Meet your Sobey School Valedictorian: Christopher Martin

Christoper Martin

From Navy Ship to Scholarship: Sobey School Fall Valedictorian Christopher Martin manages a Navy career and academic success

There is no such thing as a typical career path, and there is no such thing as a typical Sobey School of Business Student.

The Valedictorian for the Fall 2026 graduating class, Christopher Martin, grew up in Tremont, near Greenwood, Nova Scotia and graduated from West Kings District High School in 2009. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy, and, as part of his training to become a Marine Engineering Technician, he attended a year-long Marine Institute at Memorial University (NL).

As for so many others, COVID-19 was a catalyst for Christopher to consider a change. While working from home during the pandemic, he started taking part-time classes at Saint Mary’s University.

“I chose Saint Mary’s because of the prestige that is associated with the Sobey School of Business. I also had friends and family graduate from Saint Mary’s, and they all gave it a glowing recommendation.”

In 2024, Christopher was accepted into the military’s University Training Plan for Non-Commissioned Members, and he transitioned to a full-time student, majoring in General Business Studies. He now works as a Logistics Officer at CFB Halifax and has almost completed his initial trades training.

So, what helped Christopher, in his unique position, succeed?

“The academic advisors were a big help, they helped me choose a major, manage my classes and provided great recommendations and insights. I also took advantage of the PAS [Peer Academic Support] program for extra help in finance and accounting.”

“My advice to current students is to just do your best. If you don’t enjoy what you are learning, re-evaluate and find what you do enjoy. That will make learning both easier and more enjoyable.”

— Christoper Martin

The academic experience was rewarding for this mature student. “I was lucky enough to take many interesting classes; the sports business and sustainable business classes, especially Economics of Sustainability, were some of my favorites as they connected interesting real-world examples to the topics and allowed for a large amount of freedom when doing projects.”

“I made the Dean’s List after my first year back and maintained that honour throughout my time at SMU. For someone who struggled with education in the past, this was a great personal achievement.”

Finally, Christopher noted some special professors really helped his learning journey.

“Paul Dixon had a very positive impact when I first entered full-time education. I enjoyed a few chats in his office, and the direction he gave me as I entered a new environment helped me find my way. Marie-Claire Robitaille and Joniada Milla created an interest in Economics I didn’t know I had, and their passion for their work was contagious.”

Christopher was awarded a Chrysler Canada scholarship, which he had to turn down as he graduated early. He’s looking ahead now to his future goals: “to become qualified in my new role, to use my new knowledge to the benefit of the Canadian Armed Forces and to redeploy or serve in a foreign posting.”

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Fall Convocation takes place on Friday, November 13, 2026. Watch the ceremonies online via livestream and visit the graduation website for more information.

Meet your Arts Valedictorian: D’Andre Farrel

D’Andre Farrel represents the Faculty of Arts as Valedictorian at Fall Convocation

Political Science (Hons), Business minor

Growing up in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, D’Andre Farrel saw Saint Mary’s graduates in his community build careers he hoped to pursue himself. Their experience helped him imagine a future at Saint Mary’s, where he would become a student leader, varsity athlete and the first in his family to graduate from university.  

“Their experiences showed me that coming from a small island did not have to limit the size of my ambitions,” he says.

D’Andre is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Political Science and a minor in business, representing the Faculty of Arts as valedictorian for Fall 2026.

Having moved to Canada independently at 17, D’Andre found friendship and support through residence life. He celebrated his eighteenth birthday in the Vanier Student Lounge and later became a Residence Assistant and Pack Leader, helping other students find their footing.

That interest in supporting fellow students carried into his work with the Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA), where he served as Board Chair and Chief Governance Officer. He also represented students on the university’s Board of Governors and Academic Senate, competed with the varsity track and field team, and participated in the Caribbean Society and Debate Society.

Alongside his studies and campus involvement, D’Andre worked several jobs to help finance his education. He received the Bryan J. Rice Award for Excellence in Student Governance in 2025 and 2026 and was named a U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian for 2023-2024.

His interest in politics and law also shaped his honours research, which examined how political interests influence the protection of civilians through the United Nations Security Council. Now working in Internal Appeals within the Legal Department at the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, D’Andre hopes to begin law school in fall 2027 and eventually become a judge.

For D’Andre, those plans also include helping young people facing financial barriers pursue an education.

“Ultimately, I want my success to create possibilities for others.”

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Q&A with D’Andre

How were you involved in the Saint Mary’s community?

Student governance was a big part of my experience. I served as SMUSA’s Vice-Chair and later as Board Chair and Chief Governance Officer, and represented students on the Board of Governors and Academic Senate. Those experiences taught me to listen, consider different perspectives, and take responsibility for decisions that affect others.

