Dr. Laura Weir named Interim Dean of Science

Dr. Laura Weir

Saint Mary’s is pleased to announce that Dr. Laura Weir will serve as interim Dean of Science for the next year.

An accomplished scientist and Associate Professor in the Department of Biology since 2016, Dr. Weir researches fish behaviour and evolution, and collaborates with government scientists to identify the effects of climate change on fish population size and structure. She has received research funding from international, federal and provincial agencies to support her work. During her time at SMU, she has mentored over 40 students through undergraduate, graduate and postdoc research.

In the classroom and lab, Dr. Weir is an enthusiastic and thoughtful professor who has taught Biology courses at all undergraduate levels at SMU. She is particularly passionate about creating a positive experience for new students in first-year courses; her teaching focus this year is guiding students through their first-year biology laboratory activities.  

“Dr. Weir is a highly respected professor and administrator,” says Dr. Sam Veres, Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic and Research. “Laura is passionate about ensuring that Saint Mary’s students receive an exceptional educational experience, and as a colleague, Chairperson, and Associate Dean, I have seen her dedication to supporting faculty to help achieve this. The Faculty of Science is in excellent hands with her appointment as Interim Dean for the next year.” 

Most recently, Dr. Weir was Acting Associate Dean, Student Affairs and Supports, and previously served as the Chair of the Department of Biology.

Making Waves: SMU alumni building careers with Halifax Tides FC

Katelyn Power BComm’23 MBA’25, Julie Naugler BA’20 MBA’23 and MBA student Ben Broadbent are working with the Halifax Tides FC, Halifax’s professional women’s soccer team

Walking through the office of the Halifax Tides FC on any given day, you might be surprised at just how many familiar faces you see. Saint Mary’s graduates are everywhere, from the field to the office, helping to drive the growth of professional women's soccer and the sport business ecosystem in Atlantic Canada. What seems like a coincidence at first glance is much more than that: it’s a testament to the sport and business education programs connecting SMU grads to the growing world of professional sports.     

Since launching in 2024 as a founding club of the Northern Super League, Halifax Tides FC has created new opportunities for athletes, business professionals and students looking to build careers in sport.

Julie Naugler BA’20 MBA’23, Katelyn Power BComm’23 MBA’25, and current MBA student Ben Broadbent tell us all about their journey from SMU to the Tides—and how their time on campus prepared them for the working world of sport.

Julie Naugler

Senior Sales Lead

When Julie Naugler decided to add a Certificate in Health, Wellness and Sport in Society (HWSS) onto her BA in Anthropology, she didn’t anticipate how useful it would be in her day-to-day life post-graduation. As a varsity athlete and flyhalf with the SMU Women’s Rugby team, Julie was drawn to the HWSS certificate because it piqued her interest, and as a student-athlete, that passion for sports was just as prevalent in the classroom as it was on the field.

“I think sport is a really unique industry. You can do marketing, but marketing in sport is different. The same goes for sales and partnership management. There are all kinds of sales roles, but applying those skills in the sport industry is unique. There aren't many courses that directly prepare you for that environment, so having the opportunity to study it while in school is a huge asset.” - Julie Naugler

“I got more directly involved in sport coursework in my undergrad days. The relevance to my future career wasn’t clear at the time, but I took a course on the football family of sports—so soccer, rugby, American football, all those sports, because it interested me and it was relevant to the HWSS program. Now, I use elements of that course more in my day-to-day than I ever would have thought.”

Getting even more involved with sports academic opportunities at SMU, Julie took a position as a Marketing and Promotions specialist with the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport Business and Health in 2023—while completing her MBA at the Sobey School of Business—and started working in the professional sports industry right after graduation.

“When the sales opportunity at the Tides opened up, I immediately gave it a shot and was so glad I did. The opportunity to work within a women-led organization helping launch professional women's soccer in Atlantic Canada was incredibly exciting. I joined the club during the lead-up to our inaugural season in 2025, which gave me the opportunity to help build something completely new from the ground up.”

With her HWSS certificate and MBA, Julie’s creativity, sales and sport-specific knowledge has prepped her well for her role with the Tides—and the sports industry’s eagerness for this combination of skills helped spark SMU’s creation of the Bachelor of Commerce in Sports Business last year.

Katelyn Power

Stadium Operations Lead

Like Julie, Katelyn Power is “SMU through-and-through,” beginning her journey with a BComm in Management and a minor in Sociology while playing basketball with the SMU Huskies. “I’m jealous that the BComm in Sports Business started after I graduated,” she says, noting the opportunities available in the new program. A Sobey MBA Scholarship recipient, Katelyn’s interest in sport extended beyond her time on the court, and she made her athletics experience a key focus in her graduate work at the Sobey School of Business.

“I think that if you’re an athlete, using the skills you’ve learned during your time in athletics is so important. The leadership, teamwork, resilience, and ability to remain calm under pressure that you develop as an athlete are all highly transferable skills in the sports business world.” - Katelyn Power

“I did a presentation during my MBA on the parallels between business and sports. It’s striking how many there are. The skills that you use on the court are the same skills you use in communicating in the office. The time management, the dedication, the working towards a common goal – my experience as an athlete translated to the office almost exactly.”

