Mike O’Neill. It’s been over two years since the Victoria chapter has been able to host an event and we look forward to the next one. A special thank you to the Alumni Office for sending out the great X gear and swag. Victoria

Vancouver

St. John’s

Ottawa

Northern California

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

RECAP This past October, StFX marked its first virtual Homecoming. Alumni were encouraged to get out for a walk in their community wearing some X-Gear and submit pictures. We celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Hall of Honour ceremony, formerly known as the Hall of Thought. Three community-minded educators were inducted: the late Ronald MacArthur ’51 ’53 from Whitney Pier, NS; Gordon Francis MacDonald ’65 of Middleton, NS; and Laurent Paul Veitch ’68 ’70 from Antigonish, NS. On the Saturday evening we celebrated our Alumni Awards of Excellence with video interviews of our award winners. The Distinguished Alumnus Award was presented to Hon. William Patrick Sullivan ’71 and the Young Alumnus Award had co-winners this year: Alex Doward ’11 and Connor Curran ’12. The Friend of StFX Award was also co-awarded to the Town and County of Antigonish on behalf of their residents for their assistance with the Neighbours Helping Neighbours Grocery Program, supporting StFX students in isolation

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

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

with their grocery and essential needs. This year’s Xaverian Spirit Award was presented to Dr. Marie Arnott, a professor in the Rankin School of Nursing. The last award of the evening was our Chapter of the Year, presented to our St. John’s, NL chapter. Their continued focus to advocate and promote their recently established bursary to support a current student at StFX paid off last spring when they officially presented their first bursary to a local student. This bursary will now be presented annually. If you know someone you would like to nominate for a future Hall of Honour or the StFX Alumni Association Awards of Excellence, please reach out to alumni@stfx.ca for more information. We hope you can join us as we look to return to in-person StFX Homecomings in the coming year. We will celebrate the Come the Blazes Homecoming – celebrating the Classes ending in 0, 1, 5 & 6 from August 23-25th, 2022 and we will be celebrating our classes ending in 2 & 7 October 14-16th, 2022.

Marie Arnott Xaverian Spirit Award

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

Municaplity of the County of Antigonish - Co-Recipient • Town of Antigonish - Co-Recipient • Friend of StFX 32

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

St. John’s Chapter of the Year

In continuing efforts to keep the StFX community safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Class of 1971 was not able to gather in person this year to celebrate their Golden Grad Homecoming. Instead, they came together virtually as a class this fall. During their virtual meeting, they presented their first-ever bursary ($2,500) to a deserving StFX student. Years in the making through generous donations from the Class of ‘71, the class successfully met their objective of making the inaugural presentation of their bursary coincide with their 50th Golden Grad anniversary. Kevin O’Keefe ‘71, representing his class, says the bursary provides a meaningful way for his classmates to commemorate their time at X. In addition to their bursary, members from the Class of ‘71 have contributed $1,000 annually for the past 10 years to support the purchase of food vouchers for students in need. “This truly was a class effort,” says Kevin. “Our time at X gave us all a strong foundation and a chance to grow and position ourselves for future success. We want to give deserving students that same opportunity.” Many thanks to the Class of ‘71 for their generosity!

Xaverians who completed Homecoming Walk/Runs, left photo, Ed MacDonald ‘80 Victoria, BC; middle photo, Tommy Sinclair ‘81 Bermuda; and right photo, Vicky MacLellan ‘07 ‘09 and Jessica MacLellan ‘12 Troy, NS.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

The family law system has many flaws, but I’m motivated to help clients in a different way than the traditional litigation route. It’s always my goal to have clients feel that they have been heard and understood.

ALUMNI PROFILE

Kate Wright ’04

Are there other awards/accomplishments? I was on the board of Family Services Ottawa for seven years and previously sat on the Family Law Section Executive and the Young Lawyers Section Executive of the Ontario Bar Association.

ONE TO WATCH! Kate Wright ’04, Head of Family Law at Mann Lawyers in Ottawa, ON, was recently named ‘one to watch’ in the 2022 edition of Best Lawyers Canada. We caught up for a chat with Kate, who graduated from StFX with a BA degree with an advanced major in philosophy and minor in biology. (Her dad and four siblings are also StFX grads.) Tell me about being named ‘one to watch.’ Best Lawyers recognizes lawyers who display excellence in private practice. I was very surprised when I heard that I was nominated! What makes this recognition particularly special to me is that it is peer reviewed, meaning that the selection is made by other lawyers in my own community. To have that recognition from my peers is truly humbling. Could you describe what your job entails? I practice both in family law and wills and estates. A typical day in my family law practice involves advising clients going through a separation or helping clients to prepare Marriage Contracts or Cohabitation Agreements. My focus is to help parties resolve their matters without going to court. As the head of the department, I provide mentorship to junior associates, address staffing issues and generally just make sure things are running smoothly! In my wills and estates practice, I help clients with estate planning and estate administration. I also assist clients to become guardians for loved ones who are incapable of managing their own property or making personal care decisions. Tell me about your path after StFX? I was fortunate to participate in the Coady 34

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

Institute student internship program. It had been a dream and a goal of mine since I had heard about the program as a high school student. My internship was with Honey Care Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. It was an incredible experience and I learned lessons and skills I carry with me today. After my Coady internship, I headed to Dalhousie for law school. During law school, I spent a semester at the Dalhousie Legal Aid Clinic, which was where I had my first introduction to family law outside of the classroom. I spent a summer working at a personal injury law firm in Calgary, which was a job I landed after receiving advice from a StFX alumnus living in Calgary. I articled with a national firm in Calgary and then I moved, with my now husband, to Ottawa to be closer to our families. I practiced briefly on my own before joining my current firm in 2010. My husband, Andrew (also an X grad!) and I have two girls, Sophie and Hailey, along with our sheepadoodle puppy, Gus. What drew you to law? I’ve always had an interest in helping others and in justice. Very often I’m working with clients going through a challenging time in their life - a separation, a death - and I hope that I can take away some of their burden by addressing their legal issues in a compassionate and empathetic way.

