Entrepreneurship, Media Release, Student Success, Alumni
Emily LeBlanc
Canada's brightest student entrepreneurs shine ...
Campus Notes, Student Success, Alumni
Emily LeBlanc
The Anne J. & Albert T. Isaacs Commons ...
The Anne J. & Albert T. Isaacs Commons opens with inspiring SPHERE event
Faculty of Science, Community
Emily LeBlanc
Thousands gather on SMU Huskies field for solar ...
Entrepreneurship, Sobey School of Business
Emily LeBlanc
2024 Canadian Venture Capital Competition ...
Sobey School of Business, Student Success, Sustainability
Emily LeBlanc
BComm student with focus on sustainability wins ...

Alumni

, , ,

Canada's brightest student entrepreneurs shine at The Arena

, , ,

The Arena 2024 Pitch Competition concluded after a thrilling 40-day battle, crowning Keeley McCormick as the champion with a prize of $10,000. Keeley, a University of Victoria Engineering and Computer Science student, impressed the judges with her innovative venture, Revyn Medical Technologies Inc. The company redesigned a vaginal speculum that prioritizes patient comfort and sustainability. 

Revyn Medical Technologies: a patient-centered solution

Founded by Keeley and a dedicated team from the University of Victoria, Revyn tackles the discomfort associated with traditional speculums. Through surveys of over 600 patients, they identified a significant number experiencing anxiety and even avoiding examinations due to speculum use. Their redesigned speculum aims to alleviate this issue while remaining effective for practitioners.

This win propels Revyn forward, allowing them to develop prototypes utilizing biocompatible materials and minimizing patient discomfort.

A fierce finale and generous supporters

Miswar Syed from the University of Waterloo won second place at The Arena with his business, Swish, which creates transparent screens that retrofit existing solar panels and can remove dust using nanotechnology. Swish allows solar panels to be cleaned multiple times a day and increases the efficiency of capturing energy, which could be especially beneficial in deserts where dust is a significant concern.

The final pitch battle between Keeley and Miswar presented a tough decision for the distinguished judges, which included Saint Mary’s alumni Shannon Byrne Susko BComm'89 BSc'92, April Howe EMBA'18, Mandhir Singh MBA'14, James “JC” Curleigh BComm’89 DComm'22 and Alexandra McCann.

Special recognition goes to Shannon's company, Metronomics, for sponsoring the competition and providing each finalist with a $10,000 award. Pat Whalen, Founder and CEO of Extension Marketing, also provided marketing support to the finalists valued at $5,000.

“Thank you to all participants for showcasing their brilliant ideas,” says Michael Sanderson, the Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. “A special appreciation to the sponsors and judges whose essential contributions ensure the success of this pitch event.”

A national celebration of innovation

The Arena 2024 was not just about one winner. It was a nationwide showcase of student entrepreneurial talent, featuring 64 students from 29 universities, coast to coast. Seven contestants from Saint Mary's University battled with fellow entrepreneurs across Canada and showcased their businesses, including Maddie Bristol (Plastarch), Storme McNeil (Smile Vodka Water), Queen-Esther Okundonor (QTress Beauty Supplies), Jayrell Diggs (SudDrop Laundry Services), Aneesa Hussain (Plane Platter), Alexia Bourgeois (Gal Pal) and Yomna Ibrahim (Sociable). Their entrepreneurial spirit was contagious, inspiring many other students who watched the competition unfold.  This outpouring of interest showed that Saint Mary's fosters a vibrant environment where anyone with a dream can take flight.

To learn more about The Arena 2024, visit the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre website or watch the competition on Facebook.

, ,

The Anne J. & Albert T. Isaacs Commons opens with inspiring SPHERE event

, ,

On March 22, The Anne J. & Albert T. Isaacs Commons opened inside the Loyola Academic building with a unique celebration which unveiled artistic displays and performances by Saint Mary’s students.

Named in honour of esteemed alumnus, the late Albert Isaacs DipENG'55 and his wife Anne, whose generosity brought it to fruition, the Isaacs Commons is a space that inspires great possibility. For events, gatherings and sharing in community, this space allows curious minds to connect, engage and explore.

The opening of the Isaacs Commons also served to host the space’s inaugural event: SPHERE. Developed by Residence Life, SPHERE is a celebration of unity, designed to bring the SMU community together through an artistic showcase of culture and community. The first of its kind at Saint Mary’s, SPHERE is a platform for students to share their talents and passions and celebrate their peers. The showcase included artwork, cultural creations, musical performances and more. With more than 180 in attendance, including students, faculty and staff, the Isaacs Commons was abuzz with inspiration and possibility.

