Celebrating International Women's Day 2026
March 8 is International Women’s Day (IWD), a global celebration of women and girls. The theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is “Give To Gain”, which encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. At Saint Mary’s, we encourage collaboration across faculties and departments, and between students, staff and alumni to create opportunities for learning and support for all women at SMU.
Read below to see events, resources and highlights of our incredible SMU community.
Campus events
Colours of the World: International Women's Day
Thursday, March 5
4-6 p.m.
LI 135, Patrick Power Library
SAGA and the International Student Centre invite you to celebrate and commemorate International Women’s Day.
Take a break from classes and honour the strength, resilience, and achievements of women around the world. This special painting event is a space to reflect, express and celebrate empowerment, equality and community. This is your chance to use creativity as a voice.
All materials and supplies will be provided, just bring yourself and your ideas!
Women in Business Female Empowerment Mixer
New date to be announced!
Celebrate International Women’s Day with the Women in Business Society at the Female Empowerment Mixer. Featuring a keynote speaker, guided networking, and a welcoming space for students, faculty, professionals, and community members to come together and uplift one another.
Community events
2026 Women and Gender Studies Graduate Student Conference
Thursday, March 5
12-4:30 p.m.
Seton Faculty Lounge, MSVU
Register
Graduate students from Professor Tatjana Takševa’s course in transnational feminism will present their research at the 2026 Women and Gender Studies Graduate Student Conference in celebration of International Women’s Day.
The event creates space for critical dialogue, cross-institutional and cross-sectoral collaboration, and features emerging student-driven scholarship addressing global questions of gender, solidarity and power.
Keynote speakers:
Dr. Gugu Hlongwane, Associate Professor of English Language and Literature, SMU, and author of Electric Fences and Other Stories (Mawenzi House 2016)
Sam le Nobel, AMI Fellow, MSVU (2025-2026)
SMU Community Spotlight
Clara Gascoigne BComm’23 MBA’25 was named one of the Top 8 U SPORTS Academic All-Canadians during a ceremony in Ottawa in January 2026. The former Huskies Basketball Guard made a name for herself as one of the most decorated players in U SPORTS women’s basketball, earning accolades like U SPORTS Defensive Player of the Year, AUS Most Valuable Player and three-time AUS Champion while retaining a high GPA during her two degrees at SMU. Read more.
Stuti Sandhu, Nahriza Zahid and Nahriza Zahid won the 2025 Innovation Cup with Being There, a non-profit that uses preventive care to help older adults stay safe, stable, and independent while avoiding unnecessary emergency room visits. The cross-faculty team earned the $10,000 grand prize and an additional $1,000 for the Audience Choice Award. Being There is a project of Enactus Saint Mary’s. Read more.
The Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health held a case competition this fall to address gender disparity in professional and collegiate coaching. The winning team: Sophie Scully, Jill Duggan, Ashley Penney, Kara MacLean, and Keyara Nelson, pitched a collaborative AUS coaching apprenticeship program, stating, “We envision a future where young women watching the bench can look at the staff and finally see themselves there too, not by exception but by expectation.” Read more.
The SMUSA executive team is breaking barriers as the first all-female executive team in SMU’s history. Augustina Tucker, President & CEO; Angelica Amara, VP Academic; Naomi Selemane, VP Events & Engagement; and Nariman Djamai, VP Societies, are empowering the student community through their leadership for the 2025-26 academic year. Learn more about the SMUSA team.
Resources
Women’s Centre
The SMUSA Women’s Centre is a positive, safe space located on the fifth floor of the Student Centre building on campus. Our space has couches if you would like to either hang out, work on homework, or study in a different setting. We are an awesome feminist-centred space that welcomes all genders and orientations.
Patrick Power Library
This year's theme for International Women’s Day is “Give to Gain.” The theme emphasises the power of reciprocity and support. As individuals, giving support means calling out stereotypes, challenging discrimination, questioning bias, celebrating women's success, and more. When women thrive, we all rise.
The SMU Library's International Women's Day book list celebrates women’s contributions to our past, present, and future.
Find the display on the ground floor of the library, or browse the book list online. All Library resources are free for SMU students, faculty, and staff to borrow.
More inspiring women at Saint Mary’s:
Balancing the books and the runway: Chrissy Potter’s dual path from commerce to couture
What A Sin: new exhibition at SMU Art Gallery celebrates matriarchal power
Dr. Danika Van Proosdij leads Gold-certified Green Shores for Homes project
Turning a diagnosis into impact: How Emma McGill is building community through Gluten Free Living
President’s Award for Excellence in Research: Dr. Diane Crocker
More events this month:
Students tackle solutions for gender inequity in pro sports
The Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health hosted its inaugural case competition last fall, bringing industry experts together to let student-athletes pave the way for a new generation of professional coaches.