You’ve mentioned StFX is a huge part of where you ended up in your career. StFX is such a wonderful, tight knit community. It’s a place where I was able to grow as a person and gain confidence. Being involved in student government during my time at X was a terrific opportunity to develop leadership skills. StFX was also where I realized that law might be a good career for me. Initially I had plans to pursue med school but the science courses I was taking didn’t excite me in the way I thought they would. A philosophy class I took in second year made me realize I had a much greater interest in working through ethical and moral issues and applying logic to solve problems. I loved the class so much that I switched my major and really began to consider law as a career option. The small classes and having professors who were readily available were two other aspects that contributed to my success in the philosophy program. I was lucky to have Dr. Steve Baldner as my advisor for my senior paper and always appreciated the thoughtful discussions and debates we would have. After leaving X, I have benefitted from a strong alumni community. I’ve received career advice and mentorship from other alumni and had clients come to me because I was an X grad. Any advice for today’s students? I think the best advice I can give to today’s students is to try everything that interests you and to challenge yourself to try new things. If something isn’t working for you, don’t be worried about making a change. Leaving big law after articling and pivoting in my legal career to expand into wills and estates were two changes that came from not being totally satisfied with what I was doing at the time. What’s something surprising about yourself? When I was in Nairobi working at Honey Care, I received training to become a level one apiarist! I don’t keep bees but who knows – maybe I’ll pick it up again someday!

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!

MOBILIZING X-WOMEN RUGBY PLAYERS AND FANS StFX women’s rugby is celebrating 35 years since inception, from its modest roots as a group of women who wore cast-off men’s jerseys to a nationally dominant team. A cabinet of former women players have come together to build a community of supporters and raise $350,000 over five years, with the aim of cementing the team’s ability to succeed for the next 35 years. The funds will go directly towards the team’s greatest needs - scholarships and bursaries, training facilities, and exhibition travel. They are calling on former players, parents, and fans of women’s rugby to join them in this first campaign for a women’s team sport at StFX. If you make a donation of any size, your name will be inscribed on the Giving Wall in the X-Women’s Locker Room. Special locker plaques also available. To make a donation, please visit www.stfx.ca/xwomenrugby or contact Alexis MacDonald (apmacdon@stfx.ca) for more information.

LOST X-RINGS LOST Man’s ’70 Man’s ’71 Man’s ’77

Woman’s ’10 Woman’s ’13 Woman’s ’14

Woman’s ’17 Man’s ’17

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

BE SURE YOUR MAILING ADDRESS IS CORRECT WITHIN OUR SYSTEM.

ALUMNI@STFX.CA

MASTER OF EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT St S tFX StFX

PART-TIME DISTANCE PROGRAMS Students may complete Master of Education programs in Educational Administration and Policy or Curriculum and Instruction. The programs are typically completed online over a two-year period. These programs may be completed by course-based, 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 may be paired with faculty who can provide 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. Scholarships may be available for full-time graduate study. For more information contact Continuing and Distance Education Tel: 1-877-867-3906 or (902) 867-3906 E-mail: med@stfx.ca StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

NEWS EXCHANGE Hartlyn Darlene Ndidi Edem August 24, 2021

John ’18 and Janessa Edem September 5, 2021

’60s

Richard Marchand ’66 attended an American university and after two years there returned to Cape Breton to teach high school in St. Peter’s. He taught there for four years before changing yet again to a job with the federal government (a year and a half), followed by a year studying Chinese in Taiwan. He then returned to graduate work (and teaching!) at Dalhousie University and eventually finished a doctorate. He then spent some 30 years at Cape Breton University in the English Department. In private life he has been a solitary soul. He would be happy to get a word or two from anyone who remembers him, especially from fellow members of concert choir or glee club or chapel choir of the mid-sixties. richard_marchand@ cbu.ca

’70s Asia van Buuren ’15 married Liam Elbourne ’19 October 10, 2020

Stephanie Bertsch ’10 married Manuel Vela-Lopez August 30, 2019

Catherine (MacLellan) ’09 ’11 and Chris Schneider 36

Calling all home economics grads from 1970 and 1971. We are looking to have a gathering on the Friday afternoon during Summer Reunion in August 2022. If you would like to meet, please reach out to Margie O’Neill Haber at margarethaber70@gmail.com. Hail and Health!

Anne Gorman ’71 just completed her third year of a two-year term as National President of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada (COVID injected itself into every corner of our lives!). She completed two national virtual meetings (the 100th and 101st) over two days, unprecedented in the organization’s history and is looking forward to her final two years on the National Board as Past President. Anne Emery ’74 had a new book come out with ECW Press this fall. The Keening is an historical mystery with a dual timeline that takes place in both modern day Ireland and 16th century Ireland focusing on the murder of a prophetess. Anne Emery is a lawyer and author of the Collins-Burke Mystery Series, which has won several awards

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

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

including the 2019 Arthur Ellis for Best Crime Novel for Though the Heavens Fall. Her series is set in various places: Halifax, Dublin, Belfast, London, New York, Berlin. She lives in Halifax, NS. Clifford J. Shaw ’78 had his book Aspects of Banking and Financial Services Law published by LexisNexis Canada in 2021. Quoting from the publisher’s factsheet: The main objective of this book, writes author and lawyer C.J. Shaw, “is to inspire more lawyers to do legal writing for publication and professional and personal enjoyment.” Although this is Shaw’s primary goal, the fact is, Aspects of Banking and Financial Services Law accomplishes more by providing an enlightened look at a wide variety of intriguing issues in banking and financial services law. Clearly, the chapter about lawyering and the chapter on teaching and learning demonstrate Shaw’s motivation for doing this book.

’80s

Nancy (Alexander) Pearson ’83 and her husband Colin Pearson ’81 met at StFX. Nancy was recently featured on CBC Radio Newfoundland Morning, both for her volunteer efforts cleaning up ocean trash from beaches around her home in St. George’s, NL, but also for her global efforts to clean up oceans. Nancy was involved as a volunteer, testing a trial version of the Eyesea app and was instrumental in its success. Eyesea is a nonprofit organization with a mission to map global pollution and maritime hazards. The Eyesea founder connected with Nancy through her @abagawalk account on Instagram. Nancy says her goal is to have everyone keep a bag on hand when out for a walk, hike, jog etc. and pick up any litter they encounter.

Susan (Mahoney) Rodgers ’87, a PEI filmmaker, attended the world premiere of her new documentary, Then Sings My Soul, at the FIN Atlantic International Film Festival held in Halifax, NS on September 19. Then Sings My Soul follows PEI Stompin’Tom Connors tribute artist

Chad Matthews as he reaches for a guitar to help ease the pain.

