A cleaner future for mining

Advancing sustainable gold extraction

Liah Christie, Dr. Christa Brosseau and Tanner George

Mining is important to Nova Scotia’s economy, but traditional gold extraction methods are based on dissolution and extraction using cyanide slurries of powdered ore, a process known as cyanidation.

With financial assistance from the Mineral Resource Development Fund (MRDF), Dr. Christa Brosseau (Tier II Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Chemistry and Materials) and Dr. Robert Singer, Professors in the Department of Chemistry, are developing sustainable alternatives to using cyanide, and in turn decreasing environmental risks. The MRDF supports research that attracts investment, creates jobs, especially in rural areas, and promotes innovation in the mining sector.

Their research into task-specific ionic liquids (TSILs) offers a promising solution that will make metal extraction cleaner and more environmentally responsible. TSILs are customizable chemicals capable of efficiently and selectively removing silver and gold from base metals. Unlike cyanide, ionic liquids can be engineered to be non-toxic and biodegradable.

For graduate student Tanner George, working on this project provided a new perspective on sustainable mining.

“Having the opportunity to dedicate my time to understanding ore refinement has given me sincere respect for the challenge of effective, yet environmentally conscious and ethically sound mining practices,“ he said. “While we were not able to completely replace cyanide with ionic liquid thioureas, we recognize the need for chemists to lead the future of critical minerals mining.“

“This project reinforced my passion for research with tangible societal impacts, and gave me hands-on experience,” said Liah Christie, undergraduate researcher.

By exploring alternatives to traditional gold extraction, this research is contributing to a more sustainable mining industry and helps prepare the next generation of chemists for real-world environmental challenges

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The Office of Innovation and Community Engagement (OICE) at Saint Mary’s University facilitates research partnerships between the University and companies, government departments and community organizations. OICE is the initial point of contact for faculty members and external partners wishing to collaborate. The office assists with finding suitable expertise, contract development and advising on funding opportunities.

This project highlight is from the 2025 OICE Report, which features researchers from Saint Mary's University and their external partners.

Introducing the Arts Outreach Bulletin

The Faculty of Arts is delighted to share its inaugural Arts Outreach Bulletin with the SMU community. The 35-page digital report offers a summary of outreach initiatives and activities from Spring 2024 through Spring 2025.

"The projects and public events you will see in these pages reflect a passion for collaboration and exploration that enriches our academic environment and our community," Dr. Kirrily Freeman, Director of Outreach and Experiential Learning, said in her introductory message. "They are a testament to our collective commitment to engaged and innovative scholarship and education, on campus and beyond."  

The new publication shares highlights from innovative community collaborations, experiential learning opportunities for students, educational outreach, the Nova Scotia Provincial Heritage Fair, the annual Social Studies Teachers Association Conference, public lectures and ongoing events through the Saint Mary's Reading Series and Let's Go to the SMUvies!

A major outreach development this past year was the launch of Arts for Everyone (A4E), a new program that invites members of the public to attend a selection of courses for free on a drop-in basis. The program has more than doubled in size for its second year ahead; it started with five courses in 2024-2025, while 11 A4E courses are on the schedule for the upcoming year.

The Faculty of Arts Outreach Bulletin 2024-2025 is available for viewing online and downloading from the Outreach page and the Publications page of the Faculty of Arts website.

The publication was released on June 30, 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of Dr. Freeman’s three-year term. Dr. Rylan Higgins begins a new role in the Faculty of Arts on July 1 as Associate Dean of Outreach and Experiential Learning.

Dr. Freeman expressed her gratitude to faculty and staff members, Arts students and community partners, “whose openness and dedication made these initiatives such a success.”

Dean of Arts Dr. Mary Ingraham added, “These experiences not only enhance academic studies but also cultivate civic responsibility and professional growth. Through community-connected research, teaching and service, our faculty and students contribute to and learn from local and global perspectives.”   

For more outreach news and events throughout the year, follow the Faculty of Arts on Instagram at @smuarts and on Facebook at @SMUArts.

