Bringing trades and business together at the 5th Provincial Innovation Sprint

Students across Nova Scotia participated in the Innovation Sprint with Graves Electrical Ltd.

The fifth Provincial Innovation Sprint brought together by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and Nova Scotia Community College, gathered students and industry leaders at the NSCC Burridge Campus in Yarmouth, with additional students joining virtually from the NSCC Digby Learning Centre. The event connected 28 NSCC students from programs including Trades, Electrical, Business Administration and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning with Graves Electrical Ltd, a growing Atlantic Canadian company with ambitious national goals.

Founder Dwayne Raynard and two members of the Graves Electrical team presented students with a real challenge: how could Graves Electrical expand strategically and explore partnerships as it works toward becoming Canada’s first National Open-Shop Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Contractor. What made the Sprint interesting was that the same challenge is currently being explored by professional consultants hired by the company.

Students worked in teams to analyze the opportunity from multiple angles, offering creative and practical solutions. The range of perspectives and ideas impressed both the Graves Electrical team and Sprint organizers, demonstrating the value of bringing fresh student thinking into complex business conversations.

The winning team, made up of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning students Jake Whynot, Bill Ogdon, Josh Ford and John Gosson, presented a strategy focused on building partnerships with First Nations communities across Canada. Their proposal addressed several of Graves Electrical’s goals simultaneously, supporting national expansion while also creating opportunities for community integration and open-shop employment across the country.

Second place went to Business Administration students Angel Goreham, Jaxon d’Entremont and Ella Dyson, who explored expansion into the marine and shipping industry. Their concept highlighted an underdeveloped market where Graves Electrical could establish a strong early presence while building long-term relationships within coastal and small-town economies.

The third-place team, Sarah Thurston, Bryndis Baldursdottir and Chloe Deveau, who are all Administrative Professional Program students, proposed the creation of “Graves Academy,” a training and development initiative designed to support employee recruitment, professional growth and retention. Their idea focused on building a strong workforce pipeline while offering career mobility within the company.

Beyond the competition, the event also sparked early conversations about a potential scholarship or sponsorship opportunity between Graves Electrical and NSCC, highlighting how the Innovation Sprint continues to create meaningful connections between students and industry.

If you’re interested in being part of a future Innovation Sprint, click here.

Community Service Learning: Connecting coursework, communities and contributions that benefit everyone

Community Service Learning Team: Masrooq Hossain, Diego Ramos, Novella Nicchitta and Keslyn States

The Saint Mary’s Community Service Learning (CSL) program has seen unprecedented success and growth in recent academic terms, reflecting strong student and faculty interest in community-engaged learning. Through collaborative projects that address community-identified needs, CSL connects academic learning with meaningful community engagement, helping students apply their studies in practical contexts.

CSL-integrated courses at SMU span a wide range of disciplines, from history, literature and intercultural studies to computer science, environmental science, psychology and business, but share a common focus on connecting academic learning with community engagement. Thanks to expanded external funding, Community Service Learning now supports an average of 350 students each year and reached a notable 425 participants across 32 courses in 2025.

In the last year, CSL has provided 83 students with bursaries to support engagement, recognize commitment and enable meaningful community projects. Ten highly engaged students were selected for funding through the pilot Community Engaged Learning Certificate, a nationally-funded initiative supported by Career Experience and Work Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada. Designed for students who demonstrate a strong commitment to CSL, the certificate recognizes deeper involvement and guides participants in reflecting on their experiences and translating that learning into resume-ready competencies with career coach support.

SMU students have many opportunities to demonstrate learning outside of the classroom, including CSL, co-operative education and co-curricular recognition

“What we’re seeing through CSL is students stepping into meaningful work and realizing how much they have to offer while they’re still learning,” said Novella Nicchitta, CSL Placement Coordinator.

“As the program continues to grow, we’re creating more opportunities for students to apply their coursework in community settings, and for faculty and partners to collaborate in ways that benefit everyone involved.”

“Students respond extremely well to the CSL option and frequently report that they 'love it' because it feels meaningful, applied and connected to real-world issues,” shared Dr. Margherita Cameranesi, Assistant Professor of Psychology, who has integrated CSL into multiple courses.