During her six years with the Huskies basketball program, Katelyn was part of the three-time AUS championship-winning team, an experience she credits with preparing her for the fast-paced world of professional sport operations.

At the Tides, she “oversees match-day staffing, including ushers, ticket scanners, and event operations crews”, coordinating match-day operations, venue branding, sponsor activations and stadium readiness in the weeks leading up to a game. It’s not exactly slow between games, though, with time between matches dedicated to planning, evaluating, and continuously improving future experiences, a pattern she established with her team during her athletic career with SMU.

Ben Broadbent

Business Development Coordinator    

“There aren't many undergraduate sport business programs in Canada. Having more sport-specific education options, especially on the East Coast, is a great opportunity for students to get their foot in the door, especially students from New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.”

Ben Broadbent was a varsity athlete at his undergraduate institution, and after graduating with a BA Honours in French Studies and a minor in History, he knew he wanted to pursue a career in sport. He chose the MBA program at SMU to get him there.

The flexibility of the MBA builds on classroom learning to give students a real feel for the workforce, and for a sports business career, there’s nothing that compares to learning on the job. His business education, along with his arts background, gives him a practical toolkit for the sports business world, providing a curriculum that “has been a huge asset” for Ben as the mix of coursework and experiential learning has set him up for success with the Tides.

“This career path is incredibly dynamic. In the lead-up to a match, it's logistics, planning and negotiation. On game day, it's problem-solving, agile management and sometimes crisis management. You're as proactive as you can be and then the reaction starts.”

Having student work experience with a professional sports organization like Halifax Tides FC gives students like Ben a competitive edge once they hit the workforce full time, helping them stand out in the race for the next generation of sports professionals.

Sports Programs at SMU

For incoming students who are looking to launch a sports career right here from the Maritimes, Halifax is proving to be a hub for up-and-coming sports professionals of all sorts. With organizations like Halifax Tides FC helping establish and grow professional women's soccer in Atlantic Canada, and demand for a workforce capable of evolving that presence, the era of sport business success in the city is just beginning.

Behind every match day experience are dedicated professionals helping grow the game both on and off the pitch—and many of them got their start right here at Saint Mary's.    

Powering the future from above

McNally East roof renewal turns a 70-year-old building into a clean energy engine

New PV panels on the rooftop of McNally East will generate electricity for the building

For seven decades, the roof of McNally East had exactly one job: keep the weather out. As of this summer, it has a second one—powering the building beneath it.

Saint Mary’s University has completed a full renewal of the 70-year-old roof on McNally East, part of the historic McNally complex at the heart of campus. The project pairs modern, climate-resilient construction with a new rooftop photovoltaic (PV) array.

The system will generate approximately 170,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity each year, reducing the university’s reliance on grid power. The installation is expected to cut the building’s carbon footprint by at least 85 tonnes annually.

McNally East after rooftop upgrades

McNally East before

"Every time we build or renovate on this campus, we ask the same question: how can this asset give more back?" says Dennis Gillis, Senior Director of Facilities Management at Saint Mary's. "McNally East needed a new roof either way. Now it keeps the weather out, keeps costs down and generates clean power every day. That's what responsible stewardship looks like in 2026."

The upgraded roof boosts insulation values six-fold, from R-5 to R-30, improving heating and cooling efficiency and eliminating a further five tonnes of emissions each year. Together, the improvements are projected to save at least $28,000 annually in energy costs.

McNally East roof under construction

“Our goal is a campus that produces its own energy, and we are accomplishing that one building at a time.”

— Dennis Gillis, Senior Director of Facilities Management

The roof and solar array were designed for Halifax’s demanding coastal climate. The panel layout includes dedicated pathways and spacing for safe, efficient maintenance, protecting the system’s performance over the long term. The new roofing system will shield the building for decades to come.

A legacy seven decades in the making

On campus, a digital dashboard inside McNally East displays the building's clean energy production in real time, allowing students, employees and visitors to track solar generation as it happens throughout the day.

The project was funded by the Government of Canada and the Estate of Anne J. and Albert T. Isaacs DipENG'55.

McNally East’s original roof was built around the same time Albert Isaacs was completing his engineering diploma at Saint Mary’s. Seventy years later, his legacy is helping transform that same building into a source of clean power for the campus where the university’s newest generation of engineers will begin their studies this fall.

McNally East is the latest chapter in a clean energy story that has been drawing national attention to the South End campus for years. In 2024, Saint Mary's completed the recladding of the 22-storey Loyola Residence, wrapping the tower's south-facing wall in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), solar technology that generates electricity while forming part of the building itself.

Loyola Residence was recladded with building-integrated photovoltaic panels in 2024

Rather than simply replacing deteriorating concrete on a 50-year-old residence, the university turned a maintenance challenge into a clean energy landmark. Delivered with Toronto-based Mitrex, the project earned Saint Mary's a Clean50 Top Project Award, recognizing it as one of Canada’s most innovative projects addressing climate change. It also drew national media coverage as the tallest solar-integrated building in North America.

