From student to mentor: how Experience Ventures came full circle for Hayden Ennis

Hayden Ennis BComm’25 participated in the Experience Ventures program for entrepreneurship. He now owns Downstream Exterior Cleaning.

When Hayden Ennis BComm’25 first signed up for Experience Ventures through the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University, he had no idea how the opportunity would shape his career path or that, just a few months later, he’d find himself on the other side of the experience—this time as a small business owner welcoming a student into his company.

“I saw the program as a great chance to put everything I’d learned into practice,” Hayden recalls. “I was placed with CanNova Construction in Halifax, and suddenly I was doing social media, content creation and graphic design — things that were totally new to me at the time.”

That placement wasn’t just a one-off learning opportunity. The skills Hayden gained during the project stuck with him. Now, they’re part of the foundation of Downstream Exterior Cleaning, the business he officially launched in January 2025.

Based in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, Downstream has already served nearly 100 customers since beginning operations in April, and it’s just getting started.

This summer, Hayden stepped into a new role in the Experience Ventures program, not as a student, but as a business owner. Through the same initiative that helped him gain hands-on experience, he’s now providing that opportunity to Alexi Melanson, a double honours student in finance and accounting at the University of New Brunswick.

And just like Hayden, Alexi didn’t waste a moment.

“Drawing on my background in corporate finance, I was able to step into a consulting-style role with Downstream,” Alexi explains. “I worked on refining the company’s approach to financial planning, building out cash flow projections, setting budgets and streamlining existing practices. It was amazing to work so closely with a small business and actually see my ideas implemented.”

For Hayden, watching Alexi’s impact has been a full-circle moment. “It’s surreal, honestly,” he says. “Experience Ventures gave me the space to learn and grow as a student. Now, I get to pass that on. Even if a student walks away with just one new skill or lightbulb moment, that’s a win.”

This story also highlights something bigger: the growing reach of Experience Ventures across Atlantic Canada. Hayden, based in rural Nova Scotia and Alexi, from New Brunswick, show how the program fosters meaningful cross-provincial connections by bridging classrooms with real businesses and students with entrepreneurs who were once in their shoes.

As Hayden looks ahead to 2026 with big goals for Downstream, he credits programs like Experience Ventures for helping him build the confidence and the community to take the leap.

“It’s more than just a resume line. It’s real growth, real people and real impact,” he says. “I’m proof of that.”

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Powered by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary, Experience Ventures enables students to make an impact alongside real-world innovators through entrepreneurial thinking placements. See our upcoming Hackathons and Challenges. Honorariums are available for students.

Visit our website to learn more.

Wicked problems, innovative solutions

L-R): Sophie Kent-Purcell, Dr. Patricia Matsumoto, Dr. Peter Bush, Miranda Frison and Md Moniruzzaman

The Wicked Problems Lab serves as a learning hub for preparing undergraduate and graduate students for their careers

To tackle the complex environmental challenge of understanding and measuring forests effectively, the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables (NSDNRR) teamed up with the Wicked Problems Lab at Saint Mary’s University. This partnership leverages advanced software and datasets to create innovative solutions for this local, national and global problem.

Wicked Problems Lab research analyst Dr. Patricia Matsumoto and Dr. Mathew Novak, Director, lead research focused on identifying old-growth forests, mapping forest changes over time, and forest landscape connectivity.

The research team is using several geospatial datasets to develop an Old Growth Forest Potential Index tool, which can be used to plan field activities and support land management decisions related to development proposals such as wind farms. The research team has also been focused on applying the latest methodologies in remote sensing, geographical information systems (GIS) and machine-learning algorithms to understand forest gain and loss in the province in a historical time-series.

The seven students employed by the Lab for the forestry project have learned how to interpret remote sensing images, create, manipulate and edit large GIS datasets, use the latest geospatial software and write reports and scientific manuscripts.

“Collaborating with the lab and students means we’re using the latest geomatics tools and research methods, which aren’t always accessible to our staff,” said Dr. Peter Bush, Provincial Landscape Forester at NSDNRR.