, , ,

From court to corporate: Keisha Turner’s ace transition to entrepreneurship

, , ,
Keisha is a Black woman wearing a bright blue fuzzy jacket. Her hair is in braids and she smiles.

Keisha Turner BA’12

This year, Saint Mary’s celebrates the 50th anniversary of women in varsity sport. Throughout the year, we will highlight women in sport like Keisha Turner BA'12—an inspiring athlete, innovative entrepreneur, dedicated philanthropist and valued Saint Mary's community member.

Whether speaking at an event, helping with volleyball camp, through her ongoing work with the Arthur L. Entrepreneurship Centre, or sharing her experience with students and other professionals, Keisha always takes advantage of an opportunity to get involved.

Keisha has been a devoted Huskies Varsity Volleyball team member since 2007. In 2010, she played a crucial role in the team's AUS Championship victory, setting the team on the path to success that continues today.

Even after graduating, Keisha continued to support the team as an Assistant Volleyball Coach until 2020. While coaching, Keisha shared her unique approach to success on the court. Her coaching philosophy, which blends physical preparedness with mental resilience, demonstrates her multifaceted approach to leadership—a quality that extends beyond sports into her entrepreneurial endeavours.

Now, Keisha remains an active member of the team's community by raising funds and cheering them on courtside and online.

The women's volleyball team holding the AUS banner

Women's Atlantic University Sport Volleyball Championship, 2010

Michael sits with his arm around Keisha. He has long blond/brown braids. They both hold drinks.

Keisha and Michael

Since graduating with her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Keisha combined her passion for sport, health and mindfulness to establish a career as an entrepreneur. With her husband, Michael Polak BComm'14, she has formed Akwekon—a consulting firm that guides Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations in the reconciliation of colonial and Indigenous practices.

More recently, Keisha co-founded Starberry Drink Co., a testament to innovation in the beverage industry, offering a refreshing, all-natural drink made from whole strawberries, maple syrup and water.

With her experience as an entrepreneur and athlete, Keisha has been named an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary's. In this role, Keisha is nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and enriching the Saint Mary's University's community by bridging academic theory with real-world business practices.

Keisha, a Black female entrepreneur and community leader, has established the Turner Bursary for African Canadian and Indigenous Women. She takes pride in the pivotal role bursaries played in her success and is committed to promoting positive change and student success at Saint Mary's University.

To honour her dedication to Saint Mary's University and exceptional volunteer service, the Saint Mary's University Alumni Association presented her with the Paul Lynch Alumni Volunteer Award in 2023.

,

50 Years of Women in Varsity Sport at Saint Mary’s University

,

Celebrating the trailblazers who paved the way

Kathy is a white woman with chin length brown hair. She wears a bright blue sweater and scarf and stands in front of the stands inside the Huskies gym.

Kathy Mullane MBA’89. Photo: James MacLean

Today, the women’s Huskies at Saint Mary’s University are among the top-ranked teams and individual athletes, both provincially and nationally. But in the 1970s, the leadership of a few dedicated Santamarians helped blaze a trail to women’s varsity success.

Women at Saint Mary's have played field hockey, basketball and volleyball at the club level since the university opened its doors to women in the late 1960s. As the clubs grew in popularity, and the men’s varsity teams earned national titles, the women sought to form organized teams. In 1973, Dr. Owen Carrigan, then President of Saint Mary's University and father to several athletic daughters, recognized the need for a formal women's athletic program. Bob Hayes, then Athletic Director, agreed that a women's varsity program could attract more students and provide equal opportunities in sport.

Dr. Carrigan hired Kathy Mullane MBA'89 to establish a women's varsity program and coach the basketball team. Acknowledging that most women athletes were playing more than one sport, Mullane insisted on coaching the field hockey team at the varsity level as well.

Susan (Dunbrack) Beazley - 1973

"When Saint Mary's was looking to join the varsity league, other universities were hesitant and thought that we would recruit players in a way similar to the men's teams. To prove that we could be competitive on our own, we spent a year playing at the junior varsity level before moving up to varsity," says Mullane.

