Not your typical research project

The CLARI space on Saint Mary’s campus allows faculty, students and community groups to work together on research projects

CLARI starts with community need, not a thesis

The Change Lab Action Research Initiative (CLARI) at Saint Mary’s University is quietly reshaping how research meets real-world needs. From mapping dementia care gaps and tackling housing insecurity to revitalizing Nova Scotia’s wool industry, CLARI-supported projects are as diverse as the communities they serve.

This spring, CLARI marks a major milestone: more than $1 million in provincial funding invested in over 130 projects. The initiative brings together faculty and students from post-secondary institutions across Nova Scotia with community partners to address local social and economic challenges.

“This funding milestone reflects significant investment of post-secondary resources in Nova Scotia communities,” says Ray MacNeil, Network Manager at CLARI. “That investment includes not only funding, but also the research expertise of faculty and students. More than 150 students have gained real-world experience working directly with community partners.”

At the heart of CLARI’s model is a simple shift: community groups—not researchers—set the priorities. CLARI helps identify faculty collaborators, provides grants and supports the partnerships through to completion.

“These projects show what’s possible when we stop asking, ‘What research do we want to do?’ and start asking, ‘What support do our communities need?’” says Dr. Adam Sarty, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at Saint Mary’s. “CLARI flips the usual model. It’s not about showcasing expertise, it’s about sharing it.”

Examples of projects supported through CLARI include:

CLARI researchers investigate how therapy animals can reduce isolation

• Investigating the role of therapy animals in reducing isolation in long-term care

• Creating resources to support men re-entering society after incarceration

• Making arts-based entrepreneurship programs more accessible to rural youth

• Developing trauma-informed responses for survivors of gender-based violence

• Collaborating with Mi’kmaw communities on land-based education and knowledge-sharing

CLARI is a pan-university initiative headquartered at Saint Mary’s and built on collaboration between six founding universities: Acadia, Cape Breton, Mount Saint Vincent, St. Francis Xavier, and Université Sainte-Anne, as well as the Nova Scotia Community College. The network builds partnerships together, sharing knowledge, and helping uncover issues.

As CLARI enters its next phase, the focus remains the same: helping Nova Scotians solve problems that matter with research that doesn’t stay on the shelf.

For more information on CLARI and its network or how to get involved, visit actionresearch.ca.

Addressing 2SLGBTQ+ poverty in Canada

Dr. Maryam Dilmaghani and Daniel Keays, PhD Candidate

Poverty is a significant issue for people who experience social marginalization in Canada. Many two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and other (2SLGBTQ+) individuals face workplace discrimination, housing insecurity, and limited access to supportive social programs.

Dr. Maryam Dilmaghani, a Professor of Economics at Saint Mary’s University, is co-directing with Project Director Dr. Nick Mulé, Professor of Social Work and Sexuality Studies at York University, a six-year research project aimed at understanding and addressing poverty in 2SLGBTQ+ communities. This national initiative explores sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, age, (dis)Ability, etc. and how they intersect with economic inequality.

“2SLGBTQ+ Poverty in Canada: Improving Livelihood and Social Well-being” brings together over 25 academic researchers and 27 community partners, to produce high-impact, policy-driven research that drives meaningful change. The project seeks to quantify the extent of 2SLGBTQ+ poverty, identify its root causes, and develop an evidence-based action plan to serve as a resource for governments, non-profits, and businesses committed to creating lasting solutions.

A key partner in this initiative is the Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC), a national non-profit dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people of diverse sexualities and genders. Together, they aim to close a critical gap in anti-poverty research.

“Addressing the intersection of poverty and marginalization is critical for our communities,” said Michael Kwag, Executive Director of CBRC. “This initiative amplifies community voices and shared experiences, helping us better understand systemic disparities, advocate for more equitable policies, and improve health outcomes.”

With this research underway, policymakers and organizations will have the data needed to take meaningful action toward reducing 2SLGBTQ+ poverty.

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The Office of Innovation and Community Engagement (OICE) at Saint Mary’s University facilitates research partnerships between the University and companies, government departments and community organizations. OICE is the initial point of contact for faculty members and external partners wishing to collaborate. The office assists with finding suitable expertise, contract development and advising on funding opportunities.

This project highlight is from the 2025 OICE Report, which features researchers from Saint Mary's University and their external partners.