Through its partnership with NSDNRR, the Wicked Problems Lab exemplifies how academia and government can work together to create innovative, data-driven solutions for environmental sustainability and resource management in Nova Scotia and beyond.

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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.

Nova Scotia’s next gen entrepreneurs shine at the Summer Entrepreneurial Experience Bootcamp

The SEE Bootcamp was held at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

Participants represented multiple universities and colleges across Nova Scotia

SEE 2025 winner, SMU Arts student Stuti Sandhu

Stuti Sandhu presenting her Being There business idea

Staff from the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre chat with student participants

SMU BComm student Asmita Ale presents Alaagi

NSCC student Avery Cote presents TrekIQ

SMU alum Chantal Brine, Interim President and CEO of EduNova

Gabriel Martin BA’25 presents ScoutRoom

Jason Turner and Dina Sallam

Kulkaran Singh presents

Emo Ikede judges the competition

Yao Zhang presents

This summer, Nova Scotia’s brightest student entrepreneurs came together for the Summer Entrepreneurial Experience (SEE) Bootcamp 2025, a month-long program designed to equip students with the skills, mentorship and connections they need to turn ideas into action. Hosted by Saint Mary’s Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre in partnership with the TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative, EduNova and the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (BEKH), SEE 2025 provided a launchpad for the next generation of innovators.

This July, 33 student entrepreneurs from across Nova Scotia participated in intensive workshops, collaborative sessions and mentorship opportunities. These sessions covered the full spectrum of entrepreneurship, from business planning and marketing to finance and pitching. The top 18 students advanced to the final pitch competition, where they presented their business ideas to a panel of judges, competing for recognition and prize funding to kickstart their ventures.

The winners were:

• First Place ($2,000): Stuti Sandhu, SMU arts student - Being There

• Second Place ($1,000):

  • Gabriel Martin SMU BA'25 - ScoutRoom

  • Asmita Ale, SMU commerce student - Alaagi

• Third Place ($500):

  • Avery Cote, NSCC commerce student - TrekIQ

  • Adeb Arianson, Dalhousie University arts student - Fund a Life

Special scholarships of $1,000 each were also awarded through the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub to support Black student entrepreneurs. MSVU master’s student Lotoya Forde (THRIVEDRIVE), and SMU commerce student Aquilya Smith (ScholarConnect), received the scholarships.

For participants like BComm student Amita Ale, the experience was both inspiring and practical. “The SEE Bootcamp covered a wide range of topics relevant to starting a business. The variety of speakers and insights helped me build confidence and clarity as an aspiring entrepreneur,” she said. “You also get to meet other like-minded entrepreneurs and build your community. I highly recommend this bootcamp to anyone with a business idea or in the early stages of launching one. It’s an excellent starting point to turn your idea into action!”

SEE 2025 brought together students from multiple institutions, including Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University, Nova Scotia Community College and Mount Saint Vincent University, creating a diverse environment for idea-sharing and collaboration. The bootcamp also tied into broader initiatives, like the Study and Stay™ program, which focuses on retaining international talent in Nova Scotia and supporting students in building ventures that contribute to the province’s economy. By the end of the program, students had not only refined their ideas but also gained a sense of what it takes to launch and scale a business.

The SEE Bootcamp shows the growing movement behind student entrepreneurship in Nova Scotia. By providing early-stage entrepreneurs with mentorship, resources and a platform to pitch their ideas, the program is helping to create a startup ecosystem within academic institutions, bridging the gap between classrooms and real-world business opportunities.

As first-place winner Stuti Sandhu reflects, SEE 2025 was more than just a competition. It was a journey that empowered students to dream bigger, act bolder and connect with a network that will support them long after the bootcamp ends.

Interested in learning more about the Summer Entrepreneurial Experience (SEE) Bootcamp? Follow this link to learn more.

Unwelcome worms: researching invasive jumping worms in New Brunswick

Dr. Erin Cameron (Photo by Samantha Bennett

Invasive species are an increasing threat to ecosystems across Canada. In New Brunswick, the invasive jumping worm has raised concerns among scientists and conservationists. These earthworms change soil conditions and plant growth, which in turn may affect the animals that depend on them.