See some photos from our activities in 2024 and 2025 below:

Loyalist Connections Live Podcast event on campus

Loyalist Connections booth

Hands-on Mediterranean Archelogy workshop

Field course in The Gambia

Field School: Villa of Titus in Italy

Faculty of Arts booth

“From alien planets to faerie worlds: what constructed languages can tell us about human languages” with Christine Schreyer

2025 Cyril Byrne Lecture with Kate Beaton

"Upholding Sacred Obligations: Searching for the Missing and Disappeared Children" lecture with Kimberly Murray

SMU Reading Series: The Sign of Jonas

SMU Reading Series: Sue Murtaugh

SMU Reading Series: Souvankham Thammavongsa

Bright Club comedy show

Let’s Go to the SMUvies: May the Fourth

Let’s Go to the SMUvies: Queer for Fear

Saint Mary’s University welcomes 35th President and Vice-Chancellor, and Provost VPAR

On July 1, 2025, Dr. Michael Khan (at left) joins Saint Mary’s University as the 35th President and Vice-Chancellor, along with Dr. Shannon Dea who starts her new role as Provost and Vice-President, Academic and Research.

Saint Mary’s University is marking an exciting new era in welcoming two new university leaders this month.

As of July 1, 2025, Dr. Michael Khan begins his tenure as the university’s 35th President and Vice-Chancellor. Dr. Khan brings more than three decades of experience in post-secondary education sector and a diverse, international perspective to his new role.

Most recently, Dr. Khan served as Provost and Vice-President Academic at Trent University, a role he held from 2020-2025. His distinguished career includes various university leadership roles, including his tenure as Dean of Human Kinetics at the University of Windsor, where he oversaw the Department of Kinesiology and Athletics & Recreational Services. Prior to this, he was the Head of the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences at Bangor University in Wales, U.K.

Dr. Khan brings a wealth of expertise and accomplishments in academic and administrative leadership, strategic enrollment management, fundraising, and creative partnerships.

As Provost at Trent University, Dr. Khan spearheaded the development of an integrative academic plan that led to the creation of numerous new undergraduate and graduate programs, postgraduate certificates, and co-op opportunities. While at Bangor University, he fostered partnerships in the public and private sectors by establishing innovative, high-impact research groups. In Windsor, he led the creation of the Lancer Sport and Recreation Centre Project, a $73 million sport and recreation facility for the university and its community, and actively promoted links with healthcare and sport organizations, school boards, businesses, and charities.

Dr. Khan is recognized for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to student success, research, and community engagement.

Learn more about President Michael Khan.

Dr. Shannon Dea, Provost and Vice-President, Academic and Research

The university also pleased to welcome Dr. Shannon Dea as Saint Mary’s first Provost and Vice-President, Academic and Research (PVPAR).

Dr. Dea joins the university from the University of Regina, where she served as Dean of Arts. Dr. Dea is a respected academic leader and scholar with a strong background in academic innovation and equity-focused leadership.

Dr. Dea's appointment marks a significant milestone for Saint Mary's University as she becomes the first person to hold the newly created position of PVPAR. In this role, she will oversee the university's academic and research activities, working closely with faculty, staff, and students to enhance the university's academic excellence and research impact. The Provost and Vice-President, Academic & Research also plays a crucial role in the university budget by overseeing the allocation of resources to support academic priorities.

Saint Mary's University appoints Dr. Shannon Dea as Provost & Vice-President, Academic and Research

Supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs through collaborative design

A design sprint rooted in reflection, led by Indigenous voices

Angela Poundmaker-Gromova, founder of Nurture Meditation speaking 

Michael Maracle-Polak, founder of Akwekon Enterprise Inc.

Kara Thordvalsen chats with participants

Ali Hammoud and Omar Dahleh from Dalhousie University

Michael Maracle-Polak chatting with participants 

The judges watch participants present. Left to right: Emo Ikede, Michael Maracle-Polak, Angela Poundmaker-Gromova and Nithin Jacob Eapen.

Omar Dahleh presenting to judges

Haniel Lordwin Girish Kumar presenting to judges 

Participants in the Indigenous Innovation Design Sprint

The Indigenous Innovation Design Sprint brought together students, community leaders and entrepreneurs for a two-day event focused on co-creating solutions rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems. Held on June 2 and 3 at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, the sprint was a collaborative effort between FlintHub at United College–University of Waterloo, the TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative at Saint Mary’s University and Nova Scotia Community College. The goal: to support Indigenous-led innovation and generate ideas that promote wellness and inclusive economic development in Indigenous communities.