I also competed with the varsity track and field team, worked as a Residence Assistant and volunteered as a Pack Leader. Through the Debate Society, I competed at the Canadian Parliamentary National Championships during my first semester.

Another memorable experience was serving on the Food Committee. Coming from the Caribbean, I naturally had a few opinions about our dining options! We helped introduce a spice rack at Dockside and advocated for more variety, including Caribbean-inspired meals.

Did you live or work on campus?

I lived in residence until January 2025 and became a Residence Assistant in September 2023. Residence introduced me to some of my closest friends. We shared meals at Dockside, went to the gym together, and had plenty of conversations after difficult classes and exams.

I also worked with Aramark, in Facilities Management and as a Fitness Associate at the Homburg Centre. These jobs helped me support myself while studying. I jokingly refer to my Facilities Management position as my first “big-boy job.” Being able to cover more of my expenses and buy clothes better suited to the Canadian winters was a significant milestone.

What was your favourite class?

International Relations with Dr. Doucet. In one of our first classes, he used a scene from Toy Story, my favourite movie, to explain espionage and intelligence gathering. I had watched it countless times, but I had never thought about Woody sending the toy soldiers to investigate Andy’s birthday presents in that way!

The course also included a simulation where we represented fictional countries, negotiated treaties and formed alliances. We became so invested that classmates were still giving each other suspicious looks in the hallways afterwards, as though someone might be gathering intelligence for a rival country.

Dr. Doucet later became my honours thesis supervisor.

Tell us about your honours research.

My thesis was titled “Selective Humanitarianism: The Discursive Construction and Constraint of the Protection of Civilians Norm in the UN Security Council.”

I examined how states discuss their responsibilities toward civilians affected by armed conflict, and how political considerations can limit humanitarian protection. It brought together my interests in international law, politics and the responsibilities of powerful institutions.

I also presented my research at the Canadian Undergraduate Security Conference at the Royal Military College Saint-Jean in Quebec.

Which Professor had the biggest impact on you?

Dr. Stella Gaon. My first course with her, History of Political Thought, was probably the most challenging course I completed at Saint Mary’s. At first, I questioned how some of the theories connected to the world today. By the end of the semester, I was referencing political philosophers in everyday conversations.

She later led the Political Science Honours program and challenged me to question my assumptions and develop arguments supported by careful reasoning and evidence. She listened when I needed support while still expecting my best work.

What will you miss about Saint Mary’s?

Without question, the people. I’ll miss the everyday conversations with friends, professors and staff, and being surrounded by people with different interests and ambitions.

I’m especially grateful for those who supported me through difficult moments. Their kindness made Saint Mary’s a place where I felt I belonged. As I prepare for law school, I hope to find a community as welcoming as the one I found here.

What are your goals for the future?

I hope to begin a Juris Doctor degree in fall 2027 and eventually pursue further graduate studies in law. I want to build a career in advocacy and public service, and one of my long-term ambitions is to become a judge.

I also want to help young people, particularly those from disadvantaged communities, access higher education. My own education was made possible by my family, mentors and people who believed in me. I hope to give others some of the opportunities I received.

What advice would you give to current students?

Get involved. Volunteer, join a society, attend events and introduce yourself to people you might not ordinarily approach. If you’re shy, start small. You never know which experience might introduce you to a lifelong friend or help you discover a new interest.

Get to know your professors and staff, too. Some of the people who had the greatest impact on my life were people I met because I introduced myself, asked a question or sought guidance.

Everyone’s university experience will look different. Make choices that matter to you, and give yourself time to enjoy being here.

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Fall Convocation takes place on Friday, November 13, 2026. Watch the ceremonies online via livestream and visit the graduation website for more information.

Meet the engineering student using entrepreneurship to make a difference

Sydney West

For first-year Saint Mary’s University engineering student Sydney West, entrepreneurship is about more than developing a new technology. It is about solving real challenges and creating something that could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Sydney, from Kentville, Nova Scotia, is developing Purspex, a health technology venture focused on creating active light-blocking glasses for people with photosensitive epilepsy. The prototype is designed to distinguish strobe lighting from continuous lighting and block triggering light in real time, with the goal of helping prevent seizures.

The idea is personal. Sydney was diagnosed with photosensitive epilepsy in Grade 9 and quickly realized there was a lack of education and tools available to people living with the condition beyond medication. As someone with drug-resistant epilepsy, she wanted to explore a different approach.

“I decided I wanted to make a prototype that could be a universal solution for all patients, no matter if they can take any medication or not.”