Dr. Erin Cameron, an Associate Professor of Environmental Science at Saint Mary’s University, researches how global changes impact where species live, how they interact with each other, and how ecosystems function. She focuses mainly on invasive earthworms and their impacts on soil, plant life, and overall soil health.

Dr. Cameron’s research team includes Dr. Helen Phillips (former postdoctoral fellow at SMU), Samantha Bennett BSc’23, and several undergraduate field assistants. The team partnered with the New Brunswick Invasive Species Council (NBISC), the New Brunswick Museum, and Laurie Manzer, who provided access to their backyard and contributed to the research.

Dr. Cameron’s team maps the local distribution of invasive earthworms, gathering data that helps conservation organizations, government agencies, and local communities better understand and address the risks posed by invasive earthworms. Public education and outreach are also key in the effort to prevent the spread of invasive jumping worms.

“Over the past several years, our collaboration with Dr. Cameron and her team, along with staff at the New Brunswick Museum, has been key in enhancing our efforts to raise awareness about the spread of invasive jumping worms in New Brunswick,” said Claire Ferguson, Outreach and Communications Coordinator for NBISC. “Supporting Dr. Cameron’s research and observing these worms firsthand has provided our staff with invaluable knowledge to share with partners and the public, while also fostering stronger interprovincial collaboration.”

By combining scientific research with public engagement, this partnership is playing an important role in protecting New Brunswick’s forests and wildlife from invasive species.

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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.

Alaagi is one step closer to $1 million

SMU sustainable business advances to the next stage of the Hult Prize Competition

Sheheryar Khan, Vaishali Sachdeva and Tyler MacLean

Alaagi, a company created by recent SMU graduate Sheheryar Khan BSc’25 DipENG’25, is disrupting the plastic industry. Launched in July 2024, Alaagi is redefining the future of packaging.

The Alaagi team, comprised of Khan, Vaishali Sachdeva and Tyler MacLean, competed against 56 international teams in the Hult Prize Competition and is one of 22 to advance to the next round.

The Saint Mary’s University student-led initiative has created a durable, fully compostable bioplastic made from seaweed. This innovative material can be used to make items like sandwich wrap and grocery bags. Additionally, the plastic film can be heat sealed to preserve freshness.

Khan demonstrates how the bioplastic is made at the Alaagi lab space on SMU campus

Alaagi bioplastic sample

Now, Alaagi is creating the world’s first bioplastic film that meets the industry-standard 10K Oxygen Transmission Rate. This bioplastic film, suitable for meat and seafood packaging, is an innovation with enormous commercial potential.

The team was named National Champions after competing against 19 other Canadian teams at the Hult Prize Competition in March, allowing them to advance to this latest round of competition.

“Being a part of the Hult Prize Global Accelerator is a dream come true,” says Vaishali Sachdeva, Saint Mary’s University arts student. “The incredible mentorship through the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and the Hult team has helped us accelerate our business. I am so excited to represent Alaagi and Saint Mary’s University in London this August.”

The Hult Prize competition consists of five stages. Alaagi now moves on to Stage 4: the Global Accelerator, held in person in London this August. There, 22 teams will receive intensive mentorship, strategic guidance and networking opportunities. Of those, only eight will be selected to compete in the Global Finals in September, pitching their ventures to a distinguished panel of judges for the $1 million prize.

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Watch: Saint Mary’s University students transforming seaweed into compostable plastic (CTV News)

Introducing the Arts Outreach Bulletin

The Faculty of Arts is delighted to share its inaugural Arts Outreach Bulletin with the SMU community. The 35-page digital report offers a summary of outreach initiatives and activities from Spring 2024 through Spring 2025.

"The projects and public events you will see in these pages reflect a passion for collaboration and exploration that enriches our academic environment and our community," Dr. Kirrily Freeman, Director of Outreach and Experiential Learning, said in her introductory message. "They are a testament to our collective commitment to engaged and innovative scholarship and education, on campus and beyond."  

