Karen Hudson, Nova Scotian educator and leader, to be recognized with an honorary degree

Karen Hudson

Saint Mary’s University will recognize Karen Hudson, a noted leader in the field of education, by awarding her an honorary degree at the Spring Convocation in May 2024.

Hudson’s commitment to post-secondary learning for African Nova Scotians has been exceptional over several decades. As Principal of Auburn Drive High School in Dartmouth, NS, she demonstrates visionary leadership. With a BA in International Development, BEd and multiple Master’s degrees, Hudson brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.

In 2018, she pioneered the first Africentric Cohort in math and literacy within a public school. This groundbreaking initiative aimed to empower students by infusing Afrocentric concepts into the curriculum. In 2019, the Learning Partnership recognized Karen Hudson as one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals for her innovative work. She has actively assisted in expanding Africentric Cohorts to other Nova Scotia institutions, including Horton High, Woodlawn High, and Citadel High.

Outstanding Community Service

Beyond her educational leadership, Hudson is deeply involved in community service. She has received the Nova Scotia Teacher’s Award, the Provincial Family Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal. Her passion for social justice, youth leadership, and international development drives her active participation in various organizations. Notably, she is Interim President of the Black Educators Association (BEA) and volunteers with the Africentric Learning Institute (ALI), Black History Month Committee, Indigenous and Mi’kmaq Initiative (IBM), and Cherry Brook United Baptist Church. She is the former African Nova Scotian representative for the Public School Administrators Association of Nova Scotia (PSAANS).

Hudson’s groundbreaking work in Afrocentric math programming has positively impacted African Nova Scotian students, including those at Saint Mary’s. Her commitment to addressing inequality, social justice, historical erasure, and educational disparity demonstrates her leadership and integrity.

President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray expresses admiration for Hudson, stating, “Ms. Hudson’s long record of professional accomplishment reflects her commitment to academic growth, intercultural learning, and diversity excellence. Her dedication to educational equity and community service exemplifies the values of Saint Mary’s University, and her impact on students’ lives is immeasurable.”

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Spring Convocation takes place May 15-17, 2024. Ceremonies will be live-streamed via www.smu.ca/graduation.

Kevin Murphy, trailblazer in advocacy and inclusion, to receive honorary degree

Kevin Murphy BComm’92

Kevin Murphy BComm’92, a distinguished advocate for people with disabilities, will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Saint Mary’s University during the upcoming Spring Convocation. His significant contributions to public policy and community development have left a lasting impact.

Murphy describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur,” having ventured into diverse fields such as entertainment, publishing, advertising, restaurants, junior hockey, motor coach operations, and disability consulting. His time at Saint Mary’s University opened his eyes to a world of possibilities, inspiring him to become an advocate for accessibility improvements on campus, ensuring that the needs of students with disabilities were met.

Beyond business ventures, Murphy has held management positions with the Canadian Paraplegic Association and the Rick Hansen Foundation. His commitment extends to volunteer work, including executive board positions with organizations like the HRM Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities, Metro Transit Access-A-Bus Advisory Committee and Independent Living Nova Scotia. In 2012, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal in recognition of his dedicated community service.

Murphy’s impact reached new heights when he became the elected Member of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly for Eastern Shore from 2013 to 2021. Serving eight consecutive years as the Speaker, he made history as the first Speaker in the Commonwealth to have a significant disability. His tenure was marked by a commitment to ensuring that the voices of persons with disabilities were heard and represented in elected parliaments.

His gravitas, combined with a delightful sense of humor, allowed him to excel in his role. As the Senior Parliamentary Speaker in Canada, Murphy founded and served as the first Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities Network in 2019. This network aims to support and inspire people with disabilities worldwide to seek elected office.

Advocacy on a Global Scale

Since 2022, Murphy has been the Senior Policy Advisor to Canada’s Federal Minister responsible for persons with disabilities. His work spans critical files such as the Accessible Canada Act, the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, the Canada Disability Benefit and Medical Assistance in Dying. Through these roles, he amplifies the voices of persons with disabilities globally, advocating for policies that empower and uplift. Murphy’s commitment extends beyond political office—in 2003, he co-founded The James McGregor Stewart Society, a beacon of advocacy for public policy respecting people with disabilities. The society’s impactful work has touched countless lives, advocating for equal rights, accessibility, and inclusion.

President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary’s University, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, commends Murphy’s work: “Kevin Murphy’s journey inspires us all. His leadership, advocacy and dedication to disability rights transcend borders, making our world more inclusive and compassionate.”