The sprint centred around a real-world challenge presented by Angela Poundmaker, founder of Nurture Meditation, who asked participants to explore ways to develop effective wellness and professional training programs for rural and remote Indigenous communities. What made the event especially unique was its tone and approach. It began with a sound bath and meditation session, setting up a culturally grounded and reflective atmosphere. Rather than jumping into the exercise, participants were encouraged to pause and approach the challenge with care and intention.

Joined by a diverse group of community members, including creatives, policy leaders, makers, funders and youth, students split into small groups and began developing solutions. No prior business or design experience was required, just an openness to learn, collaborate and contribute to meaningful change.

Students were encouraged to apply design thinking principles and worked alongside mentors and community members to develop innovative responses to Angela’s challenge. The energy in the room was collaborative and hopeful, as participants imagined new possibilities for Indigenous wellness initiatives that are community-driven.

At the end of the sprint, each team presented its ideas. The top teams were awarded a $2,000 prize. Ali Hammoud and Omar Dahleh from Dalhousie University won first place. Kate Carr and Haniel Lordwin Girish Kumar from Saint Mary’s University claimed second place, and Kaitlin Cullen from Dalhousie won third place. While the prizes were exciting, the real reward was the opportunity to contribute to something bigger, which was supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs and amplifying Indigenous-led innovation.

The Indigenous Innovation Design Sprint offered a glimpse into a future where innovation is inclusive, culturally rooted and truly transformative.

If you are interested in being a part of an Innovation Sprint in the future, visit our website for more information.

Crypto fraud on the rise: Saint Mary’s launches FinTech course

Dr. Florian Muenkel works with a student on the Bloomberg Terminals in the Sobey School of Business. The computer software system allows users to monitor and analyze real-time financial market data and place trades on the secure electronic trading platform.

As cryptocurrency fraud incidents increasingly dominate headlines, including a recent RCMP alert highlighting a local scam costing victims over $150,000, Saint Mary's University is proactively stepping forward to prepare students for the emerging realities of digital finance.

Dr. Florian Muenkel, Assistant Professor of Finance at Saint Mary's Sobey School of Business and Academic Director of the IMPACT Investment Fund, has expertise in financial technology (fintech), cryptocurrency, blockchain and digital security, among other areas of finance.

Recently featured on CTV News Atlantic regarding cryptocurrency fraud, Dr. Muenkel underscores the importance of real-world, practical education to protect students and communities.

“Cryptocurrencies, blockchain and other digital payment technologies are becoming integral parts of daily financial interactions,” says Dr. Muenkel. “It is critical that students learn more than financial theory alone.”

Starting in September 2025, Dr. Muenkel will lead an innovative new Special Topics course in FinTech (FINA 4826), open to all eligible Bachelor of Commerce students. Dr. Muenkel combines his expertise in financial technology and derivatives with practical, hands-on experience guiding students in exploring opportunities to disrupt existing financial processes.

The new course will explore the transformative impact of technology on finance, including Decentralized Finance, Robo-Advising, Blockchain, Open Banking, AI and Machine Learning applications in finance, and innovations in payments such as digital wallets and advanced credit card technologies. Students will also gain insights into practical applications from guest speakers in the fintech sector.

Dr. Muenkel is known for his rigorous yet engaging teaching style, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and real-world financial decision-making skills, ensuring graduates leave Saint Mary’s well-prepared to responsibly navigate the complexities of digital finance.

“Our students will navigate the fintech world confidently but also learn how to shape it responsibly. They will be equipped to critically assess digital financial platforms, understand ethical implications and take proactive roles in preventing fraud.”

The launch of this course reflects the broader mission of the Sobey School of Business to anticipate market trends rather than merely respond to them, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to lead effectively in a rapidly evolving global financial landscape.

As new technologies reshape finance, Sobey School graduates will enter the workforce uniquely prepared, with tangible skills and the confidence to lead safely and innovatively in a complex, fast-paced digital economy.