That motivation has shaped Sydney’s approach to both engineering and entrepreneurship. While she never initially imagined pursuing engineering or science, developing a prototype around a personal passion changed that perspective. It showed how subjects like math and science could be applied to real-world problems and used to help others.

“Engineering doesn't have to be strictly schooling,” Sydney said. “You can kind of pair that with your own interests as well.”

Sydney displays the Purspex glasses prototype

That connection between innovation and impact is also what drew Sydney to Saint Mary’s. During a high school campus tour, Sydney was impressed by the engineering facilities and the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. The welcoming environment and the Enactus Saint Mary’s team helped make the university feel like the right fit.

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Today, Sydney brings that same interest in innovation to Enactus SMU, where students explore entrepreneurship and develop ideas that address global challenges.

Purspex is currently in the prototype stage, with a working prototype already developed. Sydney is now working on a printed circuit board (PCB), exploring custom lens manufacturing and developing a custom frame. The next goal is to create a prototype that can be commercialized while continuing testing to help validate the technology.

Through Enactus SMU, Sydney is demonstrating how entrepreneurial thinking can complement technical skills, turning personal experience into an opportunity to innovate and make a difference.

Want to get involved? Join Enactus Saint Mary’s to collaborate with fellow students, explore new ideas and contribute to innovative projects that make a difference.

Interested in learning more about Saint Mary’s? Visit campus during the next Open House on Saturday, November 28.

Academic Integrity Week 2026

Academic integrity is the foundation of higher learning. It refers to a set of ethical values relating to how we treat our sources of knowledge and how new knowledge is constructed and shared with others. The values of academic integrity go beyond student citation mistakes, plagiarism and cheating, which are the technical manifestations of violations associated with it. Academic integrity is a shared responsibility among all members of the University community.

The aim of this week-long event is to engage students, faculty and staff in learning and sharing with others how they can uphold academic integrity to increase student success and promote the ethical values of scholarly dialogue and respectful knowledge creation. See our list of events and learn how students can earn Co-Curricular Recognition for attending!

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Schedule of events

Faculty and Student Panel Session
Academic Integrity: What Do We Ask of Each Other? 

Monday, November 2
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 
CLARI (AT340) 

This 90-minute forum will bring students and faculty together to explore academic integrity as a shared responsibility. The discussion will focus on trust, fairness and relational accountability in the context of teaching and learning. Participants will have the opportunity to work through realistic 'gray zone' cases/scenarios, consider who is affected in each one and what responsibilities arise, then separately identify what students and faculty need from an academic integrity-focused process before returning to mixed groups to work together to shape fair, proportionate, educational and accountable responses. 

The panel will be moderated by Dr. Tatjana Takseva, Vice-Chairperson of Academic Senate. 

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Academic Integrity Pop-Up Information Table – Spin to Win! 

Tuesday, November 3
12-2 p.m.
Loyola Colonnade 

Drop by the academic integrity information table at Loyola Colonnade by Tim Hortons and test your knowledge of academic integrity. Spin the wheel for a chance to win prizes. 

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SMUSA Academic Integrity Pop-up table 

Wednesday, November 4
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Gorsebrook Lounge 

Between trivia rounds, stop by the table to chat with the SMUSA VP Academic over a game of Jenga. Pull a block, test your knowledge, and grab an information card with quick tips and campus resources before heading back to your team!

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Copyright and Credibility Pop-up table 

Thursday, November 5
11 a.m.–1 p.m. 
O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre

Have questions about copyright, fair dealing, or licensing? Visit the Copyright and Credibility Pop-up Table in the Student Centre on Thursday, November 5 and chat with Librarian Dan Phillips and Copyright Assistant Max Nodwell. We're also looking for new pop-culture examples of Copyright in Action to make future workshops more engaging, so stop by and help us brainstorm ideas! 

Attendees: 

• Dan Phillips - Data Services and Copyright Librarian  

• Max Nodwell - Library Assistant, Copyright 

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Earn CCR credit

Students, take part in five Academic Integrity Week events and earn recognition through the Co-Curricular Recognition (CCR) program.

How to earn recognition:

Attend five Academic Integrity Week events.

• These five events include the Library's Academic Integrity Foundations module.

• Participate, learn and engage at any combination of sessions offered during the week.

Your participation will be recognized through the Co-Curricular Recognition (CCR) program and added to your Student Experience Record. You can work toward earning a Bronze Experiential Badge through Career & Experiential Learning.

Why take part?

• Explore ethical learning

• Build community responsibility

• Strengthen your academic success

• Contribute to a culture of integrity at SMU

Ready to get recognized?

Fill out this form to track your attendance at Academic Integrity Week events for your Experience Record.