Currently, Murphy serves as the Federal Director of Disability and Inclusion, where he continues to champion positive change. His legacy reminds us that barriers can be overcome, and every voice matters.

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Spring Convocation takes place May 15-17, 2024. Ceremonies will be live-streamed via www.smu.ca/graduation.

Distinguished diplomat Donica Pottie to receive honorary degree

Donica Pottie BA’85

Saint Mary’s University will proudly bestow an honorary degree upon Donica Pottie BA’85, a trailblazing diplomat and advocate for human rights, at Spring Convocation this May. Her remarkable journey from a Saint Mary’s graduate to a Canadian ambassador exemplifies resilience, dedication and global citizenship.

In 1985, Pottie became one of the first Asian Studies Honours graduates from Saint Mary’s University. As one of the early students in the Asian Studies program, she embarked on a journey to China in 1983, where her passion for international affairs and cultural exchange led her to explore new horizons.

Pottie’s career with External Affairs and International Trade Canada began in 1991. Her contributions spanned various critical roles, including:

• Director of Human Security Policy (2007–2010)

• Director of Development Policy and International Financial Institutions (2012–2013)

• Director of Peace Support Operations and Fragile States Policy (2013–2015)

• Director General of Consular Operations (2015–2016)

Overseas, she served as a diplomat in China, Jordan, Cambodia and Thailand, where her tenure as ambassador to these countries showcased her commitment to diplomacy, peacekeeping and human rights. Her advocacy extends beyond borders in her support of human security, women’s rights and the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, which she has publicly defended in countries where these rights are restricted.

In 2021, Pottie managed the Canadian contribution to a US$1.6 million UNESCO education fund for Jordan, as well as helped to negotiate a $120 million Canadian Sovereign Loan for education in Jordan. Her commitment to educational investment aligns with Saint Mary’s values.

As a Saint Mary’s graduate, she embodies the theme of modern global citizenship highlighted in the university’s Strategic Research Plan (2021–2026). Her distinguished record of achievement is complemented by personal moral integrity, and her dedication to diplomacy and human rights is truly commendable. 

President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary’s University, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, commends Ms. Pottie’s unwavering commitment. “Donica Pottie is very deserving of this honorary degree. Her exemplary service as a diplomat and advocate has made a lasting impact on the world, championing human rights and equality.”

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Spring Convocation takes place May 15-17, 2024. Ceremonies will be live-streamed via www.smu.ca/graduation.

Sharon Rajaraman: a legacy of giving back

Sharon Rajaraman

Nine league championships. Five-time Atlantic Coach of the Year. CIS Coach of the Year. And a coveted bronze medal at the CIS Championships in 2003. The list of Sharon Rajaraman’s accomplishments and contributions to Atlantic Canadian field hockey and Saint Mary’s sports is long. But what that list doesn’t include are the countless lives touched.

For the last 32 years, Sharon has been a constant on the sidelines of the Huskies women’s field hockey team, dedicating her life to the support of young women athletes.

Katie Baker, retired Captain of the Canadian National Field Hockey team, who represented Canada at the Pan American Games and the Commonwealth Games, was one of these young women. In fact, Sharon had the foresight to recruit Katie as a standout high school student playing on grass in PEI.

“Sharon recognized my potential and through her leadership, worked with my strengths, built my confidence, and instilled values in me that I brought forward in my leadership of the Canadian team and international career,” says Katie. "She is absolutely tireless in her efforts to inspire young women to reach their full potential and has had a huge impact on my life.”

Sharon’s own field hockey journey began at Dalhousie, where she was a decorated Varsity women’s field hockey athlete, earning All-Star status at both AUAA and CIAU and being named team MVP. She also represented Nova Scotia at numerous National tournaments and was named to the Team Canada Women’s Field Hockey National squad in 1982 and 1983.

After graduating in 1985 with a Bachelor of Recreation Degree, Sharon was appointed as an assistant field hockey coach at Dalhousie before being recruited by Saint Mary’s in 1987. Her part-time position became full-time in 1992, and Sharon has been with the Huskies ever since.

She feels lucky to have had many mentors at Saint Mary’s over the years, including the very first woman coach ever hired by the University—Kathy Mullane—and also Soccer Coach Roy Clements and Athletic Director Larry Uteck.

“Sharon’s contribution to Saint Mary’s University and field hockey is exceptional,” says Kathy Mullane. “She has worked so hard to keep field hockey alive and is widely recognized as the reason that field hockey remains a sport at both the Atlantic (U Sports) and at national levels.”