The 1973 Field Hockey and Basketball junior varsity teams were determined and dedicated, earning their spot in the varsity program the following year. Despite the newfound support for a women's varsity program, the teams faced challenges—including sharing the already stretched-thin men's athletics budget. With little funding for the women's program, the team got creative with their day-to-day operations. Mullane remembers mopping the gym floors and cleaning the showers and toilets herself. Undeterred, Mullane and the women on the teams made the most of it.

1974-1975: Varsity Basketball Team. Front: Susan Dunbrack, Patsy Pyke, Cindy Britten, Wanda Williams, Cathy Fifield, Jody Hayes. Back: Wendy Purkis, Jane May, Kim Robson, Neila McCabe, Kathy Ells, Leslie Simpson, and Kathy Mullane (Coach).

While they had earned their spot at the varsity level, recruiting new students to play was also a challenge. "As a new program, it was difficult to compete in recruiting athletes with the universities that offered physical education or kinesiology," says Mullane. She recalls searching the residence halls for students interested in playing. Creatively, she also tried to recruit students from the commerce program, selling the opportunity to develop business-related skills by participating in competitive sports.

Mullane would be the university’s first full-time female coach, remaining at the university until 2011. In her 37 years at Saint Mary’s, she held various roles within the Athletics department and enjoyed many successes including leading her teams to four Atlantic Universities Athletics Association (now Atlantic University Sport) titles and being inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 1998.

The 1970s marked a significant turning point for women as they forged new paths and explored areas they had always dreamed of reaching. One of Saint Mary's most notable actions during this time was developing the women's varsity athletic program, made possible by the initiative of the women who came together and formed the initial club teams, the support of the university administration, and the significant leadership and guidance of Kathy Mullane.

In 2022, the Kathy Mullane Fund for Varsity Women’s Sport was created in recognition of Mullane’s leadership at the university. The fund contributes to scholarships, coaching development and support for women interested in sports administration.

Help celebrate this momentous time by supporting women's athletics at Saint Mary's—donate to the Kathy Mullane Fund for Varsity Women's Sport.

, ,

International Women's Day at Saint Mary’s

, ,

On Friday, March 8, the Saint Mary’s community joins the global celebration of International Women’s Day. The theme for 2024 is Inspire Inclusion - When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. Learn more.

To shine a light on women’s and girls’ social, economic, cultural and political achievements, and on the work still being done toward gender equality and empowerment, we’re highlighting some of the many stories that celebrate our students, faculty and alumni.

Saint Mary’s is also hosting two events in March related to International Women’s Day—see details below.

Inspiring Inclusion Art Therapy Session

Monday, March 11
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Secunda Boardroom, Sobey Building 401

Join the Sexual Violence Support Centre for a gently guided Art Therapy Workshop focused on 'Inspiring Inclusion!'. Art Therapist Chelsea Kitsch focuses on community-building and empowerment through creative expression and leads participants through a collaborative art piece in celebration of International Women's Day. All levels of experience are welcome and encouraged to join.

Register

Listen, Learn, Act Panel

Thursday, March 28
3-4:30 p.m.
Scotiabank Theatre, Sobey Building 201

Join the Sexual Violence Support Centre for a conversation led by community activists, academics, government, and students. Together, we will learn about how we can prevent and respond to violence while working towards safer and more empowered communities for all.

The panel will feature:

  • Stephanie McGinnis-Langley, former Executive Director for the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women and long-time feminist advocate

  • Sue Bookchin, Executive Director of Be the Peace

  • Carmel Farahbakhsh, Executive Director of the Youth Project

  • Dr. Tatjana Takseva, Chair; English Language and Literature and Lead, CAPSAP project

  • Nauman Sajid, Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative Peer Educator

Stories

50th Anniversary of Women in Varsity Sport

This year, Saint Mary’s celebrates the 50th anniversary of women in varsity sport. Throughout the year, we will highlight women in sport at Saint Mary’s.

Student entrepreneurs win Innovation Cup with sustainable business idea

Students Madeline Bristol, Susan MacInnis and Mya MacDonald won December’s Innovation Cup, a 10-week experiential learning program. Their business Plastarch Packaging, a bioplastic alternative made from set-to-be-wasted root vegetables, solves the need for environmentally friendly cutlery and food packaging.
Read more.

Sobey School of Business welcomes Wendy Luther EMBA’08 as Alumni in Residence

Wendy Luther EMBA’08, President and CEO of Halifax Partnership, is the Sobey School of Business Alumni in Residence for 2024. In 2023, Wendy was named one of Atlantic Canada's 25 Most Powerful Women in Business. The Alumni in Residence program aims to bridge the gap between academic life and the professional world by creating meaningful connections between our alumni and current students. Read more.

