Saint Mary’s introduces Star Finder - The David Lane Astronomy Outreach Program

Saint Mary’s is proud to announce the creation of a new initiative called Star Finder - The David Lane Astronomy Outreach Program.  

Star Finder is a new educational program that will enable teachers from across Nova Scotia to deliver an astronomy-focused curriculum to grade six and nine students. The program will focus on space exploration and astronomy, with a special emphasis on creating opportunities for those teaching in rural and underserved communities. The goal is to foster enthusiasm and understanding of astronomy among schoolchildren. 

David Lane at the Burke-Gaffney Observatory’s 50th anniversary event in September 2022  

The new program is funded by a $250,000 philanthropic gift from the late David and Michelle Lane. It will build on decades of successful outreach at the Burke-Gaffney Observatory, which was driven primarily by David Lane, the former Astronomy Technician in the Department of Astronomy and Physics at Saint Mary’s and the Director of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory. During his 29-year career at Saint Mary’s, Dave single-handedly automated the observatory, making it available to users worldwide through X (Twitter) and Facebook. Dave also created the Earth Centred Universe, an easy-to-use planetarium and telescope-control program which allowed institutes to operate their own educational astronomy platforms.  

“David and Michelle Lane's gift exemplifies the community outreach that Saint Mary's University is famous for," said Dr. Vincent Hénault-Brunet, Director of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory. “The Star Finder program will give young people in rural and underserved areas access to the type of scientific discovery associated with big cities and major universities. The program enables students and teachers to have hands-on participation in cosmic discovery.” 

Thanks to Dave’s efforts, tens of thousands of children and university students were introduced to astronomy at the Observatory, located at the top of the Loyola building on the Saint Mary’s campus.  

Dave Lane passed away in March 2024 at the age of 60. He is survived by his wife Michelle, who shares Dave’s dream of launching this educational project as a way to keep giving back and share David’s passion for astronomy with a wider community.  

“Dave brought the wonders of the night sky to people of all ages and walks of life; he especially loved sharing his passion with students, fellow astronomers and members of the general public,” said Michelle Lane. “Star Finder will now build on Dave's life's work and greatly expand the circle of people who will benefit from mentorship and outreach in exploring the night sky.”  

The Star Finder project is being developed with Saint Mary’s University alumna Andrea Misner BSc’06. Uniquely suited to this task, she studied astrophysics at Saint Mary’s and later earned a master’s in education degree from the University of Manitoba. Misner teaches high school general sciences, physics and astronomy in Winnipeg, and is a recipient of a 2024 Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.  

Star Finder will build teachers’ astronomy knowledge and skills by remotely using the BGO and mini-robotic observatory (MRO). Teachers and their students will also be provided access to the extensive archive of data and images at the Burke-Gaffney Observatory, strengthening their engagement with and excitement for astronomical understanding and discovery.  

“This is a deeply personal project, one that Dave and I planned together before his death as a way of leaving a legacy that reflects Dave’s lifelong passion for education and astronomical discovery,” said Michelle Lane. 

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To honour Dave’s legacy, members of the Saint Mary’s community and public can make a gift to Star Finder - The Dave Lane Astronomy Outreach Program.

New travel bursary supports accessibility and inclusion in academic experiences

July is Disability Pride Month, an opportunity to celebrate the experiences and achievements of the disability community while acknowledging the diverse challenges they may face. The 2024 theme for Disability Pride Month is “We want a life like yours,” which reflects the desire of the disability community to be given equal opportunity to engage in experiences they are often denied.

At Saint Mary’s, we use this month as a chance to further our ongoing commitment to creating equal opportunities for students to further their academic careers. “We aspire to create a learning environment that is fully experienced by all students,” says Becca Chaytor, Acting Manager, Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (FSC). “The Accessibility Travel Bursary helps reduce some barriers in travel-related academia, creating opportunities for students who experience disabilities to engage in hands-on learning they may not otherwise have been able to participate in.”

Launched in 2023, the Accessibility Travel Bursary was initiated by a generous donor to support accessible student travel for academic, co-curricular activities or research purposes.

