Saint Mary’s University welcomes Mark Gosine as Chair of the Board of Governors

Mark Gosine

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce that Mark Gosine, KC, ICD.D, BA’95, is the new Chair of its Board of Governors.

A Saint Mary’s alumnus and longtime member of the Board, Gosine joined the Board of Governors in 2019 and has taken on progressively senior leadership roles. He became Chair of the Governance Committee in 2020 and, in 2022, Chair of the Finance Committee and Vice-Chair of the Board. He succeeds Alan R. Abraham Jr. BComm’80, who served as Chair from 2022 to 2026.

“Saint Mary’s gave me an education and a community that have stayed with me throughout my career, and it’s an honour to serve the university as Chair,” says Gosine. “I’m grateful to my fellow governors for their confidence. I look forward to working with Dr. Khan and our whole community to keep Saint Mary’s strong for students today and for generations to come.”

Gosine brings extensive international business and legal experience to the role. A senior legal executive, lawyer and business adviser, he has worked with boards and management teams on strategy, governance, major transactions and complex business matters across Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.

He was formerly Executive Vice President, Legal Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of WildBrain Ltd. (formerly DHX Media), where he oversaw the company’s global legal and regulatory affairs and played a key role in its international growth. His experience has also included board roles with private and joint-venture companies, including businesses co-owned with the Charles M. Schulz family and Sony Music Entertainment Japan.

Today, Gosine advises public and private companies through his business, media and technology law practice, providing strategic, transactional and general counsel services. He has also served as part-time faculty at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University.

Gosine holds the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and was appointed Queen’s Counsel, now King’s Counsel, in 2020. His professional recognition includes the Legal 500 General Counsel Powerlist for Canada, the Canadian Lawyer Innovation Award for In-House Dealmakers and the Lexpert Canadian Deal Makers Mid-Market Award.

His first career was in music, which he pursued after studying jazz at St. Francis Xavier University. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Saint Mary’s in 1995 before earning his law degree from Dalhousie University.

“I am delighted to welcome Mark Gosine as Chair of our Board of Governors,” says Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Michael Khan. “Mark has served Saint Mary’s with dedication since joining the Board in 2019, bringing thoughtful leadership to both governance and finance. His international experience and deep connection to this university will be tremendous assets in the years ahead.”

Making Waves: SMU alumni building careers with Halifax Tides FC

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

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

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

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

Julie Naugler

Senior Sales Lead

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

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

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

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

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

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

Katelyn Power

Stadium Operations Lead

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

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

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

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

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

Ben Broadbent

Business Development Coordinator    

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

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

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

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

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

Sports Programs at SMU

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

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

From supporting founders to becoming one: David Campbell BComm’24

David Campbell BComm’24

For David, entrepreneurship wasn't always part of the plan. In fact, he says he never considered himself a naturally entrepreneurial person. But after spending years surrounded by founders and innovative ideas at Saint Mary's University, his mindset began to change.

Today, David works at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, where he supports student founders and helps create entrepreneurship programming. Outside of work, he's building his own startup, Recordium, alongside co-founders Harpreet Jaggi, an experienced B2B sales professional, and Max Mascini, a Dalhousie University master's student specializing in AI ethics, neuroscience and machine learning.

The team recently received a major boost after being accepted into the AI2Market Launch incubator, earning $10,000 in funding to help bring their business to life.

Recordium was born from a real-world problem. After hearing about the challenges Harpreet faced while attending sales conferences, the team realized that many professionals invest significant time and money into events without having the tools to prepare effectively or capture valuable conversations afterward.

David and Harpreet, Co-Founders of Recordium

"There's no real system for remembering who you spoke to, following up or learning from those interactions," David explains.

That's why the team is developing a comprehensive conference assistant that helps users prepare before events, identify the right people to meet and use AI-powered note-taking and CRM updates throughout the day.

For David, building Recordium has reinforced many of the lessons he shares with aspiring entrepreneurs every day.

Working at the Entrepreneurship Centre taught him the importance of validating a problem before investing time into building a solution. Now, experiencing customer discovery, product pivots and pitching firsthand has also made him a stronger mentor for students.

“I’m now able to help students by using my lived experience,” he says.