Saint Mary’s has reduced its carbon footprint by 51.7 per cent since 2005 through a deliberate sequence of upgrades, including replacing its steam heating plant with a high-efficiency hot water system, switching from oil to natural gas for heating, converting campus lighting to LEDs, and benefiting from an increasingly renewable provincial electricity supply.

Future sustainability projects include a green roof for the Patrick Power Library, a new roof design for the Homburg Centre for Health & Wellness, and a solar canopy for the Science Building parking lot.

"A university's campus can teach as powerfully as its classrooms and show our values in action," says Dr. Michael Khan, President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary's University. “Saint Mary's is part of the energy transition here in Halifax. We’re building it, measuring it and, starting this fall, teaching it through two brand-new programs."

In September 2026, Saint Mary's will launch two programs that connect the university's sustainability leadership with career-ready education on a campus that doubles as a working laboratory.

The new Sustainability Management major at the Sobey School of Business teaches students how organizations grow while protecting the environment and strengthening communities. Graduates will step into some of the economy's fastest-growing fields, from sustainable finance and ESG reporting to consulting and social enterprise.

The new Renewable Energy Engineering stream, one of two options in the just-launched Bachelor of Engineering in Resource Engineering, will train students to design, build and operate the clean power systems of the future. Coursework will cover solar and wind energy, biomass, grid integration and energy storage, supported by laboratory learning, fieldwork and paid co-op opportunities.

Carlos Fernando Aguilar Estavillo had planned to study industrial engineering while attending Saint Mary’s. That changed when he learned about the new Renewable Energy Engineering stream.

“When they announced it, I was super excited,” says Aguilar Estavillo. “I'm especially interested in wind energy here in Nova Scotia, but also battery storage and grid integration. I think universities should not only teach sustainability, but they should also demonstrate it. The new solar panels on campus let students see how renewable energy works in real life."

Carlos, second from right, visits a solar farm on a tour led by SMU alum Karsen Cain with SwitchPace. He’s joined by engineering classmates Aiden Sheppard and Anabella Ferrari. Students will start the new Renewable Energy Engineering program at SMU this fall.

“I think universities should not only teach sustainability, but they should also demonstrate it.”

— Carlos Aguilar Estavillo, SMU Engineering student

Saint Mary's sits in Halifax's historic South End, on a walkable peninsula minutes from the Atlantic Ocean, in a province working toward 80 per cent renewable electricity by 2030.[1] As Nova Scotia’s role in the clean energy transition grows, Saint Mary’s is helping shape that future, both through the infrastructure it builds and the students it prepares.

The next time you are in McNally East, look up and then look at the digital dashboard; it will tell you exactly what the sun has done for Saint Mary’s that day.

Learn more at smu.ca/sustainabilty

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[1] CER – Renewable Energy in Canada – Nova Scotia

Entrepreneurship opens new pathways for international students through SEE Bootcamp

Students from the SEE Bootcamp at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

The Summer Entrepreneurial Experience (SEE) Bootcamp gave international student entrepreneurs from across Nova Scotia just five weeks to take an idea from concept to a business ready for the spotlight.

From June 16 to July 17, participants from post-secondary institutions including Saint Mary’s University, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), Acadia University and Mount Saint Vincent University came together for an intensive summer accelerator focused on building businesses with long-term impact.

Delivered by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre in partnership with EduNova’s Study and Stay™ initiative and supported by the TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative, the program combined hands-on workshops, mentorship, customer discovery, financial planning and one-on-one pitch coaching. Along the way, participants explored how entrepreneurship can become a pathway to building both a successful business and a future in Nova Scotia.

One of the defining moments of the program came just two days before the final competition, when every team had to submit a locked version of their pitch deck. The deadline challenged participants to make difficult decisions, refine their storytelling, and prepare for a pitching environment where every detail mattered.

The program concluded in a live pitch competition on July 17, where founders presented their validated business ideas to a panel of expert judges for cash prizes and the opportunity to continue developing their ventures through the Centre’s fall Ignition Program. In addition to the pitch awards, the winning founders will each receive five one-on-one business advising sessions with Irene Saliendra of Digital Flow Consulting, generously provided by program partner EduNova to support the next stage of their entrepreneurial journey.

Riya Ralli, a recent grad from Dalhousie, earned first place and a $2,000 prize for Belong. Second place went to recent SMU grad Vaishali Sachdeva BA’26 (Blyss), Narimene Djamai from SMU (FreshSense) and Yvanna Tchatchoua from MSVU (AdaptWell), while Augustina Tucker from SMU (Maison Lumiere) and Emmanuel Mbachu from NSCC (Profine) received third-place awards.

For Riya Ralli, the experience provided a roadmap for turning an idea into action.

"I can't recommend the Summer Entrepreneurship Experience Bootcamp enough. In just eight sessions, it covered the full arc of starting a business. It all builds toward a pitch competition with real funding and mentorship on the line."

Narimene Djamai said the program reshaped how she approaches entrepreneurship.