Event to examine the role of Acadian soldiers in the First World War

165e Batailon Acadian, 1916

The Gorsebrook Research Institute (GRI) for Atlantic Canada Studies is pleased to welcome Dr. Gregory Kennedy for a public presentation on April 3 at Saint Mary’s University.

Lost in the Crowd: Acadian Soldiers of Canada’s First World War

• POSTPONED: Date to be announced

Dr. Kennedy is a leading historian from Brandon University. The presentation will focus on his recent award-winning book about Acadian participation in the First World War, Lost in the Crowd: Acadian Soldiers of Canada's First World War (McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2024).

The event will follow an interview format with Q&A to follow. Dr. Kennedy will be in discussion with Stefanie Slaunwhite BA’14 MA’17, PhD candidate in History at the University of New Brunswick and graduate of the Master of Arts in Atlantic Canada Studies program at Saint Mary's University.

Dr. Gregory M. W. Kennedy is Professor of History and Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Brandon University. A historian of early Canada and particularly of New France and the French Atlantic World, Kennedy has published two monographs and numerous scholarly articles and book chapters. His first book, Something of a Peasant Paradise? Comparing Rural Societies in Acadie and the Loudunais, 1604-1755 (McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2014), was awarded the Canadian Historical Association’s Clio prize for the best scholarly book on Atlantic Canadian history and is also available in French with Septentrion (2021).

His second book is Lost in the Crowd: Acadian Soldiers of Canada's First World War (McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2024). It was recently named winner of the New Brunswick Scholarly Book Award by the Journal of New Brunswick Studies/Revue d’études sur le Nouveau-Brunswick.

Dr. Kennedy also co-edited a collection of essays in French entitled Repenser l’Acadie dans le monde: Études comparées, études transnationales, forthcoming in May from McGill-Queen’s University Press, as part of its Rethinking Canada in the World series. A second collection of essays in English, Military Service and Society in Atlantic Canada Communities, is in progress. His current research focuses on mobility, migration, and military service in French Canada, contributing to an SSHRC-funded partnership project, “Trois siècles de migrations francophones en Amérique du Nord”.

All are welcome to attend this event in person or online. Bookmark Halifax will be on site with copies of Dr. Kennedy’s books.

GRI Lecture Series 2025

Dr. Kennedy’s event falls amid a series of spring presentations as the Gorsebrook Research Institute continues its GRI Lecture Series 2025. On March 14, the lecture series launched with "Fogs Love This Shore: Living with Fog in Atlantic Canada," with Dr. Sara Spike of the Department of History at Dalhousie University. On March 28, SMU History alumnus Alex Myrick MA’21 presented “The Meyerian Diaspora and Nova Scotian Psychiatric Reforms, 1913-1970.

Coming up on Friday, April 11: "Cousins of the Empire: Nova Scotia and Bengal, 1756-1867," with Dr. Madhuparna Gupta, Instructor, SMU Department of Political Science and Global Development Studies. Noon to 2 p.m. in McNally North room 219 and online.

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The Gorsebrook Research Institute (GRI) for Atlantic Canada Studies at Saint Mary’s University is a regional hub for research and collaborative scholarship in Atlantic Canada. Its Atlantic Canada recognizes First Nation communities and their land sovereignty, the ethnic and cultural diversity of those who were settled as part of forced immigration and colonization, and those who are here by their own choice and agency. Its mandate is to provide an interdisciplinary research environment that facilitates exchanges and partnerships among researchers at Saint Mary’s University and affiliates from many different fields who can come together to improve understandings of Atlantic Canada. Learn more on the GRI website.

Stronger together: The 2025 SMU United Way campaign

It’s time for the annual SMU United Way campaign!

Faculty and staff are invited to check the schedule of events (listed below) for what’s happening on campus from February 10—14. With plenty of options to choose from, and many activities taking place over the lunch hour, it’s an easy way to take a break, connect with colleagues and support a great cause.

• First up is Pizza with the President on Monday in Loyola 290. Stop in for a slice, try your luck on the Wheel of Prizes, and enjoy special entertainment and speakers.

• Book lovers and board game enthusiasts rejoice! The popular Books & Games Sale is back on Tuesday, February 15, and Wednesday, February 16. Look for our tables at Loyola Colonnade to browse our selection and get your copy of the latest SMU colouring book.

