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

Keisha Turner BA’12

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

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

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

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

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

Women's Atlantic University Sport Volleyball Championship, 2010

Keisha and Michael

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

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

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

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

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

Thousands gather on SMU Huskies field for solar eclipse event

The Department of Astronomy and Physics hosted one of Halifax’s most popular solar eclipse viewing events on Monday, April 8, bringing an estimated 2,500-3,000 people to campus to experience the highly-anticipated event.

Science enthusiasts of all ages filled the SMU Huskies football field for a chance to view the partial eclipse through one of the university’s solar telescopes or with a free pair of SMU Science eclipse glasses. Others brought homemade pinhole projectors and observed the changes in shadows as a way to view the eclipse safely.

It was a great way to celebrate the final day of winter term classes, with event-goers cheering together for the maximum eclipse mark at 4:38 p.m.Check out more photos of the event on the SMU Science Facebook page.

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Do you have a pair of eclipse glasses? Keep them! Partial solar eclipses are visible roughly every year or two from here in Halifax. There will be another partial solar eclipse in March 2025 and more partial eclipses coming up. You can always use eclipse glasses to safely look at the sun whenever it’s in the sky. If you’re finished with your glasses, feel free to return them to the Dean of Science Office, S221 in the Science building.

For more information about the eclipse and other events, visit the Burke-Gaffney Observatory website.

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

Celebrating the trailblazers who paved the way

Kathy Mullane MBA’89. Photo: James MacLean

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

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

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

Susan (Dunbrack) Beazley - 1973

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Related Stories

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

• Justine Colley-Leger: Inspiring young women with her legacy 

• New Fund Celebrates the Advancement of Women in Sport at Saint Mary’s

International Women's Day at Saint Mary’s

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

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

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

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Inspiring Inclusion Art Therapy Session

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

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

Register

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Listen, Learn, Act Panel

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

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

The panel will feature:

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

• Sue Bookchin, Executive Director of Be the Peace

• Carmel Farahbakhsh, Executive Director of the Youth Project

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

• Nauman Sajid, Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative Peer Educator

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Stories

50th Anniversary of Women in Varsity Sport

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

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

• Justine Colley-Leger BComm’14: Inspiring young women with her legacy 

• From the Huskies to the NHL: Grit and tenacity pay off (Courtney Schriver-Richard BA’11)

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Student entrepreneurs win Innovation Cup with sustainable business idea

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

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

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

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

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More inspiring women at Saint Mary’s:

• Women’s Huskies win AUS Basketball Championship for the second year in a row

• Celebrating 40 Years of Shirley

• History professor joins International Science Council Fellowship

• Student launches Black haircare and beauty supply vending machine on campus

• Students tackle health care, food security issues with Wicked Problem Lab awards

• Student researcher has found 100—and counting—invasive crayfish in Three Mile Lake

• Meet our 2SLGBTQIA+ and Accessibility Wellness Ambassadors

• Women in Business event highlights networking and sustainability

More events this month:

• Launch of EmployNXT with Shubhra Singh MTEI'23 and Purvasha Dewanjee MTEI'23

• Reading + Q&A with SMU's 2024 Writer in Residence, Casey Plett

• "Popular Politics and the Struggle for Democracy in the Early American Republic" - A Faculty Author Series talk with Dr. Shira Lurie

Justine Colley-Leger: Inspiring young women with her legacy

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

Justine Colley-Leger BComm’14

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Renée Hartleib 

Honouring African Heritage Month at Saint Mary's

February is celebrated as Black History Month. In Nova Scotia, the month is known as African Heritage Month. This theme for 2024 is Our Smiles, Our Joy, Our Resilience as African Nova Scotians. 

Each year at this time, Saint Mary's University acknowledges and celebrates the achievements and contributions of Black and African Nova Scotia members of our community.  

To help mark the significance of the month, the tri-colour Pan-African flag will be raised in front of the McNally building. The red, black and green flag was created in 1920 to represent the people of the African Diaspora.  

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SMU Huskies Black Heritage Night

Friday, February 2, 2024

The SMU Huskies are celebrating African Heritage Month at the Homburg Centre with a vendor market featuring Black Nova Scotian entrepreneurs, performances, displays and more!

Basketball doubleheader: SMU vs. UNB
Women's basketball: tip-off at 6 p.m
Men's basketball: tip-off at 8 p.m.

Half-time performances with the African Dance Society

Men's hockey game: SMU vs. UPEI
Puck-drop 7 p.m.

