Huskies host top teams for Men’s Hockey University Cup

Photo by Mona Ghiz

SMU Huskies kick off Team Halifax U SPORTS bid

Maritimers have a reputation for hospitality. Hosting visitors is a point of pride for us—from shows, to competitions, to expos and more, we like to create unforgettable experiences for audiences, performers, and teams alike.  

Halifax has hosted major national and international events, including city-wide efforts like the 2024 Junos, the 2018 Pan American Canoe Sprint Championships and the 2015 Canadian Country Music Week & Awards, just to name a few. Every year, we welcome people from around the globe for once-in-a-lifetime experiences made uniquely possible by our vibrant city.  

University sports are no exception to this legacy of excellence, with Halifax being a major player in the university sports world, hosting various varsity championships over the last 50 years.  

With the U SPORTS Men’s Hockey Championships set to take place at Scotiabank Centre March 19-22, Saint Mary’s leads Team Halifax in the first of a multi-year lineup of U SPORTS championships that are set to make waves.  

So, what makes this year unique?  

A brief history of hosting 

In university sports, schools bid to host championships, taking on the task of hosting competing teams and spectators at their facilities while working with local hotels and restaurants to ensure visitors get a taste of the host city.   

Bidding on regional or national championships not only gives student-athletes a professional competition experience, but also involves all areas of athletics in planning, organizing and executing a major sports event—a fantastic opportunity for those looking to make a career in sports business.  

Scott Gray at the U SPORTS press conference in 2024

“For a 20-year span, Halifax played host to the men’s Final 8 basketball tournament here at the Scotiabank Centre, when it was called the Metro Centre. And before that, tournaments were hosted at the Halifax Forum,” says Scott Gray, Director of Athletics & Recreation at Saint Mary’s.

“Halifax has set attendance records in university men’s hockey over the course of the tournament, with upwards of 40,000 attendees across all games. Men’s basketball tournaments have seen similar numbers—in part due to our access to a professional sporting venue like the Scotiabank Centre.”  

This time, instead of a single school taking on the host duties, the Maritimes are doing things a little differently.  

A new era in university sports 

Saint Mary’s University is partnering with Acadia University, Dalhousie University and St. Francis Xavier University to host U SPORTS championships in Halifax for the next three years. SMU is kicking off this Team Halifax approach with this year’s Men’s Hockey University Cup, with each university stepping up as the host team in subsequent years in a collaborative effort to leverage all that the city has to offer.  

Partners at the Team Halifax U SPORTS partnership announcement in 2024: Chris Larsen, President, Sports & Entertainment Atlantic ; Brian Finnis, Acadia, Director of Athletics & Recreation; Cindy Tye, Dalhousie, Athletic Director; Pierre Arseneault, U SPORTS CEO; Scott Gray, Saint Mary's Director of Athletics & Recreation; Leo MacPherson, STFX, Director of Athletics & Recreation. usports.ca

Working together allows Maritime universities to make use of professional venues like the Scotiabank Centre and brings big business to local hotels, restaurants and tourist destinations as participating student-athletes come from across the country to go toe-to-toe in downtown Halifax.  

“This is a professional arena,” says Gray. “It's hosted everything from The Brier and The Scotties to the World Junior Hockey Championships and Professional Women’s Hockey League games this year. This is elevating the university game in a professional setting, for both student-athletes and spectators.” 

Beyond our university partners, SMU will work with the Halifax Regional Municipality, Events Nova Scotia, Events East Group, Discover Halifax and Sports & Entertainment Atlantic for a full-scale sporting experience that offers something for everyone across the city.  

“This joint effort with municipal government, provincial government, professional organizations and our fellow universities is a true example of collaboration. Working with each other to provide a potentially once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our athletes is a point of pride, and although we our teams may compete with each other on the court, on the field, or on the ice—we work together in the true spirit of sport to make these experiences great. ”

— Scott Gray

What this means for SMU 

SMU isn’t the only university set to host under this model, but it is the first one up to the plate. Bringing multiple sectors together isn’t for the faint of heart, and whether you’re a diehard fan or haven’t attended a game, there’s no better time to bring your Husky pride to the arena.

“It's an opportunity to be part of something unique,” says Gray. “A National Championship happens once a year, and it’s not always going to be here in Halifax. It’s an experience—seeing a high-level event that you may get to see once in your university career.”  

With the championship rapidly approaching, weekend passes and single-game tickets are on sale now. Saint Mary’s will play their quarterfinal game on Thursday, March 19 at 7 p.m. 