David’s previous ventures included a drive-thru wood-fired pizza business

His own entrepreneurial journey has included previous ventures, from a drive-thru wood-fired pizza concept to a woodworking business. While neither succeeded in the long term, each experience taught valuable lessons and helped build confidence to pursue his latest venture.

Looking ahead, the Recordium team is focused on getting the platform into the hands of sales professionals who regularly attend conferences and networking events. With support from AI2Market Launch and fresh funding behind them, they're eager to discover where the product can create the greatest impact.

David's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: talk to people before you build anything.

"The actual problem people are facing starts to emerge quickly when you're having real conversations," he says. "And just start, even if you think the idea is bad or you don't fully believe in yourself yet. What you learn along the way will be well worth it."

Discover how the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre supports entrepreneurs like Recordium. 

Sociology grad receives prestigious SSHRC Research Scholarship

Sarah Delorme BA’26

Sarah Delorme, a Sociology Honours graduate from Saint Mary's University, was recently awarded a $27,000 Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master's (CGRS-M) from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). The scholarship will support her Master of Arts in Sociology at Concordia University beginning in Fall 2026. In addition, Sarah has been awarded a $6,000 Graduate Special Entrance Scholarship from Concordia University.

After completing the first two years of her Bachelor of Arts at Laurentian University in Ontario, Sarah transferred to Saint Mary's University, where she became deeply involved in academic and campus life. She first served as Secretary and later as Co-President of the SMU Sociology Society, helping to organize both small- and large-scale events for students.

Sarah also gained valuable research experience through several projects. She worked as a research assistant and newsletter assistant editor for the GBV-MIG Canada Research Program under the supervision of Dr. Evangelia Tastsoglou, contributing to research on gender-based violence and migration. Her broad interest in sociological issues also led her to work as a research assistant on Dr. Rui Hou's research on digital mental health interventions for Asian immigrant youth and on Dr. Pauline Hoebanx's research exploring misogynistic online movements.

Beyond her academic work, Sarah has contributed to the Saint Mary's community in numerous roles, including as a Sociology Teaching Assistant, Assistant for the Sobey School of Business Research Newsletter, Secretary of the SMUSA Board of Directors, Game Day Ticketing staff with Athletics & Recreation, and Peer Notetaker for the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility.

A consistent Dean's Honour List student, Sarah received a Bursary Award in 2022 and an Academic Excellence Award in 2023 from Laurentian University. At Saint Mary's University, she earned an Academic Achievement Award and several other merit awards. In 2026, she was awarded the Outstanding Graduating Sociology Student Award by the Canadian Sociological Association (CSA).

Inspired by her work with the GBV-MIG project, Sarah completed her Honours thesis on the resilience of migrant and refugee women who have experienced gender-based violence in migration contexts.

Sarah at Convocation in May 2026

Reflecting on the award, Sarah said she is grateful for the opportunities and mentorship she received throughout her time at Saint Mary's.

"Receiving this scholarship is incredibly exciting and affirming. My experiences at Saint Mary's gave me the opportunity to explore a wide range of sociological topics, work alongside inspiring faculty members, and contribute to research that addresses important social issues. Through those experiences, I discovered a passion for research and a desire to better understand how people navigate complex challenges. I'm excited to continue that work at Concordia and build on the foundation I developed at Saint Mary's."

Dr. Evie Tastsoglou, Professor of Sociology cross-appointed in Political Science and Global Development Studies, said Sarah's success reflects both her academic abilities and her commitment to meaningful research.

Dr. Evie Tastsoglou

"Sarah has distinguished herself through her intellectual curiosity, strong work ethic, and commitment to understanding issues that affect marginalized communities. Whether as a student, research assistant, or campus leader, she has consistently demonstrated thoughtfulness, professionalism, and a desire to make a positive contribution. This SSHRC award is a well-deserved recognition of her achievements and potential as a scholar."

As she prepares to begin her master's studies at Concordia University, Sarah looks forward to continuing her research and contributing to important conversations in sociology. Her achievements reflect a strong commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and meaningful social research.

Love, loss and legacy: The Saint Mary’s alumna behind My Grandfather’s Cat

When Angela Rafuse BComm’16 first stepped onto Saint Mary’s University’s campus, she immediately felt at home.