A place of belonging: Indigenous student space officially named “Qomuti”

SMUSA President Augustina Tucker, Indigenous Student Advisor Kylar Johnson, SMU President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray

On June 12, in the heart of National Indigenous History Month, Indigenous Student Advisor, Kylar Johnson, joined by President Summerby-Murray and SMUSA President Augustina Tucker, formally unveiled the name of the new Indigenous Student Space: “Qomuti” (pronounced ho-mo-dee), a Mi’kmaw word meaning “a place of safe haven.”

The name was chosen by Indigenous students through an open, community-led process, reflecting the space’s role as a home on campus where students can gather, feel rooted in culture and build connection.

“We really need that safe space of community,” Kylar shared. “And I think our selected name today represents that perfectly.”

The Indigenous Student Space was designed in consultation with students and built with intention: a space where Indigenous learners can study, share, smudge without barriers and feel seen. While the room has quietly served students since fall 2024, the June naming ceremony marked a formal celebration of what it has already come to represent, a sense of home.

Kylar welcomes SMU community members to Qomuti, the newly-named space for Indigenous students on campus

Kylar shared his own journey at Saint Mary’s, beginning as a student, reflecting on the evolution of a dedicated Indigenous space on campus. From makeshift gathering spots to designated space in the Burke building, and finally finding home in Loyola Academic, the path to Qomuti was paved with persistence and community vision. “When I first heard this space might happen, the first thing someone said to me was, ‘Did you get that in writing?’” Kylar chuckled. “That really speaks to where trust was at the time. But today,” Kylar smiled, taking in the newly named space, “I see that trust growing.”

To emphasize just how comfortable students have become in the space, Kylar revealed the runner-up in the naming process: “The Band Office”, a playful suggestion from students that reflects humour, community and a deep sense of belonging.

The realization of the new space was also made possible by the contributions of past staff. Notably, Kyle Cook, who served as interim Indigenous Student Advisor in summer 2024, helped reignite the project by initiating key conversations with university leadership and advocating for renewed exploration of the Loyola space. His initiative played a pivotal role in moving the vision for a permanent Indigenous student space forward.

The name unveiling also included the dedication of two plaques, each commemorating a piece of art now rooted in the student experience on campus. The first honours a pewitekemkewey (dreamcatcher) suspended in the main foyer of the O'Donnell Hennessey Student Centre. This woven piece was created in 2020 by former Saint Mary’s student Isaiah Bernard and his father, Wilbert Marshall, of Potlotek First Nation. The pair collaborated to create the pewitekemkewey as a gift to the Saint Mary’s community, bringing Mi’kmaw tradition and teachings into a central and welcoming space.

The second plaque recognizes a vibrant installation within the Indigenous Student Space by Mi’kmaw artist Loretta Gould. Titled “The Seven Sacred Teachings”, the work was selected by Indigenous students from a collection of options. Depicting seven Indigenous figures standing in unity beneath a glowing sunset, each figure wears distinct regalia with animal imagery representing one of the Seven Sacred Teachings: love; respect; courage; honesty; wisdom; humility; and truth. The installation’s mosaic-like composition and vibrant colour palette capture themes of community, identity, and continuity. For the students who chose it, it serves not only as a visual centrepiece but also as a source of inspiration and reflection.

During the ceremony, SMUSA President Augustina Tucker reflected on the deep significance of naming this space. “This land – Mi’kma’ki – has been a place of learning, community and storytelling for thousands of years,” Augustina acknowledged. “Today’s ceremony is more than a celebration; it’s a moment of recognition, reflection and respect.”

She noted that the dedicated space is a long-overdue step in the university’s journey toward reconciliation, and a testament to the leadership and resilience of Indigenous students past and present.

“The new student space is not just a room; it’s a home where Indigenous students can feel safe, seen and supported. Its name will reflect heritage, language and history, reminding us that Indigenous identity is not something to be accommodated, but something to be centred, uplifted and celebrated.”

President Summerby-Murray also addressed the gathered guests, emphasizing that the ceremony itself is an act of reconciliation, but one that must continue beyond the moment.

“We want to ensure that when we leave this celebration, we are changed people; our identity adjusted by the learning we gain in this space, by the celebration of identity in community,” President Summerby-Murray challenged.

