Wondering what’s open for food options on campus over the coming weeks?
Check this listing to see what’s available during exams and over the holiday break on campus.
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women at Saint Mary’s
Saint Mary’s University students, faculty and staff gathered on December 6 to honour and acknowledge the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
The reflective event was led by Deborah Brothers-Scott, Director, Diversity and Inclusion. Raymond Sewell, Assistant Professor, opened the event with two captivating Indigenous songs, and Miriam H. Schroedor MA’71 2017 read a poem titled “I am a woman.”
Saint Mary’s faculty members Dr. Erin Adlakha, Dr. Aldona Wiacek, and Dean of Science Dr. Lori Francis reflected on their own experiences, facing and overcoming opposition in their careers.
Every year, a scholarship is awarded to a young woman studying Engineering at Saint Mary’s. Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray and SMUSA President Isobel Tyler presented the scholarship to this year’s recipient, Jade Cameron.
Students, SMUSA representatives, and faculty carefully placed 14 roses in a large vase to commemorate the 14 women who were killed at the l’École Polytechnique in Montreal on December 6, 1989. Those women are:
Geneviève Bergeron
Hélène Colgan
Nathalie Croteau
Barbara Daigneault
Anne-Marie Edward
Maud Haviernick
Maryse Laganière
Maryse Leclair
Anne-Marie Lemay
Sonia Pelletier
Michèle Richard
Annie St-Arneault
Annie Turcotte
Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz
“It is necessary that we continue to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6 each year,” says Dee Dooley, Sexual Violence Advisor. “We remember and honour the lives of the 14 women engineers who were taking up space that was and is theirs to take. It is necessary that we reflect on the meaning of this day, and the impact of violence on the lives of those who experience it.”
Cookies & Cocoa in the Quad
An annual holiday tradition has been forged at Saint Mary’s! For the second year in a row, President Summerby-Murray and SMUSA President Isobel Tyler, in collaboration with the Student Affairs and Services Student Success Centre, hosted Cookies & Cocoa in the Quad.
Armed with cocoa, coffee, cookies and candy canes, the presidents served up treats and holiday cheer to students from a quaint wood cocoa stand. Despite the cold, drizzly weather, more than 200 students came out to chat with the presidents and enjoy a pick-me-up as they prepared for final exams to close out the fall term.
Waitlist pilot project launches
A pilot project for waitlist registration has launched for select undergraduate courses. Waitlist registration is a new feature in the Self-Service Banner system which allows students to join a waitlist for a course that is at capacity for an upcoming term. Waitlisting is being introduced as a pilot project over the coming months, and course waitlists will be broadly available for Fall 2023/Winter 2024 registration. The project allows Enrolment Services, in partnership with faculties, to review course demand and adjust to meet students’ needs.
“We’re excited to introduce this new feature to our course registration system. Waitlisting will improve the efficiency of online registration for students, as well as allow the University to observe trends in course demand to inform our decision-making for future course planning,” says Dave Peters, Acting University Registrar.
Students can find out if courses for Winter 2023 have a waitlist offered, and find instructions for using this process on our website.
For questions about course selection and joining a course waitlist, students can reach out to their Academic Advising office.
Video: Sobeys Inspiration Hub Update
The newest addition to campus—the Sobeys Inspiration Hub—opens in Fall ’23. Watch for a behind-the-scenes tour of this inspiring building in progress.
Student-managed venture capital fund invests in Quebec-based online insurance distributor
The 2022 Venture Grade: Student Venture Capital Fund team.
An innovative Quebec-based online insurance distributor that removes barriers and offers affordable plans to young parents has received a boost from a student-run venture capital fund at Saint Mary’s University.
Venture Grade: Student Venture Capital Fund, a student-raised and managed venture capital fund, invested $12,500 in Quebec-based Emma Labs. Emma Labs is an online insurance distributor that focuses on distributing low-barrier life insurance, specifically targeted to younger demographics between the ages of 29 – 40 years of age, who have young children or are expecting children. To make life insurance more accessible and affordable, Emma Labs has removed cumbersome barriers to entry such as mandatory health checks, five to seven week wait times, and the requirement to speak to an insurance broker to streamline their process. In their role as an insurance distributor, they offer plans on behalf of insurance carriers.