“I grew up on the South Shore. I’m very proud to be from Chester,” she said. “I loved that everything was in one city block. For a small-town girl who hadn’t spent much time in Halifax, it felt safe and close-knit.”

She graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Global Business Management, carrying with her not only her degree, but a network of lifelong friends. “The friendships I made at SMU are everything. I’ve gone to their weddings. I’m now an aunt to their children. When I started My Grandfather’s Cat, I reached out to a lot of my friends from SMU.” These connections helped shape her not-for-profit in more ways than one, including web development, accounting and even establishing a board of directors.

“My friends and I still wear our SMU rings whenever we go out. I’m very proud to have gone there.”

The cat that started it all

After university, Angela’s career took her to Toronto, where she was working in marketing and communications for the Salvation Army’s national team. She loved the fast-paced learning and the sense of purpose that comes with working in not-for-profit organizations. Then, life changed with one phone call: her beloved grandfather passed away.

Her first thought wasn’t about logistics. It was about his cat, Mackenzie.

“She was 14, grumpy and didn’t like anyone except my grandparents,” she said, smiling. “My grandfather had even put money aside for her care. I just couldn’t imagine her going to a shelter.”

Determined to help, Angela told her parents she’d take Mackenzie, even if it meant flying her to Toronto. As fate would have it, just two weeks later, she was offered a position with the organization’s Maritime division, bringing her back home to Nova Scotia. “It felt like a sign.”

Then came the pandemic. With lockdowns in place and work shifting online, Angela and Mackenzie found themselves spending every day together. “Out of boredom, I started making TikToks,” she laughed. “I didn’t realize how it worked, that anyone could see them. Suddenly, people were asking, ‘Why did you name your cat Mackenzie?’ and I’d reply, ‘She’s not my cat. She’s my grandfather’s cat.’”

That simple reply sparked something bigger than she could have ever imagined. “People started commenting, saying they’d been through the same thing – a loved one passed away, and they didn’t know what happened to their pet. So I started researching and realized that there wasn’t an organization that helps seniors rehome their pets before they move or pass away. I thought, ‘Why is nobody doing this?’’”

Turning grief into good

On May 18, 2021 – her grandfather’s birthday – Angela launched My Grandfather’s Cat. “When a loved one passes away, their birthday becomes a sad day. This gave us a way to celebrate. It’s not sad anymore.”

The concept is simple: connect seniors or individuals with terminal illnesses who can no longer care for their pets with compassionate adopters. It’s built on the idea that both people and animals deserve dignity, love and continuity. “We don’t focus on the sad parts. We celebrate the good. The cats are in their second forever homes, and the seniors know their animals are okay. That’s what’s important to us.”

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A post shared by MY GRANDFATHER’S CAT 🐾 (@mygrandfatherscat)

In just a few years, My Grandfather’s Cat has grown far beyond a pandemic passion project. The charity has facilitated hundreds of adoptions, built a vibrant online community and inspired people around the world to take small, meaningful actions of kindness.

Still, Angela remains grounded. “I’m just a girl who took her grandfather’s cat. I’ve learned everything by doing and surrounding myself with the right people who share my passion for it. When I’m really down, I read the comments on our milestone posts and people celebrating with us. Sometimes the community keeps me going.”

That belief now echoes in every adoption story her organization helps create, in the seniors who find comfort knowing their pets are cared for and in the hundreds of cats who have found new homes because one young alumna decided to take a chance on an idea born from love.

Lessons in leadership

Running My Grandfather's Cat full-time hasn’t been easy. For the first two years, Angela balanced running the charity with her day job. “People say, ‘If you have a dream, quit your job and go for it.’ But you can’t pay rent in dreams. I had to do both. Running a charity full-time was a huge risk, and there wasn’t much money in the bank account, but I shifted my whole skill set to this. I’m thankful it worked, and I’m thankful people believe in it.”

That pragmatic optimism – part humility, part hustle – defines her leadership style. “To me, the entrepreneurial mindset isn’t about quitting everything and hoping for the best. It’s about doing what you love responsibly, trusting your instincts and learning as you go.”

Her advice to young alumni or current students? “Surround yourself with people who believe in you and then stop caring what anyone else thinks. If you have an idea that lights you up, follow that instinct.”