“Today is an act of reconciliation,” he added. “We must look at reconciliation as a verb instead of a noun; an action we take together, not just an idea we talk about. Today is one step forward, but it must be part of ongoing commitment.”

See photos from the Qomuti event

Augustina, Kylar and Rob view the plaques highlighting the Indigenous art pieces on campus

Dr. Rob Summerby-Murray shares words during the ceremony

Kylar unveils the name of the Indigenous student space

Qomuti is a Mi’kmaw word meaning “a place of safe haven.”

Participants view the Seven Sacred Teaching art piece inside Qomuti

Kylar explains the Seven Sacred Teachings piece by artist Loretta Gould

Smart maps & smart phones: Virtual guides transform tourist experiences

Dr. Somayeh Kafaie and John Read, CEO and Founder, Fundy Language Analytics

Strollopia, a virtual tour guide designed to help locals and visitors explore using their phone, is an interactive, community-driven app.

Its creator, Fundy Language Analytics Inc., specializes in artificial intelligence and machine learning for language applications. They found that keeping these maps current and engaging was a challenge, as manual updates are time-consuming and costly, especially for smaller communities.

When Fundy Language Analytics presented their challenge to Dr. Somayeh Kafaie a Professor in Mathematics and Computer Science, it was a perfect match for her expertise.

The research team utilized Large Language Models to engage visitors at geographic locations, sparking dialogues that generate user-driven insights. These insights are then transformed into map content, making the maps more dynamic and reflective of real experiences. The research expanded into AI-driven content generation, using real visitor impressions to create map content. The impressions were analyzed, stored, and curated by the map administrator for potential publication.

“Working with Professor Kafaie and Saint Mary’s University has been extremely rewarding for our company,” said John Read, CEO and Founder, Fundy Language Analytics. “Dr. Kafaie’s team brings a great deal of experience and enthusiasm to the project, and together we are making great progress on our research topic in AI and diverse uses of the technology for our business.”

With AI-powered tools like Strollopia, Fundy Language Analytics is paving the way for enhanced travel experiences, where visitors and local insights help shape the very maps they use.

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The Office of Innovation and Community Engagement (OICE) at Saint Mary’s University facilitates research partnerships between the University and companies, government departments and community organizations. OICE is the initial point of contact for faculty members and external partners wishing to collaborate. The office assists with finding suitable expertise, contract development and advising on funding opportunities.

This project highlight is from the 2025 OICE Report, which features researchers from Saint Mary's University and their external partners.

Remembering Marie DeYoung, former University Librarian

Marie DeYoung was the Saint Mary’s University Librarian from 2008-2018

Lisa Billard met Marie DeYoung in 2009 when she began working as an Administrative Assistant at the Patrick Power Library. This began a journey that Lisa will always be grateful for.

“I learned so much from Marie, personally and professionally, over the next eight years,” says Lisa. “Marie talked about the importance of small gestures of kindness, and I observed her kindness, generosity and calm approach to all matters regularly.”

Marie DeYoung served as the University Librarian at Saint Mary’s for 10 years, from July 2008 to July 2018. She passed away in April 2022 and is remembered with respect by many current Library staff.

“I was very lucky to have Marie for a manager and friend,” says Lisa. “I think of her often with great fondness and will always be grateful for knowing her. For me, she was a gentle mentor who became a dear friend. “

On June 4, 2025, Library staff gathered to plant a beautiful flowering almond tree in honour of Marie’s life, legacy, and contribution to Saint Mary’s. Current University Librarian, Suzanne van den Hoogen, organized this memorial tree planting as a symbolic gesture to the lasting impact Marie made at Saint Mary's and a perfect way to launch celebrations for the Patrick Power Library's 50th anniversary.  

Marie was dedicated to her career as a librarian and recognized for her leadership within the profession. Her time at Saint Mary’s, leading the Patrick Power Library, was a highlight of her career. Marie also had a passion for mentoring staff, students, and new graduates, and this legacy is still felt by library staff today.

Natalie Barte, who started working as a Graduate Student Assistant at the Patrick Power Library in May, received the memorial Marie DeYoung Bursary from Dalhousie University last year to help fund her studies in the Master of Information program.