Systemic barriers for women in coaching positions still exist, and according to a 2023 report by Women’s Sports Foundation, “women in head coaching positions at the collegiate level had fallen from 90% to 41% since the implementation of Title IX [in the United States].”
This competition was born out of a clear and necessary mission: to give students and student-athletes a dedicated space to tackle ongoing gender disparity in professional and collegiate coaching. This wasn’t just an academic exercise; it was a chance for the next generation of leaders to make a direct, tangible impact on the industry they love.
The competition
Dr. Annika Voltan of Saint Mary’s University, Dr. Ann Pegoraro from the University of Guelph and Maura Martina of Canadian Women & Sport briefed students on the case and provided the foundational insights needed to navigate the complex realities of gender inequality in professional coaching.
This thorough brief ensured that when the competition day arrived, the solutions presented were grounded in real-world knowledge and experience.
Taking the top spot with their pitch was "The Five R's," composed of Sophie Scully, Jill Duggan, Ashley Penney, Kara MacLean, Keyara Nelson and Leslie McLean.
“We propose that the AUS help address systemic barriers affecting the underrepresentation of women in coaching and leadership roles by creating an AUS-wide assistant coach apprenticeship that prioritizes the recruitment of varsity women and alumnae seeking to further their education.
In this program, we envision collaborative work between the faculty of graduate studies at AUS schools and their athletic departments to provide cohorts of 10-12 graduating student athletes the opportunity to be mentored as assistant coaches while completing a master’s degree at their respective schools. Our mission aligns directly with the AUS mission: creating extraordinary, personal, and memorable student-athlete experiences – the kind that build belonging.”
“We envision a future where young women watching the bench can look at the staff and finally see themselves there too, not by exception but by expectation.”
Team The Five R’s took first place in the pitch competition
They were followed by "HERizon" in second place, featuring Charlie DaFonseca, Reid Valade, William Thompson, Mathew MacDougall and Josh Wainman, who created a solution that brought support pieces such as childcare stipends, scholarships and paid work experience into the fold.
“Our two-year program combines rotational coaching experience, mentorship, NCCP training and access to a regional Women in Coaching Network.”
Third place went to the team "LeadHER Atlantic", represented by Taylor Lougheed, Marisa McClocklin, Mackenzie Beggs, Jacquline Moore and Lianne Rogers.
“Our team proposed a coaching certification and leadership advancement pathway designed to elevate women in sport. Within five years, the program aims for all women student-athletes to graduate with entry-level coaching certification in their respective sports, while each female varsity team is paired with a community woman mentor.”
Team HERizon took second place
Team LeadHER Atlantic took third place
One of the Centre’s benefactors, Leslie McLean, was on-site to award the prizes. Key members from SMU’s Athletics & Recreation department, the Faculty of Arts, the Sobey School of Business, and local and provincial sport organizations participated on the adjudication panel.
Looking ahead
By inviting student-athletes into the conversation, the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health bridged the gap between those who play the game and those who will eventually manage it–demonstrating the importance of having a diverse range of voices at the table where industry-changing decisions are made.
To get involved with sports-business initiatives that have a real impact on the world, connect with the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health and check out our Sports Business program.
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.
Sobey School of Business launches ‘Lead with Purpose 2025–2030’
The Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University has officially launched its new five-year strategic plan, Lead with Purpose: Transforming learners to leaders and purpose to action (2025-2030), setting a clear direction for the future.
The plan builds on the Sobey School's strong foundation in experiential learning, community engagement and responsible management education. Guided by its purpose to advance knowledge and develop leaders to shape a better world, the strategy outlines how the Sobey School will enhance the learner experience, expand research impact and strengthen partnerships locally, nationally and globally.
Dr. Michel Delorme, Dean, Sobey School of Business
“Lead with Purpose captures not only where we are going as a School, but how we will move forward — thoughtfully, collaboratively and with intention,” said Dr. Michel Delorme, Dean of the Sobey School of Business. “Grounded in our commitment to experiential learning and responsible management education, this plan reflects our shared belief that business education must be connected to community and responsive to a rapidly changing world. Together, we will translate purpose into action.”
Building on the School’s distinctive strengths, including its dual AACSB and EFMD accreditation and its long-standing commitment to responsible management education, the strategy is organized around three interwoven themes: centering the student experience, prioritizing regional and global impact and influencing organizational practice.