In addition to her outstanding work ethic, Sharon has a unique coaching philosophy. “Anyone who’s ever played with me knows I don’t consider myself the main decision-maker. I’m one of the team,” she says, adding that each member of that team, even those that sit on the bench most of the season, are equally important. “And the only way we achieve success is to decide things together.”

Coach Sharon Rajaraman with the 1993-1994 Women’s Field Hockey team. Photo: SMU Huskies

At the beginning of each season, Sharon asks the players to write down a personal goal, as well as a team goal for the year ahead, and then share them aloud. “Everyone hears what each other’s goals are and we work together to achieve them.”

Called a master strategist with a keen technical mind, Sharon has always been a top-notch recruiter. Her teams often had the highest percentage of outstanding players meeting the requirements as Academic All-Canadians, and many of her players went on to play for Canada. These days, she works equally hard to encourage the women athletes who have been in the program to come back to the Atlantic region and stay involved in a coaching capacity at the university or high school level, keeping the line of mentorship alive.

Despite her enormous accomplishments, Sharon is a humble person who prefers to share the limelight. One of the people she credits with the success of the field hockey team is Thomas Kochanoff, SMU’s Strength and Conditioning Coach. “Thomas has worked with most of the female sports teams at Saint Mary’s and has gone above and beyond, helping several of the women’s teams in winning AUS Championships and also working individually with athletes from Saint Mary’s who have been selected for Canadian national teams.”

Over the years, Sharon’s achievements weren’t all on the field. She and her husband, Dr. Mal Rajaraman, a radiation oncologist, also raised three sons, all of whom went to Saint Mary’s, with two of the three playing soccer. She also had a critical role in successfully building a 16-team indoor league at the high school level in Nova Scotia and has coached at the national level, working with the Canadian team at the Indoor Masters World Cup in Hong Kong in 2019. In addition, she has extended her talents to Field Hockey Nova Scotia, acting as their President and the AUFH (Atlantic University Field Hockey) as their League Chair for many years.

After 32 years, Saint Mary’s has become a kind of second home to Sharon. She lives just a few blocks from the school, knows someone in every department, and each year recruits members of her team to volunteer their time at charity events such as the Run for the Cure and the annual Blue Butterfly fundraiser for thyroid cancer. Through her example, she has taught Saint Mary’s students the value of volunteering and the importance of giving back. This year, Saint Mary’s celebrates the 50th anniversary of women in varsity sport and the many women who have contributed to successful athletics programs at the university.

“Saint Mary’s has been very good to me over the years,” she says. “As long as I can, I will continue to give back.”

By Renée Hartleib

Canada's brightest student entrepreneurs shine at The Arena

The Arena 2024 Pitch Competition concluded after a thrilling 40-day battle, crowning Keeley McCormick as the champion with a prize of $10,000. Keeley, a University of Victoria Engineering and Computer Science student, impressed the judges with her innovative venture, Revyn Medical Technologies Inc. The company redesigned a vaginal speculum that prioritizes patient comfort and sustainability. 

Revyn Medical Technologies: a patient-centered solution

Founded by Keeley and a dedicated team from the University of Victoria, Revyn tackles the discomfort associated with traditional speculums. Through surveys of over 600 patients, they identified a significant number experiencing anxiety and even avoiding examinations due to speculum use. Their redesigned speculum aims to alleviate this issue while remaining effective for practitioners.

This win propels Revyn forward, allowing them to develop prototypes utilizing biocompatible materials and minimizing patient discomfort.

A fierce finale and generous supporters

Miswar Syed from the University of Waterloo won second place at The Arena with his business, Swish, which creates transparent screens that retrofit existing solar panels and can remove dust using nanotechnology. Swish allows solar panels to be cleaned multiple times a day and increases the efficiency of capturing energy, which could be especially beneficial in deserts where dust is a significant concern.

The final pitch battle between Keeley and Miswar presented a tough decision for the distinguished judges, which included Saint Mary’s alumni Shannon Byrne Susko BComm'89 BSc'92, April Howe EMBA'18, Mandhir Singh MBA'14, James “JC” Curleigh BComm’89 DComm'22 and Alexandra McCann.

Special recognition goes to Shannon's company, Metronomics, for sponsoring the competition and providing each finalist with a $10,000 award. Pat Whalen, Founder and CEO of Extension Marketing, also provided marketing support to the finalists valued at $5,000.

“Thank you to all participants for showcasing their brilliant ideas,” says Michael Sanderson, the Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. “A special appreciation to the sponsors and judges whose essential contributions ensure the success of this pitch event.”