“I was surprised to learn that the bursary I received came from a woman who once served as the University Librarian at the very library where I now work,” says Natalie. “Though I never met Marie, her kindness and generosity have touched me, and I am truly grateful. It’s an honour not only to receive her support, but to know the legacy it came from.”

The Patrick Power Library would like to give special thanks to Dr. David Richardson, Dean Emeritus, for his thoughtful assistance in selecting and planting the flowering almond tree to honour Marie DeYoung. The tree is visible from the Library’s first floor, the University Librarian’s office on the second floor, and the quad. In mid-spring, the tree will bloom with pink flowers along its branches.

Staff from Patrick Power Library

Dr. David Richardson with Patrick Power Library staff

Dan Phillips plants the memory tree with the help of Peter Webster, Dr. David Richardson and Lisa Billard

Dr. David Richardson

50 years of the Patrick Power Library

The memorial tree planting for Marie DeYoung marks the beginning of the Patrick Power Library’s 50th anniversary. This significant milestone will be celebrated throughout the upcoming fall and winter of 2025-2026.

The vibrant community space known as the “SMU Library” today has existed for only a relatively short period of the university’s over 200-year history.

The original library on the Robie St. campus was the Horne Library, in the McNally building (completed in 1952). It was located on the second floor of the main wing, which today is the Faculty of Arts Commons. In 1965, the library moved to the Burke Building. Less than ten years later, plans were developed to construct a new library to accommodate the growing collection. Construction of the Patrick Power Library was completed around 1975 and the building was significantly renovated for the addition of the Atrium in 2011, a project which Marie DeYoung was instrumental in.

Through its 50-year history, the Patrick Power Library has grown to become a gathering place, learning environment and workplace for thousands of students, faculty and staff. We look forward to celebrating this legacy and envisioning the next 50 years with the SMU community!

Wellness Challenge Wrap-Up: Thanks for stepping up, SMU!

From May 5–25, nearly 200 faculty and staff joined together for SMU’s first-ever Wellness Challenge — with 194 total participants, including 24 registered teams and many individuals tracking their own progress. Each week brought new wellness activities across themes like mindfulness, movement, nutrition, social connection, and personal reflection.

The goal? To build healthy habits and spark conversation…and it worked. Across departments and campuses, people talked about wellness, encouraged each other, and brought energy and humour to the challenge. That kind of momentum strengthens our culture and shows how wellness can be woven into daily life at SMU.

Thank you to all who participated. Whether you joined solo, as a team, or just dipped your toes into a few activities, your participation helped foster a more connected and mindful SMU community.

And now, a round applause for our challenge winners!

Overall Individual Winner
Congratulations go to overall individual winner Meg Ternes! Fantastic job and thank you for your participation!

Overall Team Winner
Kudos to the members of “It’s All Good”, Roberta Graham, Pat Farmer, Navjot Singh, Angela Dunn, and Dennis Gillis! Consistency, determination, and maybe just a hint of friendly peer pressure carried this team to the top. They led from the start and clearly had a formula that worked. Whatever the magic was, it paid off—congrats on an impressive finish!

Second PlaceTeam
A big congratulations to Enrolment Services Team 1: Courtney Deveaux, Elizabeth Daniels, Heather Harroun, Jayme Sabarots, and Melanie MacKenzie! We’re especially glad to recognize this group, not only for their great scores but also as part of the larger Enrolment Services team—one of the most engaged departments in the entire challenge.

We’re excited to learn from and build on this success and hope to bring the challenge back in the future, alongside more wellness programming. Thank you to everyone who joined, supported a team, or cheered from the sidelines — your engagement helps shape a healthier, more connected campus.

Celebrating Pride Season 2025 at Saint Mary's

Pride is an acknowledgement of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community (Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and all other gender identities, such as pansexual and polyamorous). It spotlights the resilience, celebrates the talent, and recognizes the contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Learn more about identities and evolving terminology.

Pride Season at Saint Mary’s is celebrated throughout June and July, recognizing Pride Month in June and the Halifax Pride festival in July. The Pride flag will be flown on campus throughout June.

Visit our online 2SLGBTQIA+ hub for resources at Saint Mary’s and join in supporting and uplifting members of our #SMUcommunity!

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Events

Paint Your Pride!