“In my courses, I intentionally design CSL-related assignments that are directly relevant to the host community organization’s goals and needs so students can contribute in concrete, appropriate ways.”

“Experiential learning is a great way to stay involved and give back to your community. I was able to have experiences which deeply enriched my learning of psychology. I think it is so important to be reminded that psychology is not just theories and symptoms – my hands-on experience was a very important reminder of this. ”

— Sage Rizcallah

For many students, CSL is where coursework connects directly to community engagement. Honours Psychology student Sage Rizcallah, who took Typical and Atypical Development in Winter 2025, described their placement with Autism Nova Scotia’s Arts program as a chance to deepen their learning beyond the classroom.

The CSL program also makes experiential learning more manageable during a busy semester. “Many university students are simply too busy to be able to get applicable and course-related volunteer experience throughout the year," Rizcallah noted. "Experiential learning is a great way to get such experience, while still contributing work to an ongoing course, making it more manageable to fit into an already busy semester.”

Dr. Tatjana Takševa, Professor and Chair of the Department of English Language and Literature, says CSL gives students the chance to bridge academic theory with meaningful experience.

“CSL fosters deep integrative learning and active application of theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, helping students connect classroom learning to authentic demands and expectations,” Takševa noted. “CSL facilitates discovery of multiple career paths, showing students how they can put to work their arts education for meaningful participation in today’s globally oriented civil society.”

Dr. Tatjana Takševa and students in WGST 6604: Contemporary Issues of Feminism

Adebola Osegbun, a master’s student in Dr. Takševa’s Transnational Feminism course, described her CSL component at The Alexa McDonough Institute for Women, Gender and Social Justice as “the best and most memorable experience of my graduate studies”.

Matthew Nault at his CSL placement, and now workplace, United for Literacy

Similarly, Matthew Nault described his CSL placement with United for Literacy—connected to Dr. Takševa’s Reading and Wellness course—as “an amazing opportunity for experience and resume building that will be invaluable later in my career.”

Nault also participated in the pilot Community Engaged Learning Certificate and is one of several students whose placement roles have evolved into paid employment opportunities.

Beyond employment, CSL helps students explore potential career paths, expand their professional networks and gain clarity about what kind of experiences feel meaningful. For students like Chloe Gohier-Mossman, CSL also helped her build professional connections, gain advocacy experience and clarify her future academic goals.

“CSL opened doors for me to explore career opportunities, build professional connections and advocate for the communities I belong to, all while applying what I’m learning in my courses,” Gohier-Mossman shared about her experience working with the Chisholm LINKS Literacy Program.

Miranda Haley, Chisholm LINKS Program Manager, shared that CSL placements benefit both community partners and students. “The CSL program supports organizations like ours in filling important part-time roles, while giving students meaningful experience,” Haley said. “We value the opportunity to guide and mentor students as they develop practical skills, confidence and professional insight. At the same time, we learn from their perspectives, energy and academic knowledge, which strengthens our organization and the work we do in the community.”

To learn more about CSL opportunities for students, faculty, and community partners, visit SMU Community Service Learning, or connect with the CSL Placement Coordinator at service.learning@smu.ca.

Students help shape the future of a growing food initiative

Seventeen students from Saint Mary’s University, Dalhousie University and Mount Saint Vincent University worked with The Wave Placemaking for a hands-on Innovation Sprint at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre rooted in food, culture and community impact. Known as a living lab for creative placemaking, The Wave Placemaking supports newcomer-owned and underrepresented businesses by transforming everyday community gaps like an empty restaurant, an underused courtyard, a chef without visibility, into opportunities for experimentation and growth.

During the session, Richard Yang and founder Joyce Liu shared the story behind The Wave Placemaking and how signature initiatives like Taste Asia, mobile food carts and school-based food education programs came to life. Students were invited to dig into three real challenges: offering solutions such as scaling Taste Asia across multiple cities, strengthening a community-focused recipe book, and refining the structure and user experience of a catering platform.

“The Innovation Sprint has been incredibly valuable for us as both a business and a nonprofit,” says Richard Yang, Manager of The Wave Placemaking. “The students brought fresh perspectives and strong ideas focused on helping us grow. It pushed us to think beyond our usual way of running events.”