““It’s not about the hockey. It’s about Saint Mary’s.””

— Scott Gray

SMU earned bronze at the 2016 University Cup

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Pre-Game event hosted by SMU Alumni

Thursday, March 19
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Durty Nelly’s, 1645 Argyle St., Halifax

To kick off the U SPORTS Championships, Saint Mary's is taking over Durty Nelly’s ahead of the 7 p.m. puck drop at the Scotiabank Centre. Expect good vibes, giveaways, exclusive prizes, and pub specials before the big game.

Whether you're an alum, a student, a faculty member, a staff member, a family member, or a friend of the SMU community, everyone's welcome to come celebrate. Let's pack the pub and show our Husky spirit.

Single Game Tickets are on sale NOW! Faculty, staff and students receive 20% off all SMU games here. Be sure to click "unlock" and enter code: STDNT20.

Alumni receive 20% off with Promo Code ALUMNI here.

Register for the Alumni Huskies Pre-Game.

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Sisters in STEM: Makayla and Mia Makhlouf make multitasking look easy

Makayla and Mia Makhlouf

From her first day on campus, Mia Makhlouf had high standards to live up to. Luckily, she has an excellent role model in her sister, Makayla.

Makayla graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biology in 2025. During her time as a student, Makayla was an active volunteer in student societies, organizing the first Science Gala at Saint Mary’s in November 2024—her first time managing a large event. She found sponsors, managed ticket sales, booked space, sourced decorations and many other details that made it a successful event for upwards of 150 students. She followed that success by landing a position as the Human Resources Volunteer Coordinator at the Magnetic World Music Festival, where she coordinated 100 people each day of the three-day festival in downtown Halifax.

Mia is following in her sister’s footsteps—she is currently in her second year of a Bachelor of Science with a Diploma in Engineering while maintaining a busy extracurricular schedule.

Along with her role as the Engineering Society’s Vice President of Media, Mia works part-time at an engineering company. She was a three-time gold medalist in public speaking with Skills Nova Scotia before returning as a coach. Her public speaking skills have also made her a valuable member of Enactus Saint Mary’s, a student-led entrepreneurial community focused on making a positive impact in their communities. She joined Enactus on Makayla's recommendation, and it has been the highlight of her time at SMU.

“One of the best things that I have done was join not just Enactus, but an extracurricular in general,” says Mia. “It can be easy to feel burnt out when you just have schoolwork all the time; being part of something else can feel like you’re accomplishing something.”

“... being part of something else can feel like you’re accomplishing something. It can also open your eyes to so many more opportunities and show you what you can do with your degree and what change you can create—like environmental or societal change.”

— Mia Makhlouf

Mia was a presenter on the national Enactus team at Saint Mary’s that won the 2025 Enactus World Cup in Bangkok, Thailand—an incredible recognition for their two student-run social enterprises, Alaagi and Square Roots. Mia’s background in public speaking began as a student at École Secondaire du Sommet, a French high school in Halifax. Her ability to apply her engineering and scientific knowledge to entrepreneurship is a key skill that allows the team to share their businesses with international judges.

Mia delivered an award-winning presentation at the Enactus World Cup in September 2025

“I didn't always realize what an important skill public speaking would be,” says Mia. “Being around my engineering peers who are very technically minded, they have such great ideas, but when it comes to presenting them, that's the hard part.”

“To explain something clearly, you must really understand it,” she says, adding that “textbook learning is one thing, but to be able to translate that into something that anyone can understand—and potentially buy into—is a real skill that's extremely valuable.”

Those public speaking skills are ones she can share with younger students. As an alumnus of the Skills Nova Scotia program, she competed at the national level for three years, delivering speeches on the value of skilled trades and technologies. She’s now a mentor and coach for high school students and will take a provincial gold medal student to the nationals.

“It was honestly better than ever winning anything to see someone that I worked with succeed…I feel like I found my calling,” says Mia.

Why Saint Mary’s?

The sisters have a family connection to the university—their aunt and uncle, Nali and Dr. Fred George, are cherished members of the Saint Mary’s community and generous donors who established scholarships in entrepreneurship and geology/business studies. Beyond that, they chose Saint Mary’s for its small classes and connected campus.

Mia loves that she got to know her professors, whose flexibility allowed her to work around Enactus competitions. The ability to take spring and summer courses also made it easier to maintain her busy schedule.