• Additional events include Skating & Hot Chocolate at Dauphinee Centre, mini-massage therapy sessions, the return of Trivia at the Gorsebrook, and a screening of The Last Repair Shop, the Oscar-winning documentary with a SMU connection. This year the campaign wraps up on a creative note with a drop-in Art Studio where community members can tap into their artistic side over tea!

Other ways to give

Events not your thing? There are still other
opportunities to support the SMU United Way campaign.

You can pick up some copies of the new Saint
Mary’s Colouring Book in Facilities Management (McNally South—MS011), for just $5 each, or buy a
ticket to win a fantastic Valentine's-themed gift package (at our events or at LR114), including a $100 gift certificate for LeRouge Restaurant, a one-night stay at the Halifax Tower Hotel, plus chocolates and goodies!

As always, SMU community members can give to the United Way via payroll deduction (deadline of March 20 to enrol) or one-time donation on-line at SMU.ca/unitedway2025.

All proceeds raised go to the United Way Halifax Community Fund, and every dollar raised stays in the community.

CLICK TO DONATE NOW

Every donation counts and helps to improve people’s lives in our community. Thank you for your support.

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Schedule of events

Pizza & Prizes!
Monday, February 10
Noon—1 p.m. | Loyola 290
Pizza for lunch! | Spin the Wheel of Prizes!
Join us for the United Way Kickoff Event. Enjoy some pizza, try your luck on the Wheel of Prizes, and check out some of the great items at our Silent Auction!
Donations to United Way appreciated.

Books & Games Sale
Tuesday & Wednesday, February 11 & 12
10 a.m.—3:30 p.m. | Loyola Colonnade
Hard cover books, games & puzzles: $2
Soft cover: $1; SMU Campus Colouring Books: $5

Skating & Hot Chocolate
Tuesday, February 12
Noon—1 p.m. | Dauphinee Arena
Bring your own skates, helmets provided. | $5 at the door

Lunch at the movies!
Screening of The Last Repair Shop
Wednesday, February 12
Noon—1 p.m. | Loyola 275 | Run time: 40 mins.
$5 donations at the door

In a nondescript warehouse in the heart of LA, a dwindling handful of devoted craftspeople maintain over 80,000 student musical instruments. Meet four unforgettable characters whose broken-and-repaired lives are dedicated to bringing so much more than music to the schoolchildren. Directed by Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers.

Massage Therapy Sessions
Wednesday, February 12
Noon—4:30 p.m. | Patrick Power Library
By Massage Therapy Program, Eastern College
Minimum donation: $5/30 minutes

Team Trivia Contest at the Gorsebrook: POSTPONED due to weather. Stay tuned for a new date.
Thursday, February 13
11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m. | Gorsebrook Lounge
$30 for groups of up to four people | Register at the door

Art Studio Drop-In
Friday, February 14
11 a.m.—4 p.m. | Secunda Boardroom (SB401)
An afternoon of art, creative fun, and mindfulness!
Art supplies and tea provided. | Minimum donation of $5.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

November 25-December 10, 2024

Saint Mary’s University is committed to fostering and advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility on our campus. Commemorative days serve as anchors, prompting us to contemplate our collective past, celebrate our accomplishments, and work towards a better future for all. The theme of this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is Come Together, Act Now; we invite you to join us in remembrance, unity and action on campus.

Purple Ribbon Campaign: Wear a purple ribbon throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence to help create awareness and show your support for ending gender-based violence.

White Ribbon Campaign: Men and boys wear white ribbons throughout the 16 Days of Activism to speak out against gender-based violence, showing their commitment to ending violence against women and girls, promoting gender equity, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity.

Please join us on November 25 to place a purple and/or white ribbon on the Saint Mary’s Remembrance Tree after the Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative Speakers Series.

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Events

The Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative Speakers Series

Monday, November 25

3:30-5 p.m. | Loyola 188

Highlighting community organizations that are working to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. All are invited to meet SMU Graduate student and Manager of Humane Canada’s ACT (Awareness, Collaboration, Tools) Project, Sue O’Neill, to learn about strategies for supporting survivors of gender-based violence with animals in accessing support services, safety planning and help-seeking.