Students gained an understanding of what goes into event planning, partnerships, operations and financial realities from a small but ambitious organization. They were also offered early-call opportunities for paid and volunteer roles with Taste Asia and promised credit if their ideas were implemented, making the work feel tangible and meaningful.

Saint Mary’s students earned first place

The first-place team, Saint Mary’s students Ifeanyichukwu Justin, Siyuan Xu and Modou Ceesay, focused on the community-centred recipe book. Their concept emphasized storytelling, highlighting each chef’s roots and cultural background. They developed a demo website and digital archive, proposing both online access and physical copies sold at The Wave Placemaking events to support fundraising.

Second place went to Mo Li from Dalhousie and Daniella Akpoguma from Saint Mary’s, who presented a highly practical production strategy. They suggested leveraging existing Wave initiatives to bridge cultural knowledge gaps, using the founder’s photo studio for professional visuals and distributing the book through the Kitchen on Wheels program.

The third-place team, Saint Mary’s students Mannat Gogia, Dwiesha Swann and Martino Elias, introduced “One Ingredient, Many Homes,” a concept celebrating a shared ingredient across Pan-Asian cuisines to build connection and belonging.

Second-place team

Third-place team

With $1,000 in prize funding awarded across the top three teams, the event highlighted how collaboration between students and community organizations can spark creative ideas with real-world impact.

High school students explore leadership, AI and entrepreneurship in Saint Mary’s co-op

High school students received a certificate for completing the AI and Entrepreneurship High School Co-op Program at SMU

Co-op students with faculty and staff from the Sobey School of Business

Last fall, Saint Mary’s University welcomed high school students from across the Halifax region to campus for a unique AI and Entrepreneurship High School Co-op Program, offering them early exposure to academic pathways, industry insights and hands-on learning opportunities at the Sobey School of Business.

Delivered in partnership with the local school board and more than 10 high schools, the program is designed to prepare students for the rapidly evolving AI space while introducing them to university life and post-secondary pathways.

As part of the experience, students participated in Leadership Day, which provided insights into leadership, innovation and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship.

A highlight of the program was a one-hour keynote and Q&A session led by Ben McDade, Investment Director with Invest Nova Scotia and a proud Sobey School of Business alum. McDade shared his insights from his career and discussed entrepreneurship fundamentals, offering students practical perspectives on innovation and leadership.

Throughout the program, students explored a wide range of topics including artificial intelligence, generative AI, data visualization and data analytics. Sessions were delivered by SMU professors, alumni and industry professionals, including a team lead from the Data Analytics Support Centre at the Department of National Defence.

One participant, Karl, credits the program with shaping his academic future. After receiving undergraduate offers from top Canadian institutions, including the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business, Karl ultimately chose to pursue his undergraduate studies at the Sobey School of Business, influenced by his experience at the Saint Mary’s High School Co-op program.

Throughout the program, Karl earned credits applicable towards his future degree, gained early exposure to campus life and explored cutting-edge topics in AI and entrepreneurship.

Looking ahead, participating students will be invited to the Youth AI Pitch Competition in 2026, along with additional opportunities such as March Break camps, competition preparation programs and teaching assistant volunteer roles.

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The next cohort of students recently began their High School Dual Credit Co-op at Saint Mary’s. This term, 20 local high school students will attend weekly on-campus sessions focused on AI and Data Analytics. The program is led by Dr. Michael Zhang and graduate students in the Master’s of Business Analytics program. Students will earn AI and Data Analytics career experience and attend sessions with various industry partners. 

The Arena 2026: Watch 64 student entrepreneurs compete on one national stage this March

The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre is set to welcome 64 ambitious students from across the country to The Arena, where they will compete for a total of $17,000 in prize funding. Inspired by the high-energy, bracket-style format of March Madness, this head-to-head pitch competition challenges students to present their ventures to panels of experienced judges in a fast-paced, knockout-style tournament. 

Now in its sixth year, The Arena has built a strong national profile, drawing applications from 41 post-secondary institutions across Canada. Participating schools include McMaster University, University of Waterloo, University of Calgary and institutions throughout Atlantic Canada.  

“The Arena brings unmatched energy to student entrepreneurship,” says Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. “It’s a powerful platform for emerging founders to refine their ideas, gain real-time feedback from industry leaders and compete for prize money to accelerate their ventures.” 