A national celebration of innovation

The Arena 2024 was not just about one winner. It was a nationwide showcase of student entrepreneurial talent, featuring 64 students from 29 universities, coast to coast. Seven contestants from Saint Mary's University battled with fellow entrepreneurs across Canada and showcased their businesses, including Maddie Bristol (Plastarch), Storme McNeil (Smile Vodka Water), Queen-Esther Okundonor (QTress Beauty Supplies), Jayrell Diggs (SudDrop Laundry Services), Aneesa Hussain (Plane Platter), Alexia Bourgeois (Gal Pal) and Yomna Ibrahim (Sociable). Their entrepreneurial spirit was contagious, inspiring many other students who watched the competition unfold.  This outpouring of interest showed that Saint Mary's fosters a vibrant environment where anyone with a dream can take flight.

To learn more about The Arena 2024, visit the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre website or watch the competition on Facebook.

The Anne J. & Albert T. Isaacs Commons opens with inspiring SPHERE event

On March 22, The Anne J. & Albert T. Isaacs Commons opened inside the Loyola Academic building with a unique celebration which unveiled artistic displays and performances by Saint Mary’s students.

Named in honour of esteemed alumnus, the late Albert Isaacs DipENG'55 and his wife Anne, whose generosity brought it to fruition, the Isaacs Commons is a space that inspires great possibility. For events, gatherings and sharing in community, this space allows curious minds to connect, engage and explore.

The opening of the Isaacs Commons also served to host the space’s inaugural event: SPHERE. Developed by Residence Life, SPHERE is a celebration of unity, designed to bring the SMU community together through an artistic showcase of culture and community. The first of its kind at Saint Mary’s, SPHERE is a platform for students to share their talents and passions and celebrate their peers. The showcase included artwork, cultural creations, musical performances and more. With more than 180 in attendance, including students, faculty and staff, the Isaacs Commons was abuzz with inspiration and possibility.

The Anne J. & Albert T. Isaacs Commons

Welcoming the SMU Community to the SPHERE event

Student artwork on display

Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray welcome community members to the grand opening of the Isaacs Commons

SMUSA President Shiray Tan welcomes the crowd

The Isaacs Commons overlooks the Huskies field

Textile artwork on display

Student musicians performing at SPHERE

From court to corporate: Keisha Turner’s ace transition to entrepreneurship

Keisha Turner BA’12

This year, Saint Mary’s celebrates the 50th anniversary of women in varsity sport. Throughout the year, we will highlight women in sport like Keisha Turner BA'12—an inspiring athlete, innovative entrepreneur, dedicated philanthropist and valued Saint Mary's community member.

Whether speaking at an event, helping with volleyball camp, through her ongoing work with the Arthur L. Entrepreneurship Centre, or sharing her experience with students and other professionals, Keisha always takes advantage of an opportunity to get involved.

Keisha has been a devoted Huskies Varsity Volleyball team member since 2007. In 2010, she played a crucial role in the team's AUS Championship victory, setting the team on the path to success that continues today.

Even after graduating, Keisha continued to support the team as an Assistant Volleyball Coach until 2020. While coaching, Keisha shared her unique approach to success on the court. Her coaching philosophy, which blends physical preparedness with mental resilience, demonstrates her multifaceted approach to leadership—a quality that extends beyond sports into her entrepreneurial endeavours.

Now, Keisha remains an active member of the team's community by raising funds and cheering them on courtside and online.

Women's Atlantic University Sport Volleyball Championship, 2010

Keisha and Michael

Since graduating with her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Keisha combined her passion for sport, health and mindfulness to establish a career as an entrepreneur. With her husband, Michael Polak BComm'14, she has formed Akwekon—a consulting firm that guides Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations in the reconciliation of colonial and Indigenous practices.

More recently, Keisha co-founded Starberry Drink Co., a testament to innovation in the beverage industry, offering a refreshing, all-natural drink made from whole strawberries, maple syrup and water.

With her experience as an entrepreneur and athlete, Keisha has been named an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary's. In this role, Keisha is nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and enriching the Saint Mary's University's community by bridging academic theory with real-world business practices.

Keisha, a Black female entrepreneur and community leader, has established the Turner Bursary for African Canadian and Indigenous Women. She takes pride in the pivotal role bursaries played in her success and is committed to promoting positive change and student success at Saint Mary's University.

To honour her dedication to Saint Mary's University and exceptional volunteer service, the Saint Mary's University Alumni Association presented her with the Paul Lynch Alumni Volunteer Award in 2023.

50 Years of Women in Varsity Sport at Saint Mary’s University

Celebrating the trailblazers who paved the way

Kathy Mullane MBA’89. Photo: James MacLean

Today, the women’s Huskies at Saint Mary’s University are among the top-ranked teams and individual athletes, both provincially and nationally. But in the 1970s, the leadership of a few dedicated Santamarians helped blaze a trail to women’s varsity success.