Makayla agrees, adding that she appreciates Saint Mary’s size, knowing that in the future, she’ll move to a much larger school. Makayla has been working toward becoming a doctor since high school; she is now busy studying for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), which she’ll take in the spring. 

Choosing a career

Both Makayla and Mia have been working towards STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields since grade school and have mastered being well-rounded students, combining education, extracurriculars and supporting their family. They are multilingual, speaking English, French and Arabic.

“I knew that whatever field I wanted to go into, I wanted to create something of my own, whether that was interior design or fashion design,” says Mia. “I chose engineering not because I excelled at math or science, but because it challenged me. There are so many different pathways and opportunities that you can do once you're an engineer, like industry work, research or go more into entrepreneurship or leadership roles.”

Makayla’s microscopic artwork was featured in the SMU Science calendar in 2025

Makayla, who majored in biology, has aspired to study medicine for as long as she can remember. She began building a solid resume to achieve that goal while in high school, and her persistence in contacting doctors led to landing two 80-hour co-op positions in plastic surgery and physiotherapy through Nova Scotia’s O2 (Options and Opportunities) program.

“It’s a great way to see if the career you’re thinking about is the right one for you,” said Makayla, adding that she enjoyed being able to watch surgeries and meet medical students.

Makayla comes by her interest in healthcare—and community service—honestly. Their parents met when they were both volunteers with the Lebanese Red Cross in Batroun, near Beirut in northern Lebanon, before emigrating to Canada in 2000.

Their parents’ commitment to service, first through the Lebanese Red Cross and later through building a life and business in Halifax, continues to shape the sisters’ outlook and guide them as they look ahead.

As Makayla prepares for the next step toward medical school and Mia continues to balance engineering studies with leadership and mentoring, both are carrying that perspective forward. At Saint Mary’s, they found a campus where they could challenge themselves, try new things and grow into their own paths while staying grounded in the values that brought their family here in the first place.

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Access Ability entrepreneurs come together to celebrate and connect

Will Brewer, Halifax’s official town crier and owner of Planet 21, opened the Access Ability event

Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

Molly Morgan, Project Manager with the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

A town crier’s bell isn’t a typical way to start an event at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, but that’s how the Access Ability Entrepreneurship Celebration Event kicked off at Saint Mary's University last month. Will Brewer, owner of Planet*21, opened the afternoon in full town crier fashion, setting a light and welcoming tone for a gathering that was long overdue. 

The event brought together entrepreneurs who participated in the Access Ability Entrepreneurship Program. For many, it was the first time meeting in person since 2023, when the program ran in a fully virtual format, making the in-person gathering significant. 

The purpose of the event was simple: recognize progress. Entrepreneurs showcased their businesses, connected with mentors and community partners and watched promotional videos featuring participants and their work. Spring rolls were served by KevEthels, an entrepreneur from the program, adding a practical example of how participants continue to build and grow their ventures. 

The room included family members, friends, speakers, mentors, videographers and community supporters. The mix reflected what the program is designed to do: create space for entrepreneurs with disabilities to develop their ideas while building strong networks around them. 

Dayle Eshelby, a 2026 Speaker Series participant, shared afterward, “It meant so much to people to see the possibilities in that room. The energy was almost palpable. I am certain it will remain strong and be a boost for everyone.” She added that because of the program, she feels she is on the cusp of changing her life. 

Alumni and speakers shared similar feedback. Ghazal Afrahi, a participant of the 2024 cohort, noted how valuable it was to reconnect in person. Speaker Pranay Malusare thanked organizers and emphasized that the entrepreneurs themselves are the driving force behind the Centre. 

More than a celebration, the event marked a return to in-person community and reinforced the Centre’s commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship, not just in theory, but in practice. 

Learn more about Access Ability Entrepreneurship.

Students help shape the future of a growing food initiative

Seventeen students from Saint Mary’s University, Dalhousie University and Mount Saint Vincent University worked with The Wave Placemaking for a hands-on Innovation Sprint at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre rooted in food, culture and community impact. Known as a living lab for creative placemaking, The Wave Placemaking supports newcomer-owned and underrepresented businesses by transforming everyday community gaps like an empty restaurant, an underused courtyard, a chef without visibility, into opportunities for experimentation and growth.

During the session, Richard Yang and founder Joyce Liu shared the story behind The Wave Placemaking and how signature initiatives like Taste Asia, mobile food carts and school-based food education programs came to life. Students were invited to dig into three real challenges: offering solutions such as scaling Taste Asia across multiple cities, strengthening a community-focused recipe book, and refining the structure and user experience of a catering platform.