’90s

Rob Currie ’91 has recently been made a University Research Professor at Dalhousie University, where he teaches in the Faculty of Law. This designation recognizes significant contributions to research and scholarship that he has made throughout his career, centred on his contributions to the field of transnational criminal law.

Shane MacLeod ’98 has been awarded the Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) 2021 CAP Award for Excellence in Teaching High School/CEGEP Physics (Atlantic). Shane teaches at Dartmouth High School and is being recognized for his passion and dedication to teaching physics and his development of physics teaching and learning resources.

’00s

Stephen Barrett ‘07, ‘09 and Mike Reithmeier ‘06 have launched a company, Seasoned Plate Culinary Ltd., to showcase great culinary experiences in Atlantic Canada. Chef Stephen Barrett attended culinary school in Melbourne, Australia and has traveled the globe seeking out culinary adventures. He now calls Halifax home, where he continues to highlight all things food, drink and travel. He was recognized as the 2019 Influencer of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia and is a regular guest on CTV Atlantic Morning Live. Recently he traveled to PEI to cook in the island’s popular Fall Flavours Festival. While there he was featured as the guest chef at the Taste of Georgetown event and also cooked at Chef Michael Smith’s PEI Lobster Party. Stephen and Mike have been close friends since meeting in MacIsaac Hall in 2002. The team decided to pair up to form Seasoned Plate Culinary Ltd. and build a multi-platform resource dedicated to highlighting the best culinary experiences and products within Atlantic Canada. They provide professional

restaurant reviews, host virtual and in-person cooking classes, sell local recommended products, a nd have an ever-growing list of recipes. They’re online at www. seasonedplate.ca or on Instagram @seasonedplate. Stephen currently lives in Waverley, NS, with his wife Kora ’09 and their children Leo and Lila Belle. Mike currently lives in Riverview NB with his wife Becca ’08 and children Emmie and Oliver.

’10s

Josée van den Hoogen ’14, a defense scientist at the Department of National Defense, won the best paper award for work she co-authored and presented at the international NATO Operations Research and Analysis Conference held Oct. 18-19, 2021. The paper, A Stochastic Model of COVID-19 Infections During a Large-Scale Canadian Army Exercise, was on her research on COVID modelling within the Canadian military. At StFX, Josée was a student in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Her supervisor was Dr. Joe Apaloo. Siobhan Morris ’16, who won the Gold Medal at StFX upon graduation and then won the Gold Medal in law at Queen’s University in 2019, will begin a one-year clerkship for Honourable Richard Wagner, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. She sends thanks to Dr. Peter Poole, the StFX Physics Department, and all her pals now scattered across the country. Brett Young ’17 graduated from the StFX Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics program, and spent three and a half years studying chiropractic at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Iowa. Upon graduation in February 2021, Dr. Brett Young opened up “Young Chiropractic” with locations in Uxbridge, Ontario and Markham, Ontario. Hannah Chisholm ’18 is one of three winners from across Canada to receive a 2021 Earth’s Own Plant Project grant. Plant Project is a grant program that provides

funding, product and support to those working to fight climate change by sparking a shift towards plant-based eating. More than 200 applicants submitted ideas. Hannah’s plant-based start-up Eggcitables is a chickpea-based, vegan and allergen-free egg alternative created and manufactured in Halifax, NS. She launched the brand and the product in 2018 as an expression of her environmental activism, her passion for entrepreneurship and her commitment to creating a sustainable, plant-based solution for those with dietary restrictions.

Twins, Vivianne and William Painchaud, August 19, 2021 Laura Sanders ‘05 and Philippe Painchaud.

Janelle Boudreau ’15 and Lauren Boudreau ’16, at the top of the “Three Sisters” summit in Fernie, BC. Janelle works as a registered nurse in Cape Breton and Lauren is working as an EIT (Engineer in Training) in Fernie.

Other

Former StFX faculty Catrìona Parsons (Chaluim Aignis), a tradition bearer, teacher, and Gaelic champion, has been honoured with the annual Award of Merit from the Nova Scotia Highland Village Society. The award recognizes individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the Highland Village and/or to Scottish Gaelic culture in Nova Scotia. Catriona, born and brought up on the Isle of Lewis, has called Nova Scotia home for many decades. She has been involved in Gaelic teaching and development throughout eastern Nova Scotia, including at StFX and the Gaelic College, where she wrote a series of Gaelic learning manuals. She has also been involved in Gaelic development efforts having served on the board of the Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia as well attending dozens of community Gaelic development meetings. For many years she led a popular Gaelic choir. She continues to organize an annual Gaelic ecumenical service held in different communities throughout eastern Nova Scotia.

Several Schwartz School of Business Class of 2015 members got together recently in Nova Scotia to reconnect. Zachary Konings, former senior audit manager at PWC, now PhD candidate at Saint Mary’s University; Stephen Allen, account manager, Verb Interactive; Matt Del Bel Belluz, actor; Graham Haynes, tax lawyer, Stewart McKelvey; George Kennedy, investment analyst, JBS Group Wealth Consultants; Jacob Baker, consulting analyst, Russell Investments.

Violet Mae McGarrity, March 26, 2021. Kate ’10 and Mike McGarrity ’10.

At a family wedding in October 2021, the MacLellan family had its first face-to-face gathering in two years. Two graduated during COVID and that makes a grand total of seven (two parents and five children) to graduate from X. From left to right; Siobhan ’21, Paul ’20, Cyrus ’13, Raylene ’12, Laura ’09, Leon ’81, and Pauline ’80.

A group of current students and young alumni met this summer in Maitland, NS to go skydiving. Those brave enough to take the plunge from 10,000 feet were, from left to right (top row): Ben Silver ’20, Owen MacDonald, Ben Boudreau, Majd Alzhouri ’20, Sam Silver. Bottom row: Rebecca Martino, Hannah Walton ’21, Alyzandra Torreon ’21, Ally Hancock ’21, Emily Sandre ’21.

Frank VanSchaayk ’76, Lynn (Hopkins) Cuzner ’79, Mike Dundon ’77 and Rodger Cuzner ’07 had a little informal gathering in Boston recently.