"It doesn't hand you a roadmap; it teaches you how to navigate uncertainty. More than anything, it reminded me that entrepreneurship isn't reserved for people who already have all the answers; it's for people who are willing to keep learning."

By the end of the five weeks, participants had gained far more than just pitch decks. They left with validated business ideas, practical entrepreneurial skills, expanded professional networks and the confidence to continue building ventures that contribute to Nova Scotia's growing innovation ecosystem.

Interested in learning more about the SEE program or what other programs the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre has to offer? Check out the website.

Saint Mary’s athletes make a splash at Halifax U23 World Paddle Championships

Students highlight support from professors during their demanding training schedule

If you noticed a busier-than-usual Canada Day celebration week this year, you weren’t imagining it.

642 athletes from 54 nations flocked to Lake Banook in Dartmouth for the 2026 ICF Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships, which took place July 1-5 in the HRM, bringing their A-game to a series of canoe and kayak events that brought the best of the best against each other to fight for gold on Canadian waters.

With singles, doubles and relays across multiple distances for both canoe and kayak athletes, there was no shortage of action at the championships – and Saint Mary’s athletes demanded attention throughout.

Alex Erith Ellwood, Brianna Smith, Duncan Giles and Ian Gaudet represented the university on the world stage—each one a talented athlete chasing their goals on the water while pursuing their education right here on the East Coast.

Alex Erith Ellwood
Photo: ICF - Canada

Alex Erith Ellwood

Diploma in Engineering

The championship event marked the fourth international competition for SMU Engineering’s Alex Erith Ellwood, where he competed in the K2 500 meter, the K4 500 meter, and the mixed relay with fellow SMU engineering student Brianna Smith.

Alex qualified for worlds by placing Top 5 in Canada for the men’s 500 meter at national tryouts earlier this year. No stranger to competition travel, it was a real treat to compete here at home.

“It’s always cool to be able to go away and see other countries, but there’s always a time difference and new surroundings to get used to. It was great to be at home and comfortable on our own lake.”

Balancing his education with his travel schedule is no easy feat, but SMU profs have gone above and beyond every step of the way to make sure his goals are met on the water and in the classroom.

“I remember discussing my schedule with a prof in first year, and there was one calculus course that he recommended taking in the spring to accommodate my winter training camp. Little things like that make it easier to help balance everything.”

Alex isn’t slowing down anytime soon, as he immediately went on to the Canoe Sprint World Cup in Montreal on July 9-12, where he was able to get on the water with the Canadian senior men’s team to launch the next chapter of his athletic career.

Brianna Smith
Photo: ICF - Canada

Brianna Smith

Diploma in Engineering

Brianna Smith has been competing on the world stage since her late teens, competing at the ICF Olympic Hopes when she was 17 years old. In addition to pursuing her Diploma in Engineering at Saint Mary’s and travelling internationally to compete, she spends her summers coaching younger athletes to get them ready for the U16 category, when athletes start competing nationally to make international teams.

With two previous world championships under her belt, competing in a third here at home was a chance to show her community exactly what she’s made of:

“A bunch of the kids I coach were volunteering at the event or came to watch the races. That was a great experience for them, because they don’t usually get to see their coaches race. It’s cool for them to see what I do.”

During the school year, Brianna pursues her engineering diploma and is a member of the Engineering Society, while coaching the masters group at her club—all while prioritizing her own competition training.

“I went to SMU because of the smaller class sizes, so I could make deeper connections with my professors. When I had to miss classes to accommodate my training and competition schedule, it was easier to communicate with them.”

Duncan Giles and team
Photo: ICF - Canada

Ian Gaudet
Photo: ICF - Canada

Duncan Giles

BComm in Finance

Entering his third year at Saint Mary’s, Duncan is a recipient of the Sobey National Innovator Scholarship. When choosing a university, Duncan’s goal was to pursue his business education while continuing to train at the national and international level, and SMU offered the flexibility he needed to thrive as a student-athlete.

That academic flexibility has been a game-changer for him, as during the winter months, he completes online courses while travelling for three-month training blocks away from home, supported by professors who understand the demands of high-performance sport.

“I really like the community here at Saint Mary's,” says Giles. “Everybody feels important, and the professors are really flexible and understanding with my training schedule, which helps me balance all my responsibilities.”

At the world championships on Lake Banook, Giles competed in the four-person 500-meter event, helping guide his boat to a strong fifth-place finish. He’s looking forward to focusing on finance when he returns in the fall.

Duncan isn’t the only international competitor in his family. His dad, Stephen Giles, has multiple world championships under his belt in the same sport and received a Bronze Medal in the C-1 1000m event at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.  

Ian Gaudet

BSc in Earth Science

“This was the first international competition I’ve gotten to do in Canada,” says Earth Science student Ian Gaudet. “Usually we have to deal with rental boats that aren’t our own. We have to deal with checking into hotels and long flights and dealing with the strain of jet lag and all that comes with international travel. So, to actually have the advantage of being at home and competing on our home lake was a big advantage for us.”