“The Innovation Sprint has been incredibly valuable for us as both a business and a nonprofit,” says Richard Yang, Manager of The Wave Placemaking. “The students brought fresh perspectives and strong ideas focused on helping us grow. It pushed us to think beyond our usual way of running events.”

Students gained an understanding of what goes into event planning, partnerships, operations and financial realities from a small but ambitious organization. They were also offered early-call opportunities for paid and volunteer roles with Taste Asia and promised credit if their ideas were implemented, making the work feel tangible and meaningful.

Saint Mary’s students earned first place

The first-place team, Saint Mary’s students Ifeanyichukwu Justin, Siyuan Xu and Modou Ceesay, focused on the community-centred recipe book. Their concept emphasized storytelling, highlighting each chef’s roots and cultural background. They developed a demo website and digital archive, proposing both online access and physical copies sold at The Wave Placemaking events to support fundraising.

Second place went to Mo Li from Dalhousie and Daniella Akpoguma from Saint Mary’s, who presented a highly practical production strategy. They suggested leveraging existing Wave initiatives to bridge cultural knowledge gaps, using the founder’s photo studio for professional visuals and distributing the book through the Kitchen on Wheels program.

The third-place team, Saint Mary’s students Mannat Gogia, Dwiesha Swann and Martino Elias, introduced “One Ingredient, Many Homes,” a concept celebrating a shared ingredient across Pan-Asian cuisines to build connection and belonging.

Second-place team

Third-place team

With $1,000 in prize funding awarded across the top three teams, the event highlighted how collaboration between students and community organizations can spark creative ideas with real-world impact.

High school students explore leadership, AI and entrepreneurship in Saint Mary’s co-op

High school students received a certificate for completing the AI and Entrepreneurship High School Co-op Program at SMU

Co-op students with faculty and staff from the Sobey School of Business

Last fall, Saint Mary’s University welcomed high school students from across the Halifax region to campus for a unique AI and Entrepreneurship High School Co-op Program, offering them early exposure to academic pathways, industry insights and hands-on learning opportunities at the Sobey School of Business.

Delivered in partnership with the local school board and more than 10 high schools, the program is designed to prepare students for the rapidly evolving AI space while introducing them to university life and post-secondary pathways.

As part of the experience, students participated in Leadership Day, which provided insights into leadership, innovation and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship.

A highlight of the program was a one-hour keynote and Q&A session led by Ben McDade, Investment Director with Invest Nova Scotia and a proud Sobey School of Business alum. McDade shared his insights from his career and discussed entrepreneurship fundamentals, offering students practical perspectives on innovation and leadership.

Throughout the program, students explored a wide range of topics including artificial intelligence, generative AI, data visualization and data analytics. Sessions were delivered by SMU professors, alumni and industry professionals, including a team lead from the Data Analytics Support Centre at the Department of National Defence.

One participant, Karl, credits the program with shaping his academic future. After receiving undergraduate offers from top Canadian institutions, including the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business, Karl ultimately chose to pursue his undergraduate studies at the Sobey School of Business, influenced by his experience at the Saint Mary’s High School Co-op program.

Throughout the program, Karl earned credits applicable towards his future degree, gained early exposure to campus life and explored cutting-edge topics in AI and entrepreneurship.

Looking ahead, participating students will be invited to the Youth AI Pitch Competition in 2026, along with additional opportunities such as March Break camps, competition preparation programs and teaching assistant volunteer roles.

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The next cohort of students recently began their High School Dual Credit Co-op at Saint Mary’s. This term, 20 local high school students will attend weekly on-campus sessions focused on AI and Data Analytics. The program is led by Dr. Michael Zhang and graduate students in the Master’s of Business Analytics program. Students will earn AI and Data Analytics career experience and attend sessions with various industry partners. 

Forensic Psychology conference attracts researchers and practitioners from across the globe

Congratulations to the Department of Psychology at Saint Mary’s University for hosting the 6th Annual Canadian Forensic Psychology Virtual Conference last month! With attendance increasing every year, this annual event saw almost 600 people registered to attend from every continent (except Antarctica)!

The virtual event was an opportunity to connect with scholars and practitioners in the field of forensic psychology and learn about new, exciting work. It was a day full of presentations on research, applied insights, and critical discussion across key areas of forensic psychology, including policing, forensic mental health systems, and sexual violence prevention.