Five interconnected strategic goals define the Sobey School's priorities through 2030:
Learning for Leadership: To elevate the learner experience through inclusive, experiential, and interdisciplinary learning that equips graduates to lead with confidence, agility and a clear sense of purpose.
Building Global Community: To build global communities through our programs, research, partnerships, and pedagogy and ensure our graduates thrive in diverse, interconnected environments.
Research for Change: To advance positive change in business and society through exemplary, boundary-pushing and stakeholder-engaged research that bridges practical relevance with scholarly significance.
Collaborating for Positive Impact: To address the real-world challenges of businesses and communities through partnerships in research, learning, employment and executive education.
Thriving Together: To cultivate a workplace where faculty and staff feel connected, supported and inspired in a collaborative and resilient learning environment.
Together, these priorities align academic excellence with meaningful societal contribution.
Developed through extensive consultation with faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners, the plan now moves into action. Clearly defined initiatives and measurable key performance indicators will ensure accountability and track progress over the next five years.
Lead with Purpose 2025–2030 positions the Sobey School of Business to turn purpose into action — transforming learners into leaders and reinforcing its role as a leader in advancing innovation, impact and shared prosperity.
For more information, visit the Lead with Purpose strategic plan page on the Sobey School of Business website.
What A Sin: new exhibition at SMU Art Gallery celebrates matriarchal power
A pair of NSCAD profs are celebrating the matriarchy in an exhibition at the Saint Mary’s University Art Gallery.
What A Sin, which opened to a packed house on January 23, features the work of Craft division professors at NSCAD, Ali Nickerson and Leesa Hamilton.
Nickerson presents a variety of media, including interactive soft sculptures, drawings, banners and paintings, while Hamilton offers quilted soft structures and banners. Together, their work creates a colourful, thoughtful, interactive immersion into women’s labour in its myriad forms, without judgment.
“We started leaning into this idea of a feminist cult,” says Nickerson. “When you walk into the gallery, you’re met with banners and seating, an invitation to sit, reflect, and ‘pray’ to the feminist before us, thanking them for everything they’ve given us.”
The pair knew each other a little as colleagues, but after Nickerson saw an exhibition of Hamilton’s at the Anna Leonowens Gallery, she invited her to join the Saint Mary’s show. A partnership quickly formed, each artist responding to one another’s pieces and creating collaboratively.
“We explore similar themes, we have an aesthetic that works together, but is really different,” says Hamilton. “Ali’s work is really free and playful and round, and I play within the lines. I love a grid.
‘The show isn’t about hierarchies, it’s about conversations.’
Hamilton’s large quilted patterned cones, cubes and cylinders were inspired by Maritime signal flags—a system of communication used between ships, i.e. “My position is doubtful”—while navigating work and parenting. “I was having trouble understanding and communicating my own needs, and the messages of distress were comforting in their simple requests and simple declarations of distress,” she says. “They felt humorously simple and true to my situation.”
Nickerson was influenced by the strong matriarchal culture of the south shore, where she grew up, “a collection of different, very strong matriarchs who lived within a setting of Shelburne County or Queens County and secretly ran these towns and were often dismissed,” she says. “Instead of talking about the dismissal, it’s more of a complete celebration of their power.”
The celebration of power extends into the traditional tenets of a gallery exhibition—instead of an artist talk, the pair will be hosting quilting circles on Fridays at the Gallery (check website for details). “The show isn’t about hierarchies,” says Nickerson, “it’s about conversations.”
Nickerson started quite the conversation with her students at the show’s opening when she explained the selfie station they were visiting: a banner featuring a combination of hand-printed fabric and nostalgic textiles with a circular opening at its center, surrounded by fluorescent pink fringe.
At the exhibition’s opening, she explained that the piece functioned both as an invitation and a provocation—raising questions about visibility, participation, and the performance of self within feminist and communal spaces.
The audience conversations taking place now began as communion and then collaboration between the two artists.
“There was this beautiful thing that happened as we started to complete work — that we were able to make work that responded to each other,” says Hamilton, “and place the work in a way that we felt there was a conversation happening between the pieces.”
What A Sin is on until March 29, 2026, at the Saint Mary’s University Art Gallery.
This story was originally published on NSCAD.ca and shared with permission.