This year, four Saint Mary’s University students from the Sobey School of Business will compete in The Arena: Simone Boudreau, founder of CycleStrong; Ramon Stultz, founder of MazeMonk; Philip Bou Khalil, founder of Helprr; and Conrad Scotchburn, founder of Blyyss.  

The national champion will take home the $10,000 prize. The runner-up will receive $5,000, and third- and fourth-place finalists will each earn $1,000. The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre gratefully acknowledges Metronomics as The Arena’s prize sponsor. Founded by Saint Mary’s University alumna Shannon Byrne Susko BComm’89 BSc’92, Metronomics reflects a legacy of entrepreneurial leadership and innovation. 

The 2026 competition runs entirely online from March 3 to April 2 and unfolds over six rounds: 

• Round One: March 3–12 

• Round Two: March 16–19 

• Round Three: March 23–24 

• Quarter Finals: March 27 

• Semi Finals: March 31 

• Finals: April 2 

Members of the Saint Mary’s University community and supporters from across Canada are encouraged to follow us on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn to receive notifications when we go live!  

Visit here for details on all 64 competitors and the dates and times for each round of competition. 

Saint Mary’s students win VCIC in Boston, advance to global finals

SMU’s undergraduate VCIC team: Lydia Ramsay, Matthew Chapman, Katie Murray, Brennan Campbell, Vaishali Sachdeva with professor Dr. Ellen Farrell

A team of undergraduate students from Saint Mary’s University is heading to the global finals of the Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC) this April after earning first place at the regional competition—marking the university’s first regional win in 10 years and its first-ever invitation to the global finals.

Hosted at Boston University, the New England regional competition saw Saint Mary’s place first against top institutions, including New York University, Tufts University, Amherst College, University of Connecticut and Dartmouth College—last year’s global champion.

The team will now travel to the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School in April to compete in the VCIC Global Finals against leading schools from around the world.

Unlike traditional case competitions, VCIC challenges students to step into the role of venture capitalists. Over two and a half days, teams assess real startups, conduct due diligence, and make investment decisions under pressure—mirroring the realities of high-stakes investing.

“This was one of my best experiences at Saint Mary’s to date,” said student Matthew Chapman. “I started the first round of founder interviews feeling nervous, but then our team instantly clicked. We built on each other’s questions, dug deeper with every answer, and turned the conversation into real due diligence. That’s when I realized teamwork can create results bigger than any one person—and that’s exactly what carried us to the win.”

From classroom to competition

For many students, the experience highlighted the power of experiential learning at the Sobey School of Business.

“As a Sobey student, this experience was unique because it bridged the gap between classroom theory and the high-stakes reality of the startup world.”

— Trang Nguyen

“A standout moment for me was the final partner meeting; the adrenaline was high, but our preparation gave us the confidence to stand our ground,” said student Trang Nguyen. “I hope to carry that same decisiveness and collaborative spirit into my future career in finance.”

The competition includes a series of intensive evaluations: interviewing entrepreneurs, drafting investment term sheets, and defending decisions before a panel of experienced venture capitalists. Each stage is judged independently, and teams remain anonymous throughout the process to ensure fairness.

Collaboration across programs

SMU’s graduate VCIC team: Brooklyn Bohach, Jacob Pitre, Mia Carey, Trang Nguyen, Jiaen Yu with Dr. Ellen Farrell

Behind the undergraduate team’s success was strong support from graduate students, who competed in a separate round and shared insights and strategies.

“We didn’t win in our round, but we’re proud of our undergraduate team,” said graduate student Jiaen Yu. “The most challenging part of the competition was encountering an industry and business structure we weren’t familiar with. We had to learn the entire industry from scratch with limited and redacted information.”

“The competition felt incredibly real,” Yu added. “During our interview with the entrepreneur, a new piece of information came up and changed everything. Since we were the first team to meet with the entrepreneur, we weren’t able to discover that beforehand. But we adapted quickly, and the judges were impressed by how we progressed with each round of feedback.”

The graduate team —Brooklyn Bohach, Jacob Pitre, Mia Carey, Trang Nguyen, and Jiaen Yu —later shared their framework and insights with the undergraduate competitors, helping reinforce a strong sense of teamwork across programs.

