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
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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.”