The new publication shares highlights from innovative community collaborations, experiential learning opportunities for students, educational outreach, the Nova Scotia Provincial Heritage Fair, the annual Social Studies Teachers Association Conference, public lectures and ongoing events through the Saint Mary's Reading Series and Let's Go to the SMUvies!

A major outreach development this past year was the launch of Arts for Everyone (A4E), a new program that invites members of the public to attend a selection of courses for free on a drop-in basis. The program has more than doubled in size for its second year ahead; it started with five courses in 2024-2025, while 11 A4E courses are on the schedule for the upcoming year.

The Faculty of Arts Outreach Bulletin 2024-2025 is available for viewing online and downloading from the Outreach page and the Publications page of the Faculty of Arts website.

The publication was released on June 30, 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of Dr. Freeman’s three-year term. Dr. Rylan Higgins begins a new role in the Faculty of Arts on July 1 as Associate Dean of Outreach and Experiential Learning.

Dr. Freeman expressed her gratitude to faculty and staff members, Arts students and community partners, “whose openness and dedication made these initiatives such a success.”

Dean of Arts Dr. Mary Ingraham added, “These experiences not only enhance academic studies but also cultivate civic responsibility and professional growth. Through community-connected research, teaching and service, our faculty and students contribute to and learn from local and global perspectives.”   

For more outreach news and events throughout the year, follow the Faculty of Arts on Instagram at @smuarts and on Facebook at @SMUArts.

See some photos from our activities in 2024 and 2025 below:

Loyalist Connections Live Podcast event on campus

Loyalist Connections booth

Hands-on Mediterranean Archelogy workshop

Field course in The Gambia

Field School: Villa of Titus in Italy

Faculty of Arts booth

“From alien planets to faerie worlds: what constructed languages can tell us about human languages” with Christine Schreyer

2025 Cyril Byrne Lecture with Kate Beaton

"Upholding Sacred Obligations: Searching for the Missing and Disappeared Children" lecture with Kimberly Murray

SMU Reading Series: The Sign of Jonas

SMU Reading Series: Sue Murtaugh

SMU Reading Series: Souvankham Thammavongsa

Bright Club comedy show

Let’s Go to the SMUvies: May the Fourth

Let’s Go to the SMUvies: Queer for Fear

Crypto fraud on the rise: Saint Mary’s launches FinTech course

Dr. Florian Muenkel works with a student on the Bloomberg Terminals in the Sobey School of Business. The computer software system allows users to monitor and analyze real-time financial market data and place trades on the secure electronic trading platform.

As cryptocurrency fraud incidents increasingly dominate headlines, including a recent RCMP alert highlighting a local scam costing victims over $150,000, Saint Mary's University is proactively stepping forward to prepare students for the emerging realities of digital finance.

Dr. Florian Muenkel, Assistant Professor of Finance at Saint Mary's Sobey School of Business and Academic Director of the IMPACT Investment Fund, has expertise in financial technology (fintech), cryptocurrency, blockchain and digital security, among other areas of finance.

Recently featured on CTV News Atlantic regarding cryptocurrency fraud, Dr. Muenkel underscores the importance of real-world, practical education to protect students and communities.

“Cryptocurrencies, blockchain and other digital payment technologies are becoming integral parts of daily financial interactions,” says Dr. Muenkel. “It is critical that students learn more than financial theory alone.”

Starting in September 2025, Dr. Muenkel will lead an innovative new Special Topics course in FinTech (FINA 4826), open to all eligible Bachelor of Commerce students. Dr. Muenkel combines his expertise in financial technology and derivatives with practical, hands-on experience guiding students in exploring opportunities to disrupt existing financial processes.

The new course will explore the transformative impact of technology on finance, including Decentralized Finance, Robo-Advising, Blockchain, Open Banking, AI and Machine Learning applications in finance, and innovations in payments such as digital wallets and advanced credit card technologies. Students will also gain insights into practical applications from guest speakers in the fintech sector.

Dr. Muenkel is known for his rigorous yet engaging teaching style, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and real-world financial decision-making skills, ensuring graduates leave Saint Mary’s well-prepared to responsibly navigate the complexities of digital finance.