Masters student Baden Mercer participated in a field course in Rome, Italy with support from the Fred Smithers Centre Accessibility Travel Bursary

Awarded throughout the year, students can receive funding to assist with the costs associated with travelling during their degree program. This can include travel to attend field schools and conferences, participate in study abroad opportunities and more. The financial assistance not only helps to cover travel expenses but also accommodation or assistive supports that may otherwise have been a barrier to travel experiences.

In its inaugural year, twelve bursaries were awarded, allowing students to participate in domestic and international travel relevant to their studies. Master’s student Baden Mercer BA’22 was one such recipient—his study travels led him to a field course in Rome. Currently in his third year as a graduate student in the Master of Theology and Religious Studies program, Baden’s trip focused on sacred spaces in Christian and ancient Roman settings.

“As a student with a disability, the financial assistance for the field course provided me with the support I needed while travelling away from home,” says Baden. “Not only was it an incredible experience, but the exposure to these places and the learning within the field course have greatly contributed to my Master’s thesis work.”

Payton McPhee MSc’24, third-year student in the Master of Science, Applied Psychology (forensic stream) program, was another 2023 bursary recipient. Travelling to Kingston, Ontario, Payton had the opportunity to shadow her former professor, Dr. Simone Cunningham, Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, at Millhaven Institution, a federal men’s maximum-security prison.

“As a Master’s student, there is an expectation to seek experiential learning opportunities and attend academic conferences,” acknowledges Payton. She was excited to learn about the Accessibility Travel Bursary as it was the first grant she had come across that provided academic travel-related financial assistance for students with disabilities. “The bursary provided me with an additional avenue of funding that made travel more accessible for me,” she explains.

In reflecting on her experience, Payton acknowledges that she would not have been able to travel to Ontario for the hands-on learning opportunity without the financial support through the bursary. “It provides students with funding to make their goals and aspirations more attainable,” claims Payton. “For many, travelling seems unrealistic and almost impossible, but the financial assistance provided through the bursary makes these experiences more realistic.”

Both Bayden and Payton emphasized the benefits of having the Accessibility Travel Bursary available to FSC-registered students. “Traveling abroad not only helped me to advance my academic studies,” affirms Bayden. “It also gave me a deeper understanding of the world beyond our campus. A true world without limits.”

To learn more about the Accessibility Travel Bursary, visit the Fred Smithers Centre website. If you have questions about the Accessibility Travel Bursary or the Fred Smithers Centre, reach out to fredsmithers.centre@smu.ca.

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.

Multi-million-dollar gift strengthens university’s leadership in sport, business and health

(L-R): Jule Naugler, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, Scott McCain, Leslie McLean, Dr. Cheryl MacDonald, Dr. Colin Howell at the announcement of the $3-million gift supporting the Centre for the Study of Sport and Health.

Saint Mary’s University has a rich tradition of excellence in varsity athletics, interdisciplinary undergraduate education, community-engaged research and outreach, and world-class business education. Now, thanks to a $3-million gift from Scott McCain and Leslie McLean, the university is poised to forge a stronger strategic partnership between academics, athletics, research and industry—focused in the university’s Centre for the Study of Sport and Health.

“Sport brings us together, unites us and enriches our lives and our communities,” says McCain. “Leslie and I are pleased to join with Saint Mary’s University in this transformative endeavour.”

Leslie McLean and Scott McCain

McCain and McLean each have deep connections to the areas of sport, health and business—McCain is the Chairman of McCain Foods, director of SeaFort Capital Inc., and owner of the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, while McLean is a consultant, educator, researcher and advanced practice nurse who, apart from other areas of practice, has experience in public health, social determinants of health and mental health.

“It is widely recognized that sport plays an integral role in health,” says McLean. “By partnering with Saint Mary’s University, we can make a direct contribution to the lives of young people involved in sport by furthering their career goals and, in turn, watch them advance health and wellness in communities across Atlantic Canada and beyond.”

The strategic investment by McCain and McLean will build on the university’s strong track record of excellence in varsity athletics, academic rigour and community engagement. It will strengthen the school’s capacity to harness talent and invention and to train the next generation of scholars, researchers and community leaders as well as professional athletes, coaches, and sport industry professionals and entrepreneurs. It will enable dedicated resources to grow academic programs in this distinctive area and establish formal wellness, leadership and mental health programming for varsity athletes and students across all faculties. 

“Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Scott McCain and Leslie McLean, Saint Mary’s will become one of the country’s leaders in sport innovation, combining the strengths of internationally recognized researchers and dedicated faculty to create the next generation of sport industry trailblazers, health and wellness policy-makers and community leaders,” says Saint Mary’s University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray.

In recognition of the transformative donation and its impact, the Centre will be renamed in honour of Scott McCain and Leslie McLean. This gift marks continued support from these prominent philanthropists for Saint Mary’s University; they previously established the Scott McCain and Leslie McLean Diversity Excellence Award in support of undergraduate Black and Indigenous students.

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How the $3-million gift will support key areas of the Centre for the Study of Sport and Health

New Curriculum for a New Generation of Experts

Dr. Madine VanderPlaat

Fueled by the philanthropic investment from McCain and McLean, Saint Mary’s will drive curriculum development to build a strong pipeline of highly qualified professionals with expertise at the intersection of sport, health, society and business. The gift will fund new academic programs available to students across the university, building on the success of the certificate in Health, Wellness and Sport in Society from the Faculty of Arts and creating new programs in the renowned Sobey School of Business. Graduates of these programs will form new cohorts of leaders in the burgeoning sport and health industry, worth $85 billion in North America alone.

Madine VanderPlaat, Interim Vice-President, Academic and Research, says, “This strategic investment will provide new and exciting career training and opportunities for our current and future students. We know there will be strong demand and we look forward to meeting it with innovation and exciting programs and experiential learning in sport, business and health.”

Knowledge Creation and Research Impact

Dr. Cheryl MacDonald

The gift will expand research capacity and resources, enabling greater collaboration from a wider range of scholars, students, and community members, all dedicated to sport and health.  Researchers and visiting scholars will inform government policy and influence the work of practitioners and professionals working in sport development and sport business. Research outcomes, insights and recommendations will be shared through national and international forums and networks, project-specific workshops, national conferences, and speaker series.

“Through our partnership with Scott and Leslie, the Centre will grow its capacity to make global research connections, contribute to community programming, engage with varsity athletes, and expand on academic programming in Arts with a future focus in Business,” says Cheryl MacDonald, Director of the Centre for the Study of Sport and Health. “It’s an honour to have been entrusted as collaborators based on our shared vision of higher education and socially responsible approaches to sport, business, health, and wellness.”

Leadership & Wellness Programming

Leadership and social responsibility training and personal development opportunities will be offered in conjunction with SMU’s Athletics and Recreation Department with a focus on the dynamic connections between the physical, mental and social components of both individual and community well-being. The development of this programming will ensure that student-athletes are well-positioned to pursue their academic and professional goals and become impactful and healthy role models in their communities.

Julie Naugler

"The Health, Wellness and Sport in Society program at Saint Mary's has not only shaped my academic career but also instilled in me the values of leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship in the fields of health and sport,” says Julie Naugler, who received a Certificate in Health, Wellness and Sport in Society and is currently an MBA student in the Sobey School of Business.

“I am a firm believer in the transformative power of the business side of sport. With this generous donation, I am filled with joy and just a hint of envy for the new opportunities it will bring. The world of sport is in need of exceptional leaders in its boardrooms and arenas, and I have full confidence that this gift will nurture and produce them."

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$5-million gift energizes entrepreneurship at Saint Mary's University

Students Lydia Lee, Joe Yurchesyn, Director Michael Sanderson and Jada Joseph tour the new Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre under construction

Supporting their deep commitment to student success and educational excellence, Arthur, Sandra and Sarah Irving, along with the Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation and Irving Oil, have announced a transformational gift of $5 million to accelerate the expansion of Saint Mary's University's Entrepreneurship Centre. In recognition of this generosity, the space will be named the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.  

 A concentration of entrepreneurial excellence at Saint Mary’s University, the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, its programs and activities, is unique in the Atlantic region. The centre attracts students from all disciplines, connecting them with professors, researchers and Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, and enables them to explore their entrepreneurial ambitions, develop their skills, and build important relationships. 

 “We are inspired by Saint Mary University’s deep and caring commitment to their students,” says Sandra Irving, who holds an honorary degree from the university. “We’re very proud to support their work to lead in entrepreneurial education with the development of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre–a place we hope will spark innovation, inspire collaboration and help to make students’ dreams a reality.” 