Designed for researchers, practitioners and students working in forensic psychology, justice-related fields, or with justice-involved populations, speakers included student presenters, professors from Saint Mary’s University, industry professionals and the following keynote speakers:  

Dr. Charlene Senn, University of Windsor — Reducing Sexual Violence on Campus Through Evidence-Based Prevention

Dr. Craig Bennell, Carleton University — Educating the Public About Policing: A Path to Improved Police Legitimacy

Dr. Anne Crocker, Université de Montréal — From Individual Risk to Systemic Vulnerability: Reimagining Forensic Mental Health Research for a Changing World

The conference was hosted by Dr. Veronica Stinson, Dr. Meg Ternes and a team of forensic psychology students, including Stephanie Chen and Maryann Pitre. Check our website for news about the 2027 conference.

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The Department of Psychology at Saint Mary’s University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate-level psychology programs including a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, an honours program, a Certificate in Forensic Psychology, Master’s in Applied Psychology (Forensic Psychology or Industrial/Organizational Psychology) and PhD in I/O Psychology.

Turning a passion for design into a growing local business

Brayden White showcases his products

For Brayden White, BW Works didn’t start as a big, polished business idea. It started with a simple interest in designing and making products that people would actually use.

A fourth-year student at Saint Mary’s University studying Entrepreneurship and Global Business Management, Brayden is originally from Windsor Junction, Nova Scotia. He launched BW Works out of a genuine interest in creating custom pieces that reflect a team’s, organization’s or business’s identity. What began as an idea has grown into a locally based keychain business that designs and manufactures its products right here in Nova Scotia.

One of the biggest moments for Brayden was seeing his keychains available at the Saint Mary’s Bookstore. Having something he designed and produced on shelves in his own university community felt significant. It was a reminder that the long hours of designing, testing and refining were worth it.

Brayden’s journey has also been shaped by his involvement in the Access Ability Entrepreneurship Incubator through the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. The program supports individuals who self-identify as living with a disability and are interested in starting a business, offering guidance, knowledge and practical resources. Through Access Ability, he was able to further develop BW Works, gain clarity on his goals and build confidence in his ability to grow the company.

BW Works keychains are available at the SMU Bookstore

At its core, BW Works is about creating custom products that feel personal. Brayden takes pride in being able to design and manufacture locally, and he is intentional about the quality of each order. The support from his community has played a major role in the business’s growth so far.

Looking ahead, White hopes to continue expanding BW Works and partnering with more local organizations, teams and businesses across Nova Scotia.

To explore BW Works’ custom designs or start creating something of your own, reach out to Brayden via Instagram or Facebook and see how he can help bring your idea to life.

Paralympian Katie Pegg talks student-athlete mental health

Katie Pegg competes in the Women’s Shot Put F46 Final at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France on September 4, 2024. Paralympic.ca

Most students worry about juggling school, work and exams. For Saint Mary’s track and field athlete Katie Pegg, life is similar: managing school, exams and her varsity athletics each term.  

The only difference is, Pegg is a Paralympian, and her schedule also includes high-performance training to compete on the world stage.  

Now in her fourth year as a biology major, Pegg finished seventh in the world in Paris in 2024—her first Paralympic Games. Pegg, who was born with a missing radial bone in her right arm, has been a vocal advocate for young athletes to get into parasports. Her decision to compete under this designation earned her a bronze medal at the 2025 World Para Athletic Championships in New Delhi, India.  

Featured in our lineup of SMU’s Olympians, Pegg adds to our rich history of athletic excellence here at Saint Mary’s, and she refers to her international experience as a “dream come true” for her goals as an athlete.  

So, how does a student-athlete handle the responsibilities that come with balancing a heavy competition schedule with student life? Coming off the heels of Huskies Mental Health week, Pegg gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the reality behind the podium.  

A mental game: training for the world stage 

Pegg’s involvement in shot put at SMU happened quickly—almost by fate; she talked to the right person at the right time to try out. She followed a similar path when she found out she qualified for the Paralympic Games.  

Going from “getting back into shot put” to qualifying for the Paralympics in a matter of months is a big adjustment, especially for someone still in school. Although physical training was a priority for Pegg—especially strength and conditioning—preparation was as much a mental game as a physical one.  

“Preparing for the Paralympics was surreal. Because of how fast my path was through the high-performance environment, we were really dialled in on how best to support my mental preparation for the games.” 

Pegg relied on a myriad of on-campus resources to support her through this career-making athletic opportunity, leaning on her academic advisors, coaches, professors and athletic directors to ensure she could achieve her goals in sport while still succeeding in her education. “It’s nice to know that there are people here at SMU who are ready to support you through every step of the student-athlete journey,” she says. “Even to this very day, they check in with me to tell me I can reach out to them for support with anything I need.” 