Women at Saint Mary's have played field hockey, basketball and volleyball at the club level since the university opened its doors to women in the late 1960s. As the clubs grew in popularity, and the men’s varsity teams earned national titles, the women sought to form organized teams. In 1973, Dr. Owen Carrigan, then President of Saint Mary's University and father to several athletic daughters, recognized the need for a formal women's athletic program. Bob Hayes, then Athletic Director, agreed that a women's varsity program could attract more students and provide equal opportunities in sport.

Dr. Carrigan hired Kathy Mullane MBA'89 to establish a women's varsity program and coach the basketball team. Acknowledging that most women athletes were playing more than one sport, Mullane insisted on coaching the field hockey team at the varsity level as well.

Susan (Dunbrack) Beazley - 1973

"When Saint Mary's was looking to join the varsity league, other universities were hesitant and thought that we would recruit players in a way similar to the men's teams. To prove that we could be competitive on our own, we spent a year playing at the junior varsity level before moving up to varsity," says Mullane.

The 1973 Field Hockey and Basketball junior varsity teams were determined and dedicated, earning their spot in the varsity program the following year. Despite the newfound support for a women's varsity program, the teams faced challenges—including sharing the already stretched-thin men's athletics budget. With little funding for the women's program, the team got creative with their day-to-day operations. Mullane remembers mopping the gym floors and cleaning the showers and toilets herself. Undeterred, Mullane and the women on the teams made the most of it.

1974-1975: Varsity Basketball Team. Front: Susan Dunbrack, Patsy Pyke, Cindy Britten, Wanda Williams, Cathy Fifield, Jody Hayes. Back: Wendy Purkis, Jane May, Kim Robson, Neila McCabe, Kathy Ells, Leslie Simpson, and Kathy Mullane (Coach).

While they had earned their spot at the varsity level, recruiting new students to play was also a challenge. "As a new program, it was difficult to compete in recruiting athletes with the universities that offered physical education or kinesiology," says Mullane. She recalls searching the residence halls for students interested in playing. Creatively, she also tried to recruit students from the commerce program, selling the opportunity to develop business-related skills by participating in competitive sports.

Mullane would be the university’s first full-time female coach, remaining at the university until 2011. In her 37 years at Saint Mary’s, she held various roles within the Athletics department and enjoyed many successes including leading her teams to four Atlantic Universities Athletics Association (now Atlantic University Sport) titles and being inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 1998.

The 1970s marked a significant turning point for women as they forged new paths and explored areas they had always dreamed of reaching. One of Saint Mary's most notable actions during this time was developing the women's varsity athletic program, made possible by the initiative of the women who came together and formed the initial club teams, the support of the university administration, and the significant leadership and guidance of Kathy Mullane.

In 2022, the Kathy Mullane Fund for Varsity Women’s Sport was created in recognition of Mullane’s leadership at the university. The fund contributes to scholarships, coaching development and support for women interested in sports administration.

Help celebrate this momentous time by supporting women's athletics at Saint Mary's—donate to the Kathy Mullane Fund for Varsity Women's Sport.

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Related Stories

• From the Huskies to the NHL: Grit and tenacity pay off

• Justine Colley-Leger: Inspiring young women with her legacy 

• New Fund Celebrates the Advancement of Women in Sport at Saint Mary’s

International Women's Day at Saint Mary’s

On Friday, March 8, the Saint Mary’s community joins the global celebration of International Women’s Day. The theme for 2024 is Inspire Inclusion - When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. Learn more.

To shine a light on women’s and girls’ social, economic, cultural and political achievements, and on the work still being done toward gender equality and empowerment, we’re highlighting some of the many stories that celebrate our students, faculty and alumni.

Saint Mary’s is also hosting two events in March related to International Women’s Day—see details below.

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Inspiring Inclusion Art Therapy Session

Monday, March 11
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Secunda Boardroom, Sobey Building 401

Join the Sexual Violence Support Centre for a gently guided Art Therapy Workshop focused on 'Inspiring Inclusion!'. Art Therapist Chelsea Kitsch focuses on community-building and empowerment through creative expression and leads participants through a collaborative art piece in celebration of International Women's Day. All levels of experience are welcome and encouraged to join.

Register

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Listen, Learn, Act Panel

Thursday, March 28
3-4:30 p.m.
Scotiabank Theatre, Sobey Building 201

Join the Sexual Violence Support Centre for a conversation led by community activists, academics, government, and students. Together, we will learn about how we can prevent and respond to violence while working towards safer and more empowered communities for all.