Full-circle moments

Today, Angela’s days are filled with emails, partnerships, adoption stories and a sense of gratitude that the work she does truly matters. And when she puts on her Saint Mary’s ring, she remembers where that belief began.

“Saint Mary’s will always be the first place I believed in myself. The place that taught me that I could do something more.”

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This story was featured in the Fall edition of the Maroon + White alumni magazine. Visit the online magazine to read more alumni stories!

A full circle moment: Celebrating the impact of Chancellor Michael Durland

Chancellor Mike Durland welcoming graduates during Spring Convocation

There’s a moment at every Saint Mary’s University convocation when the room settles, the energy shifts and all eyes turn forward.

A pause. A smile. “Well…”

And then: “You’ve done it!”

Mike Durland closed every convocation ceremony with great enthusiasm

For graduating students, it’s a moment that lands with meaning. One that signals both an ending and a beginning. And for Chancellor Michael Durland BComm'87 DComm'10, it became a defining part of how he connected with each graduating class.

“The closing gesture was quite involuntary at first,” he says. “I wanted to connect with them, give them a last jolt of energy, give them the sense that they have really arrived.”

As Mike concludes his term as Chancellor, it’s that ability to create meaningful, human moments that has come to define his time in the role.

The moments that matter

When asked what stands out most, Mike doesn’t point to a single milestone or announcement. Instead, he returns to a feeling. “It’s been an amazing experience. It’s actually hard to describe how fulfilling it’s been.” Much of that comes from convocation, the place where his role came to life most visibly and most personally. “You arrive on campus and feel the energy of the students and are reminded of the purpose of the university.”

Celebrating grads on stage at convocation

Over the course of his many ceremonies, he developed a habit of listening closely to valedictorian speeches, seeing them as reflections of something bigger. “They kind of tell the story of the time, for the university and for the students, and it’s often a story about challenges and support, and friendship, and it often reinforces the important, and often deeply personal, role a university plays in student’s life.”

But it was often the quieter, unscripted moments that stayed with him most—meeting families and supporters, hearing snippets of students’ journeys, witnessing pride in its purest form. “For many of them, they’re first-time graduates. There’s a lot of pride, a lot of emotion.” For Mike, these moments reinforced what he sees as the true privilege of the role. “You’re connected to a place that you love, and to all the members of that community in this really wonderful way.”

Coming full circle

Long before he stood on the convocation stage as Chancellor, Mike was a Saint Mary’s student himself. “Saint Mary’s was this amazing time in my life. I really found a love of learning here. I gained a lot of confidence here.” Looking back, he sees that transformation as foundational. “I could not have imagined the life I was about to lead and how much the university prepared me for that.”

It was also at Saint Mary’s where he met his wife, Catherine, something he describes as deeply intertwined with his experience of the university. “When you add it all up, meeting her was the most pivotal moment of my life and we both have very special memories of that time. Saint Mary’s is a constant in those memories.” Returning years later in the role of Chancellor brought that story full circle. “When we go back, it feels like home. It’s this really special place.” That sense of home became a thread throughout his time in the role, something he intentionally reinforces in how he speaks to students, particularly as they graduate.

Giving back with purpose

During his time as Chancellor, the Durland family made a transformative $3-million gift to support graduate research at Saint Mary’s. For Mike, the motivation was deeply personal. “When I look back at my journey, it was a special group of faculty members who really were at the heart of my experience.”

Mike and Catherine Durland met as undergraduate students at the Sobey School of Business

One of those faculty members still stands out vividly. While at Saint Mary’s, he approached professor Jan Bartholdy for a reference to law school, only to be met with a different idea. “He said, ‘I will give you a reference, but only if you apply to Queen’s for your PhD.’” What followed was more than guidance. The two worked together on a paper, and when Mike wasn’t accepted in the first round, Bartholdy took it upon himself to advocate directly, driving to Queen’s University in person to make the case. “He said, ‘You have to take this guy. He’s just a great kid.’”

It’s a moment that has stayed with him, not just because of where it led, but because of what it represented: a professor who saw potential, took the time and changed the trajectory of a student’s life. The gift, he explains, was a way to recognize that special relationship. “It was our attempt to bring back to our amazing faculty a special thanks.”