With supports in place for her academics and training, Pegg worked hard at creating strategies to manage the pressure that comes with international competition. Reframing her self-talk to honour the process, and not just the win, was key to her pre-game strategy.  

“Early on, I felt like I need to prove myself to others. Now, I focus on showing myself what I can do—and that was a big mindset shift we made as I prepared for international competitions.”

“One of the biggest takeaways going into the world championships was to remove some of the weight I was carrying mentally going into it. ‘It’s just another circle; it’s just another ball.’  I had to keep in mind that it’s another competition and your moments in these events don’t take away the hard work and training you put in ahead of that competition.”

Back to reality: adjusting to life off the pitch  

The high of making the podium at her first Paralympics wore off quickly, and getting back to reality after the games came with its own set of challenges. “Everyone talks about the post-game blues,” says Pegg, “and part of me thought it wouldn’t impact me that badly, but it really did.”  

Post-game blues can take many forms, including playing back and overanalyzing a performance. For Pegg, it manifested as extra pressure on herself to keep performing at that level after the international competitions ended. The aftermath of the season can be just as much of a mental battle as the training period that comes before it.  

“I am still working on how best to manage these stressors and pressures, especially going from the Paralympic Games to going back to our indoor season. I put a lot of pressure on myself to keep performing at that same level, and it was almost as if I didn’t keep performing at that level, people might question how I got to the games in the first place.”  

Pegg has since leaned on her supporters and other resources to develop better strategies for navigating life before, during, and after the games. Managing such a wide variety of stressors requires an agile support system—and she’s found that right here on campus.  

“I found after my second world competition that I was better able to transition back to my normal routine—it was a lot easier on my mental health. I have worked on developing a more robust support group and had better strategies in place for managing that post-competition transition.”  

“It’s really important to develop those relationships with on-campus supports early in your career as a student-athlete. It can feel intimidating to reach out at first but building that relationship early has helped us work together to make sure my education works for me and supports my goals and responsibilities.”

Katie and Assistant Coach Jodi Langley at the AUS Championships in February 2026

That support system paid off at the 2026 Atlantic University Sport Track & Field Championships, where Pegg threw a new personal best of 12.78m, winning a bronze medal and breaking a 43-year-old Saint Mary’s school record.  

Looking ahead to next year, Pegg says she’s found what works for her to manage her health, wellness, and responsibilities. Among other things, she makes sure she has a dedicated schedule and relies on structure to keep everything going while making time for herself. She also crochets in her spare time—a hobby she finds relaxing and restorative in her time away from sport.  

Pegg will now compete at the U SPORTS Track & Field Championships, March 5-7 in Winnipeg, MB. 

Supporting student-athlete mental health

Athlete mental health isn’t just an afterthought here at SMU; it’s at the forefront of our programming and our resources. The Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health is working with student-athletes to build a network of peer-driven resources that follow the mental wellness model that helped Pegg succeed.   

“We believe high performance is mostly a result of individual effort,” says the centre’s managing director, Jacob Glover. “But that effort is most healthy, most manifest, and most sustainable when it is supported by a large network of people who care about the athlete— and in which that athlete can trust. Our work is not about building that network for student-athletes, but about creating the conditions for them to build it themselves.” 

For more about athlete wellness at SMU, follow the centre’s social channels to stay up to date on their Athletics Ambassador’s program, or check out the SMU Huskies website to keep an eye on initiatives like Mental Health Week games. Saint Mary’s students also have access to additional supports, including the Counselling Centre.

Enactus Saint Mary’s earns regional titles at 2026 Atlantic Exposition

Enactus Saint Mary’s the 2026 Atlantic Regional Exposition

Enactus Saint Mary’s secured finishes in all four categories at the 2026 Enactus Canada Atlantic Regional Exposition this past Friday:

• Innovation and Impact Challenge - 1st place

• TD Entrepreneurship Challenge - 1st place

• Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Challenge - 2nd place

• Desjardins Community Empowerment Challenge - 3rd place

These results reflect the team's ongoing commitment to addressing social and environmental issues through sustainable business models.

Innovation and Impact

The Innovation and Impact Challenge, supported by Enactus Alumni, recognized the development of Alaagi. Now in its second year, the project was noted for its practical approach to sustainability challenges. The judges highlighted the team's ability to refine the project’s technical application while maintaining its core mission of environmental impact.