SMU Huskies are the top scorers in the U SPORTS Men's Hockey 2025-26 season
Rooted in memory, built in community – Sankofa: Black Excellence Commons officially named
On January 29, the Saint Mary’s University community gathered to officially name a dedicated Black student space established in spring 2025. Students, staff, faculty and alumni marked the opening of African Heritage Month by honouring the advocacy, collective care and generations of leadership that shaped the space and brought the community to this moment.
“Sankofa, an African word rooted in Adinkra principles, means ‘go back and get it,’” explained Ebun Oladele MA’21, Black Student Advisor. “It reminds us that we draw strength from our histories and our ancestral wisdom as we move forward. Sankofa: Black Excellence Commons (BEC) is a space rooted in memory, in community, and in possibility. Not just for today but for generations to come.”
The naming of the space was student-informed and guided by the Naming Committee, which included Black student leaders alongside representatives from Student Affairs and Services and the Diversity, Inclusion and Wellness team. More than a title, the name reflects both the journey that led to the creation of the space and the responsibility that continues beyond its opening.
The journey to Sankofa: Black Excellence Commons
The Black Excellence Commons did not emerge overnight. It was shaped through years of Black student leadership.
Throughout the ceremony, student leaders spoke candidly about the emotional labour and determination required to bring this vision to life, naming both the barriers they faced and the collective strength that sustained them.
“This space is a result of advocacy, persistence and care. From students speaking up, to people who listened, and from community members who believed that Black students deserve spaces that reflect their identities and their experiences.”
Ebun Oladele MA’21
SMUSA President Augustina Tucker framed the naming ceremony as a moment of recognition that honours those who drove this effort.
“This ceremony is more than just a naming,” Tucker said. “It is a recognition of the voices that refused to be quiet. That fight took courage, and it took an unshakeable belief that belonging should never have to be negotiated.”
As Saint Mary’s enters African Heritage Month, Tucker connected the moment to this year’s provincial theme, Strength and Unity: Moving Forward with Purpose, Prosperity, Power, and Progress, noting that Sankofa: Black Excellence Commons embodies these values through collective action.
“This space is a reminder that when students organize with purpose, real change follows,” she added. “But let us also be clear that this space is not the end of the work. It is a foundation.”
Former Black Student Society President Jaiden Kariuki-MacDonald was one of the early student leaders to formally represent the interests of Black students at the university, helping to shape not only the foundation of the Sankofa: Black Excellence Commons but also broader progress in Black student support through her advocacy for the Black Student Advisor role.
Kariuki-MacDonald reflected on the depth of her experience in Black student leadership, describing the role as one that demanded constant advocacy and persistence to ensure Black student needs remained visible and prioritized.
Photo gallery of speakers
“It was an incredibly difficult role, and it took a lot from me and my experience at SMU,” Kariuki-Macdonald shared. “It makes me want to talk about the institutional barriers that tried to tear me down, to tear our community down. It makes me want to talk about the times people said our goals were impossible, that they were too big or not worth it.”
Despite the weight of that experience, she emphasized it was “an honour to dedicate myself to advocating for Black students at SMU,” reflecting on the work to help ensure consistent Black student advising supports, strengthen Black student community, and contribute to the creation of the university’s first dedicated Black student space.
Former African Student Society President Topaz Nnani reflected on the deep cultural context that shaped his experience at Saint Mary’s, particularly the grounding influence of African Nova Scotian history and community.
In the absence of a Black Student Advisor at the time, Nnani acknowledged that he and other Black student leaders often carried significant emotional responsibility for their peers.
“This was a group effort – things like this always are,” Nnani shared. “We did what we could to support one another, but the emotional toll was real.”
Nnani credited the strength to persist to African Nova Scotian stories of resilience, culture and joy, as well as to moments of allyship and institutional listening. Instances, he noted, where administrators like Tom Brophy showed up, listened without defensiveness and took meaningful action.
Creating a legacy for SMU students
For Ramon Stultz, President of the Caribbean Society, establishing the BEC represents not a conclusion, but a continuation.
He emphasized that the BEC exists because students organized together, building community with intention, refusing to be pushed to the margins, and asserting not just the right to exist, but the right to thrive.
“This room, these walls, the opening of this space… it is the continuation of a story Black students have been working toward for generations. It is a story of presence, persistence, and power.”
“This is their legacy,” Stultz continued. “But a legacy is not a museum piece; it is a responsibility. Because the real work isn’t just in opening doors, it’s in changing the culture.”
Former SMUSA President Simbarashe Chiunda also spoke to the shaping of this legacy, acknowledging the efforts of those who came before and underscoring the role of the present generation to carry and lead the responsibility of those who come after.
“Let us open this space with new commitments to our history and our future,” Chiunda said. “Because Black history is not history, it is here, and it is us.”