In 1978, James MacAulay graduated from StFX with his master’s in educational administration. At the time, with a wife and four children, he could not justify purchasing his X-Ring. Since then, he has had two daughters, Marion Sperdakes ’87 and Mary Catherine Compton ’92 ’93, and two grandchildren, Lauren Compton ’19 and Spencer Compton ’21 graduate. Since three generations have received a degree from StFX, James decided to purchase his long-awaited X-Ring. Pictured l-r, Spencer Compton, Marion Sperdakes, James MacAulay, Mary Catherine Compton, and Lauren Compton.

Mac Arthur McDougall born June 19, 2021, Edinburgh, Scotland Kate McHugh ’08 & Alistair McDougall ’08 Grandparents: Ed ’79 and Shelly McHugh ’80 StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

Olivia Goucher ’21 and Claire Simmons ’21 are traveling around the U.S., repping X at the Washington capital in DC!

October19, 2020 Broghan Murdock Gillis

Jessie Mae Petitpas September 7, 2021

Adam Gillis ’12 and Justina MacInnis ’13 Grandson of Gerry Gillis ’77

Vicky MacLellan ’07 ’09 and Kevin Petitpas

Ella Natalie Gaudon, June 16, 2021 with her brother James Stephen Brian Gaudon, November 11, 2018. Natalie (Bond) Gaudon ’09 ’11 and Stephen Gaudon ’12

Clifford J. Shaw ’78 had his book Aspects of Banking and Financial Services Law published by LexisNexis Canada in 2021

StFX DAY OF GIVING CHANGING LIVES, TOGETHER 38

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

Catriona Parsons, former StFX faculty (centre), with Nova Scotia Highland Village Society board member Roland Thornhill (left) and society president M.A. MacPherson (right).

Since graduating Tim Fitts ’14 has gotten married, had two kids and bought a house in Haverhill, MA. Pictured is Tim and his wife, Devin, as well as a picture of Tim with his son Brower and his daughter Skylar.

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022 ALL DAY – WHEREVER YOU ARE

Students are the heart of StFX. On May 10, be a part of StFX’s annual 24-hour fundraising blitz in support of student financial aid programs. Get Involved: Save the date and stay tuned. Watch your inbox or visit www.OurStFX.ca for more details.

STFX WELCOMES BACK STUDENT BODY, INCLUDING ONE OF THE LARGEST INCOMING CLASSES EVER

Starting university can be a big transition, a time of excitement, discovery, and trepidation. A warm welcome always helps, and that’s exactly what StFX offered in September when it welcomed back its student body, including one of its largest ever incoming classes, with about 1,100 first year students arriving on campus for Welcome Days on September 3rd and 4th. “One of the positives coming from adjusting to living during COVID was that we learned that spreading out our Welcome Days a little bit creates just as much excitement and energy, and makes the whole process move a little smoother for incoming students and their families,” says Heather Butler, Coordinator, Campus Tours & Special Events. Students were welcomed by the always popular student orientation group O-Crew, met and chatted with StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin, went to information sessions, and settled into their new home away from home. A week of X-Fest 2021 orientation activities included some new and some favorite activities such as Playfair, a water park day with the famous jello slide, a talent show, a pancake breakfast, and an

outdoor Headphone Disco. There was also an academic day and residence meetings.

SAFETY TOP PRIORITY

Throughout all events, Ms. Butler says the health of students, staff and faculty is the university’s prime concern. “Safety is always top priority when planning these events. In terms of COVID, planning of events looks slightly different than before.” For instance, for some orientation events, multiple venues were used to properly stay within gathering limits and many events were held outdoors this year. She says you can feel the energy rising on campus as the academic year begins again. “Students bring such a positive experience to the campus and the wider community so we’re all very excited to see them back for another successful year. Students stepped up last year and followed all necessary COVID-19 protocols and as a result got to enjoy a fairly “normal” academic year, so we are looking forward to the same commitment so we can have another successful year at StFX.” StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP DAVE BERNATCHEZ RECOGNIZED IN NEW BURSARY

Dave Bernatchez ’85 (StFX Hall of Honour 2014) was a true example of someone who lived Xaverian values of leadership, service and helping others. Described as a generous, humble and effective leader, he so inspired his community that a number of friends from inside and outside StFX, along with Dave’s family, have come together to honour his legacy, creating the David J. Bernatchez Bursary to help others, like Dave, attend StFX. Sadly, Dave passed away suddenly near his home in Calgary in July 2021. “Dave Bernatchez was a man of character, guided steadfastly by his values. He was a leader among peers and friends and often the ‘glue’ that kept friends connected,” said long-time friend Tom Emerson of Calgary. Rugby is one passion Dave was known for by his family, friends and acquaintances. He was an avid, elite rugby player in his native Calgary, and immediately became a force in the StFX Rugby Club when he arrived as a student in Antigonish. He stayed committed to the team as a friend and champion, organizing many reunions over the years. Dr. Ed Carty, StFX Rugby Club co-founder, said “David was always keenly interested in the club. He was generous with his time in meeting the boys, and very generous in supporting the finances of the club.” Dave maintained a close association with StFX, taking on leadership

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

roles in the Alumni Association and serving on StFX’s Board of Governors. He was instrumental in creating the Katherine Fleming International Development Award to assist a woman from sub-Saharan Africa attend the Coady Institute. This award honoured the memory of a friend and classmate. Senator Mary Coyle, former Coady director, said, “Dave was an exceptional person and leader. Everyone who met Dave felt seen and valued, and he contributed so much to the causes that were important to him.” “Dave was a strong believer in education and in the importance of helping others who might not afford attending post-secondary school. For many years, he devoted time for different scholarships, including the Dr. Ed O’Connor Scholarship, and the Father Whelihan Memorial Scholarship, a scholarship he won, and which made his attendance at StFX possible,” said Ron Cooper ’85. The new bursary’s main focus is to assist a student attend StFX, especially those who may not be able to without financial support. Recipients will play rugby and demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to community. The bursary committee will soon launch a broad appeal with the goal of raising $600,000. For more information on the David J. Bernatchez Bursary, please watch for further news, or contact StFX Director of Development Wendy Langley at wlangley@stfx.ca or (902) 867-5182.