The panel will feature:

• Stephanie McGinnis-Langley, former Executive Director for the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women and long-time feminist advocate

• Sue Bookchin, Executive Director of Be the Peace

• Carmel Farahbakhsh, Executive Director of the Youth Project

• Dr. Tatjana Takseva, Chair; English Language and Literature and Lead, CAPSAP project

• Nauman Sajid, Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative Peer Educator

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Stories

50th Anniversary of Women in Varsity Sport

This year, Saint Mary’s celebrates the 50th anniversary of women in varsity sport. Throughout the year, we will highlight women in sport at Saint Mary’s.

• 50 Years of Women in Varsity Sport at Saint Mary’s University

• Justine Colley-Leger BComm’14: Inspiring young women with her legacy 

• From the Huskies to the NHL: Grit and tenacity pay off (Courtney Schriver-Richard BA’11)

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Student entrepreneurs win Innovation Cup with sustainable business idea

Students Madeline Bristol, Susan MacInnis and Mya MacDonald won December’s Innovation Cup, a 10-week experiential learning program. Their business Plastarch Packaging, a bioplastic alternative made from set-to-be-wasted root vegetables, solves the need for environmentally friendly cutlery and food packaging.
Read more.

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Sobey School of Business welcomes Wendy Luther EMBA’08 as Alumni in Residence

Wendy Luther EMBA’08, President and CEO of Halifax Partnership, is the Sobey School of Business Alumni in Residence for 2024. In 2023, Wendy was named one of Atlantic Canada's 25 Most Powerful Women in Business. The Alumni in Residence program aims to bridge the gap between academic life and the professional world by creating meaningful connections between our alumni and current students. Read more.

Meet Wendy at our upcoming event Moving From Successful Student to a Stellar Professional and Entrepreneur on March 25!

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More inspiring women at Saint Mary’s:

• Women’s Huskies win AUS Basketball Championship for the second year in a row

• Celebrating 40 Years of Shirley

• History professor joins International Science Council Fellowship

• Student launches Black haircare and beauty supply vending machine on campus

• Students tackle health care, food security issues with Wicked Problem Lab awards

• Student researcher has found 100—and counting—invasive crayfish in Three Mile Lake

• Meet our 2SLGBTQIA+ and Accessibility Wellness Ambassadors

• Women in Business event highlights networking and sustainability

More events this month:

• Launch of EmployNXT with Shubhra Singh MTEI'23 and Purvasha Dewanjee MTEI'23

• Reading + Q&A with SMU's 2024 Writer in Residence, Casey Plett

• "Popular Politics and the Struggle for Democracy in the Early American Republic" - A Faculty Author Series talk with Dr. Shira Lurie

Sobey School of Business Alumni in Residence: Wendy Luther EMBA'08

The Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University prides itself as a national leader in community-focused business education. Building foundations for an equitable, prosperous and progressive community through active learning is at the heart of what we do. Our success as a leading business school is inextricably linked with the success of our students, our stakeholders and our broader communities.

The Alumni in Residence program aims to bridge the gap between academic life and the professional world by creating meaningful connections between our alumni and current students. Through this program, students have the opportunity to build relationships, receive advice and gain insights from successful alumni. The Alumni in Residence Program hosts various speaking events where students can seek advice, learn about industry trends, and expand their professional networks.

Wendy Luther EMBA’08

We are delighted to share that Wendy Luther EMBA’08, President and CEO of Halifax Partnership, is our Alumni in Residence for 2024. Wendy is one of our distinguished Alumni—in March 2023, Wendy was named one of Atlantic Canada's 25 Most Powerful Women in Business.

Wendy is a leader in economic and export development, with vast experience promoting Nova Scotia and its assets globally. Wendy joined Halifax Partnership as President & CEO in 2019. In 2023, Halifax Partnership was honoured with four Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) including Gold for Economic Development Organization of the Year.

Before joining Halifax Partnership, Wendy was President & CEO of EduNova, a co-operative association of public and private-sector education providers committed to promoting Nova Scotia’s knowledge economy internationally. Under her leadership, EduNova was honoured with the prestigious international PIEoneer Association of the Year Award in 2017.

Learn more about Wendy Luther and explore her remarkable professional journey.

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Join us for our upcoming event with Wendy Luther on March 25, 2024

Ask Wendy Luther: Moving From Successful Student to a Stellar Professional and Entrepreneur

• Monday, March 25, 2024

• 1:30-3:30 p.m.

• Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

  Sign up!