“We could see their confidence and belief in each other, and we are thrilled that they won,” Yu said.

A global stage ahead

The winning team—Lydia Ramsay, Matthew Chapman, Katie Murray, Brennan Campbell and Vaishali Sachdeva—will now compete on the global stage, representing Saint Mary’s against top business schools worldwide.

For Dr. Ellen Farrell, who coached the team, the milestone reflects both the students’ dedication and the strength of the university’s hands-on approach to business education.

“This is where classroom knowledge meets real-world decision-making,” she said. “Our students demonstrated not only technical skill, but the curiosity, resilience, and collaboration needed to succeed in venture capital.”

As they prepare for the global finals, Saint Mary’s students are carrying forward more than just a win—they’re bringing with them the confidence, experience, and momentum to compete at the highest level.

Students collaborate with ADDvocacy to strengthen support for neurodivergent communities

Students from universities across Atlantic Canada participated in the online Innovation Sprint

ADDvocacy began with a personal turning point. In 2009, NSCC Truro alum Keith Gelhorn received a series of late diagnoses of ADHD, anxiety, depression, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and challenges with processing and executive functioning. This reshaped how he understood both his past and his future. Just a few years later, in 2012, he founded ADDvocacy to ensure others navigating similar experiences would not have to do so alone.

Keith’s story became the foundation for a recent Innovation Sprint hosted by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and NSCC Entrepreneurship. It brought together 19 students from Memorial University, University of Prince Edward Island, Mount Saint Vincent University, Dalhousie University and Saint Mary’s University. Working alongside ADDvocacy, students were challenged to explore practical, forward-thinking ways to strengthen supports for neurodivergent individuals at a time when many services are facing growing demand and tightening resources.

Students approached the opportunity with enthusiasm and a clear sense of purpose. Ideas ranged from forming partnerships with large corporations and leveraging Lifestyle Spending Accounts to reduce financial barriers for young professionals, to integrating AI tools that could streamline administrative work, automate intake and check-ins and improve billing efficiency. Other teams focused on sustainable growth, proposing tiered revenue models, refined marketing strategies, student co-op engagement across campuses and detailed roadmaps outlining achievable goals over the next one, two and three years.

“The Innovation Sprint was an incredible four hours,” said Keith Gelhorn, founder of ADDvocacy. “I gained insights I hadn’t considered in my business and really valued the students’ ideas and perspectives. I’d highly recommend it to any entrepreneur, at any stage; it’s a powerful way to see your business through fresh eyes.”

Top teams were recognized for their contributions. First place and a $1,000 prize went to Saint Mary’s students Hazzaa Sujeer and Chloe Pobjoy-Ridolfo. Second place, earning $700, was awarded to Umit Kaan Oran from Mount Saint Vincent University, Martino Elias from Saint Mary’s University and Erick Batista from Memorial University. Third place and $300 went to Dalhousie students Prabhath Sundarapalli, Hinesh Patel and Benison Amirvin.

While the sprint marked a single moment in time, its impact extends further. For students, it demonstrated how classroom learning can translate into tangible, community-driven outcomes. For ADDvocacy, it offered fresh insight and momentum shaped by the next generation of problem-solvers.

If you’re interested in being part of a future Innovation Sprint, click here.

Meet the advisors behind the World Cup winning Enactus Saint Mary’s team

From left to right: Meredith Drost BComm’19 MTEI’25, Leslie Arsenault BComm’19, Jason Turner, Michael Sanderson MBA’08 and Brennan Daley BSc’16 

Behind the Enactus Saint Mary’s World Cup-winning team is a group of advisors who have quietly shaped generations of student leaders. Through mentorship, guidance and a shared belief in learning by doing, they help students turn ideas into meaningful action, often in ways that extend far beyond campus. 

Enactus Saint Mary’s at the 2025 World Cup in Thailand

Enactus Saint Mary’s is a student-led organization, supported by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University. Through entrepreneurship and innovation, students create meaningful social, environmental and economic impact. From early-stage ideas to ventures generating hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue, the program gives students a platform to apply what they’re learning beyond the classroom, building real businesses and addressing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a journey that led to them winning the World Cup in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2025. 