Gaudet delivered impressive performances on the water, placing sixth in the world in K4 500-meter kayak event. Following the world championships here in Dartmouth, he competed at the historic Olympic Basin in Montreal—the venue’s first international event since the 1976 Summer Olympics.

“I've been training and racing at the Olympic Basin since I was quite young, so it was really cool to be able to race with the Maple Leaf on my chest on home waters.”

Training for national kayak teams is a year-round commitment; when local lakes freeze over in the winter, he travels south to San Diego with the Canadian National Team to keep paddling, and the supports available in the Faculty of Science allow Ian to continue pursuing his academic goals while maintaining his competitive edge on the water.

Read more about Ian on the ICF website.

A World without limits, for athletes and beyond

Halifax is home to nationally acclaimed aquatics clubs, providing a rich environment for former and future Olympians to get the experience they need to make waves in the world. Saint Mary’s provides a space for these athletes to do what they do best—on the water and in the classroom.

Growth Pod celebrates a year of connecting student founders with industry experts

Starting a business is exciting, but knowing what steps to take next can be challenging. For student entrepreneurs, having access to the right guidance at the right time can make all the difference. 

That’s where the Growth Pod Advisor Team comes in. 

Launched in August 2025 by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University, the Growth Pod is a free one-on-one virtual mentoring program designed to connect student founders with experienced industry professionals who can help them navigate the challenges of building a venture. 

Through personalized one-hour advising sessions, entrepreneurs are matched with advisors based on their specific needs, whether they are looking for support with sales strategy, marketing, accounting, product development, technology or funding. 

During its first year as a pilot program, the Growth Pod quickly demonstrated the demand for accessible, practical mentorship. The program supported more than 30 Saint Mary’s student entrepreneurs and facilitated over 90 advisor-entrepreneur meetings, creating meaningful connections between emerging founders and professionals who have real-world experience building businesses. 

The Growth Pod Advisor Team now includes 10 experienced advisors with expertise spanning seven key areas. By connecting students directly with industry practitioners, the program helps bridge the gap between having an idea and developing a sustainable business. Advisors include Nithin Eapen, Teo Kim, Nabila Mahabub, Manish Shinde, Kent Murphy, Pranay Malusare, Jonas Slaunwhite BComm’12, Federico Cetraro and Ghazaleh Afrahi, each bringing unique industry knowledge and experience to support student founders. 

Nabila Mahabub, Marketing and Branding expert, says “One of the best parts of being involved has been meeting so many people with fresh ideas who are looking for a way to take them into the world, and if you're a startup trying to find your footing, I think the Growth Pod is a really great place to be because you have mentors from marketing, finance, operations, and other areas of business to help you move your company to the next stage." 

For master’s student entrepreneur Conrad Scotchburn BComm’26, the support provided through the Growth Pod has helped strengthen his entrepreneurial journey. 

“My experience with the Growth Pod has been really valuable. I’ve genuinely felt more supported throughout the process; it’s made a real difference knowing there are people and resources in my corner. The advisors have also given me great insights and practical advice on improvements I can make across all levels of the business.” 

As the Growth Pod continues to grow, the program remains focused on creating more opportunities for student entrepreneurs to access the knowledge, connections and support they need to move their ideas forward. 

Interested in learning more about the Growth Pod and how you can get involved? Visit the program page to explore available advising opportunities and connect with the resources available to help grow your venture. 

Saint Mary’s University appoints Janis Sobey-Hames as Chancellor

Nursing graduate, foundation chair and governance leader brings decades of service to historic role

Janis Sobey-Hames

Saint Mary’s University’s Board of Governors is proud to announce the appointment of Janis Sobey-Hames as the university’s next Chancellor, the first woman to hold the role in Saint Mary’s nearly 225-year history.

A graduate of Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Sobey-Hames began her career in health care before building a distinguished record as a philanthropic and governance leader. She currently serves as Chair of the David & Faye Sobey Foundation and as a Trustee of both The Sobey Foundation and The Sobey Art Foundation. Across these roles, she has helped advance initiatives in health care, higher education, the arts, conservation and community development throughout Atlantic Canada.

“For me, a university is about its students; they are what bring a campus to life.”

— Janis Sobey-Hames

Her governance experience spans hospital foundations, university boards and national cultural organizations. She served as a Director of the Aberdeen Hospital Foundation, a member of Mount Saint Vincent University’s Board of Governors and as National Director of the Fathers of Confederation Buildings Trust. She and her husband, Christopher Hames, also co-chaired the Pictou County United Way’s Leaders of The Way campaign.

“Janis brings a distinguished record of leadership across health care, education and community development,” says Dr. Michael Khan, President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary’s University. “Throughout her career, she has brought people together and strengthened communities. Her deep connection to Saint Mary’s and genuine commitment to students make her exceptionally well suited to this role. She will be an inspiring presence at convocation and an exceptional ambassador for our university.”

As the ceremonial head of Saint Mary’s, the Chancellor presides over convocation and represents the university in the wider community. Working alongside university leadership and the Board of Governors, the Chancellor serves as an advocate for Saint Mary’s and helps strengthen its relationships. The voluntary appointment is for a three-year term.