From the Huskies to the NHL: Grit and tenacity pay off

This year, Saint Mary’s celebrates the 50th anniversary of women in varsity sport. Throughout the year, we will highlight women in sport at Saint Mary’s, like hockey pro Courtney Schriver-Richard BA’11, who followed her dream to the NHL.

Courtney Schriver-Richard BA’11

Courtney Schriver-Richard BA’11 chuckles when she talks about her early days playing hockey. “I am your quintessential Canadian,” she says. “I basically came out of the womb as a hockey player.”

Born in Newfoundland but raised in Halifax, Courtney was playing hockey by the time she was three. She was inspired by an older brother, and even though there weren’t many girls playing in the 1990s, that didn’t stop her. “I was a bit of an anomaly at that time, but I started playing as soon as they would allow me to register.”

She had early and profound success as a hockey player, leaving her family for Mississauga when she was only 15 to play in the Ontario Women’s Hockey League. “It was an incredible experience but I was also homesick and forced to grow up quickly,” she says. “I thought of that as the price I had to pay for playing the game I loved so much.”

When it came time to choose a university, Halifax called her back. Saint Mary’s, with their strong hockey program and well-respected head coach, seemed like the obvious choice. “Lisa (Jordan) Haley had been a bit of a mentor and a role model for me growing up,” says Courtney. "I knew she was tough and fair and that she would give me the tools I needed to be successful in university hockey.”

And to the surprise of no one, Courtney, or “Schriv” as she came to be known, did succeed. Her long list of accolades includes AUS Rookie of the Year, AUS MVP, three-time AUS First Team, CIS Rookie of the Year, and CIS First Team All-Canadian. Most impressive of all, is the Huskies record that Courtney still holds for the most goals scored in a single season.

Head Coach Lisa Haley first saw Courtney play hockey when she was in her mid-teens and trying out for the U18 Canada Games team. “Her natural hockey talents were obvious to everyone,” says Lisa. “It’s like she had the puck on a string every time it touched her stick. And her shot was lethal.”

While it was clear that her hockey talent was at an elite level, that’s not what made Courtney a "generational" player, as the best in the game are often described. She was loaded with what Lisa describes as ‘grit.'

Courtney (center) drops the puck at a SMU Huskies hockey game. She was an Honorary Co-Chair of the 2019 Huskies Hockey reunion.

““I could see that she had so much potential, and that hasn’t changed. Schriv’s potential is still sky-high. She’s earned everything she’s accomplished in her amazing career and is also an incredible role model to the student-athletes who are following in her footsteps.””

— Lisa Haley

Mentally tough. Incredibly focused. Driven. These are common terms used to describe Courtney both on and off the ice. It’s these qualities that enabled her to set her sights on the NHL early in her career and to make that dream come true.

Right from her graduation from Saint Mary’s, she made a point of trying to align herself with brands that were sports-related. Her first job was a Marketing position with Tim Hortons, where part of her job was managing the marketing portfolio for their TimBits Hockey. She then moved on to another Canadian sports brand, Boston Pizza, where she developed relationships with some of the NHL brands.

Her tenacity to work in the game of hockey paid off when she was offered the position of General Manager of Business for the Cape Breton Eagles, part of the Quebec Major Junior League. She worked her butt off, learning every intricacy of the game, not unlike a player or a coach, and this culminated in an offer from the Edmonton Oilers in 2022 as their Manager of Corporate Partnerships.

"Working at the highest level in hockey was always my goal and working in the NHL was the ultimate dream,” says Courtney, who adds it’s been a team effort. “I’m so grateful to my husband and son who have basically moved every two years in support of my dream of getting here. It hasn’t been easy but they’ve made those sacrifices for me.”

Her son, Nash, age 11, has followed in his mom’s footsteps, and plays hockey too, loving the perks of her job. “It makes me happy that my family, after all they’ve done for me, get to reap some of the benefits of my work,” says Courtney who takes her family to as many Oilers games as they can get to.

Courtney credits Saint Mary’s with helping her learn how to multi-task, perform under pressure, and be accountable to those she makes commitments to. “At SMU, I was a student first and an athlete second, and to play the game I loved, I had to do well in the classroom.”

She also deeply appreciates the deep and enduring friendships she made while playing for the Huskies. “There are so many amazing women who I shared experiences with and learned so much from,” she says, adding that they also had a lot of fun. She fondly remembers the bus trips, the hotels, and that first step onto the ice of the old SMU rink during early morning practices.

Courtney marvels at how things have changed for women athletes in the past couple of decades. “There are so many different paths for young women athletes to go down now, so many different options available. Many more than there were for me, it’s a different landscape.”

