Flags flying at half-mast.
I am deeply saddened to share with the university community that Maryam Malek and Fatemeh Mahmoodi, both students in the Master of Finance program at Saint Mary’s, lost their lives in the tragic Ukraine International Airlines plane crash in Tehran Wednesday morning.
It has also been reported that another young woman, Mahdieh Ghavi, was on the flight travelling to Halifax, with plans to study in the city.
Maryam and Fatemeh were intelligent and passionate Santamarians and Mahdieh was about to start her post-secondary journey. Their loss will be felt keenly by many in our university, in Halifax and across the global community.
Flags at Saint Mary’s University are being flown at half-staff in mourning and solidarity. Classes for Master of Finance students have been cancelled today (Thursday, January 9th) as they mourn the loss of their fellow students.
All are invited to join a gathering being held tomorrow, Friday, January 10th, at 3 pm in Loyola Conference Hall, to remember Maryam and Fatemeh.
On behalf of the entire Saint Mary’s community, I extend deepest sympathies to the many families and friends who are grieving in the wake of this terrible tragedy, not only those here in Halifax, but to the many others across Canada, in Iran, and around the world. I recognize also the grief of members of many other universities and colleges across Canada who have been touched by this tragedy.
Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray
President and Vice-Chancellor
Saint Mary’s University
The supports below are available to all within the Saint Mary’s community:
The Counselling Centre
4th Floor, Student Centre
902.420.5615 / counselling@smu.ca
Drop-ins welcome
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
https://smu.ca/about/efap.html
Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (24/7, telephone response)
Crisis support across Nova Scotia
902.429.8167 or 1.888.429.8167
Student Health Centre
4th Floor, Student Centre
902.420.5611
Good2Talk
24/7 free and confidential phone counselling
1.833.292.3698
SMUSA Health Plan is providing services through I.M. WELL. Please contact the SMUSA Health Plan Office for assistance:
SMUSA Health Plan Office
5th Floor Student Centre
902-496-8754; or, if you wish to speak directly with a counsellor:
I.M. Well (24/7, 365 days per year)
Download (I.M. Well) Counselling App, and/or resources and live chat available for ALL students:
1.877.234.5327
Grief consultation will be available on campus. For further information please email: healthplan.smusa@smu.ca