Meet Wendy at our upcoming event Moving From Successful Student to a Stellar Professional and Entrepreneur on March 25!

, ,

Sobey School of Business Alumni in Residence: Wendy Luther EMBA'08

, ,

The Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University prides itself as a national leader in community-focused business education. Building foundations for an equitable, prosperous and progressive community through active learning is at the heart of what we do. Our success as a leading business school is inextricably linked with the success of our students, our stakeholders and our broader communities.

The Alumni in Residence program aims to bridge the gap between academic life and the professional world by creating meaningful connections between our alumni and current students. Through this program, students have the opportunity to build relationships, receive advice and gain insights from successful alumni. The Alumni in Residence Program hosts various speaking events where students can seek advice, learn about industry trends, and expand their professional networks.

Wendy Luther EMBA’08

We are delighted to share that Wendy Luther EMBA’08, President and CEO of Halifax Partnership, is our Alumni in Residence for 2024. Wendy is one of our distinguished Alumni—in March 2023, Wendy was named one of Atlantic Canada's 25 Most Powerful Women in Business.

Wendy is a leader in economic and export development, with vast experience promoting Nova Scotia and its assets globally. Wendy joined Halifax Partnership as President & CEO in 2019. In 2023, Halifax Partnership was honoured with four Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) including Gold for Economic Development Organization of the Year.

Before joining Halifax Partnership, Wendy was President & CEO of EduNova, a co-operative association of public and private-sector education providers committed to promoting Nova Scotia’s knowledge economy internationally. Under her leadership, EduNova was honoured with the prestigious international PIEoneer Association of the Year Award in 2017.

Learn more about Wendy Luther and explore her remarkable professional journey.

Join us for our upcoming event with Wendy Luther on March 25, 2024

Ask Wendy Luther: Moving From Successful Student to a Stellar Professional and Entrepreneur

  • Monday, March 25, 2024

  • 1:30-3:30 p.m.

  • Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

    Sign up!

,

From the Huskies to the NHL: Grit and tenacity pay off

,

This year, Saint Mary’s celebrates the 50th anniversary of women in varsity sport. Throughout the year, we will highlight women in sport at Saint Mary’s, like hockey pro Courtney Schriver-Richard BA’11, who followed her dream to the NHL.

Courtney Schriver-Richard BA’11

Courtney Schriver-Richard BA’11 chuckles when she talks about her early days playing hockey. “I am your quintessential Canadian,” she says. “I basically came out of the womb as a hockey player.”

Born in Newfoundland but raised in Halifax, Courtney was playing hockey by the time she was three. She was inspired by an older brother, and even though there weren’t many girls playing in the 1990s, that didn’t stop her. “I was a bit of an anomaly at that time, but I started playing as soon as they would allow me to register.”

She had early and profound success as a hockey player, leaving her family for Mississauga when she was only 15 to play in the Ontario Women’s Hockey League. “It was an incredible experience but I was also homesick and forced to grow up quickly,” she says. “I thought of that as the price I had to pay for playing the game I loved so much.”

When it came time to choose a university, Halifax called her back. Saint Mary’s, with their strong hockey program and well-respected head coach, seemed like the obvious choice. “Lisa (Jordan) Haley had been a bit of a mentor and a role model for me growing up,” says Courtney. "I knew she was tough and fair and that she would give me the tools I needed to be successful in university hockey.”

And to the surprise of no one, Courtney, or “Schriv” as she came to be known, did succeed. Her long list of accolades includes AUS Rookie of the Year, AUS MVP, three-time AUS First Team, CIS Rookie of the Year, and CIS First Team All-Canadian. Most impressive of all, is the Huskies record that Courtney still holds for the most goals scored in a single season.

Head Coach Lisa Haley first saw Courtney play hockey when she was in her mid-teens and trying out for the U18 Canada Games team. “Her natural hockey talents were obvious to everyone,” says Lisa. “It’s like she had the puck on a string every time it touched her stick. And her shot was lethal.”

While it was clear that her hockey talent was at an elite level, that’s not what made Courtney a "generational" player, as the best in the game are often described. She was loaded with what Lisa describes as ‘grit.'

Courtney (center) drops the puck at a SMU Huskies hockey game. She was an Honorary Co-Chair of the 2019 Huskies Hockey reunion.