At the same time, it reflects a broader belief in the role of research and the importance of supporting both faculty and students. “I wanted to find something that would be beneficial to them, to encourage young graduate students to come and be part of their labs and to grow into our next generation of faculty.” Underlying that is a bigger question, and one he continues to think about: “How do we create an environment where all our students can flourish?”

Confidence in the next generation

After years of watching students cross the convocation stage, Mike is clear about what gives him confidence in the next generation. “They are amazing. You definitely walk away a little bit mind-blown.” In particular, he points to a sense of confidence and readiness—something he sees as especially meaningful in today’s world. “There could be a lot of reasons today to not be confident, but yet I think our students have a sense of confidence and readiness that’s truly inspiring.”

He also sees something else: energy. “They have more energy at the end than they had at the beginning of their journeys. They’ve done it.” For Mike, that combination matters. “If you have confidence and you have energy, you have a really good start to a winning formula.”

Advice for what comes next

Mike speaking at an alumni event

For graduates stepping into life beyond Saint Mary’s, Mike offers a perspective shaped by experience. “Many of our graduates feel a lot of pressure—they feel they should know exactly where that next leg of the journey is going to take them. When I left Saint Mary’s, I had no idea where my career would take me, and that was okay. That’s what makes the journey special—you work hard, absorb everything around you and the path eventually reveals itself.”

He often returns to an analogy his mother used. “Just because you have your driver’s license doesn’t mean you know how to drive a car.” The message is clear: learning doesn’t stop at graduation. “Keep educating, keep developing, keep having dreams. The day you graduate from university, you’re nowhere near through your journey. It’s really just begun.”

It’s advice rooted in patience, resilience and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. “Don’t fear failure. If you’re not failing, you’re not trying. That’s how you learn.”

A lasting connection

Ahead of his final convocation as Chancellor, Mike shared that the moment will be a meaningful one. “There’ll be a lot of mixed emotions.”

After years of standing at the front of the stage—welcoming, encouraging and celebrating each graduating class—it’s not just the ceremony he’ll reflect on, but the people behind it. The conversations, the stories, the moments of pride that unfolded between each name called. “You get to see the student’s moment of connection with their family and friends. Sometimes there’s a huge celebration, sometimes it’s more subtle. But there’s a lot of pride, a lot of emotion and you really get a sense of what it means to them.”

That connection, felt in those moments, has come to define his time as Chancellor. It’s something that reaches far beyond the stage, shaped by relationships, shared experiences and grounded in a deep appreciation for what Saint Mary’s represents in people’s lives.

A shared chapter

Throughout his term, Mike has worked closely with Saint Mary’s leadership, including former president Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray and Susan Summerby-Murray, whose presence helped shape the tone of campus life during his time as Chancellor. He has also supported the university through a period of transition, welcoming new president Dr. Michael Khan and the continued evolution of Saint Mary’s.

Being sworn in as Chancellor in 2019

Behind the scenes, he is quick to acknowledge the many people who make the university what it is, from its Board of Governors to faculty, staff and the broader campus community.

That spirit of shared leadership and collective care is something he has both experienced and contributed to, and something that will continue long after his term concludes.

And while he has spent years offering words of encouragement to graduating students, Saint Mary’s now has an opportunity to return the sentiment. For the time, energy and heart he has given to this role, for the moments he helped shape, the connections he strengthened and the community he championed…

Thank you, Mike. You’ve done it.

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Mike and his wife, Catherine BComm'87, established the Durland Family Doctoral Convocation Award to support PhD students as they reach this important milestone in their academic journey—reflecting their shared belief in the power of education and student achievement.

As we mark the conclusion of his tenure (2019 – 2026), we invite members of the Saint Mary’s community to honour his contributions and leadership by making a gift to support the Durland Family Doctoral Convocation Award.

Your generosity is a meaningful way to recognize Mike’s lasting impact and to help ensure that future students continue to benefit from the opportunities he has championed. Thank you.

Make a Gift in Honour of Michael Durland BComm'87

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This story was featured in the Spring edition of the Maroon + White alumni magazine. Visit the online magazine to read more alumni stories!