The fund’s first investment outside of Atlantic Canada, Venture Grade chose to invest in the Quebec City start-up based on both company and market attributes. The company CEO and co-founder Felix Deschatelets is a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in financing and marketing financial services start-ups. CMO and co-founder Jacomo Deschatelets has substantial experience in growth marketing strategies and financial security advisory.
“In terms of market attributes, the life insurance market is projected to grow over the next few years giving proven market demand,” says Hiro Tsuchiya, an associate investment analyst at Venture Grade. “We expect that Emma Labs will add significant value to our investment portfolio as it has excellent exit prospects.”
Founded in 2016, Venture Grade is a venture capital fund raised and managed by graduate and undergraduate students attending Saint Mary’s University located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Nick Perrin, the Fund’s General Partner noted that Venture Grade liaises with Silicon Valley’s C100 group, Boston’s Canadian Entrepreneurs in New England, and most of the Atlantic VC funds like Innovacorp, Build Ventures, Sandpiper, NBIF, East Valley, Last 40, and Concrete.
“The Venture Grade student venture capital fund is designed to formulate a win-win-win scenario,” says Dr. Ellen Farrell, co-founder of Venture Grade and a professor at Saint Mary’s Sobey School of Business. “The fund contributors win by providing great opportunities for an unparalleled education experience; the students win by gaining scholastic opportunities not offered elsewhere; and the entrepreneurial ecosystem wins by having the funds go to worthwhile ventures in our entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
A place for possibility: the new Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre
Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre team members review and discuss the building plans. From right to left: Jada Joseph, Project Manager; Natasha Fernandes, Student Project Assistant; Michael Sanderson, Director and Chirag Narang, Project Manager.
Saint Mary's University has a rich history of fostering economic growth in Atlantic Canada and the people who are the driving force behind it, and its Sobey School of Business is synonymous with entrepreneurial success. More than 75 start-ups have been created by Saint Mary’s students, faculty members, alumni and partners in the past five years alone.
Building on this strong track record of helping launch new businesses, and with the generous support of the university’s donors and supporters, the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre (SMUEC) is preparing to move into its new home in the Sobeys Inspiration Hub. Set to open in fall 2023, this 43,000-square-foot four-storey building is the cornerstone of a 62,000-square-foot capital project that extends from the Sobey School of Business to the Loyola Academic Building.
"We envision a space that provides a full suite of services that enable students to take a start-up or business idea from concept to actualization—all in one place on campus," says Michael Sanderson, the Director of SMUEC. " We are a place for people to come together and develop entrepreneurial skills that can help further their studies and career.
With a focus on growth, innovation and cultivating the entrepreneurial mindset, the Saint Mary's University Entrepreneurship Centre is committed to helping the Atlantic Canadian economy grow and prosper. A university-wide and interdisciplinary support centre, SMUEC's physical expansion will support the vast array of programming, such as training, mentorship and coaching, offered by the centre and provide the foundation to expand and fill the growing demand for their services.
“I am so honoured to have been supporting students through their entrepreneurial experiences over the past two years,” says Shannon Byrne Susko BCom’89 BSc’92, a former Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Saint Mary’s and the Founder and CEO of Metronomics. “The new space for the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre will allow for further collaboration between faculties, and also bring in an additional level of innovation that we’ve been working towards with initiatives such as the March Madness Pitch Competition.”
As the Sobeys Inspiration Hub takes shape, so does the entrepreneurship centre’s new home. What remains constant is that a variety of opportunities that will be made available to entrepreneurial-minded students and faculty from across all faculties.
The services envisioned include:
digital prototyping lab
This area will be dedicated to digital product design, enabling students to ideate and create prototypes in a virtual environment using state-of-the-art prototyping software.
podcasting studio
From weekly podcasts to influencer videos, this space is open for booking to support students creating original content for online audiences.
collider spaces
Open collaboration spaces that are modular and feature additional smaller areas to focus on different styles of collaboration and projects.
incubator space
A start-up area dedicated to supporting local community businesses and emerging entrepreneurs as they move on from the idea phase.
dedicated interdisciplinary space.