“Our students will navigate the fintech world confidently but also learn how to shape it responsibly. They will be equipped to critically assess digital financial platforms, understand ethical implications and take proactive roles in preventing fraud.”

The launch of this course reflects the broader mission of the Sobey School of Business to anticipate market trends rather than merely respond to them, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to lead effectively in a rapidly evolving global financial landscape.

As new technologies reshape finance, Sobey School graduates will enter the workforce uniquely prepared, with tangible skills and the confidence to lead safely and innovatively in a complex, fast-paced digital economy.

Makers and Movers: How Saint Mary’s University students led the way

This winter, something new hit the Saint Mary’s University campus. The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre launched Makers and Movers, a pilot program designed to empower students to teach one another, providing a platform for them to speak, share and guide their peers.  

Each student pitched their own session idea, covering topics like leadership, finance, sustainability, business and personal branding. The goal? To create peer-led conversations that felt real, helpful and based on personal lived experiences.  

Eight Mavericks were selected to host sessions. The lineup was filled with students who provided their insights and energy. One student explained budgeting in a way that was simple and made sense. Another opened up about building confidence through trial and error, and a few of the speakers even shared the early wins and stumbles of starting their own business.  

The program wasn’t just about presenting; it connected peers through sharing knowledge. Over 50 students attended, learning from each other, asking questions and finding new ways to grow.

Saint Mary’s student Robert Francis captured it best: “The Makers and Movers program that was offered at the Entrepreneurship Centre was a breath of fresh air. It really enriched my education, helping me add new depth by giving me the privilege to listen to people speak. People who have lived the life I want to live and do the things I want to do.” 

For a first-time program, this one really hit the mark. Our Mavericks brought energy, and the community showed up in a big way to make it something special. Makers and Movers was just the start. If this was any indication, there’s much to look forward to!  

Breaking the silence: student leader speaks up for mental health

Manya Chawla, a second-year Bachelor of Arts student in Psychology with a minor in French and President of the SMU Mental Health Society

May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Canada. It is a time dedicated to starting the conversation and creating safe, open spaces to talk and learn about the ways mental illnesses can affect people’s lives. The goal is to reduce barriers to seeking support by breaking down the stigma of mental health.

For second-year Psychology student Manya Chawla, mental health advocacy is deeply personal. At an early age, she witnessed firsthand how isolating it can feel to experience mental health struggles, especially when it feels like no one is talking about it.

“Stigma thrives in silence,” Manya claims. “When we don’t talk about mental health, the myths, misconceptions and fears build up. Unchecked, these can grow into feelings of shame, which can often drive people to isolation or deeper struggles.”

Manya was recently named this year’s David G. Smith Memorial Award recipient for the work she is doing, both at Saint Mary’s and within her community, to support those facing mental health and illness challenges. The award, named in memory of David G. Smith, “is designed to recognize students whose endeavours help to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness and/or mental health concerns, through lived experience, support, advocacy and/or celebration of others.”

SMU Mental Health Student Society at the Societies Expo

Manya is the President of the Mental Health Society at Saint Mary’s, a student-led group that focuses on creating inclusive events and peer-led conversations that normalize seeking help. “One of the biggest highlights for our society this year was our week-long initiative, Let’s talk SMU, where students were invited to share their mental health stories through art and spoken word,” Manya describes. The society also hosted collaborative events with The Counselling Centre and other student societies, aiming to foster open conversations about mental health and intersectionality.

“Receiving the David G. Smith Award is an honour and a reminder of the importance of the work we’re doing here at SMU, through initiatives like our peer support, awareness campaigns and community engagement,” Manya exclaims. “This award reaffirms my commitment to mental health advocacy and motivates me to keep challenging stigma and creating space for people to feel seen and supported.”

Outside of Saint Mary’s, Manya is heavily involved in mental health and mental illness-based community work, volunteering for organizations including Nova Scotia Health and Autism Nova Scotia. “This work allows me to support individuals with diverse backgrounds and needs, while also advocating for system-level change,” Manya notes.