 The state-of-the-art centre will encompass the second floor of the Sobeys Inspiration Hub, designed to be an entrepreneurship and innovation superhighway with traffic in all directions between the Sobey School of Business, as well as the faculties of arts, science and graduate studies. The centre will encompass a range of innovative and collaborative spaces including a digital prototyping lab and a podcasting studio, in support of excellence in student programming including open innovation, the Entrepreneur-in-Residence program and world-class competitions. 

 “At Irving Oil, we are proud to support a diverse network of students, where they will have access to mentorship from business experts, innovative technology and educational opportunities to help them realize their full potential,” says Irving Oil President Ian Whitcomb. “Saint Mary’s University is renowned for educational excellence and developing young business minds that support the region’s talent pool.”  

 “This generous gift from the Arthur L. Irving family, the Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation, and Irving Oil will expand our student programs, developing the full potential of student entrepreneurs and empowering them to lead change and build a better world,” says Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. 

 The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre’s new home is currently under construction and is the centrepiece of the $43-million Sobeys Inspiration Hub, which is slated to open in the fall of 2023. 

 “My dad is passionate about business, about people–our employees at Irving Oil, our customers,” says Sarah Irving, Executive Vice President of Irving Oil. “The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre recognizes his life’s work to create opportunities in Atlantic Canada and inspire others to do the same. Thank you to Saint Mary’s University for this very special honour in his name–to long inspire our entrepreneurial leaders of tomorrow.”  

The provincial, national and international networks and connections that the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre fosters will benefit Saint Mary’s University, the community and the Atlantic Region. The young entrepreneurs who bring their energy and ideas to the marketplace will be contributing to a robust and innovative economy for the entire region.   

“We are deeply grateful for the enriched student experience and enhanced programming enabled by the deep generosity of the Irving family,” says Entrepreneurship Centre Director Michael Sanderson. “Their belief in the mission of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, their commitment to student scholarship and entrepreneurship, and their generosity enable us to enhance Saint Mary’s University’s national reputation and international reach as a leader in entrepreneurial education.” 

50 years of research, education and outreach

A quick 22-storey elevator ride is all it takes to be transported from the heart of a bustling campus into another galaxy at the Burke-Gaffney Observatory. Currently celebrating 50 years in operation, the observatory recently welcomed a new management team in Dr. Vincent Hénault-Brunet and Tiffany Fields BSc’17 MSc’19. Operating one of two professional-grade telescopes in Atlantic Canada, this duo is steadfast in fulfilling their mission to provide astronomy and astrophysics education, research and outreach to communities locally and worldwide. 

“We are incredibly lucky to have the Burke-Gaffney Observatory here on campus,” says Fields. “It allows students to participate in science outreach and it also allows our community to experience the universe here at Saint Mary’s.”  

Fields has always felt the gravitational pull of the observatory. During her time as a student at Saint Mary’s, she worked at the observatory before becoming its technician. Similar to her own experience, she wants to give students the opportunity to learn how to use the state-of-the-art observational astronomy equipment with the hopes of preparing them for careers in astronomy and data science. Dr. Hénault-Brunet agrees.

"For generations, Nova Scotians have been enlightened by the universe after a visit to the Burke-Gaffney Observatory," he says. "We also know students come to study astronomy and astrophysics at Saint Mary's because of our observatory." 

Sitting atop the Loyola building for half a century, the Burke-Gaffney Observatory has celebrated many milestones and continues to look to the future. The observatory is the location where the first supernova was discovered and continues to sit high in the sky as a beacon of generosity and the pursuit of a better understanding of our universe. 

Did you know? The Burke-Gaffney Observatory has allowed many to explore the universe thanks to the generosity of our supporters, including Dr. Ralph Medjuck LLD’13, whose philanthropic gift in 2014 helped upgrade the telescope.

Related stories:

• Researchers identify what could be clusters that contain the first and oldest stars in the universe

Honouring John “Jack” G. Keith

Jack and Yvonne Keith

The Saint Mary’s University community is saddened to learn of the passing of John “Jack” G. Keith CM, DComm’98 and joins with his family, friends and members of the larger Nova Scotian community in honouring his memory and his contributions, including the warm presence and generosity he demonstrated constantly towards the university. His favourite activity on campus was meeting the recipients of the awards that he and his wife Yvonne established and seeing firsthand how much the support meant to our students.  