"While the exact nature and dedicated areas may change, we are focused on providing opportunities for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and local community to come together and exchange ideas," shares Sanderson.
Alumni and the local community play a critical role in the support and services provided by the SMUEC. From the entrepreneurs and alumni-in-residence programs supported through the philanthropic investment of the RBC Talent Hub to guest speakers and mentorship, SMUEC connects students with the larger community. Through co-operative education and internship placements, training, Entrepreneurial Mindset Success Certificate, and experts, the RBC Talent Hub provides students more hands-on learning opportunities. The skills developed through this program give students a leg up in the job hunt and help them to excel in the workplace post-graduation.
"From my time as a student to now working at the entrepreneurship centre, our alumni and connection with the local entrepreneurship community have been so important to supporting students," says Leslie Arsenault Bcomm’19, Project Manager with SMUEC. "I've seen student-led businesses receive key advice from community mentors at vital times in their growth. I've heard from students and alumni whose careers and businesses wouldn't exist without what they learned at Saint Mary's University and the support they received from SMUEC."
"We are excited to create new memories and opportunities for collaboration and innovation," says Monique Boudreau, the Manager of Operations and Community Engagement with SMUEC. "We've received great feedback and insights from different university areas to get to this stage, and we are incredibly grateful for that support. We can't wait to celebrate the opening of the Sobeys Inspiration Hub, the Exchange and the new entrepreneurship centre."
Read the 2022 Advancement & External Affairs Report
The Office of Advancement and External Affairs is proud to share the 2022 Advancement & External Affairs Report.
This report highlights the programs and projects behind our alumni engagement, fundraising, government relations and external affairs results and successes and their impact on the university.
The Office of Advancement and External Affairs facilitates engagement from our local and global community in philanthropic action to invest, share and celebrate the success of Saint Mary’s University.
We are truly grateful for the commitment, dedication and support of everyone on campus and this work would not be possible without your involvement in a multitude of ways throughout the year.
Thanks to the active engagement of our community and the incredible generosity of our donors, we celebrate another successful year at Saint Mary’s University.
President Robert Summerby-Murray awarded Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal
Lieutenant Governor Arthur J. LeBlanc and Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray.
Saint Mary’s University is pleased to share the news that President, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for ‘exceptional qualities and outstanding service to our Province in the field of Education.’
The award was presented by the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, Arthur J. LeBlanc, ONS, KC, at a ceremony held at Government House on October 18, 2022. The commemorative medal is presented in honour of the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s succession to the throne and is awarded to residents of Nova Scotia who have made significant contributions to Canada, Nova Scotia, their community, or to their fellow citizens.
Throughout his decades-long career and since joining Saint Mary’s University as President in 2015, Dr. Summerby-Murray has been a noted champion of higher education in Canada and abroad. He is active on the boards of Universities Canada, the Association of Atlantic Universities, the Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents, Atlantic University Sports, and the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation Presidents’ Cohort Group on ‘Universities and Social Infrastructure’. Recently, he has focused on initiatives to support veteran-friendly campuses and to prevent racism on campus through participation in national initiatives such as the BlackNorth Initiative education committee and the Scarborough National Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Inclusion. He has just completed a two-year term as board chair of the Canadian Bureau of International Education and remains committed to international education and the global nature of the academy.
The entire Saint Mary’s University community joins with Dr. Summerby-Murray and his family in celebrating his contributions to education and community and this well-deserved recognition.
Saint Mary’s University welcomes the new Chair & Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors
Alan R. Abraham Jr. BComm'80, Chair of the Saint Mary's University Board of Governors.
Saint Mary's University is pleased to share that Alan R. Abraham Jr. BComm'80 is the new Chair of the Saint Mary's University Board of Governors. Abraham is joined by newly elected Vice-Chair, Mark Gosine BA'95.