X-RING STORY l ALUMNI OFFICE

PAY IT FORWARD: STFX STUDENT OFFERING X-RING BURSARY TO ASSIST ANOTHER

StFX student Ben Boudreau (centre) is pictured with Ginger Fitt, Manager, StFX Store, (left) and Taylor MacIntyre, Sales and Merchandising Coordinator (X-Ring) at the StFX Store

A fourth-year StFX student is paying it forward—using proceeds from his small business to purchase an iconic X-Ring for a classmate who may not have the means to do so. Ben Boudreau of Antigonish, NS, who is completing a degree in human kinetics with a minor in sports management, started a small business called StFX Boxes over two years ago. He makes wooden boxes to safeguard, protect and store the X-Ring. The Pay it Forward X-Ring Bursary came to fruition last summer when he realized he had reached his goal of covering the cost of his X-Ring. He had sold the boxes through the StFX Store and after he had paid for his ring, he reached out to partner with the X-Ring Store (in the StFX Store) to assist another student. “I thought it seemed appropriate that I would continue to provide the wooden StFX boxes for my classmates, and in turn, I would use the profit to contribute to the purchase of an X-Ring for a deserving classmate from the Class of ’22 who otherwise may not be able to purchase one on their own,” he says. “The X-Ring is iconic as we all know, but it costs a lot, and I thought by creating a Pay it Forward bursary, I could help someone else feel that sense of Xaverian Spirit.” The bursary will be offered through StFX Financial Aid, and Mr. Boudreau says when the recipient is selected, he hopes they will wear the X-Ring proudly and perhaps someday, if life and circumstances permit, Pay it Forward as well.

Mr. Boudreau says the idea originated after his first year when he started thinking about the X-Ring, something all his family members have. His father graduated in ’92 and inherited his X-Ring from his late father ’66, so both years are engraved. His mother ’91 and ’97 didn’t buy an X-Ring at the time, but instead received it as a gift from very special French immersion students years later. His sister ’20 won hers at a grad event. He brainstormed many ideas with his family about how to create his own ‘X-Ring story.’ He and his dad drew up several prototypes. After much trial and error in summer 2019, they approached the StFX Store to see about selling the boxes. They agreed and they worked out an arrangement. Mr. Boudreau says it was important to give back. “I have grown up in this town, and StFX has been in full view since my childhood through sports and X-Chemistry camps, MayFest and so on. I have always felt connected to the StFX community. Now that I am a student, I feel like my life has been enriched by the people I’ve met here, by the amazing professors, by the opportunities StFX provides, even during a pandemic, so I wanted to do this to essentially ‘pass it on,’ which means I’m playing a part in building a sense of Xaverian community which involves considering others’ needs, and that’s what is important to me. I want others to see the good in our community the same way that I do.”

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

COMMITTED TO THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

Be bold. Explore new things. Get involved. Challenge yourself. And take full advantage of the opportunities presented at StFX. Those were words of advice StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin had for the incoming freshmen class, gathered Oct. 17, 2021, for the Xaverian Welcome Ceremony, where new students are invited to commit themselves to a life of thought and service as they join the Xaverian community. Students renew this commitment their senior year, at X-Ring and Convocation. “It was a good decision to come to StFX,” Dr. Hakin told the students, gathered in the University Chapel. “Now you must extract everything out of this opportunity presented to you.” Education is like a golden key, a key that opens many doors, he said. “But you must engage in that experience.” It was a message reiterated by Academic Vice President and Provost (Acting) Dr. Tim Hynes ’84 who told the students, clad in black gowns, that they wear academic regalia as a reminder they are here for academic purposes. Be ready and willing to be challenged, he said. Develop an appetite for knowledge. He spoke about the importance of “Being Xaverian,” giving a brief history of St. Francis Xavier, a privileged man who, while at university 42

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

in Paris, opened his eyes to societal challenges, and later as a missionary, helping improve life for others, always with the belief that education is the most powerful tool. “The value of education, social justice and service to one’s community, this is exactly what StFX espouses to be today,” he said. “We want people who want to change the world, for good. At StFX, you will be challenged. What will you do with your time? How will you serve your community with respect and integrity?” Other speakers included Students’ Union President Jack Irvin ’22 and University Chaplain Fr. Donald MacGillivray ’79, who shared a recent interaction with the Class of 1971 and the similarities between their experience, his own, and what he hears today regarding the importance of friendship and how these relationships remain strong, vibrant and a source of strength. “The Xaverian Spirit has perhaps its very root in friendship.” Students’ Union VP Academic Meredith Cudmore-Keating ’22 introduced the Xaverian Commitment and Anna Hancin, Meech Freshman award winner, led the incoming class in its recitation. Students also signed a declaration card, writing a note to themselves, on what they hope to achieve during their time at StFX.

DIPLOMA IN

ADULT 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 40TH year, we offer online training to adult educators, trainers, consultants, and human resource professionals with all levels of experience.

https://www.mystfx.ca/adult-education-diploma Email: dipaded@stfx.ca A D U LT E

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. (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)

CA TH

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NOMINATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED. DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS APRIL 30, 2022.

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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

Distance Education Programs for

REGISTERED NURSES Applications are being accepted until June 30 for classes beginning in September. The Post RN-BScN program was awarded accreditation by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) in 2019. • Bachelor of Science in Nursing • Certificate in Gerontological Nursing • Certificate in Continuing Care Nursing

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

Toll-free: 1-800-565-4371 Email: distance.nursing@stfx.ca Stfx.ca/DistanceNursing StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

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.

Fall afternoon playing in the leaves for some children of our Advancement team. Pictured, l-r, are Madison Gorman, Parker Boutilier, Leah White, Taylor Gorman and Sam MacKenzie. Madison and Taylor, second year StFX students, are daughters of Todd Gorman and Wendy Langley ’92, Director of Development; Leah and Parker are children of Nick Boutilier ’07 and Michelle White, Athletic Fund Development Officer, and Sam is the son of Kristin and Mike MacKenzie, Marketing & Communications Officer.