Jack Keith exemplified the spirit of Saint Mary's by always giving back to the community. When Jack received the Order of Canada in 1993, he was described as a "banker with large reserves of social conscience." He received this honour for his outstanding volunteerism in education, the arts and cancer fundraising. 

Jack’s contributions to Saint Mary's were immense. He served as Chair of the Board of Governors at Saint Mary's from 1994-97 and was the founding chair of the Sobey School of Business Advisory Council, a position he held for 18 years, in addition to many other volunteer roles. Jack was presented the Honorary Gold "M" in 1997 by the Saint Mary's University Student Association which is their highest honour for a non-student in recognition of his many contributions to student affairs. Along with Yvonne, he was a loyal supporter at signature university events and was always on hand to cheer on the SMU Huskies football team.  

The university is flying flags at half-staff in recognition of Jack. His obituary can be found here John "Jack" Keith Obituary - Halifax, NS (dignitymemorial.com) and memorial donations can be made to the Jack & Yvonne Keith Entrance Bursary at John G. Keith Memorial. 

Research Matters: Saint Mary’s Announces Historic $3-million Gift to Graduate Student Research

Chancellor Durland and Catherine Durland (centre) with MTEI students

Imagine the difference one person can make when there’s a community of talented, supportive and driven people—world-leading experts—to lean on, learn from and work with to innovate, disrupt and create change. Thanks to a historic gift in support of graduate student research at Saint Mary’s University, future generations of research pioneers and innovators will take another step on the path toward A World Without Limits.

Saint Mary’s is pleased to announce the establishment of the Durland Scholarships in Graduate Research. The graduate entrance scholarships are supported by a $3-million gift from the Durland Learning Foundation and the Durland Family to A World Without Limits: The Campaign for Saint Mary’s University, marking the single most significant investment in graduate student research in the university’s history.

“We want this gift to reflect the past, the present and the future. It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ to all the many special faculty members at Saint Mary’s who have so greatly inspired me and so many others throughout the years. Words cannot express our collective gratitude for all you do,” says Saint Mary’s University Chancellor Dr. Michael Durland BComm'87 DComm'10.

“We also wanted to make a gift that will have immediate impact by supporting our current faculty members, students and their extraordinary research. And we wanted to invest in the future of research at Saint Mary’s—to help recruit great graduate students, to help support the future work of our wonderful faculty members, and to encourage researchers from around the world to make Saint Mary’s their home.”

“We want this gift to reflect the past, the present and the future.”

— Dr. Michael Durland

Thanks to the visionary generosity of Chancellor Durland, his wife, Catherine BComm’87, and their family, the Durland Scholarships will strengthen the university’s ability to recruit and retain top graduate students to its research-based programs. The scholarship program will grant supplemental awards of $10,000 per year for graduate students and $15,000 per year for PhD students, as an addition to other awards and funding from the university. The awards are university-wide, renewable and available to students beginning in fall 2022.

“This transformative gift will support us in attracting the best and brightest graduate students to our university, strengthening our research capacity and positioning Saint Mary’s for the incredible growth and success that is outlined in our strategic research plan,” says Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “On behalf of the entire Santamarian community, I want to thank the Durland Family—Dr. Michael Durland, our chancellor, his wife, Catherine Durland, both proud Saint Mary’s alumni, and their family, for their incredible generosity and their vision in supporting graduate research.”

Graduate students at Saint Mary’s work closely with award-winning faculty in an environment that encourages curiosity and creativity among students and faculty alike. Within the university’s 29 diverse graduate degree programs, students benefit from the best of both worlds—close interaction and a sense of community, yet access to state-of-the-art resources and facilities.

“This transformative gift will support us in attracting the best and brightest graduate students to our university”

— Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray

Saint Mary's University is known for research that addresses pressing world issues such as climate change and the environment, where leading researchers restore salt marshes. The university's researchers engage in scholarship at the intersection of climate and communities, including work with

Indigenous and international communities on challenges facing their livelihoods and conservation efforts. The university fosters innovative scientific research, from combating balance disorders to understanding black holes and building the newest great space telescope. The Sobey School of Business challenges our understanding of global migration, immigration and what it means to be a modern, global citizen. The school is also engaged in research around innovation in business and workplace studies, including the pandemic's impact on employers and employees and what the big virtual shift means for companies and their employees moving forward.