Pitch perfect

Meet the three unique women who made up the top Stock Pitch team in Canada

Keira Hennigar, Katelyn Abriel, Laura McAleese and coach/faculty advisor Ross Hallett

A team of three Sobey School of Business women are the top stock pitching team in Canada after competing in Virginia, USA, in March.

Laura McAleese graduated from the Sobey School of Business in 2025 with her Bachelor of Commerce in Finance. She “landed at Saint Mary’s after hip-hopping around a bit,” knowing that the Sobey School was where her mother had gotten her accounting degree. She says she toured SMU when she was a little girl and “vividly remembers the Atrium with the plant wall.”  

From her BComm, she applied to the Sobey Master of Business Analytics “on a whim,” although she adds that the future-facing AI-focused curriculum appealed to her.

Laura is an active participant in the Impact Fund program, which deepened her passion for, as she calls it, “the technical aspect of finance.”  Last year, in her first year on the Impact Team, she competed at the Stock Pitch.

Keira Hennigar is a third-year BComm student majoring in finance. She is a member of Saint Mary’s Equestrian Club and the Investment Society. Katelyn Abriel is also a third-year student, majoring in finance and accounting and aiming to get her CPA designation and pursue a career in accounting. Both are current Research Associates with the Sobey School Impact Fund, Keira for real estate investment and Katelyn for consumer staples.

In March, Keira, Katelyn and Laura entered the women-only Bianca Caragliano Stock Pitch Competition.  

So what is a stock pitch competition?

Participants are tasked with choosing the stock that they hope will beat the market over the next year. “After choosing a stock, we basically do equity research on that stock,” says Laura. “We look at the company, we look at its competitors, industries, and then we try to come up with an implied share price for the stock and see whether or not it's mispriced in the actual market. Then, we give a buy or sell recommendation.”

This preparation paid off. The team competed at William & Mary in Williamsburg, against 21 teams from across Canada, the US and beyond. They landed at number four, topping teams from the Ivey Business School, Memorial University, UBC and University of Regina, making them the highest-scoring Canadian team.

Sarah McLean BComm'06 message to graduates: You don’t need every answer to begin

Sarah McLean BComm’06

“Where do I start?” was the question weighing on Sarah McLean BComm’06 as her graduation date approached and she prepared to enter the job market.

It’s a feeling many graduates know well, and one Sarah still reflects today. That early uncertainty continues to shape how she approaches leadership and student engagement, while keeping her closely connected to Saint Mary’s.

Today, Sarah is a dedicated leader and volunteer, serving on the Board of Governors where she plays a vital role in shaping the university's strategic direction. Despite her leadership responsibilities, she remains deeply committed to the student's experience and enjoys returning to campus to engage directly with students and the broader university community.

Most recently, Sarah returned to campus as a panel guest for SMUSA’s International Women’s Day event, joining the “Women Leading with Impact” discussion. The event brought together women leaders from a variety of industries to share personal experiences, career insights, and lessons in leadership with students preparing to enter the workforce.

During the panel, Sarah spoke candidly about navigating career transitions, embracing uncertainty and the importance of saying “yes” to the new opportunities, even when the path forward is not fully clear.

“You don’t have to fit into a box or follow a single, defined role,” she told the audience. “Just put your hand up and say ‘yes!’”

For Sarah, post-secondary institutions are environments that help shape people, ideas, and future opportunities. That belief is what continues to motivate her involvement with Saint Mary’s and her commitment to staying connected with students and campus life. Through speaking engagements and governance work, she hopes to encourage students to remain open to different paths as they take their next steps after graduation.

Reflecting on the impact of these experiences, Sarah finds the most inspiration during the graduation season.

“As a Governor, I truly value convocation,” she says. “Witnessing students cross the stage alongside their proud families and supporters, are moments I find both meaningful and rewarding.’

Her journey from an uncertain graduate about where to begin to a leader helping guide the future of the university reflects the lasting connection many alumni continue to have with Saint Mary’s. By sharing her experiences and remaining actively involved in campus life, Sarah hopes to remind students that success does not always follow a single, clearly defined path and that sometimes the most important step is to simply be willing to say “yes.”

Alumni are often invited to speak at student events on campus throughout the year. Those interested in getting involved can contact the Alumni Office at alumni@smu.ca.