“I am deeply honoured to take on this role and especially proud to become the first woman Chancellor of Saint Mary’s University,” says Sobey-Hames. “Saint Mary’s has so much to offer students. I have been struck by the way the university brings disciplines together, connects education with real-world experience and gives students different ways to succeed. I look forward to hearing more from students, faculty, staff and alumni.”

Sobey-Hames has developed her own close relationship with Saint Mary’s through years of direct service. She is a member of the David Sobey Centre Endowment Committee and the Sobeys Scholarship Endowment Fund Committee, through which she supports opportunities for students and the continued development of the Sobey School of Business.

In 2022, Saint Mary’s recognized her contributions to the university and the wider community with an Associate Alumni of the Year Award. Sobey-Hames describes receiving the award as one of the highlights of her long association with Saint Mary’s.

Her appointment also marks a historic chapter in a family connection with the university that spans generations. Her grandfather, Frank H. Sobey, received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Saint Mary’s in 1979. Her late father, Dr. David Sobey DComm’91, served as Saint Mary’s University Chancellor from 2008 to 2010. Her brother, Paul Sobey DComm'11 served as Chancellor from 2014 to 2019. Janis Sobey-Hames and her husband, Christopher Hames, have four daughters, all of whom are Saint Mary’s alumnae.

“For me, a university is about its students; they are what bring a campus to life,” says Sobey-Hames. “What I am looking forward to most is meeting them, hearing their stories and celebrating everything they have worked for. Convocation at Saint Mary’s feels so personal. You can see the pride of each graduate and of the family members, friends and mentors who helped them reach that moment.”

Sobey-Hames succeeds Michael Durland BComm’87 DComm’10, who served as Chancellor from 2019 to 2026.

Her appointment is effective on September 1, and she will be formally installed as Chancellor and preside over her first convocation ceremonies on November 13, 2026.

Dr. Linda Campbell wins James McGregor Stewart Award

L-R: Gus Reed, Lois Miller and Kevin Murphy, Board Members of the James McGregor Stewart Society with Dr. Linda Campbell and Kayla MacKinnon.

Congratulations to Dr. Linda Campbell, co-winner of the 2026 James McGregor Stewart Award. This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals living with a disability. 

Dr. Campbell is a Professor and Senior Research Fellow at Saint Mary’s University and Chair of the Department of Environmental Science. A staunch advocate for persons with disabilities, she was influential in having the Accessibility Act passed in Nova Scotia in 2017, and she received a Human Rights Award for her efforts. In 2026, she was also ranked the No. 1 deaf researcher in the world. 

She shares the award with wheelchair basketball athlete and coach Kayla MacKinnon, who won a gold medal for Canada at the Youth Parapan American Games last year.

“The James McGregor Stewart Award recognizes decades of work to prevent and remove barriers for people who live with disabilities,” says Dr. Linda Campbell. “This type of recognition lifts voices that aren’t always heard and I’m proud to share the award with Kayla MacKinnon, who is an impressive and inspiring member of the next generation of advocates.” 

The James McGregor Stewart Award was established in 2015 through the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia. It honours the accomplishments of James McGregor Stewart, a lawyer in this province who overcame many barriers.

BComm student selected one of 10 Outstanding Leaders in Canada

Simone Boudreau’s accomplishments include founding CycleStrong

Sobey School of Business students are known for their high-performance in awards and competitions across the globe, so when it came time to nominate a student for the Futures Fund Scholarship for Outstanding Leadership, there was plenty of competition. In the end, Simone Boudreau stood out for her academic strength and commitment to community.

“Simone brought so many achievements to the table. Her exceptional experience in leadership and her academic performance made her an excellent candidate,” said Dr. Michel Delorme, Dean of the Sobey School. “The Sobey School of Business’ reputation led to our school being selected to nominate a student; the quality of our students, in turn, builds our reputation even more.”

In May, while her classmates were walking across the convocation stage, Simone was in Toronto as one of just ten students across Canada to receive this prestigious scholarship.

Simone, fifth from right, at the Futures Fund Scholarship Awards Gala in Toronto

“The Futures Fund was an unreal experience, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and the memories I created,” said Simone.

Established by Canada's Outstanding CEO of the Year®, the Futures Fund Scholarship for Outstanding Leadership recognizes business students who have demonstrated exemplary leadership through their academic achievements and extracurricular involvement.

Each year, ten Canadian business schools are selected to participate, with each school nominating a student whose leadership, initiative, and impact distinguish them among their peers.

With a cumulative GPA of over 4.0, Simone will graduate in September with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing and Economics with a Certificate in Sports Business. She was active in the Commerce Society, Enactus and the Women in Business society, and she served on the Board of Directors for Sail Able Nova Scotia, a learn-to-sail organization for people with disabilities. Most recently, she founded CycleStrong, an initiative focused on helping female athletes better understand injury risk and training through menstrual cycle tracking, with goals to help close the gap in women’s sport science research.

The trip to the Futures Fund event was about more than networking. The candidates engaged with experiential learning and enjoyed access to leaders from companies such as Deloitte, Caldwell, Canadian Tire, Air Canada and more.