Meet your SNAP Tutors

The SNAP Centre is located in the Atrium building

The SNAP Centre (Science Numeracy & Academic Proficiency) at Saint Mary’s provides free peer tutoring for students in first-year science courses.

Designed to support students through their first-year courses, this tutoring service can help students with conceptual understanding of topics, assignments and study skills and strategies.

SNAP Centre tutors are all Dean’s List students who have taken the same courses in recent years. Dean’s List students have achieved a high degree of academic success, earning an annual average of A- or higher (GPA > 3.70). They can tutor students in biology, chemistry, computing science, earth science, engineering, math and physics courses.

Students are welcome to drop in or book an appointment for in-person or online appointments.

Meet the tutors

Izzie Couillard 

Program: Third year, Bachelor of Science with Diploma in Engineering (Discipline in Resource Engineering)

SNAP tutor specialties: Math, Chem, and open to other first-year courses

Future Plans: I hope to graduate in Spring 2027 and return to complete a Bachelor of Resource Engineering at SMU with a specialty in Renewable Energy 

Favourite engineering class: History of Science and Technology (HIST 1301)

Favourite elective class: Environmental Impact Assessment

Best spot at SMU to study: Design rooms on the first floor of the Eng Building – Bert, our chief morale officer is available during study breaks. 

Advice to new students for success in university: Put EVERYTHING in your calendar! 

Andrew Dove

Program: Second year, Bachelor of Science in Physics

SNAP tutor specialties: Math, computing science, and physics 

Future plans: TBD

Favourite class in my major: Physics 1210

Favourite elective class: Computing Science 1226 

Best spot at SMU to study: The Patrick Power Library

Advice to new students for success in university: Study!

Rohen Hayne

Program: Third year, Bachelor of Science in Biology

SNAP tutor specialties: Biology, chemistry, and math

Future plans: Graduate or professional studies

Favourite class for your major: Human Physiology

Favourite elective class: Introduction to Philosophy

Best spot at SMU to study: The library

Advice to new students for success in university: Stay consistent with your studying, ask for help when you need it, and avoid letting your coursework pile up.

Ella Jackson

Program: Third year, majoring in Astrophysics and Math

SNAP tutor specialties: Math and Physics

Future plans: Complete a master’s in astrophysics  

Favourite class in my major: Math 2310 or Phys 2303

Favourite elective class: Psychology 1310, Intro to Memory

Best spot at SMU to study: Any library quiet floor or study room!

Advice to new students for success in university: Ask for help as soon as you need it!

Skye Jiang

Program: Second year, Diploma in Engineering

SNAP tutor specialties: Math 1210, Math1211, Math2301, Phys1210

Future plans: Go to Dal to finish a civil engineering degree 

Favourite class in my major: Statics

Best spot at SMU to study: Library

Advice to new students for success in university: Schedule your workload well, and make sure you get more than half of the courses. That will make the exam weeks easier.

Zack Kennedy

Program: Third year, Bachelor of Science with Diploma in Engineering

SNAP tutor specialties: Math, physics, engineering, chemistry

Future plans: Finish my Mechanical Engineering degree at Dalhousie University

Favourite class in my major: Mechanics of Materials (EGNE 2304)

Your favourite elective class: People, Place and Environment (GEOG 1200)

Best spot at SMU to study: First floor in the library

Advice to new students for success in university: Ask questions early in the semester. A solid understanding of the fundamental concepts is really helpful as you get into the more complex topics of the course.

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Students work together to develop new business opportunities for Purposeful Group

Competitors in the Provincial Innovation Sprint.

This September, 20 students from Saint Mary’s University, Dalhousie University, Acadia University and Nova Scotia Community College came together at Acadia University’s Launchbox space for a Provincial Innovation Sprint in partnership with the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and NSCC. The four-hour challenge asked students to work in teams to solve a real business for Purposeful Group and develop strategies the company could put into action.

Purposeful Group is a social enterprise that helps organizations measure the impact of their community-based programs. Through impact measurement, the company turns community investments into clear evidence and stories, helping businesses better understand and communicate the difference they make.

The challenge was to identify companies that could benefit from Purposeful Group’s services and develop a strategy to connect with them.

Working against the clock, six teams researched potential partners and developed their ideas before presenting three-minute pitches, followed by a question-and-answer session.

The winning team, made up of Cooper Roberts and Rishita Mishra from Saint Mary’s University and Drew Paynter from Acadia University, proposed partnering with Sobeys. Their idea focused on refreshing Purposeful Group’s website and social media to strengthen its brand and improve outreach. Interestingly, another team also identified Sobeys as a potential partner but took a different approach, focusing on opportunities within retail stores.