If stigma lives in silence, Manya is using her voice to break that silence at every opportunity. “I aim to make mental health dialogue more approachable and to help reduce the burden of perceived shame,” Manya shares. “Creating a culture of awareness means making mental health a regular part of the conversation. Whether it’s checking in with each other, being open about our lived experiences, having discussions in classrooms and work environments, or promoting resources to spread awareness, we need to be talking about this year-round.”

Before taking on the world as a catalyst for change, Manya hopes to expand the peer support network of the Mental Health Society at Saint Mary’s, making mental health resources more intersectionally inclusive and integrated more broadly across campus.

 “My coursework in psychology and my hands-on leadership through the society have given me a great foundation,” Manya states. “Meanwhile, SMU Community Service Learning placements and research opportunities have allowed me to build upon this by exploring systemic issues and community-based solutions.”

At Saint Mary’s, there is a breadth of health and wellness resources available, including professional and peer-based supports. Visit Health, Wellness and Supports to learn about resources on campus. If you’re looking to get involved, reach out to the SMU Mental Health Society of The Counselling Centre for opportunities.

“You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference,” Manya encourages. “Start small. Listen, learn and speak up. Caring and showing up is a powerful first step.”

Meet your Winter and Spring 2025 Valedictorians

Convocation is a special time to celebrate the hard-working graduates of Saint Mary’s University and to reflect on their achievements over their years of study. This month, six students will address their convocation classes as Valedictorian—an honour which reflects their unique journeys as students and leaders at Saint Mary’s. As Valedictorians, they are recipients of the John and Heather Fitzpatrick Valedictorian Awards.

Students from the graduating class of Winter 2025 will be celebrated on May 27, while Spring graduates will cross the stage from May 28 to 30. Visit the convocation website for details on the ceremony and links to the live streams.

Sheheryar Khan

After relocating from Dubai three years ago, Sheheryar Khan quickly found purpose at the intersection of science, sustainability and innovation. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science and a Diploma in Engineering, he leads Alaagi, an award-winning startup tackling plastic pollution with seaweed-based bioplastics. From winning the Hult Prize National Championship to supporting fellow changemakers through the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, Sheheryar is honoured to represent such a driven and ambitious graduating class and looks forward to contributing to a cleaner, greener future.

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Maxinne Nana Ama Benyiwah Baddoo

Originally from Ghana, Maxinne Baddoo was drawn to Saint Mary’s for its close-knit academic community and hands-on learning environment. She graduates with a Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation. With a background in technology and banking, she brings global experience to everything she does. She has supported cross-border projects and mentored young leaders through organizations like YouthUp Global. Passionate about purpose-driven impact, Maxinne blends technical insight with a heart for service and looks ahead to shaping change through innovation, faith and empowerment.

Maria Mannette

Born and raised in Halifax, Maria Mannette graduates magna cum laude from the Sobey School of Business with a double major in Computing and Information Systems and Management. A consistent Dean’s List student, she balances multiple jobs with demanding coursework while taking on leadership roles that enrich campus life. As the founder of the Women in Business Society, a BComm Student Ambassador and a mentor in multiple academic roles, Maria brings both heart and hustle to everything she does. With plans to pursue law school and a career in human rights, she is passionate about using her voice to advocate for meaningful, lasting change.

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Muhammad Usman

Born in Dubai and proudly rooted in Pakistani heritage, Muhammad Usman brings his entrepreneurial spirit to Canada and the Sobey School of Business. Graduating magna cum laude with multiple academic honours, he immersed himself in opportunities such as a co-op with the Halifax Wanderers FC and diplomatic dialogue at the Model UN in New York. Now preparing to launch a cultural fashion startup that celebrates diversity and innovation, Muhammad reflects the bold, borderless ambition of Saint Mary’s—and the power of family, community and purpose-driven leadership.

Lydia Hui-Qi Lee

Originally from Toronto, Lydia Hui-Qi Lee graduates summa cum laude with a double major in Economics and Marketing. From winning global case competitions to presenting research on food insecurity to Canada’s top economists, Lydia blends academic excellence with purpose-driven leadership. With plans to pursue a Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration, she aims to build a career that combines corporate law with her ongoing passion for social entrepreneurship. She carries with her a deep appreciation for the mentors and communities that helped shape her journey.