MARCH DEALS ALUMNI, JUST IN TIME FOR EASTER SHOPPING, ENJOY

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StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

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 Abdi-Nasir M Ma’Awiye ’90 Ahmad Rizal Alang Ahmad ’90 Colleen Knudson ’90 Donald Peter Pettipas ’90 Earl Stephen Wright ’90 Izal Yahya ’90 Jennifer Kasey Wallace ’90 John Leonard Nicholson ’90 Judy Antonette Hynes ’90 Kent-Mou Abigail Shao ’90 Patrick Keith Morris ’90 Ronald Edmund Rogers ’90 Shaun Kirkpatrick ’90 Sheldon Francis Steele ’90 Shirley Lander ’90 Steven R Barrett ’90 Timothy Gill ’90 Wang Wai Wong ’90 Wesley David Neal ’90 Andrew William Hunt ’91 Arlene H Pettipas ’91 Blaise G Curry ’91 Bonnie Elaine Warren ’91 Christopher Todd Sauveur ’91 Doreen Paulette Walker ’91 Evelyn Marie Doyle ’91 Florence Michelle Ward ’91 Geraldine Wagner ’91 Halimaton Mohd Yusof ’91 Haris Ahmad ’91 Isabel Theresa Thompson ’91 Jean Daniel Robichaud ’91 Julie Ann Umpherson ’91 Laurie Alison Walton ’91 Lisa Anne Marie King ’91 Lynn Marie Tilley ’91 Margaret Jane Pratico ’91 Marie Lucas ’91 Mary Allison Putnam ’91 Mary Helen Claire Samson ’91 Michelle Lynn Osmond ’91 Michelle N Doucett ’91 Patrick Dominic Visentin ’91 Rofaida Mouazen ’91 Shauna Adrienne Boutlier ’91 Stephen Francis Roderick ’91 Stephen Wayne Morrissey ’91 Wallace Joseph Stagg ’91 Wendy Lynn Lamirande ’91 Yanjia Lu ’91 Andrea Trina Thompson ’92 Andrew Xavier Akins ’92 Anna Sophia Sand ’92 Anne Marie Savoie ’92 Barbara I Isenor ’92 Barbara Jean McConvey ’92 Bernard Timothy Tierney ’92 Bryan Robert Goertzen ’92 Carol Ann Olson ’92 Cecile Gobeil ’92

Christine M Cyr ’92 David Michael Knott ’92 Dawn Robin Vincent ’92 Debbie Michon Weir ’92 Debbie Susan Lutz ’92 Dieter R Semmler ’92 Donna Lynn Specht ’92 Eileen Longueville ’92 Glenn William Jamieson ’92 Grant Patrick Walsh ’92 Gwen Marie Young ’92 Heidi Diane Lund ’92 Hung Tak Wong ’92 Ian Gerard MacAdam ’92 Jacqueline E Moulton ’92 James Charles Meloche ’92 James Patrick Veinot ’92 Jane Oram ’92 Jennifer Ruth Vanlarken ’92 Linda Louise Doyle ’92 Lisa Marie Vipond ’92 Margaret Ann Weir ’92 Mary Paula Samson ’92 Matthew Leonard Boylan ’92 Michele Jean Young ’92 Michelle Dorothy Thibeau ’92 Mishy Myles Melanie Wyman ’92 Nicole Mae Lacosta ’92 Patrick John Roche ’92 Paul Anthony Woolaver ’92 Paul Richard Standing ’92 Sheila A McDonald ’92 Shelly Anne Samson ’92 Stephen Douglas Sernyk ’92 Tai Leung Tsui ’92 Taunya Margaret Doucette ’92 Treena Leah Hubert ’92 Tsui Kee Wu ’92 Victoria Ellen Shaw ’92 William John Jenkins ’92 Yee Pang Lai ’92 Agnes Baxter ’93 Alias Ali ’93 Angela Jane Marie Doyle ’93 Ann M Wallington ’93 Anne L Waterhouse ’93 Anthony John Sangster ’93 Carmel Jean Oliver ’93 Cindy Hoyme ’93 Crystal Terry Peters ’93 Douglas Earl Howell ’93 Earla Marie Rogers ’93 Eric Charles Tusz-King ’93 Francis Patrick Louvelle ’93 Gail Theresa Turner ’93 Graham Edwin B Irwin ’93 Ida Weber ’93 Janet C Brand- Balignasay ’93 Jason Marc Doucette ’93 Jill Stanley ’93

John Edward Vandewiel ’93 Kevin John Bradley ’93 Kimberley Rose Curry ’93 Kirk Joseph Pushie ’93 Melanie Leigh Nelson ’93 Michael David St John ’93 Michelle Sara Vandereep ’93 Patrick Edward Lussier ’93 Paul Shannon Worth ’93 Reid Matthew Doucette ’93 Robert Lee Hoyt ’93 Sandra Lynn Hughes ’93 Susan Lynn Sanford ’93 Trudi Thomae ’93 Angela Lorraine Gillis ’94 Audrey Crystal Venedam ’94 Carol Anne Theberge ’94 Dawn Michelle Rogers ’94 Fahed Mousa Alsalem ’94 James Joseph MacCormick ’94 Joann Marie Osbourne ’94 John Douglas Glencross ’94 Kandis Phyllis Thompson ’94 Kenneth Joseph Young ’94 Knickolle D Arsenault ’94 Marianne McCormick ’94 Neil Robert Walker ’94 Philip Glen Wall ’94 Sarah Lynne West ’94 Stephen Peter Yang ’94 Susan Marie Barry ’94 Sybil Doris Cameron ’94 Thanh Hai Pham ’94 Wolfgang Pelzer ’94 Amy Elizabeth van der Kooi ’95 Arlene Louise Schmeisser ’95 Arthur Stephen Price ’95 Chi Yuen Ng ’95 Christina Margaret Boyle ’95 Christopher Elwyn Vergie ’95 Dacia Jan MacQuarrie ’95 Darlene Schwartz ’95 David Lee Mroz ’95 Derek McCurdy ’95 Doreen Prosper ’95 Gordon Ivan Barker ’95 Heather Jayne Sangster ’95 Jean Isobel Stensrud ’95 Joanne M Alex ’95 John Francis Woodfine ’95 Ka Ming Yeung ’95 Keith Patrick Scott ’95 Kim Ann Morrison ’95 Kimberly Ann MacPherson ’95 Kristen Paige Mellis ’95 Mary Catherine Walsh ’95 Maureen Shepherd ’95 Nam M Nguyen ’95 Nicole Irene Purdy ’95 Norman J D Sawyer ’95