The examples above in climate change and the environment, community connection and innovative science, modern global citizenship, and innovation in business and workplace studies represent the five strategic research priorities and areas that will be supported through today’s graduate scholarship announcement.

“The Durland Scholarships in Graduate Research are closely aligned with the university’s new strategic research plan and will promote and support a broad spectrum of graduate research activity in Arts, Science and Business, bringing forth new collaborations, knowledge and innovations,” says Dr. Malcolm Butler, Vice-President of Academic and Research. “These new scholarships will bolster our research by enabling us to recruit the best and brightest students to work and train in our labs, where we will foster and nurture their passion and potential in a rich and thriving collaborative research environment, leading to new discoveries, new innovations and new pathways toward A World Without Limits.”

SMU Community Surpasses Giving Tuesday Goal

Giving Tuesday Goal surpassed again this year!

On November 30, Saint Mary’s alumni, faculty, staff and friends worked together to raise more than $27,000 to support the Student Wellness Fund and promote food security for SMU students this Giving Tuesday.

Thanks to the generosity of the J & W Murphy Foundation and a top-up by the Saint Mary’s Alumni Association, all individual gifts were matched. Gifts and the matching funds will directly impact students through initiatives such as the on-campus Community Food Room, the Enactus Saint Mary’s Square Roots vegetable bundle program, as well as provide care packages for students not able to travel home this holiday season.  
 
A huge thanks to the Saint Mary’s community for making this Giving Tuesday one of the most successful ever. Thank you for helping keep our students fed, learning and thriving.

Creating the Space for Inspiration

Board members, students, faculty, staff and alumni all gathered to welcome the newly elected Minister of Advanced Education, the Honourable Brian Wong, and top donors to Saint Mary’s. Over 100 people gathered safely to learn more about two new buildings under construction, the Sobeys Inspiration Hub and The Exchange.

At the heart of the new additions is the Sobeys Inspiration Hub, a 43,000 sq. ft. glass and steel building, that will house the Saint Mary’s Entrepreneurship Centre, the David Sobey Centre for Innovation in Retailing and Services, maker spaces, research and innovation labs, and project studios.

Members of the community spoke proudly about the university’s track record in creating entrepreneurs, many of them current students and recent graduates. Students mingled and took photos with donors including Marsha Sobey. The Sobey family are important donors to the university over several decades; their legacy and ongoing support for the institution was singled out by several speakers including Board Chair Larry Freeman and President Rob Summerby-Murray. Sobeys Incorporated is contributing $5 million, part of the $18 million Sobey Gift to Saint Mary’s from the Sobey family, Sobey Foundation and Sobeys Inc., the largest donation in the university’s history.

George and Dorothy Isaacs, along with Derek Isaacs on Live Stream, attended in recognition of the $2.5 million donation from the estate of Anne and Albert Isaacs DipENG’55.  A student gathering space, named the Anne J. and Albert T. Isaacs Commons, is at the center of The Exchange.

The event was emceed by Leah Skerry BComm’09 and Entrepreneur-in-Residence with remarks by Enactus Co-President Kritika Gurung. The new buildings will open in 2023.

A 75-Year Legacy: Community Gathers to Celebrate Viola Desmond and the Viola Desmond Bursary

From left to right: Ms. Jane Adams Ritcey, Senator Wilfred P. Moore, Leah Matheson (2021/22 Bursary recipient), and Dr. Mayann Francis.

The legacy of Viola Desmond and the Saint Mary’s University Viola Desmond Bursary in her honour, was celebrated on the 75th anniversary of her heroic anti-segregation action at a gathering hosted by the Delmore Buddy Daye Learning Institute (DBDLI) and Saint Mary’s University. The event honoured Viola’s legacy and acknowledged the latest recipients of the Viola Desmond Bursary for their roles as emerging business professionals and community leaders.  

At the event, Senator Wilfred P. Moore, BComm’64 LLD’07, and Ms. Jane Adams Ritcey, the donors of the bursary, announced an additional gift to support the bursary in recognition of the 75th anniversary of Viola’s history-defining action, which will result in the awarding of three bursaries starting with the 2022 - 2023 academic year.  