The Vice-President at ReGroup, Alan Abraham has over 25 years of management and operational experience in the waste and recycling industry and a background in long-distance and public warehousing. He established Green Waste Systems in 1989 and grew it into a full-service company with over 20 trucks operating in Halifax until its acquisition by Royal Environmental Group, where he continues to lead the environmental services division. Abraham is a proud Saint Mary's University alum whose commitment to community service has involved him on various boards and associations.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Saint Mary's University community," says Abraham. "I intend to continue advancing Saint Mary's role as an exemplar in social and community leadership, which has always been core to who we are. Thank you to my fellow Board Members for your votes of confidence in me and my commitment to this great institution. It is an honour."
Mark Gosine BA’95, K.C., ICD.D, Vice-Chair of the Saint Mary's University Board of Governors.
Mark Gosine, K.C., ICD.D is an internationally experienced strategic executive and lawyer with a proven track record for facilitating growth through the execution of complex global transactions. Mark has extensive legal experience both in private practice and in-house, and works closely with boards and management teams on strategic planning, exploring growth opportunities, and risk management. Mark serves as strategic legal advisor to Mint Road Ltd., IoM Media and Meta Material Inc. Previously, Mark played a key role in the international growth of WildBrain (formerly DHX Media) where he was Executive Vice President, Legal Affairs, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary.
"I am proud to welcome Alan Abraham as our new Board Chair," says Saint Mary's University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “Alan and our new Vice-Chair Mark Gosine have long been supporters of our university and bring extensive experience across a variety of sectors to the table. They have shown incredible passion and dedication to our university and its mission. Thank you both for your commitment to Saint Mary's University."
Wicked Problems Lab Research Awards for Students: Apply by Nov 11
The Wicked Problems Lab is offering funding and assistance for Saint Mary’s students in addressing issues at home and around the world.
Both undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to pitch their ideas to tackle wicked problems. Proposals will be evaluated on the aptness of the issue and the feasibility of the plan to address it.
Four awards are available:
2 x $2500 for undergraduate students
2 x $2500 for graduate students
All applicants are invited to use the Wicked Problems Lab’s resources, including workstations, software and research analyst throughout the year.
The LeaderVision Atlantic Wicked Problems Awards are generously funded by SMU alumnus Douglas Coll.
Students must register their intention to apply by November 11 using the following link:
Saint Mary's University rises to third in the nation according to Maclean's rankings
Saint Mary's University's investments in students, faculty and programming have propelled the university to third in Canada for the 2023 Maclean's University Rankings undergraduate category. For the second successive year, Saint Mary's University is the top-ranked primarily undergraduate university in Nova Scotia.
"Saint Mary's University continues to excel, propelling the increased recognition of our institution's national and international prominence," says Saint Mary's University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. "Our first-place ranking in student awards and second-place in scholarships and bursaries directly reflects our focused investments in student supports. While we recognize the significance of achieving our highest ever ranking, we will continue to focus on building the best undergraduate experience for our students."
The Saint Mary’s University campus in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Over the past several years, Saint Mary's has climbed the rankings and maintained the fourth-place ranking for two consecutive years before finishing third this year.
Supporting students is a priority for Saint Mary's, and the university has invested significantly in scholarships, fellowships and bursaries over the past five years. Since 2018, the university has more than doubled its investment in student scholarships, fellowships and bursaries, rising from $6.8 million to $15.7 million. This unprecedented level of support has positioned the university as the top-ranked primarily undergraduate institution for student awards and second place for scholarships and bursaries. The university ranked second in library acquisitions, which includes an institution's commitment to updating its collection and digital access—the creation and distribution of knowledge that is the foundation of a university's purpose.
"At Saint Mary's, community is at the heart of all that we do," adds President Summerby-Murray. "We know success requires our entire community's time, talent, passion and commitment. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our Santamarian community—our students, faculty, staff, alumni and donors. We continue to rise and achieve excellence through your support and efforts."
Information for future students
Learn about the wide range of programs available at Saint Mary’s, including undergraduate, graduate and professional development.