For Michael Sanderson MBA’08, who has been involved since 2003, Enactus Saint Mary’s has always been about leadership development. As one of the earliest advisors, he remembers when the team was just 11 students dreaming about how big Enactus could become. From taking the team to watch the World Cup in Toronto, Ontario, in 2005 to experiencing the monumental Saint Mary’s World Cup win, Michael has seen firsthand how confidence, presentation skills and belief can change the trajectory of a student’s life. 

That long-term growth is something Jason Turner, an advisor since 2007, holds especially close. He recalls the team placing in the top four at the National Exposition for the first time. This moment felt like a turning point for Enactus Saint Mary’s. Even more meaningful, he says, is seeing former students like Brennan, Meredith and Leslie step into advisory roles, a full-circle moment that reflects the strength of the Enactus community.  

Brennan Daley BSc’16, an advisor since 2016, is one of those alumni. Brennan helps ensure students have what they need to succeed. While he jokes about the travel opportunities, what truly keeps him coming back is watching students grow, mature and step confidently into their careers—a journey he understands deeply, having met his wife through Enactus. 

Leslie Arsenault BComm’19, an advisor since 2019, began her Enactus journey serving as a project manager for a program that helped neurodiverse entrepreneurs create business plans. She also travelled to Asembo, Kenya, to deliver entrepreneurship training and initiatives. For Leslie, Enactus was a place where academic achievements and community could intersect. She learned how to apply classroom learning in ways that could make a positive impact on the community. Today, she continues advising to be part of that same journey for the next generation of leaders. 

Meredith Drost BComm’19 MTEI’25, an advisor since 2023, was drawn to Enactus when she saw the impact it made on communities and students alike. After joining her first Enactus meeting, she knew she had found a group of people committed to creating real change. For the same reason, she now gives her time as an advisor, a commitment that earned her the John Dobson Fellow of the Year 2025 award from Enactus Canada for her dedication to advancing entrepreneurial learning and student success. 

Together, these advisors foster an environment where students from business, science, arts and beyond can grow into leaders, build impactful ventures and give back to their communities, all while addressing global challenges in meaningful ways. 

Learn more about Enactus Saint Mary’s

From Pugwash to the World Cup stage: BComm student champions community, entrepreneurship and global impact

BComm student Olivian Sanderson presents at the Enactus World Cup stage in Bangkok, Thailand

Olivian Sanderson grew up in Pugwash, Nova Scotia—a rural, picturesque fishing village with approximately 800 full-time residents. In just a few short years since coming to Saint Mary’s, she’s had the chance to travel the world and make a meaningful impact in the community through her involvement with Enactus Saint Mary’s and the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

Growing up, Olivian learned from her parents the importance of hard work, community and seizing opportunities. She made an impression during her high school years as Chair of the Cumberland County Youth Council, Student Council President, Ambassador for the Nova Scotia International Student Program and recipient of the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia Award (2022) and Governor General’s Academic Medal of Canada (2023).

When considering universities, Olivian knew she wanted to experience city life and find a program that would allow her to pursue her passion for business and community building. Knowing its reputation as one of Canada’s best business schools, she applied to the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s.

She was the successful recipient of a Sobey National Innovator Scholarship, including on her application: “Looking to the future, I have big dreams and aspirations. I am passionate about understanding how the economy works and plan to use my skills to be involved in projects that support the community, as it has provided so much for me. I want to make the best world for myself and the people around me.”

Now a third-year accounting and management student, she’s made great strides toward her goals as the Co-Founder of the Sociable start-up and presenter for the global award-winning Enactus team.

Launching Sociable

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Despite being very involved in high school, Olivian found the first few weeks of university difficult and lonely. Determined to find her place at Saint Mary’s, she dove headfirst into everything – trying out multiple societies and volunteering. Ultimately, it was Enactus and the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre where she found her place among people who shared her passion for big dreams and doing business for good.

During a session with Enactus Saint Mary’s, the idea for the Sociable start-up was formed. Sociable is an online community platform that helps students connect, get peer support and gain access to campus events. It builds student engagement, boosting student retention, wellness and success. Olivian and co-founder of Sociable, Jason Phonchareon BSc’25, developed the start-up to address student loneliness and mental health concerns, something they both experienced.