Deborah Brothers-Scott, Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellness, reflected on the deeper meaning of the moment, as a member of both the Saint Mary’s and African Nova Scotian communities.
“Today, we didn’t just open a room,” Brothers-Scott said. “We affirmed a legacy. This space will be shaped by the laughter, the Black brilliance, the creativity, and the care of the Black students who occupy it daily.”
Commitment to Black Excellence at SMU
President Dr. Michael Khan emphasized that the creation of the Black Excellence Commons reflects both learning and responsibility.
“The creation of this space matters,” Dr. Khan said. “Students thrive when they can bring their whole selves to campus, and institutions grow stronger when we listen deeply to our students and respond with meaningful action.”
He also underscored that the BEC is not an endpoint. “Space is powerful, but it is only the beginning,” Dr. Khan asserted. “We must continue to support Black students through programs, resources, pathways and partnerships that enable you to thrive long after you leave this campus.”
That responsibility was echoed by Tom Brophy, Associate Vice-President, Student Affairs and Services, who reflected on the significance of the moment.
“To have my name included on this plaque alongside these Black student leaders is not something I take lightly,” Brophy shared. “This space exists because of their courage, persistence and refusal to accept less than belonging. My role was to listen, to learn, and to act, and I am deeply honoured to stand in support of the students who led this change.”
Dr. Michael Khan, Tom Brophy, Ramon Stultz, Jaiden Kariuki-MacDonald, Danae Conrad, Ebun Oladele, Dr. Shannon Dea and Simbarashe Chiunda at the BEC opening ceremony
A plaque unveiled during the ceremony bears an African proverb: “However long the night, the dawn will break.” Beneath it, the dedication reads:
Established to honour the voices, histories and lived experiences of the Black students of Saint Mary's University. This space affirms joy, culture, learning and community today and for generations to come.
We acknowledge and thank those whose commitment and collaboration brought this space to life.
With recognition to:
Jaiden Kariuki-MacDonald, President, Black Student Society (2023-2025);
Topaz Nnani, President, African Student Society (2023-2025);
Ramon Stultz, President, Caribbean Society (2024-2026);
Simbarashe Chiunda, President, Saint Mary's University Students’ Association (2024-2025);
Ebun Oladele, Black Student Advisor;
Tom Brophy, Associate Vice-President, Student Affairs and Services
As African Heritage Month events continue through February, Sankofa: Black Excellence Commons serves as both a reflection of how far the community has come and a call to move forward, inviting continued learning, accountability, celebration, and collective care. Learn more about accessing the space on campus.
Explore the African Heritage Month Splash Page to view the full schedule of events and ways to engage throughout the month.
Going for gold: Shining the spotlight on Saint Mary’s Olympians
Saint Mary’s has a history of excellence in athletics, and the accomplishments of our athletes extend far beyond Huskies stadium.
Along with winning championships and producing Academic All-Canadians in spades, SMU students—past and present—have contributed heavily to Team Canada’s Olympic effort in a wide range of sports.
As elite athletes gather for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan, we compiled a list of our own impressive Huskies with Olympic ties. From athletes to coaches, broadcasters and more, we are proud to celebrate our alumni and students’ athletic achievements.
Photo: CBC
Steve Armitage BA’68 DCL’09
Armitage is a fundamental part of Canada’s sporting history. During his time at Saint Mary’s, he served as a quarterback for the Huskies Football team while commentating for the CBC Halifax late-night sports slot. His career included a 38-year stint with CBC Sports, where he covered 13 Olympic Games, and, among other accolades, was nominated for a Gemini Award in 1998 for his work covering speed skating at the Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan. Armitage's last Olympic appearance was at the 2022 Beijing Games.
He received an Honorary Doctorate from Saint Mary’s in 2009 to honour his longtime commitment to professional excellence.
Photo: CBC
Signa Butler BA’96
An athlete-turned-sports-broadcaster, Signa Butler knew from an early age that she’d pursue a career in sports. Growing up as a multi-sport athlete in soccer, basketball, gymnastics and field hockey, she ended up playing for the Huskies Women’s Soccer team during her incredible five years at SMU. Butler joined the CBC in 2000 and has covered 12 Olympic Games as a play-by-play commentator. She is one of the only women broadcasters to cover nearly every sport on the network. We’ll hear her again during the upcoming 2026 Winter Games in Milan, Italy.