Second place went to Saint Mary’s students Grace Scuse, Mannat Gogia and Diana Danilova, who proposed working with Atlantic Canadian company Cavendish Farms to measure the impact of its upcoming winter gala. Third place went to Acadia students Rosham Adhikari, Rosemary Etu-efeotor, Shekin David Raj and Omoroje Benjamin Alimele, who proposed a partnership with Irving Oil.

First-place team

(l to r) Rishita Mishra, Drew Paynter, Cooper Roberts

Second-place team

(l to r) Grace Scuse, Diana Danilova, Mannat Gogia

Third-place team

(l to r) Omoroje Benjamin Alimele, Rosemary Etu-efeotor, Shekin David Raj, Rosham Adhikari

For Purposeful Group, the ideas offered more than just a competition result. Lisa Lowthers, Senior Impact Consultant at Purposeful Group, said, “The students gave us great suggestions on how to get our product to market. Now, we have six ways in which we could approach that task for our business.”

For students, the experience was just as valuable. “It allowed me to work on some problems from really cool businesses and create solutions with even cooler people,” said Cooper Roberts, a Saint Mary’s University student and member of the winning team. Grithika Salian, an Acadia University student, added “Every single Sprint challenge teaches you so much more. You learn how to be more confident and you see so many different aspects of the business.”

By bringing students and businesses together, the Innovation Sprint gives students the chance to put their skills into practice while helping businesses discover new possibilities.

If you’re interested in being a part of a future Innovation Sprint, learn more here. 

The Engineer, the Professor and the Salesman

How Saint Mary’s University gave birth to the Novastorms AI success story

It sounds like a joke setup: “An engineer, a professor and a salesman walk into an AI company. What happens next is unreal!”

But it’s real: after just 18 months in business and a few pivots, Novastorms Data Analytics has landed a 3-year, seven-figure deal with Dubai-based AI software company Qorellian.

So where does the story start?

Emeka Nwankwo MTEI’25

The Engineer

Chukwuemeka (Emeka) Nwankwo MTEI’25 has a unique blend of gravitas and enthusiasm. You can easily trust him, and you have only to ask him a technology question to be impressed by his knowledge.

He came to Saint Mary's University from Lagos, Nigeria, having spent more than six years as a senior software engineer with a Utah-based real estate company. He entered the Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation degree program in September 2023. The MTEI degree appealed to Emeka as a way to learn how to build a business around his technological prowess.

While studying in the MTEI program, Emeka discovered the Machine Learning course that Dr. Yigit Aydede taught in another graduate program. He sought special permission to take it. Dr. Aydede, recognizing Emeka’s talent and experience, not only granted him entry to the course, but he soon enlisted him as a research assistant.

"As a software engineer, I'd spent years building systems that moved data around,” said Emeka. “Working with Dr. Aydede, I started asking what that data could actually tell us. Machine learning and AI were the missing piece."

Dr. Yigit Aydede

The Professor

Dr. Yigit Aydede is intense and has a strong “no-nonsense” demeanour.  He got on the AI train early, with research, lectures, and courses centred on machine learning dating back at least a decade. He’s written two books on Machine Learning. As he says, “I became the ‘AI guy’.”

His analytical mind and active involvement in the broader economics and technology field are crucial elements in the Novastorms mix. So are his robust connections – particularly in his native Turkiye.

Kevin Buchan

The Salesman

Kevin Buchan has led the Office of Innovation and Community Engagement since 2014. A curious and gregarious man, he is active in the efforts to commercialize university projects and promote collaboration and research. He co-founded a biotech company in 2018. When Dr. Aydede began seriously considering what Novastorms could be, he brought Kevin on board for his complementary skills in marketing, sales, and promotion, as well as his similarly strategic approach to the business.

The Product

When Emeka talks about Novastorms’ AI product, his excitement is contagious. He will offer you a demo. His hands tap an invisible keyboard, and he gestures a picture to life in the air.

Novastorms AI started by building public information dashboards for the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), using open datasets available to them. There were two main products:

• A neighbourhood dashboard that included school zones and other local information.

• A safety dashboard with a built-in AI chat, so users could ask questions and get insights from the data on the dashboard.

As they developed the AI analytics on those dashboards, they realized the same capability could be much more useful if people could apply it to their own data.

Thus, the current product came into focus: In-House Insights. A private, secure environment where users with their own datasets in protected spaces use AI to explore them and get insights. The model is meant to offer security for sensitive information, like personnel records or health records.

With the successful first sale, the team are now intent on continuing to iterate in response to new technology demands and to seek out new markets. Saint Mary’s University is implementing the product under the oversight of Chief Information Officer Todd Williams.