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Service Expo

Tuesday, November 26

12-2:30 p.m. | Patrick Power Library Community Space

Meet representatives from the Saint Mary’s Sexual Violence Support Centre as well as other community supports in place to support gender-based violence prevention and response. Information and resources for on and off-campus support will be available.

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Survivor Art Workshop (students only)

Wednesday, November 27

5:30-7:30 p.m. | Loyola 181

Students who have experienced sexual and gender-based harm are invited to come share space with each other in a casual environment and participate in a gently guided art affirmation practice. 

Refreshments will be shared and supportive resources and more information about SMU Campus supports will be available.

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National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women

December 6

10:30 | CLARI Room (Atrium 340)

Join us to commemorate the lives of the 14 women who were murdered at Polytechnique Montreal on December 6, 1989, and others who have experienced gender-based violence, highlighting the increased prevalence of violence and discrimination faced by Indigenous People, 2SLGBTQI+ and gender diverse people, individuals living with disabilities and other marginalized groups. 

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Human Rights Day

December 10 is a time to universally acknowledge, defend, and enjoy Human Rights and assume communal and individual responsibility for protecting, reducing inequalities and advancing these rights for ALL individuals.

2024 Theme: Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.

What will YOU do to improve the current state of human rights globally while safeguarding the common future of Human Rights for all?

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Personal Care Drive

November 25 – December 10

Please help women and children impacted by gender-based violence by donating personal care products such as deodorant, toothpaste/brushes, soap/facial wash, hair products, period products, manicure kits, journals and small children’s toys such as puzzles or books. Donations will go to a local women’s shelter, the Saint Mary’s Women’s Centre and the Sexual Violence Support Centre to support individuals who have experienced gender-based harm.

Drop off donations to any of the Purple Donation Boxes in the following locations:

• Human Resources, McNally South Rm 111                                  

• Sexual Violence Support Centre                                                      

• SMUSA Information Desk                                                                   

• Library                                                                                                     

• SAAS Reception (3rd Floor Student Centre)                                   

• Science Building – Dean’s Office (S221)                                        

• Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

• Homburg Centre

• Women’s Centre

• Loyola Residence Desk

• Student Welcome Centre

• Sobey School – Dean’s Office

• Arts – Dean’s Office

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Learn more

• Saint Mary’s Sexual Violence Support Centre

• Immigrants & Refugees: GBV In Focus, updates from the GBV-MIG Canada Research Program - Read the latest newsletter

  https://www.smu.ca/gendernet/newsletters.html 

• Saint Mary's Sexual Violence Advisor receives national award

• International Women's Day at Saint Mary’s (2024)

• 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence 2024 (Government of Canada)

Saint Mary’s hosts annual celebration of history and heritage

Art of Unconventional Warfare

Awards ceremony

Bite of History

Blackberrys Crumble

Butterbox Babies

Canadarm

Fine...I'll Move

Group of Hertiage Fair students at Saint Mary's

LEGO Louisbourg

Louisbourg

My Family's History

The Royal Canadian Navy

Francis Pegahmagabow

Students at the podcasting workshop

Scottish dancing

Tales from the past

Tracing My Roots

Walter Gretzky

Whale Watching

From “Blackberry’s Crumble” to a LEGO version of the Fortress of Louisbourg, history and culture were on display as Saint Mary’s University hosted the 2024 Nova Scotia Provincial Heritage Fair.    

The June 6 and 7 event featured projects by 59 students who were selected at school and regional fairs across the province. The learning opportunity is designed for students in Grades 4 through 9, encouraging them to explore Canadian culture, history and heritage while gaining research and public presentation skills.

This year’s participants – some in costume – shared their knowledge on everything from Viola Desmond to “Canada’s greatest hockey dad,” Walter Gretzky. One student shared beautiful sketches of African Nova Scotian settlements, while others recreated historic church steeples and even a stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway.

“The Heritage Fair puts the spotlight on budding young researchers from across the province,” said the event’s organizer, Dr. Kirrily Freeman, Director of Outreach and Experiential Learning for the Faculty of Arts. “It’s an annual highlight here at Saint Mary’s, where the students have a chance to hone their presentation skills while connecting with the expertise of our Arts faculty and heritage partners.”