Photo: Olympics.ca
Andrew Russell MBA’14
Now Chief Growth Officer (CGO) at Made with Local, the Dartmouth, NS-born Russell was a member of the Canadian Team at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, where he competed in Canoe/Kayak racing. He achieved Canada's best-ever combined results in the C-2 1000m and 500m events, placing fifth and sixth , respectively.
Dylan Di Perna BComm’20
After a stunning career with the SMU Men’s Hockey team, Ontario-born Di Perna is making his Olympic debut representing Team Italy in the upcoming 2026 Winter Games in Milan. This will be Italy's first return to Olympic hockey since 2006.
Photo: Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame
Jamie Bone BComm’89
A legendary wheelchair sprinter and Paralympian, Bone dominated the 1988 Seoul Paralympics, where he was the only Nova Scotian on the Canadian team. Winning three gold medals (100m, 200m, and 400m) and setting multiple world and Paralympic records, Bone’s Olympic record eventually led him to being inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 1997.
Photo: Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame
Jackie Barrett BComm’98
A prolific powerlifter known as the "Mississippi Moose," Barrett finished his career with 20 gold medals and 13 first-place finishes at the World Special Olympics. In his last year of competition, he set three Special Olympics records, lifting a combined 1,272.5 kg across the squat, deadlift, and triple combination events. He made history in 2021 as the first Special Olympics athlete inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.
Photo: Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press
Kori Cheverie BA’12
An alumna of the SMU Huskies Women’s Hockey team, Kori Cheverie served as an assistant coach for Team Canada during its gold-medal run at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. She returns with fellow alum Troy Ryan to coach Team Canada again in 2026, an achievement highlighted by SMU’s Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health, which aims to support women in high-level coaching positions.
Photo: CBC
Katie Pegg (Current student)
Current biology major and Paralympian Katie Pegg stunned in her first Paralympic games, bringing home Bronze in shotput for Team Canada in Paris in 2024. Finishing seventh in the world, Pegg—who was born with a missing radial bone in her right arm—had an eight-year football career as a defensive lineman before getting back into shotput here at Saint Mary’s.
SMU Huskies basketball alumna receives prestigious award in Ottawa
Clara Gascoigne BComm’23 MBA’25 leading the Huskies to greatness during her time on the court
Clara Gascoigne’s time at Saint Mary’s was anything but ordinary.
Breaking records in the classroom and on the court, the Sobey School of Business graduate made a name for herself as one of the most decorated players in U SPORTS women’s basketball, earning accolades like U SPORTS Defensive Player of the Year and AUS Most Valuable Player, while leading the Huskies to three straight AUS Championships.
Academically, she’s just as talented, earning five U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian selections and several scholarships.
Her road to success was carved through years of hard work, exemplary leadership and grit, culminating in her being recognized as a Top 8 Academic All-Canadian last week in Ottawa, Ontario.
Putting the “student” in “student-athlete”
Student-athletes have a unique blend of responsibilities as they balance study schedules and exams with training and competition. Reaching the top in both categories is difficult, and U SPORTS Top 8 recognition is a mark of that incredible achievement.
The Top 8 distinction represents the highest individual academic honour bestowed by U SPORTS, as student-athletes must maintain an academic average of 80 per cent or higher while continuing to compete in their chosen sport. From that group of high-achieving, high-performing athletes, only eight are selected annually to represent this dual achievement. See the 2024-2025 cohort of Top 8 Academic All-Canadians here.
Gascoigne represented Atlantic Canada over two days of recognition and celebration, earning private tours of the Senate and the House of Commons, as well as a Parliament Reception and a meeting with the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada. She also met with Shannon Miedema, Member of Parliament for Halifax.
“I got the call that I had won just before Christmas. I feel very honoured and humbled to have been chosen.”
This experience isn’t just another feather in Gascoigne’s cap: it represents a journey of growth and evolution unique to the student-athlete experience she had at SMU.
Journey to the top
Gascoigne’s road to academic success started during the first year of her Bachelor of Commerce – but not how you’d expect.
“The first couple of weeks can be slow, and you’re really enjoying the university experience – so it kind of lulls you into a more relaxed rhythm that changes very, very quickly once you get to midterm season,” she says. Between adapting to the increased time-management needs of university, adjusting to life outside of high school, and juggling training and game schedules on top of that, she was in for a shock when that first mid-term season came around.
“I remember I didn’t get the grades I wanted in that first set of mid-terms, and I immediately recognized that was completely self-inflicted.”
Gascoigne leaned on the resources available to her at SMU and took great advice from her coaches, classmates and teammates to get back on track academically.