With a hospital in Turkiye already showing interest, the team are determined to make the case for In-House Insights’ role in health care. As Kevin says, “From a research perspective, getting health data is painful. Rightfully so! No one should share health data.” However, he notes, this keeps the health system from fully being able to utilize the capabilities of AI. With Novastorm’s architecture, data remains guarded and private.

Emeka is grateful for the path that brought him to Saint Mary’s University and looks forward to what the future brings.

"AI has opened up possibilities we're only beginning to understand. If you have an idea, there's never been a better time to explore it and build it into something real. I can't wait to see what comes next."

Bermudians celebrate connections to Saint Mary's

An evening at the Botanist Cafe & Garden Lounge in Bermuda showed why the island's bond with SMU runs deeper than a flight path. 

When Sioma Rudo began her Bachelor of Commerce at Saint Mary's University this Fall, she was following a path her mother had taken too. Before leaving Bermuda, she joined alumni, current students and families at The Botanist Café to celebrate a connection many Bermudian families have passed down through generations. 

Deep roots connect Halifax and Bermuda, dating back centuries. In the 1700s, Bermuda sloops carried salt to Nova Scotia, where it was used to preserve fish, and traded it for cod. For most of the 1800s, the Royal Navy's North American squadron spent summers in Halifax and winters at the naval dockyard in Bermuda.  

Commerce connected the two as well. In 1882, the Merchants' Bank of Halifax, which later became RBC, appointed Nathaniel Butterfield, a Hamilton shipowner and the town's mayor, as its agent in Bermuda. His son Harry trained at the bank's Halifax head office, and the family incorporated its own bank in 1904. Today, the bank operates a support services office in downtown Halifax. 

Sioma Rudo

Sioma arrived at SMU with an impressive record. In August, she was named Bermuda's Overall Outstanding Young Person at the 2026 Youth Trailblazers Out Front Awards. A former deputy head girl at The Berkeley Institute, she earned her associate degree from Bermuda College with distinction, runs two small businesses and has served on the Youth Advisory Board for Bermuda's Youth Mental Health Plan.

She was awarded the Sir Harry D. Butterfield Undergraduate Scholarship, which provides $30,000 a year toward her studies and can be renewed for up to four years. She plans to major in Human Resources Management. 

The Rudo family travelled to Halifax together so she could see the campus that played such an important role in her family’s lives. 

"I grew up hearing about Saint Mary's," said Sioma. "My mother, along with my aunt and brother, always talked about the friends they made, the professors who pushed them and how Halifax became a second home. When I finally walked the campus with them, I understood what they meant. It didn't feel like I was starting somewhere new. It felt like I was joining something my family was already part of." 

Her story is a familiar one in Bermuda, where hundreds of Saint Mary's alumni have built a lasting connection between the island and the university. The connection rests on practical ties, including a shared time zone, a short nonstop flight and a transfer pathway from Bermuda College. It also rests on a history linking Bermuda and Halifax that goes back centuries. 

“What stands out about Saint Mary’s connection to Bermuda is how deeply it runs through generations,” said Mary Ann Daye BComm'85, Director of Alumni Engagement. “Alumni who graduated decades ago are sharing their stories and advice with students who are just beginning at Saint Mary’s. These relationships have been built by families over many years, and it’s wonderful to see that tradition continuing with a new generation of Bermudian students.” 

Alumni from several decades were in attendance at the send-off event, including Malcolm Butterfield BComm'75, Reeshemah Swan BA'93, Lisa Frias BComm’02 and Kimberley Joslyn BComm’02, who shared their own stories and experiences living in Halifax as university students.  

SMU students Isai Gibbons, Peter Strachan and Sioma Rudo

Second-year Bachelor of Commerce student Peter Strachan spoke about his journey to Saint Mary’s and the challenges he overcame, offering encouragement to students about to begin their own university experience. His advice, drawn from his first year on campus, was warmly received by both students and their families. The evening provided an opportunity for incoming students to ask questions about classes, residence life, and what it is like to make the transition from Bermuda to Nova Scotia.  

“I encourage new students to become involved in a student society. Two great groups are the “run for fun” club and the outdoor society,” said Peter. “In addition to the classes, there are many other activities to take advantage of, including hiking and skating. This year, I am looking forward to hearing firsthand from the business leaders who are coming to campus to connect with students.”  

Ties that run centuries deep 

The two places also share a chapter in North America’s history of Black freedom. At the end of the War of 1812, about 800 of the Black Refugees who fled slavery in the United States for Nova Scotia arrived by way of Bermuda.  

In 1890, at the request of Archbishop Cornelius O'Brien of Halifax, four Sisters of Charity sailed to Bermuda and opened Mount Saint Agnes Academy, which still educates Bermudian students today. The sisters' voyage took four days. Today, the trip takes about two and a half hours. 