And when she gets the chance to talk to university-aged women athletes about their futures, she always makes a point of telling them that the NHL isn’t just for men. “There are so many jobs working in the game and there are jobs for you, as a woman, if the NHL is your dream too. If this is the place you want to be, there are opportunities here for you to live that dream.”

By Renée Hartleib

Justine Colley-Leger: Inspiring young women with her legacy

This year, Saint Mary’s celebrates the 50th anniversary of women in varsity sport. Throughout the year, we will highlight women in sport at Saint Mary’s, like basketball superstar Justine Colley-Leger BComm'14, who continues to inspire young women athletes today. 

Justine Colley-Leger BComm’14

You could say that sport, specifically basketball, has always been a part of Justine Colley-Leger’s BComm’14 life. In fact, her daycare teachers still talk about how, as a toddler, she would ask them to get the basketball out of the toy box so she could shoot on the four-foot hoop!  

The youngest of five, who grew up in East Preston, Justine’s sports journey began when she was eight years old. Her Mom took her to an open session of the Cole Harbour Rockets for the under-10 age group, and when they got there, Justine was the only kid who could dribble with both hands and reach the hoop.

The coach noticed and told the mother and daughter duo about an under-12 girls' basketball team that was just starting. He encouraged Justine to try out. “That was the start of someone taking notice of my skills and placing me on a trajectory,” she says. “One where I would be playing against older and often more skilled people than myself.”  

For years, she was the smallest kid on the court, coming home with many bumps and bruises. But now, she can see how these experiences of being the underdog helped her build resilience. They also helped build her skill level.   

By the time she was 14, Justine was playing on the high school varsity basketball team at Halifax Grammar School, where she was enrolled for Grades 9-12. Once again, she was playing at a level above her age group and against girls who were many years older.   

To no one’s surprise, Justine excelled and, upon graduation, was recruited by countless Canadian universities and a handful of NCAA schools in the States. Ultimately, she chose to stay in Nova Scotia and attend Saint Mary’s, where her older sister had also gone. “I knew that at some point I’d have to put the basketball down, so that was a part of my decision to go to Saint Mary’s. I was drawn to their strong academic program. Plus, I’m a real homebody,” she adds with a laugh. “I like to see familiar faces and eat home-cooked meals!”  

In her five years at Saint Mary’s, Justine became a basketball superstar. She led the Huskies to two AUS championships and CIS (now U-Sports) silver and bronze medals. She also earned two-time AUS MVP, four-time All-Canadian, and five-time AUS first-team All-Star, while playing more than 40 games with the Canadian national team.   

“Justine was a tremendous leader who helped elevate Saint Mary’s Women’s basketball on the national stage, lifting the team to its first-ever regular season #1 national ranking,” says Head Coach Scott Munro. “A player and person like Justine only come along once in a long while. It was an honour and a pleasure to coach and watch her leave her mark on Saint Mary’s University and Canadian University basketball.”  

To this day, Justine still holds the distinction of being the all-time leading scorer in the history of Canadian women’s university basketball and, in 2019, was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame.  

She made some lifelong friends during her years of Huskies basketball and loved playing for the huge crowds their games drew. “It’s rare that a women’s game gets more spectators than the men’s team, but that’s what happened in those days,” she says. “The stands were always full.”  

It’s these types of stories that she loves to share with young women in the hope that they, too, will enjoy the tremendous benefits that sport can bring to life. And with stats showing that pre-teen girls tend to step away from sports as they work their way through their teens, Justine thinks it’s crucial that these girls hear stories of women who have had successful athletic careers in high school and university.   

“When we tell the stories of successful female athletes, this inspires young women to follow that path as well, and then to reap the benefits to their overall well-being - physically, mentally, and socially.”  

Justine began dating her husband, Maj. Nicolas Leger, in her university years. They now have four children and have returned to East Preston to raise their family. She loves being close to her parents and extended family and relishes the strong community vibe of the place she calls home.  

Sport continues to be a considerable part of Justine’s life—she now plays in the semi-professional Maritime Women’s Basketball Association—and six months ago, she accepted the position of Athletic Director at Halifax Grammar School. She’s having a ball and is also putting her Major in Finance to good use, creating budgets and using some of the time management skills she gained during her university years when she had to juggle sports, academics, part-time work, and family life.  

She’s been asked to give presentations on her athletic career within the school and can feel her impact on the students there. “It’s a real privilege to inspire others, especially young people,” says Justine. “I feel so appreciative, fortunate, and blessed to be in this role.” 

By Renée Hartleib