“I was able to connect with some of the most inspiring leaders in Canadian business and learn from their experiences through workshops and discussions, and I shared this experience with nine other remarkable students from universities across Canada. We were able to learn from each other throughout the program.

It was an incredible opportunity to expand my perspective, build meaningful connections, and bring new ideas and inspiration back to my career and academics.”

— Simone Boudreau

Simone is currently working as an event coordinator with the Halifax Regional Municipality and plans to continue working in tourism and events. She will graduate this fall and plans to further her education with a master's degree in public policy or applied economics.

Mapping the system: Beyond the waitlist

Jonah Crowther, Katie Brooks, Julia Faloon, Anna Streeter and Luke Pound represented the Sobey School of Business at Map the System in the UK

Sobey MBA Team recognized for mapping Nova Scotia’s family physician shortage

Last week, a team of Sobey MBA students received a Systems Mapping Excellence Award in a competition called Map the System (MTS), held at Oxford University, UK. It was the first time a Saint Mary’s University team had entered the competition. Julia Faloon, Anna Streeter, Luke Pound, Jonah Crowther and Katie Brooks analysed and presented on the systems around Nova Scotia’s family physician shortage.

Founded in 2016, the Map the System competition, held at the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, builds a community of practitioners, educators and students around systems thinking, an approach to entrenched and intractable social and environmental problems that examines both mitigating and exacerbating factors. The competition stands apart from most others in that participating teams are not tasked with building solutions and recommendations. Instead, they are evaluated on how well they have mapped and analysed the contributing factors to a problem, their ability to translate data into a compelling story, and their understanding of root causes and potential leverage points for change.

The team received a Systems Mapping Excellence Award for their analysis of the Nova Scotia family physician shortage

In the SMU team’s analysis, some of the factors were immigration trends, rural versus urban realities, career perceptions of family medicine, public expectations, burnout and isolation. During the analysis, retention of doctors and perceptions about the attractiveness of family medicine as a career option appeared as weaker areas in the system.

In addition to traditional research, Anna said, “We got to listen to a lot of different perspectives throughout our entire project, whether they were from different organizations or different levels within the organization, but they all helped reveal something different about the system we were looking into, which we may have overlooked if we didn't reach out to them.”

Systems thinking in MBA

Annika Voltan teaches an MBA course called Sustainable Change Leadership, where she introduces systems thinking as an essential skill for future leaders. This past winter, students in her class participated in the campus-level Map the System competition.

In reflecting on why she feels that systems thinking and systems mapping are so important, she noted: "In today's busy world, we're often evaluated based on efficiency and productivity measures, which leads us to jump into solutions when faced with problems. But the complex challenges we're facing require deeper understanding of contributing factors, power dynamics and interconnections if we're going to be able to shift toward better outcomes. Systems thinking is increasingly being recognized as an essential skill set for navigating the wicked problems of our time."

Camaraderie and support

The team were impressed by the collegial and supportive atmosphere associated with the competition, all the way through. They received advice and encouragement from several Sobey professors, as well as from staff at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and Executive and Professional Development. MTS assigned the team three judges. Here in Halifax, they connected with a health researcher named Sam Petrie who competed at MTS in 2020. The others were Ishaw Sharma (Toronto) and Mariana Cardenas Marquez (Montreal). Even the judges were supportive, said Katie: “They were rooting for you to succeed in the questioning. They wanted to give you the opportunity to share more, if you missed anything and really show your understanding.”

Jonah added that after complimenting another team on their presentation, that team commented about the SMU team being all MBA students. Jonah said, “I kind of took a step back and thought, wow, they view almost us as the experts.” While the team may not be experts in healthcare, they were the people in the room who knew the most about the Nova Scotia healthcare system, thanks to their research and analysis.

Coming into the competition, Julia noted they had expected it to be intense and perhaps more rigid. “The camaraderie that we all felt, the gratitude that was in the room for everyone being there was super cool to experience.”

The team is excited to share their report findings at Lead With Purpose Day in November

Looking forward

Looking ahead, the team is excited for another SMU team to participate next year so they can share some of what they learned.

“How do you even articulate to the class that comes in next year? Like, how do you get people to feel like we feel right now about it, because we're so in it,” said Katie.  Anna noted they hadn’t expected the breadth or complexity of some of the issues being mapped.

The passion and storytelling of the finalist teams made a strong impression on Jonah. “I think what I really appreciated was not just learning about the issues happening in those countries, but also just seeing the passion they brought when they were presenting on those topics.”

What happens now with the report? They will be bringing it to the PRME research expo at the Sobey School of Business’ Lead With Purpose Day on November 20. Katie says, “You can do a lot with this. So many people in the community now want to read our report and our findings.”

Dr. Sam Veres appointed as Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic & Research

Dr. Sam Veres

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Sam Veres as Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic & Research. Dr. Veres is a deeply respected leader within the Saint Mary’s community, bringing extensive administrative experience, thorough institutional knowledge, and a steadfast commitment to academic excellence. 