““I could see that she had so much potential, and that hasn’t changed. Schriv’s potential is still sky-high. She’s earned everything she’s accomplished in her amazing career and is also an incredible role model to the student-athletes who are following in her footsteps.””
— Lisa Haley

Mentally tough. Incredibly focused. Driven. These are common terms used to describe Courtney both on and off the ice. It’s these qualities that enabled her to set her sights on the NHL early in her career and to make that dream come true.

Right from her graduation from Saint Mary’s, she made a point of trying to align herself with brands that were sports-related. Her first job was a Marketing position with Tim Hortons, where part of her job was managing the marketing portfolio for their TimBits Hockey. She then moved on to another Canadian sports brand, Boston Pizza, where she developed relationships with some of the NHL brands.

Her tenacity to work in the game of hockey paid off when she was offered the position of General Manager of Business for the Cape Breton Eagles, part of the Quebec Major Junior League. She worked her butt off, learning every intricacy of the game, not unlike a player or a coach, and this culminated in an offer from the Edmonton Oilers in 2022 as their Manager of Corporate Partnerships.

"Working at the highest level in hockey was always my goal and working in the NHL was the ultimate dream,” says Courtney, who adds it’s been a team effort. “I’m so grateful to my husband and son who have basically moved every two years in support of my dream of getting here. It hasn’t been easy but they’ve made those sacrifices for me.”

Her son, Nash, age 11, has followed in his mom’s footsteps, and plays hockey too, loving the perks of her job. “It makes me happy that my family, after all they’ve done for me, get to reap some of the benefits of my work,” says Courtney who takes her family to as many Oilers games as they can get to.

Courtney credits Saint Mary’s with helping her learn how to multi-task, perform under pressure, and be accountable to those she makes commitments to. “At SMU, I was a student first and an athlete second, and to play the game I loved, I had to do well in the classroom.”

She also deeply appreciates the deep and enduring friendships she made while playing for the Huskies. “There are so many amazing women who I shared experiences with and learned so much from,” she says, adding that they also had a lot of fun. She fondly remembers the bus trips, the hotels, and that first step onto the ice of the old SMU rink during early morning practices.

Courtney marvels at how things have changed for women athletes in the past couple of decades. “There are so many different paths for young women athletes to go down now, so many different options available. Many more than there were for me, it’s a different landscape.”

And when she gets the chance to talk to university-aged women athletes about their futures, she always makes a point of telling them that the NHL isn’t just for men. “There are so many jobs working in the game and there are jobs for you, as a woman, if the NHL is your dream too. If this is the place you want to be, there are opportunities here for you to live that dream.”

By Renée Hartleib

, ,

Justine Colley-Leger: Inspiring young women with her legacy 

, ,

This year, Saint Mary’s celebrates the 50th anniversary of women in varsity sport. Throughout the year, we will highlight women in sport at Saint Mary’s, like basketball superstar Justine Colley-Leger BComm'14, who continues to inspire young women athletes today. 

Justine Colley-Leger BComm’14

You could say that sport, specifically basketball, has always been a part of Justine Colley-Leger’s BComm’14 life. In fact, her daycare teachers still talk about how, as a toddler, she would ask them to get the basketball out of the toy box so she could shoot on the four-foot hoop!  

The youngest of five, who grew up in East Preston, Justine’s sports journey began when she was eight years old. Her Mom took her to an open session of the Cole Harbour Rockets for the under-10 age group, and when they got there, Justine was the only kid who could dribble with both hands and reach the hoop.

The coach noticed and told the mother and daughter duo about an under-12 girls' basketball team that was just starting. He encouraged Justine to try out. “That was the start of someone taking notice of my skills and placing me on a trajectory,” she says. “One where I would be playing against older and often more skilled people than myself.”  

For years, she was the smallest kid on the court, coming home with many bumps and bruises. But now, she can see how these experiences of being the underdog helped her build resilience. They also helped build her skill level.   

By the time she was 14, Justine was playing on the high school varsity basketball team at Halifax Grammar School, where she was enrolled for Grades 9-12. Once again, she was playing at a level above her age group and against girls who were many years older.   

To no one’s surprise, Justine excelled and, upon graduation, was recruited by countless Canadian universities and a handful of NCAA schools in the States. Ultimately, she chose to stay in Nova Scotia and attend Saint Mary’s, where her older sister had also gone. “I knew that at some point I’d have to put the basketball down, so that was a part of my decision to go to Saint Mary’s. I was drawn to their strong academic program. Plus, I’m a real homebody,” she adds with a laugh. “I like to see familiar faces and eat home-cooked meals!”  