Community Entrepreneurship

The presentation for the TD Entrepreneurship Challenge focused on the entrepreneurial empowerment of two projects: Square Roots and Gluten Free Living.  The team provided 47 local entrepreneurs with the specific tools, skills and knowledge required to manage and grow their own community-based ventures.

Environmental Sustainability

In the Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Challenge, the judges reviewed the progress of the teams’ most established initiative, Square Roots. This project continues to provide affordable produce to communities across 28 locations in Nova Scotia by managing surplus food supplies.

Community Empowerment

Finally, the team earned third in the Desjardins Community Empowerment Challenge with two distinct models:

• Being There: A preventive-care model using clinical screening and weekly check-ins to help older adults maintain independence at home.

• Options Online: A flexible digital program empowering youth facing employment barriers to build the skills and confidence necessary for the modern workforce.

Next Steps: National Exposition

Following the regional wins, Enactus Saint Mary’s will advance to the Enactus Canada National Exposition held in Montreal, Quebec, from May 6-8, 2026. The team will participate in three competitions, including the defence of their current national title.

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Related:

Enactus Saint Mary’s are the 2025 World Cup Champions

Retail, reimagined: Sobeys event inspires career options for students

Executives from Sobeys and Empire held a panel during SMU’s Career Week in February

As part of Career Week at Saint Mary’s, students gathered for Retail Reimagined: The Careers You Don’t Expect at Sobeys, an event that highlighted the scale, complexity, and opportunity within modern retail at Sobeys.

Panelists Steve Leslie, Vice President, Chief Auditor & Head of Enterprise Risk Management at Empire Company; Heather DeBlois, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Sobeys; Jason Bennicoff, Head of Retail Media, Empire Media+ at Sobeys; and Cori Norman, Vice President, Merchandising Grocery, Lawtons, and Local Development at Sobeys, spoke directly about what drives success in retail today: curiosity, leadership, data literacy, and the ability to work across teams. Moderated by SMU student Olivian Sanderson, the discussion also featured insights from Yehansa Rupasingha, a SMU co-op student sharing her experience participating in a Sobeys co-op.

Panelists shared how careers evolve from finance to store operations, from merchandising to retail media, and how Sobeys invests in continuous learning through CPA pathways, analytics, supply chain innovation, and community engagement. A clear theme emerged: growth happens through people—through mentorship, collaboration, and diverse perspectives across the organization.

The discussion reinforced Sobeys’ guiding belief, It’s the people. From the more than 100,000 teammates in stores to the specialists working behind the scenes, people power the strategy, the technology, and the customer experience.

The conversation continued at the networking reception, where students connected with panellists, alumni, and executives to discuss co-op opportunities, sustainability, data, leadership, and the future of retail. The strong turnout and engaged discussions reflected what the evening was designed to showcase: real career pathways, practical advice, and meaningful connections.

Celebrating International Women's Day 2026

March 8 is International Women’s Day (IWD), a global celebration of women and girls. At Saint Mary’s, we encourage collaboration across faculties and departments, and between students, staff and alumni to create opportunities for learning and support for all women at SMU.

Read below to see events, resources and highlights of our incredible SMU community.

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Campus events

Colours of the World: International Women's Day

Thursday, March 5
4-6 p.m.
LI 135, Patrick Power Library

SAGA and the International Student Centre invite you to celebrate and commemorate International Women’s Day.

Take a break from classes and honour the strength, resilience, and achievements of women around the world. This special painting event is a space to reflect, express and celebrate empowerment, equality and community. This is your chance to use creativity as a voice.

All materials and supplies will be provided, just bring yourself and your ideas!

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Women Leading with Impact Panel

Thursday, March 12
5-8 p.m.
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

In celebration of International Women’s Day, SMUSA, in collaboration with the Alumni Office, will present Women Leading with Impact — an inspiring panel on leadership, resilience, and the many ways women create meaningful change in their communities and careers.

The discussion will feature student voices alongside alumnae Keisha Turner BA’12, COO of Akwekon Enterprise and Sarah McLean BComm’06, Vice-President, Communications and Corporate Affairs at Maritime Launch. Together, they will share insights from their diverse leadership journeys and lived experiences.

• SMU student: register through the Bounce app

• Others: Register here

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Women in Business Female Empowerment Mixer

Monday, March 23
6-9 p.m.
SH212-A, Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

Celebrate International Women’s Day with the Women in Business Society at the Female Empowerment Mixer. Featuring a keynote speaker, guided networking, and a welcoming space for students, faculty, professionals, and community members to come together and uplift one another.