“I feel like this is an experience a lot of people can relate to in their first year, and as a student-athlete, that experience was amplified by my training schedule and game commitments.”
“Time management was a very necessary skill to balance my academics with my athletics, and I felt very strongly about leading by example. I wanted to set a standard for our team and put an emphasis on the ‘student’ in ‘student-athlete’ – which is something I think SMU does really well.”
Learning to manage her time and energy was essential to her success. As she grew into her role as Team Captain, she made a point of modelling those systems for her teammates – a trait that has stayed with her after completing her Master of Business Administration in May 2025.
Life after sport
Although Gascoigne hasn’t touched a basketball since graduation, she continues to draw on her student-athlete experience in her work with Doane Grant Thornton Halifax, a job she secured in part through her robust education with the Sobey School of Business.
“Being a team player and understanding how to work collaboratively towards a common goal is a great skill to bring to the job market – and it’s a skill you build in spades as a student-athlete.”
With her BComm and MBA behind her, her eye is already on her next prize as she works towards her official designation as a Chartered Professional Accountant.
Once she’s made a name for herself in the workforce, she intends to return to sports as a coach — leading the next generation of athletes to follow in her footsteps.
Related:
2024-25 Huskies Athletic Awards Night: Gascoigne, Gentile named Athletes of the Year
Clara Gascoigne earns 2025 James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award
Clara Gascoigne named U SPORTS Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-Canadian
Watch: U SPORTS 2025 Women’s Defensive Player of the Year: Clara Gascoigne
50 years of the Patrick Power Library
Story by Hansel Cook
When the Burke Building was completed in 1965, it was designed to serve as the long-term home of the University Library. But just ten years later, the space was already considered obsolete – too small to accommodate the library’s growing collection and increasing student population.
The 1960s and early 1970s were a period of unprecedented growth and transformation for the university. Saint Mary’s tripled in size, growing from 834 full-time students in 1965 to 2,444 in 1975. In that same decade, the university became co-educational (1968), with women soon making up more than a third of the student body, and the Catholic Church transferred governance to a secular board (1970).
New academic programs and departments were being launched almost yearly, and the campus itself was evolving quickly. The Student Centre was constructed in 1967, the Science Building in 1968, Huskies Stadium rose to host the Canada Summer Games in 1969 and the Loyola Building opened in 1971. Amid this expansion, the need for a larger, modern library was clear.
Construction on a new facility began in 1974 and was completed in August 1975. The growing collection was transferred from the Burke Building just in time for the start of the 1975-76 academic year. The new library introduced several innovations for its time: a state-of-the-art multimedia centre, expanded shelving for its 300,000-book collection and an early computerized information retrieval system touted as “able to provide instant answers to almost any question.”
Completed construction of the library in 1975
Inside the library when it opened
Opening reception for the Patrick Power Library
For its first year, the building was known simply as the New Library. Then, in June 1976, it was officially named the Patrick Power Library in honour of one of Saint Mary’s most significant benefactors. Patrick Power (1815-1881) was a Halifax merchant and philanthropist born in Kilmacthomas, Ireland. After immigrating to Canada as a young man, he found success in business and served as a Member of Parliament in 1867 and again in 1874. Upon his death, he left a generous bequest to support the establishment of a boys’ college. In 1913, the funds from this endowment were transferred to Saint Mary’s University – helping to shape the institution that would later bear his name.
“With a long-standing reputation for service excellence, this 50th anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate the Library’s legacy as well as our contributions and commitment to teaching, learning and research,” said Suzanne van den Hoogen BA’91, Dean of the University Library and Archives.
Library staff planted a tree in memory of Marie DeYoung in 2025
To mark the Patrick Power Library’s 50th anniversary, a series of celebrations will continue through June 2026. The first event, a tree planting in memory of former University Librarian Marie DeYoung, took place this past summer. During Homecoming in October, alumni gathered for a special faculty author reading honouring both the Library and the 50th anniversary of the Geography Department. In November, the Library hosted an after-hours “Murder in the Library” mystery game, inviting student teams to solve clues inspired by the Library’s history while sharpening their research skills.
Fifty years later, the Patrick Power Library remains a vibrant hub for research, study and community engagement. Its collections now include more than 150 research databases, over one million books (both print and electronic) and online access to thousands of journals and periodicals. Together with instructional programs and research services, these resources continue to support the teaching and learning needs of today’s students and faculty.
The building itself has also evolved, with modernized study areas, service desks and accessibility-focused upgrades to study rooms and washrooms – all designed to make the space more welcoming and efficient for users.