In her five years at Saint Mary’s, Justine became a basketball superstar. She led the Huskies to two AUS championships and CIS (now U-Sports) silver and bronze medals. She also earned two-time AUS MVP, four-time All-Canadian, and five-time AUS first-team All-Star, while playing more than 40 games with the Canadian national team.   

“Justine was a tremendous leader who helped elevate Saint Mary’s Women’s basketball on the national stage, lifting the team to its first-ever regular season #1 national ranking,” says Head Coach Scott Munro. “A player and person like Justine only come along once in a long while. It was an honour and a pleasure to coach and watch her leave her mark on Saint Mary’s University and Canadian University basketball.”  

To this day, Justine still holds the distinction of being the all-time leading scorer in the history of Canadian women’s university basketball and, in 2019, was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame.  

She made some lifelong friends during her years of Huskies basketball and loved playing for the huge crowds their games drew. “It’s rare that a women’s game gets more spectators than the men’s team, but that’s what happened in those days,” she says. “The stands were always full.”  

It’s these types of stories that she loves to share with young women in the hope that they, too, will enjoy the tremendous benefits that sport can bring to life. And with stats showing that pre-teen girls tend to step away from sports as they work their way through their teens, Justine thinks it’s crucial that these girls hear stories of women who have had successful athletic careers in high school and university.   

“When we tell the stories of successful female athletes, this inspires young women to follow that path as well, and then to reap the benefits to their overall well-being - physically, mentally, and socially.”  

Justine began dating her husband, Maj. Nicolas Leger, in her university years. They now have four children and have returned to East Preston to raise their family. She loves being close to her parents and extended family and relishes the strong community vibe of the place she calls home.  

Sport continues to be a considerable part of Justine’s life—she now plays in the semi-professional Maritime Women’s Basketball Association—and six months ago, she accepted the position of Athletic Director at Halifax Grammar School. She’s having a ball and is also putting her Major in Finance to good use, creating budgets and using some of the time management skills she gained during her university years when she had to juggle sports, academics, part-time work, and family life.  

She’s been asked to give presentations on her athletic career within the school and can feel her impact on the students there. “It’s a real privilege to inspire others, especially young people,” says Justine. “I feel so appreciative, fortunate, and blessed to be in this role.” 

By Renée Hartleib 

, ,

Alumnus brings local holiday tradition to life through 3D printing

, ,

Woody the Talking Christmas Tree (Paul Hollingsworth/CTV Atlantic)

It's that time of year again when the mall fills with holiday shoppers, dazzling lights and a magical talking tree from the North Pole. Woody, the talking Christmas tree, returned to the Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth in 2021, after a 15-year hibernation. Woody has a fresh new look, and it's not just because he's been getting plenty of beauty sleep.

Mohammed Issa BComm’16

Mohammed Issa BComm'16, the founder of Eureka Technologies Inc., has restored life to Woody's face through 3D printing. Woody also owes his magical abilities to Eureka Technologies Inc., who designed and built all the mechanical elements that bring Woody to life.

Although Rome was not built in a day, Woody was constructed in just two weeks. The mall had initially contacted Eureka Technologies Inc. in March of 2021 to inquire if they could take on the Woody project but then decided to move forward at the end of October.

"Woody arrives at the mall the day before Remembrance Day and wakes up the day after (November 12). So, we only had two weeks to construct and assemble Woody," says Mohammed.

No stranger to challenges, he was confident that his team would deliver.

Mohammed was a mature student studying for a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Saint Mary's. With three small children at the time, he enrolled in the business program to gain the knowledge required to start a completely different business venture he had in mind.

"I purchased my first 3D printer intending to create a prototype for my new business idea. However, I realized I could also generate extra income by providing 3D printing services using Kijiji." This led to the birth of Eureka Technologies Inc. in 2015. As a full-time student, Mohammed utilized his entrepreneurial spirit to support his family with his printer, which ultimately led to the success of his business today.

Today, Mohammed is passionate about growing the entrepreneur in others, and he does so by collaborating with the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. Together, they offer a robotics class where Eureka Technologies Inc. provides each student with 3D-printed robot kits. The students get to build and program their robots in this class.

"Learning entrepreneurship through this class is expanding the mindset of our students from diverse backgrounds across different faculties," says Mohammed.