StFX AlumniNews

DECEASED Coleman “Coley” Phillip Gorham ’41 Paul E. Cormier ’43 (died 2015) Donald Joseph MacIntosh ’43 Vincent Melanson McMaster ’45 Katherine McGillivray ’46 Donald Alexander Barry ’47 Francis G. Coholan ’48 Arthur David Higgins ’48 Jacqueline (LeBlanc) Dailleboust ’49 William Alexander Graham ’49 Donald Philip Racicot ’49 Anne Therese (McEachern) MacLeod ’50 Donald McLeod Farrell ’51 Cyril Archibald MacIsaac ’51 William Joseph “Bill” Woodfine ’51, Faculty Frances Elizabeth (Somers) McDonah ’52 George F. Mercier ’52 Fintan Joseph Aylward ’53 Peter Alcantra Boyd ’53 Bruno DiPersio ’53 Joseph “Joe” Marsh ’53 George Ralph Bolduc ’54 Daniel Stephen “Don” Brooks ’54 Moira “Moish” (Flaherty) Dexter ’54 Donald Joseph Arthur LeBlanc ’54 Shirley Delores (Foley) Sears ’54 Rev. Hilary J. Cameron ’55 Bernard “Bernie” Thomas Henry Gallant ’55 Douglas Pittet ’55 Dr. Robert “Lugs” Rae ’55 John B. Finnigan ’56 Joseph Basil “Joe” Kennedy ’56 Jean-Baptiste Vautour ’56 Daniel Anthony Dempsey ’57 Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Hogan ’57 ’58 Donald B. MacKay ’57 Mary Ann (Fleming) Swart ’57 John Hugh Campbell ’58 Robert Cyril “Bob” Gardiner ’58 Ronald Francis “Elbows” MacDonald ’58 Marie (MacDonald) Madison ’58 Eric Wallace Nicholson ’58 ’66 William R. “Bill” Gardenier ’59 William “Bill” Alexander Jamael ’59 Charles W. Macdonald ’59 Ronald Joseph “Buddy” MacDonald ’59 ’60 ’66 Maureen Elizabeth (Dunphy) Oxner ’59 James Allister Sears ’59 ’60 John “Fraser” White ’59 John L. Archambault ’60 Félix Joseph Boudreau ’60 ’71 Janet Cameron ’60 Stephen Coady Campbell ’60 Patrick Hallissey ’60 William Thomas Jessome ’60 Anne Teresa (Gouthro) MacPhee ’60 Terrence Roach ’60 William “Bill” Tobin ’60 Paul Raymond Brown ’61 Donna Marie (MacKenzie) MacNeil ’61 Mary Richarda “Ricky” (Wilmot) Van Rengen ’61 Terrence Daigle ’62 James Joseph Grace ’62 Mary Patricia “Paddy” (McDonald) Hanley-Godkin ’62 ’63 James Dimitri Manos ’62 Phillip Resch ’62 Jude T. MacNeil ’63 Wilfred C. “Yogi” Muise ’63 Stuart J. Armstrong ’64 Donald “Ducky George” R. MacDonald ’64 Tony N. McGuire ’64 Gregory Baum ’65 William Joseph “Joe” Farren ’65 Michael Sean O’Connell ’65 James G. Vaillancourt ’65 Robert James “Robbie” Campbell ’66 ’68 ’80 Lawrence Edmund Garey ’66 Robert Karwowski ’66 Millard F. “Mack” MacKenzie ’66 Robert Nightingale ’66 Michael J. Campbell ’67 Alexander MacDonald Chisholm ’67 Donna Jean (Graham) Curtis ’67

Emmett Wayne McGrath ’67 Barry Anderson ’68 Colin Francis Donovan ’68 Paul Joseph Finn ’68 ’69 Francis Anthony “Frank” MacKenzie ’68 Ivan Ellsworth ’69 Lorne Hartley ’69 Murray Cameron Johnston ’69 John Francis Keaveney ’69 Geraldine Patricia MacMillan ’69 Anastasia Wallace ’69 Peter Westort ’69 Dr. Donald H. Farrell ’70 Edmund John “Eddie” MacDonald ’70 Clevelyn Patricia Wall ’70 Roslyn Elaine (Murphy) Wintermans ’70 James Louis MacDonald ’71 Carolyn Frances (MacInnis) MacIsaac ’71 William David “Bill” Alexander ’72 ’78 Sr. Adele Cormier, SSM (formerly Sr. John Berchmans) ’72 John Clayton Cotton ’72 D. Barry Marchand ’72 Douglas McGee ’72 Robert Stephen Parsons ’72 Raymond Michael Kavanaugh ’73 Alvin “Julien” Landry ’73 Monica (Gillis) MacLennan ’73 Charles Patrick MacMaster ’73 Kenzie Bernard MacNeil ’73 Calvin Francis Eddy ’74 ’75 Allison Arthur Hunt ’74 ’75 Margaret Teresa (Gillis) Mack ’74 Michael Joseph MacNeil ’74 ’75 Elizabeth Anne “Bibi” Broderick ’75 ’77 Collena Isobel (MacKinnon) Campbell ’76 John Joseph Kavanagh ’76 Alexander Johannes Kocken ’76 Glendon Harvey Pulley ’76 Donald “Donnie” Drohan ’77 George Henry Gottschall ’77 Lillian Marie McKinnon ’77 ’78 Michael Terrance O’Connor ’77 Peter Martin Barrett ’78 Kathleen Berry ’78 Francis Xavier MacDonald ’78 Sr. Patricia Joan Shreenan, SSA, ’79 John Francis “Jay” McMullan ’80 Leslie Wanda Lloyd ’81 Joyce (Leigh) White ’84 David Joseph “Dave” Bernatchez ’85 Sharon Marie Sears ’87 Daniel Joseph Belliveau ’88, Dean of Science Katherine Lynn Wood ’89 Cary Lynn Connors ’92 Mary Elizabeth Morgan ’92 Tracy Lynn (Laird) Williams ’92 James Wilson Gogan, Hon Doc ’97 Purnell Whittington Choppin, Hon Doc ’00 Ellen Jane MacPhee ’01 Leone Patricia McIsaac ’02 Alexa McDonough, Hon Doc ’04 Charmaine Mary (Foley) Cantwell ’05 Andrew Harvey ’05 ’20 Gerald Thomas Hearty ’05 John Christopher George Baldwin ’07 Danielle Elizabeth Wiseman `07 Karl Russell Augustin ’08 James Alexander Trapnell Roddick ’13 Robert Wayne MacCaskill ’14 Wade Coffin, Xavier Junior College Michael Mark Fennell, Former Faculty William George Ferguson, student Inez Grant, MSB Dave Lowe, former staff Lori Suzanne MacDonald, staff Doris MacGillivray, MSB Terrance Patrick Murphy Joyce Pembroke, MSB David Albert Phee, former staff Eddy Phee, former staff (died 2019) Donna Margaret (Purcell) Proctor, MSB Brian Maurice Lynch, former Faculty