Tuesday, June 17
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
The Quad outside the O’Donnell-Hennessey Student Centre

Celebrate Pride Month with colour and creativity at an outdoor chalk party! Express yourself through colourful chalk art, make your own custom buttons, enjoy free cake, and wave your Pride flags high. Whether you're coming to create, connect, or just soak up the celebration, this is your space to shine.

Everyone is welcome — come show your true colours!

Paint Your Pride (2023)

Two-Spirit flag drawn in chalk

SMU in the Halifax Pride Parade

Saturday, July 19
12 p.m.
Downtown Halifax

The entire SMU Community is invited to join SMU Alumni and SMUSA in the Halifax Pride Parade. The group will walk the parade route through downtown Halifax and celebrate our Husky Pride! Email alumni@smu.ca to sign up.

Students, alumni, staff and faculty walk in the Halifax Pride Parade (2023)

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Saint Mary’s Pride Collection

The Saint Mary’s Campus Store has Pride merchandise to help you celebrate Pride Season in style!

Available at the Campus Store in the Loyola Academic Building from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and the Bookstore in the Student Centre from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday to Friday or order online.

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Resources

The SMU Pride Society is dedicated to providing a safe space and advocating on behalf of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community at Saint Mary's University to ensure an equitable and just campus. The society embodies an intersectional framework whilst encouraging meaningful conversations and providing peer support regarding queer-centric issues (eg. sexual health, transitioning, religion, race, gender-expression, etc.).

The Pride Centre offers a safe space on campus for all members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. SMUSA strives to create a welcoming and accepting environment for all. If you are looking for a hang-out spot or a place to study, check out our Pride Centre! Open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in Student Centre room 106.

The SMU Student Health Clinic offers letters of readiness for gender-affirming surgery, hormone therapy and more. Dr. Mark Williams is certified by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Visit the Student Health Clinic on the 4th floor of the Student Centre or email student.health@smu.ca for more information.

Derek Voegeli with The Counselling Centre is certified by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and brings extensive knowledge of trans and queer mental health to Saint Mary’s. The Counselling Centre offers free, confidential services to all registered SMU students. Email counselling@smu.ca or visit their webpage for more information.

The SMUSA Extended Health plan includes Gender-Affirming Care (GAC), such as coverage for HRT drug plans, Mental Health Practitioners, and select procedures. To learn more, email healthplan.smusa@smu.ca or visit Health Plan Manager Sarah Bray at the Student Centre, room 522.

The Patrick Power Library is proud to offer a wealth of resources that support learning, reflection, and celebration during Pride:

• Online Book Display – Explore a curated collection of books for Pride, created in collaboration with the SMU Pride Society.

• 2SLGBTQ+ Community Library Guide — Your starting point for academic and community-based resources on 2SLGBTQ+ research topics, featuring suggested journals, search strategies, databases, government information, information about SMU services, and other resources. All books can be borrowed with your SMU ID card, or accessed online using your SMU email and password.  

Academics and research

Dr. Luke Hathaway, Assistant Professor, Department of English Language and Literature

New course highlights queer literature and experience

Laura Flight of The Signal recently spoke with Dr. Luke Hathaway about a new course he introduced in Winter 2025—Queer Lives & Letters.

“More than offering just another literature course, Hathaway’s intention for Queer Lives & Letters was to meet the needs of SMU students in the queer community. Showing up for his students every week was “a vocation of care.” Being an openly trans professor on campus, he says, is a “profession of care.”

“There’s no other class really like it,” said Alex Phillips, one of Hathaway’s students, “where you can talk about queerness in a safe space with other queer people.”

Dr. Hathaway spoke with The Signal about safety and uncertainty for queer and trans people, the importance of queer community-building, history, politics and coming out. Read ‘Queer literature for queer liberation’ by Laura Flight for The Signal.

Dr. Maryam Dilmaghani and Daniel Keays, PhD Candidate

Researchers addressing 2SLGBTQ+ poverty in Canada

Dr. Maryam Dilmaghani, Professor of Economics, is co-directing with Dr. Nick Mulé, Professor of Social Work and Sexuality Studies at York University, a six-year research project aimed at understanding and addressing poverty in 2SLGBTQ+ communities. This national initiative explores sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, age, (dis)Ability, etc. and how they intersect with economic inequality.