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Madeline Grace Dalzell

Coming from Welland, Ontario, Madeline Dalzell graduates summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies. Over the last several years, she has become a key part of the campus sustainability movement, serving as an executive member of the Environmental Society and leading initiatives to bring environmental awareness and integrate sustainability into daily student life. Her Honours thesis on old-growth forest conservation reflects her deep commitment to protecting natural ecosystems—a passion she will continue to explore in a master’s program in Natural Resource Management at Dalhousie University this fall.

Saint Mary's students win national Enactus title—again!

Halifax team to represent Canada on a global stage with world-changing projects

For the second year in a row, students from Saint Mary’s University have been named Canada’s national champions in a countrywide competition celebrating bold ideas and real-world impact.

Their win means Saint Mary’s will once again represent Canada at the Enactus World Cup in Bangkok, Thailand, this September, competing against top student teams from around the world.

The team rose to the top at the Enactus Canada National Exposition, held this week at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, where more than 600 students from over 50 post-secondary institutions across the country gathered to showcase their work. After three rounds of intense competition, Saint Mary’s emerged victorious.

At the heart of their success are two projects making a difference here at home:

• Square Roots fights food waste and hunger by rescuing “imperfect” produce and selling it affordably across Nova Scotia.

• Alaagi™ offers a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging—turning seaweed into biodegradable wrap.

In addition to the first-place national win, Enactus also place in three separate topic challenges. 

• Innovation and Impact Challenge, powered by Enactus Alumni – 1st place

• Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Challenge – 2nd place 

• TD Entrepreneurship Challenge – 2nd place 

Finally, the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre’s Business Design Manager, Meredith Drost, was awarded the John Dobson Fellow of the Year by Enactus Canada for her dedication to advancing entrepreneurial learning and student success. 

Enactus Saint Mary’s now moves to the global stage, bringing with them Canadian innovation, East Coast spirit and a commitment to change the world.

About Enactus Saint Mary's

Enactus Saint Mary’s is a student-led organization dedicated to creating a better world through entrepreneurial action. They develop and implement projects that address social, environmental and economic challenges, empowering individuals and communities to thrive. 

New majors at SMU blend sport, health, business and social impact

Career-ready skills, real-world interdisciplinary learning, co-op opportunities

This September, Saint Mary’s University is launching two innovative majors, Health, Wellness and Sport in Society and Sports Business, blending innovation and opportunity in a way that feels unmistakably of this moment.  

These new interdisciplinary programs are shaped by conversations across faculties and a clear-eyed view of what students—and the job market—need next. 

Built on Saint Mary’s longstanding strengths in community engagement, athletics and business, the programs offer real-world skill-building and co-op placements and will prepare students for high-impact careers in sport.

“These majors were developed with today’s world in mind—and tomorrow’s in sight,” says Dr. Augie Westhaver, associate professor of sociology and co-creator of the new majors. “We wanted to create something practical and forward-thinking, where students leave not just with a degree, but with a resumé and a sense of how to lead real change.” 

Flexible paths, focused careers 

Students can complete co-op placements relating to Sports Business and Health, Wellness and Sport in Society

The Health, Wellness and Sport in Society major, housed in the Faculty of Arts, draws on the social sciences, humanities and business to examine health, sport, equity and wellness through a broad, socially responsible lens. Students will explore everything from ethical leadership to diversity in sport, connecting their studies to global challenges like inclusion and sustainability. 

Offered through the Sobey School of Business, the Sports Business major combines marketing, data analytics, and management with big-picture thinking around ethics, leadership, and sustainability. The program prepares students to lead in a dynamic sports industry, whether in professional sport teams, corporate partnerships, or non-profit community organizations.

The programs see sport not just as a competition, but as a platform for equity, inclusion, and global citizenship. Both majors are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and emphasize socially responsible leadership.