In 2024, Sociable won the Dream Chaser Change Maker (DCCM) Foundation Social Impact Award, which included a $10,000 prize to support business development – bringing Olivian one step closer to making a positive impact on students’ lives.  

Seeing the world with Enactus

In 2024, Enactus Saint Mary’s won the National Enactus Championship for the first time. As a member of the presentation team, Olivian had the opportunity to travel to Astana, Kazakhstan, to represent Canada in the World Cup competition. While they didn’t win in Kazakhstan, it was an incredible learning experience for Olivian and her teammates.

In 2025, during Olivian’s second year as presentation team captain, the Saint Mary’s team earned their second National Championship win. This time, they travelled to Bangkok, Thailand, to compete against 28 of the best teams from around the world in the Enactus World Championship.

The team worked around the clock on their presentation about two student-run social enterprises—Alaagi and Square Roots—practicing, editing and preparing to answer questions. Olivian applied her work ethic and passion to the Enactus presentation, sharing the inspiring work being done by students at Saint Mary’s. Facing finalists from Zimbabwe, Tunisia and Germany, their presentation wowed the judges, and the team was crowned Enactus World Champion – the first world title for Saint Mary’s University.

Olivian on stage at the Enactus World Cup in Thailand

Enactus Saint Mary’s celebrates winning the World Cup

Reflecting on her first two years at Saint Mary’s, Olivian sometimes shakes her head at how much she has experienced. Her advice to new students: get as involved as you can.

“Classes are great, but you will have life-changing experiences in extra-curricular activities. The mentorship, the soft skills, and the network – so very valuable. It’s thanks to those experiences that I’ve been able to see the world.”

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Opportunities at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre are open to all Saint Mary’s students – check out their programs and events here.

New social innovation field course includes travel to Ghana

Accra, Ghana

Launching at Saint Mary’s in 2026, a new field course will help students build career-ready skills in non-profit leadership, community-based research and intercultural communication. The Ghana Field Course: Religion and Social Innovation (RELS 3800) will take learning far beyond the classroom this summer, as students explore how culture and religion help drive social innovation in the West African nation.

“This isn’t a typical study abroad experience,” says Dr. James Kwateng-Yeboah, who developed the new course. “Students will spend three weeks working alongside Ghanaian community leaders, NGO practitioners and religious organizations to understand how spiritual values drive real-world social change. They’ll visit Indigenous shrines, historic mission sites and contemporary social enterprises, while building practical competencies that employers and graduate programs value.”

The course will examine how African Indigenous and religious traditions are shaping social innovation in education, entrepreneurship and cultural heritage in Ghana—one of Africa’s most vibrant centers of creative enterprise. The course also invites reflection on how African communities transform histories of slavery and colonialism into new models of resilience and social impact.

Combining pre-departure preparation, three weeks of immersive fieldwork in Ghana and post-return synthesis sessions, the course will give students the contextual knowledge, field experience and reflective space to truly integrate their learning. In just seven weeks (July 6 to August 24), students will earn six credit hours.

Though the course is offered by the Department for the Study of Religion, it’s designed to be interdisciplinary in nature. It will appeal to students interested in Black and African studies, religious studies, history, intercultural studies, global development studies and sociology. The course is particularly valuable for students considering careers in global development, nonprofit management, community organizing and social entrepreneurship, or graduate work in African studies, religious studies or history, as the structured fieldwork is designed to build transferable professional skills.

“I designed this course because students need more than abstract theories; they need to see how communities actually create change,” says Dr. Kwateng-Yeboah. “Ghana offers a living laboratory where you can trace how communities have transformed centuries of colonial exploitation into new models of resilience, creativity and entrepreneurship.”

Dr. James Kwateng-Yeboah (far right) with Ebun Oladele, Black Student Advisor (far left) and two students at the Ghana Field Course information session during International Education Week

During International Education Week in November, Dr. Kwateng-Yeboah held an information session in the Black Student Commons. He has also produced a brief video to promote the new course.

Spots are limited to ensure meaningful engagement with community partners. Interested students should complete the expression of interest form as soon as possible. Dr. Kwateng-Yeboah will contact applicants for interviews before final registration. For more details, contact him at James.Kwateng-Yeboah@smu.ca.

