Bert makes school more fun—and lowers the stress levels of students with a wag of his tail
A key figure in the new Engineering Building at Saint Mary’s, the Chief Morale Officer has an important role in brightening the days of students and faculty.
Bert, Chief Morale Officer in Engineering
Bert, a four-year-old Havanese-Poodle mix, rushes through the door to see his favourite students when he arrives on campus. On the third floor, he makes a beeline out of the elevator to classrooms and labs, where he provides emotional support.
“Bert is a calming presence for students, and he loves to be here,” says professor Don MacNeil, who is Bert’s owner. “Many of our students are living away from home for the first time and they’re missing home and adjusting to a new school environment. Bert really brings down the stress levels of students.”
For some students, meeting Bert is their first positive interaction with a dog.
“Several people have told me that Bert is the first and only dog they have ever petted,” says MacNeil. “They say they’re scared of all dogs—except Bert.”
Always ready for a party, Bert joined the students in dressing up for Halloween—sporting a vampire costume that matched Prof. MacNeil’s—as the students designed and 3D-printed pumpkin candle holders.
Don McNeil and Bert on Halloween
Bert supervising the robotics design competition
On a busy day near the end of term, Bert watched as second-year students raced to finish their final design assignments. As the designers worked on their remote-controlled robots to earn class points and bragging rights, he was the centre of attention—and in the centre of the track—as ping pong balls flew from the robots in the friendly competition. Adding to the excitement, a group of visiting elementary students watched the competition…and Bert, who stole the show.
Emma Smith with Bert
Bert enjoyed meeting family and friends at a gathering in the Engineering Building after convocation in the spring, and it was a chance for one last belly rub from students who will be moving on to other educational opportunities and careers.
“Even if you place last, Bert will be there; after exams, he’s there,” says Emma Smith, who recently graduated with a Diploma in Engineering. “He’ll do some zoomies and then fall asleep under a desk. We’ll be back to see him.”
Fellow graduate James Nowell agreed: “He’s an absolute legend.”
Flexible education, personalized support and a contemporary learning environment—learn why the Diploma in Engineering Program at Saint Mary’s might be right for you!