Coinciding with the 80th anniversary commemorations of D-Day operations in the Second World War, the event had half a dozen projects on military history topics. Pride in family heritage was also front and centre, with several students tracing their family roots.

The History of the North Bay Fisherman’s Co-op

Decorated with fishing nets, photos and lobster dip, a project from Antigonish indicated that history is still being made, with a placard noting, “There is a first for everything: My mom is the first female member of the North Bay Fisherman’s Co-op. She is also the first female captain of a boat where she fishes out of.”      

The student delegates and their parent chaperones arrived June 6 to set up their displays, get acquainted at a banquet, and settle into their residence rooms. On both days, the students attended podcasting and geocaching workshops, plus astronomy sessions in the Burke-Gaffney Observatory.

The Heritage Fair projects were open for public viewing on June 7, followed by an awards ceremony, both in the in the McNally Theatre Auditorium. The awards recognized student research in such areas as Indigenous and African-Canadian heritage, environmental history, equity and justice, immigration studies, sport history, and the history of science and technology. The judging panel included professionals who are active in the fields of culture, history and heritage: professors, archivists, librarians, museum curators, museum interpreters and more.

Saint Mary’s University mourns the passing of Arthur L. Irving

The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University

The Saint Mary’s University community joins business and community leaders across our region and our country to mourn the passing of Arthur L. Irving, one of Canada’s most respected business and community leaders and a prominent and visionary philanthropist.  

Arthur Irving, Sandra Irving DCL’10 and Sarah Irving, along with the Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation and Irving Oil, made a transformational gift of $5 million to the Saint Mary's University's Entrepreneurship Centre. In recognition of this investment, the centre was renamed the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.  This generous gift showcases a deep commitment to student success, educational excellence and the development of future business leaders.  

“With the passing of Arthur L. Irving, we have lost an iconic figure in Canadian business and a highly respected son of Atlantic Canada,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Robert Summerby-Murray. “Arthur’s life and legacy exemplify entrepreneurship, business acumen and dedication to community and philanthropy. Saint Mary’s University is honoured to be home to the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre where his legacy will continue through our student entrepreneurs who are being empowered to lead change and build a better world. I want to express my condolences to the family, particularly to Sandra Irving and Sarah Irving, on the immense loss that Arthur Irving’s passing represents.”  

We invite the campus community to sign a book of condolences that will be available in the lobby of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre on May 15.

McCain McLean Centre hosts Experiential Learning Symposium

On March 27, 2024, the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health hosted the university’s first-ever experiential learning symposium in support of the development of sport studies on campus. The event, titled “Sport Studies Outside the Classroom,” drew approximately 25 participants from on and off campus and included students, staff, faculty and industry professionals.

Experiential learning typically refers to hands-on opportunities to gain practical knowledge in a field. It includes an introspective component that calls upon students to reflect on their personal and professional development throughout the process. The event opened with presentations on the subject from the university’s Career and Experiential Learning office as well as the Director of Outreach and Experiential Learning for the Faculty of Arts, Dr. Kirrily Freeman.

Dr. Cheryl MacDonald, Director of the McCain McLean Centre and former instructor for Experiential Learning in Health, Wellness and Sport in Society (HWSS), provided an overview of current approaches to sport studies on campus. At the height of the pandemic, students completed online career modules and organized a virtual speaker series featuring women working in the sport and health industries.

Since 2023, the course has involved case study analysis in sport management and brief placements with organizations such as SMU Athletics & Recreation, the Counselling Centre, Rising Tide Irish Dance Academy, Volleyball Canada, Canoe Kayak Ontario Sprint and the Maritime Hockey League. The Centre also takes Experiential Learning students, the most recent of whom served as production assistants for a documentary on the history of women’s varsity sport on campus.

In preparation for the launch of the new certificate in Sports Business at Saint Mary’s in September 2024, the Centre invited the participation of Sport Nova Scotia, Halifax Wanderers FC and the University of Guelph. Scott McRoberts teaches Experiential Learning in Sport & Event Management at Guelph and is also the university’s Director of Athletics & Recreation.

“Experiential learning is a critical aspect in understanding the sport business landscape,” said McRoberts. “University athletics and recreation departments are well-positioned to provide students with those opportunities and to benefit from their contributions.” 