MANAGING EDITORS Shanna Hopkins ’01 Email: shopkins@stfx.ca Kyler Bell Email: kbell@stfx.ca ASSISTANT EDITOR Shelley Cameron-McCarron Email: sacamero@stfx.ca WRITER Shelley Cameron-McCarron PRODUCTION Andrew Conde 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,

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

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

BEING XAVERIAN – AND THE SERVICE OF GOOD AND NOBLE CAUSES In this edition of the AlumniNews, a reader will learn about the university’s campaign, “Being Xaverian” (see page 14), which fosters among our community what it means to be a StFX student and, in particular, in the service of good and noble causes. Being Xaverian is an appreciation that there’s more to being part of our community than achieving academically. There is a social expectation as well. Earlier, I asked alumni what being Xaverian meant to them and was pleased with the many responses (thank you). A word art graphic (page 15) demonstrates the ideas shared. As a StFX alumnus, and with a bird’s eye view of what’s happening on and in support of the campus and other communities, allow me to share the following observations as it relates to being a Xaverian: Setting The Expectation To Serve Early: I was in the StFX Chapel when acting VP Academic & Provost Dr. Tim Hynes ’84 addressed first-year students during the Xaverian Welcome, saying: “We want people who want to change the world, for good. At StFX, you will be challenged. What will you do with your time? How will you serve your community with respect and integrity?” When he delivered these words—you could hear a pin drop. I was moved to hear Tim’s challenge. Making A Difference -Volunteering: Our alumni chapters and the Alumni Association make a significant difference in keeping alumni engaged and supporting

university initiatives. We’ve been absolutely blessed with caring, dedicated alumni. Personally, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing incredible senior leadership from Andrew Howlett ’02, Glenn Horne ’07 ’08 and Marc Rodrique ’08, all former Alumni Association presidents, and we look forward to Kathleen Sheridan ’15’s leadership. Those wanting to get involved, please get in touch at alumni@stfx.ca Making A Difference - Donating: When I joined StFX in 2016, the university was in the initial phase of the Xaverian Fund campaign, aimed at increasing funding for student scholarships and bursaries. Initiated by former President Dr. Kent MacDonald ’86 ’93 who challenged the StFX community with a target of $50 million, and overseen by Chief Campaign Officer Iain Boyd ’75, we were pleased to celebrate reaching this target (page 6). Many contributed to the success, including many of you—thank you. But as the article notes—we’re not done—there is still much more we can do to support students. If you want to help, don’t hesitate to contact Iain at iboyd@stfx.ca. Related, with the sudden loss of alumnus, friend, and role model Dave Bernatchez ‘85, alumni and friends quickly established a bursary in his name to help students (page 40) To date, they’ve raised an incredible $500,000—an amount never seen before in such a short period of time. How to pronounce “Xaverian”: When I was a StFX student in the 1980s,

Murray Kyte ’87

Fr. Syd Mifflen ’52 ’53, then Dean of Students, offered advice on how to pronounce “Xavier” or “Xaverian.” Syd said it’s not a hard “X” as in “extra,” rather the sound is “Zav.” Syd is supported by Merriam-Webster, which states Xaverian is pronounced “zuh-veh-ree-uhn.” I think the hard “X” as in StFX or simply “X” prompts people to continue its hardness when saying “Xavier.” When I returned to the campus in my current role, Syd sent me a note of congratulations and added a comment that when he heard me speak publicly, he reminded me of this lesson from years before. I chuckled and now I find myself offering this same advice to others. Lifelong Friendships: Finally, when I think of Being Xaverian I want to share with you a picture I took in November of three Class of 1959 graduates enjoying each other’s company at an event where the Right Honourable Prime Minister Mulroney ’59 was honoured by the Churchill Society (page 3). They’ve been dear friends for over 50 years. Seeing this picture, I am reminded of all our friendships made at X--many of whom have remained close friends. Being Xaverian comes with expectations and responsibilities, and I am glad I had the good fortune of being a student at X and now working within the StFX community. I’m a proud Xaverian and am thankful for your support for the university community.

L-r, Jim Nasso ’59, the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney ’59 and Terry (Ace) McCann ’59.

StFX ALUMNINEWS l WINTER 2022

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

Prospective Student Referral:

FUTURE XAVERIANS CAMPAIGN

JOIN US! As StFX alumni, you are one of our best recruiters. While our recruitment team is out there speaking with students about programs and working with them on their applications, you are also working hard: wearing your X-Ring, sharing your StFX story, and guiding future Xaverians to our exceptional institution. These are all vital parts of our recruitment effort. For future students, hearing about the StFX experience from one of our Student Success Leaders can be helpful and informative, but what is really impactful is hearing how StFX has benefitted someone they trust and know personally—someone like you.

At this point, there is not a seamless connection between these two avenues of student engagement. To help with this, we’re announcing the launch of the Future Xaverians Campaign! This campaign will serve as a formal method to refer prospective students you may be in touch with to our recruitment team who can help them through the application process, give the most up-todate information, and keep them informed of upcoming events and deadlines. To refer a student through this campaign, we will need the student’s name, email address, and mailing address. Though, the more information you can provide about their interests, the better.

Our director of Alumni Affairs, Shanna Hopkins, will launch the program, www.alumni.stfx.ca/refer through an email. If you have a student in mind and are interested in participating, please make sure our Alumni Office has your up-to-date contact information. Once a student has been referred, a Student Success Leader will contact them and let them know who referred them, offer to arrange a meeting to chat about StFX, send any information relevant to the program(s) they are interested in and outline next steps in the application process. Alumni who refer students will be entered to win a monthly prize!

Always Parkland

A lot has changed, but not everything. Parkland team members are dedicated to delivering the exceptional service and care we are known for. Placing residents first is as important now as it has always been. Make yourself at home at Parkland and enjoy all-inclusive services specifically designed to give you the freedom to maintain your active, healthy and independent lifestyle.

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*Conditions apply. Based on availability. Offer applies to new lease arrangements for permanent residence with a Parkland Retirement Living location in Nova Scotia or New Brunswick.

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

StFX Alumni News - Winter 2021

Articles inside

We must do better

NewsFlash

Alumni Association Update

Achievement honoured

Remember this moment