““I wasn’t just looking for theory. I wanted something that would connect me to real careers, real communities and real change. This program brings everything together. I’ve already started exploring the business side of sport, and next year I’ll dive into the health and social issues that really matter. It’s equipping me with practical, relevant skills—and a degree that feels practical, relevant and truly interdisciplinary.”  ”

— Kyler Knocton, a current Bachelor of Commerce student who plans to declare Sport Business as his major.

The majors also build on SMU’s existing Certificates in Sports Business and Health, Wellness and Sport in Society, allowing students to stack credentials or shift into the full major as their interests evolve. 

Real-world learning starts here 

At the heart of both majors is a commitment to learning by doing, built on an interdisciplinary structure. Throughout their studies, students will engage with guest speakers, explore industry discussions, and analyze case studies, gaining insights from professionals working in the sport industry. Sample courses will include Sports Marketing, Human Resources in Sports, Sports Law, Data Analytics in Sports, and Sport, Diversity and Inclusion.

Through co-op placements, community projects and capstone courses, students will collaborate with sports teams, health organizations and non-profits on projects that reflect real industry challenges.  

Potential career paths for graduates include Health Promotion Specialist, Facility and Recreation Manager, Sports Marketing Manager, Wellness Program Director, Performance Analyst, and Diversity and Inclusion Officer in Sport.

Connecting academics and community through sport and wellness

Both majors are anchored by the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health, of which Dr. Westhaver is the director. The Centre is an interdisciplinary hub connecting academic research, community engagement, and student learning.

In March 2024, the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health hosted “Sport Studies Outside the Classroom”, an experiential learning symposium in support of the development of sport studies on campus.

Over the years, the Centre has become a touchstone for students and scholars alike, championing mental health initiatives and creating space where community work and academic inquiry intersect. It has a rich history of hosting international conferences, supporting student-led wellness projects, and building industry partnerships that now help power these new majors.

The programs also arrive at a time when mental health in sport is gaining long-overdue attention. The Centre has supported initiatives like the Student Athlete Mental Health Initiative and Here for Peers, and both majors are designed with wellness, not just performance, in mind.

“In designing these programs, we aimed to reflect the interconnectedness of sport, health, and business in today's global landscape,” says Dr. Miguel Morales, associate professor of marketing and co-creator of the new majors. “Our goal was to equip students with the skills to navigate and lead in diverse environments, understanding that success in the sports industry now requires a blend of cultural insight, ethical leadership, and a commitment to social impact.”

Within the classroom, students are encouraged to explore the ethics of wellness, and its role in shaping both individuals and systems. Conversations around resilience, burnout and the emotional weight of high-performance sport are central to the learning, viewed through a socially conscious lens.

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New talent helping to guide centre’s growth

Jacob Glover, Managing Director at the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health

Jacob Glover is thrilled to join the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health at such a pivotal time in the expansion of its programs. Well poised to support the centre’s vision as its new managing director, Glover brings experience in sport governance and policy work along with a background in law, philosophy and restorative justice.

Since arriving at Saint Mary’s in January 2025, he has focused on working with the university community “to think about nuanced ways of proactively attending to the well-being of our student athletes,” he says. “This includes working with academic supports as well as Student Affairs and Services and Athletics and Recreation, to connect our students to the resources that help to build a culture of holistic well-being.”

Enhancing the centre’s engagement with other sport institutions and organizations is another priority. In one project funded by the Canadian Olympic Committee, Glover is working with the Restorative Lab at Dalhousie University and Sport Nova Scotia to integrate a restorative approach to Team Nova Scotia’s culture and commitment to well-being at the Canada Games.

Glover joins the centre’s Academic Director Dr. Augie Westhaver and Operations Support Specialists Quinn MacDonald BA’24 and Cedric Ralph BA’25. On deck to help launch the new academic programs is Teaching Fellow Dr. MacIntosh Ross EMBA’96, whose own research explores the intersections of sport and human rights. Three students are on staff for the summer as varsity student-athlete research assistants: Ashley Brady, Ashley Penney and Chad Enwright. Learn more about the centre’s team.