The Viola Desmond Bursary, established in 2018, is awarded to female African Nova Scotian undergraduate students studying commerce or entrepreneurship at Saint Mary’s University. This event and the announcement of the bursary all occurred on November 8th , the date of Viola’s heroic action in 1946. The award amount marks the year of Viola Desmond’s anti-segregation action, with students receiving $1,946.  

Sylvia Parris-Drummond, CEO of the DBDLI hosted the event. The Hon. Mayann Francis BA’72 DCL’12 and Viola’s sister Wanda Robson offered very moving tributes to Viola’s inspirational legacy of bravery social activism.  

Meet the new Sobey National Innovators and Sobey MBA Scholars

The 2021 Sobey National Innovators.
Top row (left to right): Rylee Pearl, Adam Culbert, Isabella MacKay, Alyssa MacDonald, Arthur (Sandy) Hiltz. Bottom row (left to right): Mackenzie Kearnery, Braden Marshall, Finn Kimball, Rahjay Brown, Abigail Duggan

Saint Mary’s University and the Sobey School of Business are proud to announce the newest recipients of the 2021 Sobey National Innovator and Sobey MBA Scholarships.   

The Sobey National Innovator and Sobey MBA Scholarships are presented to exceptional students from across Canada in recognition of their accomplishments, and as encouragement and support for their success at Saint Mary’s Sobey School of Business. This scholarship program will support 150 students over a ten-year period, inspiring the best and brightest graduate and undergraduate business students in the country to come to Saint Mary’s University and the Sobey School of Business.  

The following is a list of the 2021 Sobey National Innovators:  

• Rahjay Brown 

• Adam Culbert 

• Abigail Duggan 

• Arthur Hiltz 

• Mackenzie Kearney 

• Finn Kimball 

• Alyssa MacDonald 

• Isabella Mackay 

• Braden Marshall 

• Rylee Pearl 
   

“On behalf of all recipients, I would like to thank the Sobey Family, The Sobey Foundation and Sobeys Inc. for this incredible award. It has truly been a gamechanger and has had an immense impact on my family and I already!” says Isabella Mackay. “There is so much to look forward to with all the amazing opportunities that come along with this award.” 
 

2021 Sobey MBA Scholarship recipients 

(Left to right): Kartikey Handa, Liam O’Brien

The following is a list of the 2021 Sobey MBA Scholars:  

• Kartikey Handa  

• Liam O’Brien 
   

“A huge thank you and a salute to the Sobey family for this gracious contribution towards building a better, more inclusive, and more sustainable future. It’s because of these benevolent gestures and kind contributions that individuals, both capable and smart, are able to expand their horizons and prepare themselves to better serve the society and the nation at large,” says Kartikey Handa.  

In 2019, Saint Mary’s University announced a historic gift of $18 million from the Sobey Family, The Sobey Foundation and Sobeys Inc. which established this transformative scholarship program as well as investments in entrepreneurship, faculty support, research and new space for the Sobey School of Business. 

“We are pleased to welcome the newest recipients as members of the 2021 cohort of Sobey National Innovators and Sobey MBA Scholars and welcome them to the Sobey School of Business and Saint Mary’s University” says the Sobey School of Business Dean, Dr. Harjeet Bhabra. “We look forward to seeing the impact they make while completing their studies at Saint Mary’s University.”  

These students join last year’s inaugural recipients as members of the Sobey Scholars Network, a special cohort that includes all current and past students, alumni, Chair holders, named Professors and Post-Doctoral Fellows who have been the recipients of philanthropic financial support from the Sobey Family, The Sobey Foundation, Sobeys Inc., and Empire Company Limited.  

“Congratulations to the new Sobey National Innovators and the Sobey MBA Scholarship recipients. This has been a year like no other, and your selection as recipients of these prestigious awards recognizes your hard work, talent and resilience”, says Saint Mary’s University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray.   

“We are grateful to the Sobey family, Sobeys Inc. and The Sobey Foundation for your ongoing commitment to student success,” adds President Summerby-Murray. “Together, we are creating a World without limits for our students.”  

To learn more about these scholarships and other areas of impact, please visit the Sobey Scholars Network website.