Sioma is not the only new Bermudian Husky following a parent to Saint Mary's. Men's soccer newcomer Isai Gibbons, whose father graduated in 2006, joined the Huskies from Saltus Grammar School and the St. George's Colts.  

Isai Gibbons. Source: SMU Huskies

Isai represented Bermuda at CONCACAF U20 Championship and U17 World Cup qualifiers and was nominated for Bermuda's Young Player of the Year in both 2025 and 2026. In September, he played alongside fellow Bermudians Sami Carolo and Kydan Browne as the Huskies drew 1-1 with Dalhousie at Wickwire Field.  

"I believe that I can bring something special to the team," he said when he committed to Saint Mary's this summer.  

As alumni swapped memories of walks along Spring Garden Road and favourite spots around Halifax, one important question needed answering: Is Tim Hortons still on campus? It is, and so is a warm welcome for the next generation of Bermudian Huskies.  

Did you know? Saint Mary's offers a pathway with Bermuda College, where graduates of the college's two-year business associate programs can transfer up to 60 credit hours into the Bachelor of Commerce and may finish the degree in about two years. Learn more about the Bermuda College pathway to a Bachelor of Commerce. 

Alumni who know a Bermudian student considering Saint Mary's can use our form to refer a future SMU student.

Saint Mary's University creates new Medical School Pathway with ACSOM

Saint Mary’s biology students now have a pathway to accelerated admission to the American Canadian School of Medicine

Saint Mary's University has signed a Medical School Pathway Program agreement with the American Canadian School of Medicine (ACSOM) in the Commonwealth of Dominica, creating a new pathway for students interested in pursuing careers in medicine. The agreement establishes a structured academic pathway that will allow eligible students enrolled in Saint Mary's Bachelor of Science in Biology program to pursue accelerated admission to ACSOM's Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.

Through the Saint Mary’s Medical School Pathway Program, students will complete the first three years of study at Saint Mary's before beginning four years of medical studies at ACSOM. Students who successfully complete the first year at ACSOM will receive credits toward their Saint Mary's degree and will be eligible to graduate with a Bachelor of Science from Saint Mary's while continuing toward their medical degree.

Students who meet the pathway's academic requirements may apply to ACSOM without writing the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Students entering ACSOM through the pathway will also receive a scholarship equivalent to at least 25 per cent of standard ACSOM tuition. During the first three years of the agreement, ACSOM will reserve up to 50 spaces annually for qualified Saint Mary's pathway students.

“This partnership creates a new and innovative route from an outstanding undergraduate education at Saint Mary’s to medical school.”

— Dr. Michael Khan, President and Vice-Chancellor, SMU

“For decades, Saint Mary's has produced talented graduates from undergraduate programs who have gone on to stellar careers in medicine and health," said Dr. Michael Khan, President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary's University. "This partnership creates a new and innovative route from an outstanding undergraduate education at Saint Mary's to medical school."

"I know the excellence of our science programs, our faculty and our students,” said Dr. Sam Veres, Provost and Vice-President Academic and Research (Interim). “Every year, our students demonstrate the talent, work ethic and academic achievement needed to succeed at the highest levels. This pathway recognizes that excellence and creates an exciting new opportunity for students to pursue careers in medicine.”

"The American Canadian School of Medicine is committed to creating new opportunities for qualified Canadian students to pursue medical education," said Dr. Andrew Padmos, Executive Vice-President for Canada at ACSOM. "Our partnership with Saint Mary's University creates a new pathway for students to pursue their medical aspirations while building on the strong academic foundation they receive through Saint Mary's science programming. We look forward to welcoming qualified Saint Mary's students to ACSOM and supporting their development as future physicians."

The pathway supports Saint Mary's commitment to student success and provides aspiring physicians with a clearly defined academic route from undergraduate studies to medical education. It also strengthens the university's growing portfolio of academic and professional pathways that connect students with opportunities in high-demand fields while enhancing the Faculty of Science's ability to attract and support students interested in healthcare and medical careers.

Students at the American Canadian School of Medicine Source: ACSOM

From medical education in Dominica to clinical training in North America, ACSOM students build their clinical skills through hands-on experiences in hospital and clinical settings during the final two years of the MD program. These experiences allow students to work alongside practicing physicians, apply their medical knowledge in real-world settings, and gain exposure to different specialties as they prepare for postgraduate training. 

ACSOM prepares students for both the US and Canadian residency match. Students take the USMLE exams for the US and the Medical Council of Canada exams for residency and licensure in Canada.

ACSOM is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM) and the Independent Agency for Accreditation and Rating (IAAR), providing students and families with confidence in the institution's commitment to internationally recognized standards in medical education.