Mohammed's dedication to Saint Mary's students and his entrepreneurial mindset is evident through his active participation in the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. The Saint Mary's University Alumni Association has recognized his exceptional work with Eureka Technologies Inc. and his unwavering support for young entrepreneurs by awarding him the Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year for 2023.

"I plan to continue giving back to the community and supporting students the way that I was helped as a student," said Mohammed, expressing his gratitude for the recognition of his efforts.

To learn more about Eureka Technologies Inc., visit www.eurekatec.ca/about.

Check out Woody's Twitter account to join in on the magic!

, ,

Accessibility Week at Saint Mary’s 

, ,
Digital image shows students working at computers with text: Saint Mary's University Accessibility Week, November 27 to December 1, 2023

Please join the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility as we celebrate Accessibility Week at Saint Mary's from November 27-December 1, leading up to the United Nations’ International Day for Persons with Disabilities on December 3. 

During the week, the Fred Smithers Centre will offer virtual and in-person events for students, faculty and staff, including events highlighting stress management, mental health and wellness, workshops for faculty on creating accessible coursework, guest speakers, a faculty open house and tour of the Fred Smithers Centre, a blind hockey exhibition game and a student trivia night. Read below for a full list of events.

The Fred Smithers Centre strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Events will have sign language interpreting and real-time transcription. Please email fredsmithers.centre@smu.ca for other accessibility requests and specific accommodations.

Accessibility Week Events  

Patrick Power Library Book Display
November 27 – December 11, 2023  

A collection of literature relating to disability and accessibility, featuring staff picks from the Fred Smithers Centre team. See library hours here.

Vicky is a white woman with short brown hair wearing a white sweater. The event title and information is included as text on the image.

Keynote Speaker: Vicky Levack

Monday, November 27  
Noon – 1:30 p.m. | CLARI, 3rd floor Atrium  

Vicky Levack is a disability advocate and educator who lives in Halifax N.S. Her story and her work have been featured in many news and media reports including CBC and Global News and the Halifax Examiner.  She is a former SMU student and hosts the “Disability Debunked” podcast.  Vicky is known for her candid and genuine take on all things disability.   

An image with event information, included in text

More Accessible Word and PowerPoint Document Workshop

Monday, November 27  
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Sobey Building (SB) Room 159  

The Studio for Teaching and Learning provides an opportunity to learn how to create more accessible Word and PowerPoint documents. During the workshop participants will have an opportunity to work on their own document(s) and ask questions.  

  

Accessibility Week Trivia Night  

Monday, November 27  
6:00 p.m. | The Gorsebrook Lounge, Student Centre main level  

Join Accessibility Wellness ambassador, Zoe, for a night of neuro-spicy trivia covering topics on accessibility, diversity and social justice. This will be an accessible and welcoming event that highlights important issues and fosters great discussions through a fun, trivia format with chances to win prizes.  

Tune-sy Tuesday Accessibility Week Edition  

Tuesday, November 28  
Noon – 1 p.m. | Lobby Couches, O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre  

Bring an instrument or borrow one of ours and come jam out for a midday musical mood boost and explore the roles that music can play in accessibility and wellness! Students, staff, faculty and alumni are welcome.   

A digital image of a person petting a dog. Event title and information included as text on image.

Therapy Dog Drop-in  

Wednesday, November 29  
11:30 – 1 p.m. | The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (SC 309)  

Get ready for a paw-sitively amazing event! Join Meri, the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog for a barking good time. Meri will be here to show us the importance of self-care and emotional support during a stressful time! Don’t miss out on this furry-tale event!  

A digital image of people sitting together working on laptops with event information overlaid

Accessibility Questions and Answers (Q&A)

Wednesday, November 29  
Noon – 1 p.m. | Online via zoom (registration required)  

Hosted by the Fred Smithers Centre, the Studio for Teaching and Learning and the Software and Application Support teams, this Q&A event will be an opportunity to discuss and explore accessibility within the scope of institutional learning and working. Participants will learn about resources, supports, software and tools, and will have an opportunity to ask questions.  

Register for the Accessibility Q&A.  

A digital image of a hockey net, sticks and puck. Event title and info included as text on the image.

 Blind Hockey Exhibition

Wednesday, November 29  
7 p.m. | The Dauphinee Centre (Arena)   

The parasport of Blind Hockey is played by athletes whose level of vision ranges from legally blind – which is approximately 10% vision – to completely blind, using an adapted puck that makes noise and is bigger than a traditional puck. Players will take the ice during the SMU v. UPEI hockey game for an intermission exhibition.  

Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility Open House

Thursday, November 30  
Noon – 2 p.m. | Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (SC 309)  

Faculty and staff are invited to visit the Fred Smithers Centre, meet the team, explore the testing and accommodation spaces, and have a chance to explore some of the assistive technologies. This is an opportunity to learn what services and supports the Fred Smithers Centre offers, ask questions and learn how to incorporate accessibility and accommodation into the classroom and workplace.  

Thursday, November 30  
7 – 8:30 p.m. | Gorsebrook Lounge  

What does masculinity mean to you? Why are men less likely to access mental health supports? How do we show up for ourselves and the men around us? Join us for a panel discussion about men’s mental health! We’ll be discussing what masculinity is and isn’t, the importance of social support, and how we can reduce the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. Our panelists include private counsellors, community social workers, other special guests you’ll recognize from campus.  

Digital image with event information incldued in text

Accessible PDF Workshop

Friday, December 1  
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.  

Join the Studio for Teaching and Learning to explore creating more accessible PDFs using various software. Learn how PDFs are processed for various neuro-diverse experiences, explore accessibility check tools and get templates to build off accessible-ready documents. This hands-on workshop will allow participants to develop or work on their own documents, get help and ask questions.  

A digital image of hands typing on a laptop. Event title and information included in text.

Keynote Speaker: Jay Dolmage on Academic Ableism

Friday, December 1  
Noon | Online  

Faculty and staff are invited to tune in with Jay Dolmage, disability rights author and educator, for a discussion on academic ableism in higher education. Jay will discuss and explore possibilities for building a more accessible classroom and campus and welcomes audience participation in discussions, questions and explorations of disability rights.  

Register for this event.

, ,

Women in Business event highlights networking and sustainability

, ,

On October 17, the Sobey School of Business celebrated women in business, with the Elevating Women in Business: Blazing Trails event. Now in its 5th year, the annual event shines a light on women business leaders and this year, brought a special focus on how to create a more sustainable world.

Keynote speaker Chantal Brine BA’09, who is the CEO and Founder of EnPoint, spoke to a crowd of more than 80 attendees about the importance of mentorship and strategic networking techniques. Another highlight was a panel discussion with Dr. Denise Daley, Executive Director of the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank; Sara Shabnam BComm’15, Founder & CEO of Better Day Vintage; Rebecca de Condé BComm’15, Owner of Effex Curated Vintage; and Marley MacDonald MA’14, Director of Responsibility and Sustainability at the NSLC, who came together to discuss sustainability among their respective professions.

During this event, Dr. Rohini Bannerjee, AVP Diversity Excellence, moderated the discussion which explored how these accomplished professionals seamlessly integrated sustainability into their careers and discovered the art of building meaningful connections through networking.

This thought-provoking and inspirational gathering not only fostered a sense of unity within the Saint Mary’s community but also set a precedent, illuminating the path toward a brighter and more sustainable future.

,

Impact and inspiration: students attend Michelle Obama talk

,

Inspiration and encouragement was the goal behind three generous Saint Mary's University alumni donors this term. On October 18, 200 Saint Mary's University students had the opportunity to attend A Conversation with Michelle Obama thanks to tickets provided by Chancellor Michael J. Durland BComm'87 DComm'10, former Chancellor Robert P. Kelly BComm'75 DComm'97 and Daniel J. McCarthy BComm'76 DComm'11.

A diverse group of student attendees was selected based on nominations from academic Deans, Athletics, Student Affairs and Services, the President's office, the Students' Association and other university departments.

"It was a real honour to be chosen for this event. But I think the bigger impact was the nomination itself...to be nominated for an event as big as this was something else," says Ken Cornell, a fifth-year student in the Faculty of Arts.  

Before picking up their tickets, the students had a chance to hear from guest speaker Nick Booth, CEO of the True Patriot Love Foundation. Booth spoke about his professional journey as a leader in the non-profit industry. His inspirational words and advice sparked insightful questions from the student audience. The pre-event was an excellent kick-off for a night of inspiration. 

“It was one of the most empowering and inspiring experiences I have ever encountered,” says Shiray Tan, fourth-year student in the Sobey School of Business and President of the Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association. “Michelle Obama made me realize that I can do anything and everything in this world as long as if I put my mind into it and work hard.”