“2SLGBTQ+ Poverty in Canada: Improving Livelihood and Social Well-being” brings together over 25 academic researchers and 27 community partners to produce high-impact, policy-driven research that drives meaningful change. The project seeks to quantify the extent of 2SLGBTQ+ poverty, identify its root causes, and develop an evidence-based action plan to serve as a resource for governments, non-profits, and businesses committed to creating lasting solutions. Read more.

Recent faculty publications

• Towards a Queer and Trans Ethic of Care in Education: Beyond the Limitations of White, Cisheteropatriarchal, Colonial Care by Bishop Owis, Associate Professor in Women and Gender Studies.

• ‘Why Don’t We Center Abolition in Queer Criminology?’ Crime & Delinquency. Co-authored by Allyn Walker, Assistant Professor, Department of Criminology.

• Ovid and Masculinity in English Renaissance Literature, edited by J. Garrison and Dr. Goran Stanivukovic, Professor in the Department of English Language and Literature. Selected for the Lambda Literary November’s Most Anticipated LGBTQ+ Books, non-fiction category, 2020.

Recent theses from Women and Gender Studies graduate students

• ‘Queering the translation : unveiling Chinese fansubbed homosexuality in Queer as Folk’, Xin Wen, Oct 21, 2024

• ‘History, Huh: A Post-Modern Study of the Consumption of Queer Romance’, Alo Greening, Aug 24, 2024

•  ‘In The Name Of The Fear, The Shame & The Hegemonic Guilt: A SIRmon From Trans Christian Men To The Church’, Emery Levi Langille, Apr 23, 2024

Read more

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Related Content

• Pride at SMU online hub: Resources, Events, News and more

• Changing your name and pronouns in email, Banner and Brightspace

• Faculty and staff: use the Email Signature Template to add pronouns to your email signature

• Halifax Pride

• Check the Student Life events calendar for all upcoming events!

Not your typical research project

The CLARI space on Saint Mary’s campus allows faculty, students and community groups to work together on research projects

CLARI starts with community need, not a thesis

The Change Lab Action Research Initiative (CLARI) at Saint Mary’s University is quietly reshaping how research meets real-world needs. From mapping dementia care gaps and tackling housing insecurity to revitalizing Nova Scotia’s wool industry, CLARI-supported projects are as diverse as the communities they serve.

This spring, CLARI marks a major milestone: more than $1 million in provincial funding invested in over 130 projects. The initiative brings together faculty and students from post-secondary institutions across Nova Scotia with community partners to address local social and economic challenges.

“This funding milestone reflects significant investment of post-secondary resources in Nova Scotia communities,” says Ray MacNeil, Network Manager at CLARI. “That investment includes not only funding, but also the research expertise of faculty and students. More than 150 students have gained real-world experience working directly with community partners.”

At the heart of CLARI’s model is a simple shift: community groups—not researchers—set the priorities. CLARI helps identify faculty collaborators, provides grants and supports the partnerships through to completion.

“These projects show what’s possible when we stop asking, ‘What research do we want to do?’ and start asking, ‘What support do our communities need?’” says Dr. Adam Sarty, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at Saint Mary’s. “CLARI flips the usual model. It’s not about showcasing expertise, it’s about sharing it.”

Examples of projects supported through CLARI include:

CLARI researchers investigate how therapy animals can reduce isolation

• Investigating the role of therapy animals in reducing isolation in long-term care

• Creating resources to support men re-entering society after incarceration

• Making arts-based entrepreneurship programs more accessible to rural youth

• Developing trauma-informed responses for survivors of gender-based violence

• Collaborating with Mi’kmaw communities on land-based education and knowledge-sharing

CLARI is a pan-university initiative headquartered at Saint Mary’s and built on collaboration between six founding universities: Acadia, Cape Breton, Mount Saint Vincent, St. Francis Xavier, and Université Sainte-Anne, as well as the Nova Scotia Community College. The network builds partnerships together, sharing knowledge, and helping uncover issues.

As CLARI enters its next phase, the focus remains the same: helping Nova Scotians solve problems that matter with research that doesn’t stay on the shelf.

For more information on CLARI and its network or how to get involved, visit actionresearch.ca.