Kwateng-Yeboah completed his own undergraduate studies at the University of Ghana before coming to Canada for his graduate studies. At Saint Mary’s, his primary areas of research and teaching are African Christianity, migration, and development.

The new course adds to SMU’s study abroad offerings in Africa that have also included several Geography field courses in The Gambia, most recently in Winter 2025. Saint Mary's also maintains an academic exchange partnership with Uganda Martyrs University in Africa, through the Global Learning & Intercultural Support office. 

Related

• Ghana Field Course: Expression of Interest Form

• Exchange programs through Global Learning & Intercultural Support  

• Explore experiential learning at SMU

Students put their skills to work over holiday break

Students from across Atlantic Canada participated in the Clarivue Holiday Challenge

While many students were unplugging for winter break, 17 students across Atlantic Canada were doing the opposite. From mid-December 2025 to early January 2026, students came together virtually for the Clarivue Holiday Challenge, a one-month experiential placement hosted through Experience Ventures, in collaboration with the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

The challenge paired students with Clarivue, a business that helps students build interview confidence and readiness. Acting as consultants, students worked to address three key business areas: pricing strategy, first impressions and market positioning. It was a full-circle experience, with students applying entrepreneurial skills to improve a platform built to support their own career success.

Designed as a Holiday Challenge, the program offered students a chance to gain real-world experience outside the traditional classroom during a time when many experiential opportunities pause. Working entirely online, teams collaborated across provinces, disciplines and institutions, bringing different perspectives to each problem.

Participants represented six post-secondary institutions: Saint Mary’s University, University of New Brunswick, New Brunswick Community College, College of the North Atlantic, Memorial University and the University of Prince Edward Island. This mix of academic backgrounds strengthened the quality of ideas and solutions presented to Clarivue.

For many, the experience was both challenging and rewarding. “The challenge was an engaging and motivating experience,” said Eman Alhamd, a student from NBCC. “It pushed me to think differently and work efficiently as part of a team. I’m grateful for the opportunity and the skills I gained.”

Courtney Dingle, Co-president of the World-winning Enactus Saint Mary’s team, also reflected on the impact of the program. “Being part of the Experience Ventures Holiday Challenge allowed me to apply classroom learning to a real company focused on student success. Collaborating with students from different universities strengthened our ideas and pushed us to think creatively. I’m grateful for the chance to contribute to a company like Clarivue.”

Learn more about the programs available to students through the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

The Arena 2026—Canada’s premier national pitch competition for student entrepreneurs—now open for applications!

Applications are now open for The Arena 2026, with a chance to compete for the $10,000 grand prize.  

Hosted by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University, The Arena returns for its sixth year, bringing together 64 student entrepreneurs from across Canada for a fast-paced, high-energy pitch competition. Participants go head-to-head for the title of National Champion, with prizes awarded to the top four competitors. The winner will take home $10,000, second place will receive $5,000 and third- and fourth-place finishers will each earn $1,000. All prize money is awarded to support the student’s idea or business. 

Inspired by the NCAA March Madness tournament, The Arena takes place in a bracket-style format throughout March. Selected students compete in live, head-to-head pitch matchups, advancing round by round as judges make real-time decisions. Throughout the competition, participants receive coaching and mentorship to help refine their pitches and strengthen their ventures. All matchups are held online and live-streamed, allowing audiences across the country to tune in. 

“The Arena pushes students to think on their feet and clearly communicate their ideas,” says Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. “It’s exciting to watch their confidence grow as their ideas start to take shape in a real competitive environment.” 

To be eligible, applicants must be current undergraduate, graduate or PhD students or recent alumni (within one year of graduation) from a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution. Participants must own or co-own a business idea that has generated no more than $10,000 in annual revenue and has received no more than $10,000 in external funding or investment. 

The Arena is proudly sponsored by Metronomics, a business growth system founded in 1995 by CEO Shannon Susko BComm’89 BSc’92. Metronomics helps leadership teams build clarity, alignment and momentum to drive sustainable growth. Susko has been widely recognized for her leadership, including being named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women multiple times and receiving the Universal Women’s Network Game Changer Award. 

People are encouraged to follow the competition live via the Centre’s Facebook and LinkedIn channels. For more information, please contact Fatima Zohora at fatima.zohora@smu.ca. 

Learn more about The Arena and apply today.