Saint Mary’s Director of Athletics & Recreation Scott Gray wrapped up the event with a presentation on existing and potential pathways for Experiential Learning students in his department. Students on campus have done gameday operations and worked in the fitness facility, and this year, a student with an interest in being an Athletic Director job-shadowed Gray. “We have an opportunity here to strengthen the relationship between athletics and academics on campus,” Gray said to the audience. “Experiential learning offers real-world insight in our dynamic and fast-paced environment.”

PWHL's Victoria Bach inspires young hockey players during campus visit

Victoria Bach (center) with SMU women’s Huskies hockey players

The Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health had the pleasure of hosting Victoria Bach from the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) at the Dauphinee Centre on campus on Sunday, April 14, 2024. Bach, originally from Milton, Ontario, and a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation, visited Halifax as part of a series of events organized by the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund, initiated by SMU’s former Indigenous Visiting Fellow Ryan Francis.

The event was aimed at young girls who play hockey in Nova Scotia and drew approximately 50 spectators. Centre Director Dr. Cheryl MacDonald facilitated a question and answer session, followed by Bach raffling off a game-used stick and signing autographs. Later, she spent time with current members of the Huskies women’s hockey team.

As the session concluded, Bach shared her wisdom with the young attendees, saying, “Remember, every time you get the chance to step on the ice is an opportunity to get better.” She emphasized, “If you work really hard and have confidence in yourself, you’ll never have any regrets—whether it’s hockey or anything in life—and at the end of the day, have so much fun. That’s what it’s all about.”

Dr. Cheryl MacDonald and Victoria Bach speak with young hockey players

“What an incredible opportunity for the Centre to host not only a world champion and professional ice hockey player but also a member of a First Nation who serves as a role model for young Indigenous girls,” remarked Centre Director Dr. Cheryl MacDonald. “I extend my gratitude to Ryan Francis and the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund for their partnership, and I appreciate Victoria for being so generous with her time today.”

Hours later, Bach’s PWHL Toronto head coach and Saint Mary’s alumni, Troy Ryan, led the Canadian national women’s team to secure a gold medal with an overtime victory over the USA at the 2024 International Ice Hockey Federation’s (IIHF) Women’s World Championship in Utica, New York. Bach had previously won gold with Team Canada in 2021 and 2022 and remains an integral part of the national program. She has also competed in the former Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) and the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) before joining the PWHL.

Bach holds a Bachelor of Communication from Boston University, where she made history as the first player to score over 100 goals in the women’s hockey team's program. She missed the first eight games of the inaugural PWHL season as she was completing teacher’s college through Brock University.

The McCain McLean Centre continues its monthly online speaker series on ice hockey culture on Wednesday, April 24, with Dr. Janice Forsyth (UBC) and Dr. Taylor McKee (Brock University), who will discuss Indigenous participation in ice hockey. Interested individuals can register to receive the Zoom link on the Centre website.

Changing local lives with the SMU United Way campaign

The SMU United Way committee is pleased to announce the schedule of events for the 2024 United Way campaign!

Running from February 12-16, the campaign kicks off with a Pizza Lunch on Monday in Loyola 290. Stop in for a slice, try your luck on the Wheel of Prizes, and take in some special entertainment and speakers.

New this year is the online SMU Scavenger Hunt! How well do you know the Saint Mary’s campus? If you’re a SMU whiz, you could win a prize!

Another new addition to help raise funds is the first-every SMU colouring book, filled with iconic sights from around campus. Pick up your copy of the new Saint Mary’s Colouring Book for $5 at the Book Sale on Tuesday & Thursday in the Colonnade, or in Facilities Management: McNally South—MS011.

Wednesday features some opportunities for self-care, with a free yoga session in the Homburg and massage therapy sessions in the Library, offered by student practitioners from Eastern College. Or stop by for a lunch-hour screening of the Oscar-winning documentary with a SMU connection, The Queen of Basketball.

Wrapping up the week is Lunch-hour Trivia in the Gorsebrook Lounge on Thursday, February 15. Teams of up to four are encouraged to join and put their trivia skills to the test for the chance to win some fun prizes!

All proceeds raised go to the United Way Halifax Community Fund,

When you give, you are helping people who are struggling to keep up with their basic needs: safe shelter, nutritious food, and mental health support. At a time when costs are rising and housing is scarce, United Way Halifax is bridging gaps with short-term and long-term solutions. Your support right now is crucial.