“For many of our students, the Library represents more than bricks and mortar,” said van den Hoogen. “It has been and continues to be a safe space where students learn from one another, collaborate with their peers and develop the skills to become lifelong learners. To all our students, faculty and alumni, thank you for being a part of our past, present and future.”
Where will the Patrick Power Library be fifty years from now? With the pace of technological change, no one can say for sure. What remains certain is that the Library, along with its dedicated team of librarians and professional staff, will continue to adapt, evolve and uphold its mission to support the pursuit of knowledge for generations to come.
By Hansel Cook
Find more information and events on the Patrick Power Library 50th Anniversary webpage.
This story was featured in the Fall edition of the Maroon + White alumni magazine. Visit the online magazine to read more alumni stories!
Upcoming event as part of the Library’s 50th celebrations:
Causal Inference and Machine Learning: Faculty Author Series talk with Dr. Yigit Aydede and Professor Mutlu Yuksel
Thursday, March 5
12-1 p.m.
Classroom LI135, Patrick Power Library, Saint Mary's University
Join us to celebrate Dr. Yigit Aydede and Professor Mutlu Yuksel’s new book! It bridges the gap between machine learning and causal inference, offering an accessible roadmap for real-world policy questions. Perfect for researchers, students, and anyone using data to inform policy and decision making. Coffee and tea provided. RSVP today!
Access Ability: Making entrepreneurship accessible for 25 years
Michael Sanderson, Director, Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre (the Centre), was born with a neurological disorder that left him with significant physical limitations. He learned early on that to overcome his limitations, he would need to adapt and innovate. While his peers were doing physical part-time jobs to earn money, Michael built jobs around his capabilities and thrived. And, a lifelong entrepreneur was born.
Years later, Sanderson’s own formative experience inspired him to develop Access Ability – a program that supports individuals who self-identify as living with a disability. The program offers individuals a chance to establish entrepreneurship as a viable and sustainable career. Now, in its seventeenth year, Access Ability provides a business incubator and a speaker series that deliver the guidance, knowledge, and resources entrepreneurs need to thrive. Since day one, the program has been led by the Centre, and since 2013, it has been funded by the Government of Canada’s Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities.
“In Access Ability, we use entrepreneurship and innovation as a vehicle to empower change and build confidence,” says Michael.
Since its inception, Access Ability has transformed into a province-wide initiative reaching communities in every corner of Nova Scotia, from Yarmouth to Port Hawkesbury. In the past three years alone, Access Ability has made local entrepreneurship more inclusive by supporting ninety-nine participants. These individuals have launched and developed 40 businesses that reflect their strengths, backgrounds, and lived experiences. From food products to professional services, from visual arts to digital design, the businesses are as diverse as the entrepreneurs behind them. These businesses continue to operate today, contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic local economy.
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, is not surprised: “Creating a stronger, inclusive, and barrier-free Canada is not just the right thing to do; it's ensuring everyone can reach their full potential. Access Ability is exactly the kind of program the Opportunities Fund is designed to support; we're creating opportunities, removing barriers, and making sure no one is left behind. Together, we are building Canada strong."
Molly Morgan, Access Ability Project Manager, says that witnessing the growth of these entrepreneurs is the motivation that keeps this project going. “From my experience, this program works because we meet these entrepreneurs where they are. It provides an opportunity for individuals who have been historically underrepresented in entrepreneurship to be part of a supportive community and be given dedicated time and space to grow their businesses.”
Entrepreneur Melissa Laverdure’s Access Ability journey offers a clear example of the program’s impact.
Melissa Laverdure
Melissa, an experienced researcher with a global network of archival contacts, owns and operates a research and archive production business that specializes in locating rare and meaningful footage from around the world. The service identifies, sources and licenses the exact material a client requires, providing expert guidance and access to unique visual content.
“In a world that often says, ‘sink or swim,’ this program reminds us you do not have to do it alone,” says Melissa, “Access Ability empowers entrepreneurs to grow their businesses while honouring their unique paths. This program teaches you how to learn what you need, how to be confident swimming with assistance and how to feel valuable along that journey.”
Melissa’s story is just one of the many entrepreneurial success stories from the Access Ability program. For seventeen years, the Centre has continued to demonstrate what can be achieved when individuals are supported, valued and given the space to explore their potential. The impact of the Access Ability program is reflected in every business launched, every milestone reached and every entrepreneur empowered. Access Ability embodies the Centre’s commitment to ensure that inclusive entrepreneurship is not an exception, but a standard in Nova Scotia.
Visit Access Ability to learn more and how to get involved.