Saint Mary’s joins the University of Waterloo and the University of Windsor as the third Canadian university to establish a medical school pathway to ACSOM.

How Enactus Saint Mary’s and Square Roots are giving students real business experience

Enactus Saint Mary’s students on site at a Square Roots community market

For more than 10 years, Square Roots has given Saint Mary’s University students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience running a real business while making an impact in communities across Nova Scotia.

Nathan and Leah review the Square Roots website

Founded in 2016 by two Saint Mary’s alumni, Mitch Harrison BComm’17 and Ross Arsenault BComm’18 MTEI’20, Square Roots is a program dedicated to reducing food waste and creating affordable access to fruits and vegetables through community markets. Each year, two Saint Mary's students serve as project managers and bring together a team to build on the previous year, bringing their own experience and ideas to the business.

Nathan Crowell was inspired to get involved with Square Roots after seeing the impact student leaders created through Enactus Saint Mary’s. For Leah McNamara, the connection was even closer to home.

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“I got to see all the amazing work that’s happening in each of our communities across Nova Scotia,” Leah shared. “Even just five minutes away from my house, we have a Square Roots location, so getting to see that every few weeks really inspired me to get involved myself here at SMU.”

That hands-on experience has also become an extension of what students are learning in the classroom.

Both Leah and Nathan are Bachelor of Commerce students at Saint Mary’s, and their experience with Square Roots and Enactus has given them the chance to put what they learn in the classroom into practice. By working on a real business, they’ve seen how concepts from their Commerce courses apply outside the classroom.

Square Roots is one way students involved with Enactus Saint Mary’s can gain real-world business experience while working on projects that create meaningful impact. For the students managing Square Roots, the opportunity is about more than running a business; it’s about learning by doing and continuing a project that has been passed down by Saint Mary’s students.

Want to get involved? Square Roots is looking for community managers and volunteers. You can also join Enactus Saint Mary’s to get involved with other projects like Square Roots. Email squareroots@enactussmu.ca to learn more or get involved!

Students from across Canada put their ideas to the test during Innovation Sprint with Blyyss

Student presenters at the Innovation Sprint for Blyyss.

On September 19, 20 students from four Canadian universities came together at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University for an Innovation Sprint with Blyyss, a Nova Scotia-built grocery platform that helps people find affordable food and shop with local, independent grocers. 

Over the course of the afternoon, six teams of three to four students were challenged to develop a strategy to attract and retain grocers for Blyyss’ flyer feature, which helps users discover deals and promotions from local grocery stores. 

The four-hour sprint gave students a chance to work together, share ideas and turn their thinking into a short pitch. Students from Saint Mary’s University, Dalhousie University, Memorial University and Athabasca University took part, with students bringing different backgrounds and perspectives to their teams. 

Teams present a one-minute pitch. Selected teams moved on to a second round, where they had three minutes to present.

The challenge was especially meaningful for the founder Conrad Scotchburn BComm’26, a Saint Mary’s alumnus who is currently completing his degree, Master of Technology, Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MTEI) at the university. Conrad is a 2026 Frank H. Sobey Award recipient. He also founded the Saint Mary’s University Artificial Intelligence Society and played on the SMU Men’s Basketball team. 

“I brought a real problem to the Innovation Sprint, one we hadn't solved ourselves and left with ideas I'm using and testing. The students asked questions I hadn't thought to ask and the energy in that room was vibrant and useful to me as a founder. I'd do it again without hesitation!” — Conrad Scotchburn, Founder and CEO of Blyyss 

Teams had an hour and a half to develop their ideas before presenting a one-minute pitch. From there, selected teams moved on to a second round, where they had three minutes to present their strategy followed by a question-and-answer period. 

The winning team was made up of Connor Stewart and Patricia Tagliapetra from Dalhousie University and Jameka Woodside from Saint Mary’s University. Cooper Roberts, Nathan Crowell and Reva Bharadwaj from Saint Mary’s placed second, while Erik Batista from Memorial University, Nafey Narmeen and Zonaira Abro from Saint Mary’s and Suman Singh from Athabasca University placed third. 

“The experience has been nothing short of exceptional. It was a great intellectual exercise that allowed me to network with like-minded peers, build my confidence in collaborating with others and learn to incorporate, build on and tweak one another’s ideas to create a final piece. In the end, our collective efforts earned us first place.” — First Place Winner, Jameka Woodside, Commerce student at Saint Mary’s  

The Innovation Sprint is part of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre’s efforts to give students opportunities to build their skills, meet other students from across the region and work directly with local businesses. 

If you’re interested in being a part of a future Innovation Sprint, learn more here.