CLICK TO DONATE NOW

Every donation counts and helps to improve people’s daily lives right here in our community. Thank you for your support.

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Event schedule

Campaign Kickoff
Monday, February 12
Noon-1 p.m. | Loyola 290
Pizza for lunch! | Spin the Wheel of Prizes!
Donations appreciated

Books & Games Sale
Tuesday & Thursday, February 13 & 15
10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Loyola Colonnade
Hard cover books, games & puzzles: $2;
Softcover: $1; SMU Campus Colouring Books: $5

Massages Therapy Sessions
Wednesday, Feb. 14
12-4 pm | Patrick Power Library
By Massage Therapy Program, Eastern College
Minimum donation: $5/30 minutes

Trauma-informed Yoga
Wednesday, Feb. 14,
Noon-1 p.m. | Homburg Centre, Studio A
Donations appreciated

Movie Lunch Break!
The Queen of Basketball (22 minutes)
Wednesday, Feb. 14
11:30 a.m. | Film starts at noon sharp
Burke Theatre A
$5 donations at the door

Screen an Oscar-winning documentary with a SMU connection! Directed by Ben Proudfoot, The Queen of Basketball is an electrifying portrait of Lucy Harris, who scored the first basket in women’s Olympic history and was the first and only woman officially drafted into the N.B.A. Harris has remained largely unknown—until now.

Trivia
Thursday, Feb. 15
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Gorsebrook Lounge
$30 for groups of up to four people
Register at the door

VIDEO: A holiday message from our president

Learn more about Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray

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It’s a good time of year to give. Please consider a gift supporting Saint Mary’s and our students.

Remembering Dr. David Sobey, C.M., DComm'91, Chancellor Emeritus

Dr. David Sobey, CM, DComm’91, Chancellor Emeritus
1931-2023

The Saint Mary’s University community mourns the passing of Dr. David Sobey, C.M., DComm’91, Chancellor Emeritus of Saint Mary’s University. We join with his family, friends and colleagues in sharing their grief and honouring the life of this steadfast Nova Scotian and exemplary Canadian.

David has left an indelible mark on the lives of students, faculty and staff at Saint Mary's University. His unwavering generosity and guidance over the years have transformed the university and the Sobey School of Business. His legacy will continue to shine through the countless students he has empowered to pursue their dreams and through the David Sobey Centre for Innovation in Retailing and Services established through David’s generosity and vision.          

David Sobey had a long and warm association with the university and in particular with the Sobey School of Business named in honour of his father, Frank H. Sobey. David received an Honorary Doctorate of Commerce in 1991 and cut the ribbon for the new Sobey Building in 1998.  Along with his wife, Faye, he was a strong supporter of Saint Mary’s for more than three decades, beginning in 1986 with his service on the Board of Governors. From 1991 to 1998, he chaired the Building on Strength Capital Campaign, helping to raise $24 million. When the Sobey School of Business Advisory Committee met for the first time in 2002, David was a member. From 2008 to 2010, he served as Saint Mary’s first lay chancellor, conferring degrees to thousands of students at convocation.

In 2019, David announced the $18 million gift from the Sobey family, The Sobey Foundation, Sobeys Inc. and Empire Company Limited. As part of that gift, the Sobeys Inspiration Hub is opening this fall, another stellar tribute to the legacy of David Sobey, the Sobey family, The Sobey Foundation, Sobeys Inc. and Empire Company Limited.

“We are very saddened to hear the news of David’s passing,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “We are honoured to count David Sobey as a friend and guide over many years. He visited campus not only for important events and meetings but often came to watch the progress of the latest building project or meet with faculty, staff and students and hear about their achievements. I will miss his presence and thoughtful leadership that have touched the lives of so many.”

We invite the campus community to sign a book of condolences that will be in the lobby of the Sobey School of Business.

David with members of the Sobey family

A Saint Mary’s Times article from 1992

Dr. Sobey at Convocation in 2010

David Sobey and honorary degree recipient Bob Kelly

David Sobey at convocation

L-R: David Sobey, Rob Dexter, Fred Smithers, Paul Sobey

David Sobey with Myra and Larry Freeman

David Sobey announcing the $18 million Sobey gift in 2019