“I look forward to working closely with Dr. Veres,” says Michael Khan, President and Vice-Chancellor. “With strong leadership, a talented community, and a shared commitment to growth and success, we are well positioned to build on our strengths and seize the opportunities ahead.” 

Dr. Veres has been a part of the Saint Mary’s University community since joining the faculty in 2013. Prior to taking on the role of Interim Provost, he served with distinction as the Dean of the Faculty of Science, as well as an Associate Dean and a professor within the Division of Engineering. 

A professional engineer (P.Eng.) and a Full Professor, Dr. Veres is also an accomplished researcher in the field of biomedical engineering, leading multidisciplinary studies that combine engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine to study the mechanics and structure of load-bearing tissues and biomaterials. His notable scientific contributions include winning the prestigious International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine (ISSLS) Prize three times, most recently in 2020. 

Dr. Veres began his role as Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic and Research, on July 8, 2026.

Designed for dignity: Saint Mary's expands accessibility in Patrick Power Library

At first glance, a washroom may seem like an unexpected place to start a conversation about belonging. For some, access to the right washroom is the difference between participating fully in university life and planning around what a space can or cannot provide.

Saint Mary's University's new universal washroom in the Patrick Power Library was built with that reality front and centre. Designed to support a wide range of mobility and personal care needs, the space includes a ceiling lift, an adult-sized change table, accessible fixtures, room for power wheelchairs and mobility devices, and choices in lighting, materials, signage and acoustics intended to make the room genuinely welcoming.

In the new universal washroom, a ceiling lift is installed for wheelchair users

A bench and wash station is available

The washroom features an adult-sized change table

Signage indicates accessibility features of the washroom

Accessible door and emergency call buttons are provided for privacy and security

Project leaders and SMU staff unveil new universal washroom

Navjot Singh, Manager, Projects and Facilities Planning; Barry McNeil, Project Facilitator; Jennifer Webb, Accessibility Lead; Glen Nicholson, Project Architect

It started with a single question asked in 2018, when a parent reached out to ask whether the campus had a washroom equipped with both a ceiling lift and an adult-sized change table. Saint Mary's was able to add a lift to the accessible washroom on the third floor of the Student Centre, but the room could not accommodate a change table. That gap became a turning point. It showed that accessibility is not only about meeting a minimum standard. It is about understanding what people need to move through campus with independence and confidence.

Project architect Glen Nicholson

"Universal design asks us to think beyond code compliance and consider the lived experience of the person using the space," says Glen Nicholson, project architect. "The best accessibility design should not feel exceptional to the user. It should simply feel like the building anticipated them."

The next step was finding the right location. Saint Mary's conducted a campus-wide review that examined at least 10 possible sites. The criteria were uncompromising: a large enough footprint, an accessible corridor, room for a lift and change table, space for mobility devices, and a location that would not reduce the number of available washroom stalls elsewhere on campus.

“We had to think carefully about how the space would function for the people using it, not just whether we could fit the required equipment into a room,” says Dennis Gillis, Senior Director of Facilities Management. “The Patrick Power Library emerged as the best option because it met the accessibility requirements while placing the washroom in one of the most central and frequently used spaces on campus.”

That last detail matters. A universal washroom tucked into a remote wing can technically satisfy a requirement. It does not offer the same welcome, visibility or message.

The new universal washroom is located on the first floor of the Patrick Power Library

“Libraries are spaces intended to serve everyone,” says Suzanne van den Hoogen, Dean, University Library and Archives. “Supporting this project was a natural extension of that commitment. By locating the universal washroom in the Library, we're helping to ensure that one of the most frequently used spaces on campus is also one of the most welcoming and inclusive.”

The project is supported by funding from the Nova Scotia Access-Ability Grant and the Government of Canada, supporting features that remain uncommon across regional post-secondary institutions.

Inside the room, the details tell their own story. High-impact illuminated signage helps people identify the space. Contrasting finishes support visual navigation. Balanced task and ambient LED lighting reduces eye strain. Acoustic treatments provide privacy and discretion. A clear occupancy indicator removes the uncertainty of a locked door, while an emergency pull station connects to Campus Security and the Library service desk.

None of these features are flashy. Together, they communicate something important: that the people who will use this room were thought about, specifically and seriously, before the first wall went up.

For Kate McHugh, Manager of Student Accessibility and the Fred Smithers Centre, that kind of intentionality is invaluable. "Accessibility cannot live in one office or one service. The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility supports students directly, but the larger goal is a campus where accessibility is considered everywhere—in classrooms, common spaces, technology, events and washrooms. When the built environment removes barriers, people do not have to spend their energy negotiating access. They can spend it learning, working, connecting and belonging."

Saint Mary's is building this work within the broader context of the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act, which sets a goal of an accessible province by 2030. The university's Accessibility Framework will help guide continued efforts to identify, remove and prevent barriers across campus.

A single well-designed washroom is not the finish line. It is evidence that the work is moving in the right direction. The universal washroom supports students, employees, visitors and community members who come to campus for classes, events, research, meetings or simply to spend time in a public university space. It is one more example of architecture with intention at Saint Mary’s University.