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Community events

2026 Women and Gender Studies Graduate Student Conference

Thursday, March 5
12-4:30 p.m.
Seton Faculty Lounge, MSVU
Register

Graduate students from Professor Tatjana Takševa’s course in transnational feminism will present their research at the 2026 Women and Gender Studies Graduate Student Conference in celebration of International Women’s Day.

The event creates space for critical dialogue, cross-institutional and cross-sectoral collaboration, and features emerging student-driven scholarship addressing global questions of gender, solidarity and power.

Keynote speakers: 

• Dr. Gugu Hlongwane, Associate Professor of English Language and Literature, SMU, and author of Electric Fences and Other Stories (Mawenzi House 2016)

• Sam le Nobel, AMI Fellow, MSVU (2025-2026)

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SMU Community Spotlight

Clara Gascoigne BComm’23 MBA’25 was named one of the Top 8 U SPORTS Academic All-Canadians during a ceremony in Ottawa in January 2026. The former Huskies Basketball Guard made a name for herself as one of the most decorated players in U SPORTS women’s basketball, earning accolades like U SPORTS Defensive Player of the Year, AUS Most Valuable Player and three-time AUS Champion while retaining a high GPA during her two degrees at SMU. Read more.

Stuti Sandhu, Nahriza Zahid and Nahriza Zahid won the 2025 Innovation Cup with Being There, a non-profit that uses preventive care to help older adults stay safe, stable, and independent while avoiding unnecessary emergency room visits. The cross-faculty team earned the $10,000 grand prize and an additional $1,000 for the Audience Choice Award. Being There is a project of Enactus Saint Mary’s. Read more.

The Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health held a case competition this fall to address gender disparity in professional and collegiate coaching. The winning team: Sophie Scully, Jill Duggan, Ashley Penney, Kara MacLean, and Keyara Nelson, pitched a collaborative AUS coaching apprenticeship program, stating, “We envision a future where young women watching the bench can look at the staff and finally see themselves there too, not by exception but by expectation.” Read more.

The SMUSA executive team is breaking barriers as the first all-female executive team in SMU’s history. Augustina Tucker, President & CEO; Angelica Amara, VP Academic; Naomi Selemane, VP Events & Engagement; and Nariman Djamai, VP Societies, are empowering the student community through their leadership for the 2025-26 academic year. Learn more about the SMUSA team.

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Resources

Women’s Centre

The SMUSA Women’s Centre is a positive, safe space located on the fifth floor of the Student Centre building on campus. Our space has couches if you would like to either hang out, work on homework, or study in a different setting.  We are an awesome feminist-centred space that welcomes all genders and orientations.

Patrick Power Library

This year's theme for International Women’s Day is “Give to Gain.” The theme emphasises the power of reciprocity and support. As individuals, giving support means calling out stereotypes, challenging discrimination, questioning bias, celebrating women's success, and more. When women thrive, we all rise.

The SMU Library's International Women's Day book list celebrates women’s contributions to our past, present, and future.

Find the display on the ground floor of the library, or browse the book list online. All Library resources are free for SMU students, faculty, and staff to borrow. 

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More inspiring women at Saint Mary’s:

• Back-to-back Champs! Huskies Women’s Volleyball win AUS Championship

• Marisa McClocklin wins AUS Student-Athlete Community Service Award; MacKenzie and Cuddihy honoured with AUS Awards

• Balancing the books and the runway: Chrissy Potter’s dual path from commerce to couture

• What A Sin: new exhibition at SMU Art Gallery celebrates matriarchal power

• Dr. Danika Van Proosdij leads Gold-certified Green Shores for Homes project

• From Pugwash to the World Cup stage: BComm student champions community, entrepreneurship and global impact

• Turning a diagnosis into impact: How Emma McGill is building community through Gluten Free Living

• President’s Award for Excellence in Research: Dr. Diane Crocker

More events this month:

• Grounded: An Art-Based Wellness Workshop for Indigenous Students with Serene Porter (March 5)

• SMU Research Spotlight Series: Dr. Margherita Cameranesi (March 11)

• The Marshall Lecture in Public Philosophy - Designer Babies: The Science, The Tech, and The Crib with Dr. Françoise Baylis (March 12)

• Lunch Seminar Series: Hinduish: History, Politics, and Identity-Making in the Hindu Diaspora with Sailaja Krishnamurti (March 13)

• Women in Business Society Jellycat Bingo Night (March 16)