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Dynamic Rural Business Series: Rural Black Businesses

Wednesday, February 7, 2024
5–8 p.m.
Halifax Stanfield International Airport

The Black Business Initiative (BBI) and the Sobey School of Business, in collaboration with the Halifax International Stanfield Airport, proudly present the second annual Dynamic Rural Business Series: Rural Black Businesses. Join us for an insightful session where we spotlight rural black businesses, featuring inspiring discussions with their owners and fostering a supportive network.

Our distinguished panelists include Gem Roberts, Dr. Ernest Asante Korankye and Cedric Smiley.

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Cultural Preservation & Community Capacity Building Forum

February 21-22, 2024
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
CLARI (Atrium 340)

This two-day forum is hosted by the Loyalist Connections Creative Society, in collaboration with the Black Cultural Centre and the Faculty of Arts. Students, educators and community members will join together for thought-provoking discussions and podcast recordings on past accomplishments and future opportunities for African Nova Scotian communities. 

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Kemet Udjat: an African Heritage Month film festival

February 27-28, 2024
Scotiabank Theatre, Sobey School of Business and via Zoom

Join us for two nights of film screenings and discussions, in person and online. Presented by Dr. Jean-Blaise Samou, Francophone and Intercultural Studies, with the support of the Office of the Dean of Arts and Alliance Française Halifax. 

Erasing Slavery in Canadian History: A Conversation with Dr. Charmaine Nelson
February 27, 6-7:30 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 870 2835 6414

Canada enjoys the mythic image of a haven where Black slaves could find refuge through the Underground Railroad. However, historians now reveal Slavery as “Canada’s best-kept secret”. What’s the real story of slavery in Canada and why is it important to discuss it today? Join us to learn more.

Dr. Nelson is a Provost Professor of Art History and the founding Director of the Slavery North Initiative at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, which supports research and research-creation on the study of Canadian Slavery and slavery in the US North. 

Hidden Figures (2017) Dir: Theodore Melfi   
February 28, 6-8:30 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 872 7523 7154
The story of three brilliant African-American women mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. 

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Patrick Power Library book display

Africville File 1 (News Clippings 1985-1989): Lynn Jones African-Canadian and Diaspora Heritage Collection

Throughout February, the Patrick Power Library is featuring a collection of library resources for African Heritage Month, on display on the ground floor of the library. Book recommendations will be shared online throughout the month on our social channels (@smuhfxlibrary). All books can be borrowed with your SMU ID card. Browse the full African Heritage Month collection online.

Samples from The Lynn Jones African Canadian & Diaspora Heritage Collection will be available at the Cultural Preservation & Community Capacity Building Forum on February 21 and 22, along with Saint Mary’s archives staff to answer your questions. Shawn Smith and other researchers from the Loyalist Connections Creative Society, and SMU's Dr. Kirrily Freeman, have been using the Lynn Jones Collection to research topics for the forum.

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Related stories and resources:

• Student launches Black haircare and beauty supply vending machine on campus

• Embracing the power of writing with new Kane Award

• Saint Mary’s African Student Society brings back African Night

• Bob Dawson, leader in the fight against racism, to receive an honorary doctorate

• African Descended/Black Student Support

• Lynn Jones African Canadian & Diaspora Collection

• Local African Heritage Month events

Celebrating 40 Years of Shirley

SMU Dining celebrates a team member’s milestone of not only 40 years of dedicated service, but 40 years of kindness, friendship, and community.

From January 4th, 1984, to January 4th, 2024, Shirley Boudreau has been a significant member of the SMU Dining Team.

Before becoming the face of the well-known C-Store in the Loyola Colonnade, Shirley began her employment with SMU Dining working in the cafeteria, now known as Dockside Dining Hall. From there, Shirley operated Orange County, a coffee and donut cart which then transformed into a storefront called “Easy Go”, a grab & go counter located beside Tim Hortons in the Loyola Colonnade.

Shirley has been a part of SMU Dining’s evolution over the years. Shirley was in her 30s when she began her career with SMU Dining and from the very beginning, she has been a “mother figure” to many.

Now, 40 years later, Shirley has had the pleasure of watching students graduate from SMU, begin their own careers, and start families of their own. Today, those relationships continue as Shirley meets and serves the children and even grandchildren of those students she met years ago.

Whether it’s a regular stop for a morning cup of coffee or a daily high five from the Point Pleasant Child Care group, members of the SMU campus community young and old have developed long-lasting relationships and traditions with Shirley.

Along with her inspiring number of friendships within the SMU community, Shirley has demonstrated remarkable dedication and devotion to her work. Shirley takes great pride in her perfect attendance, not for just a year or two, but over the course of her 40 years of service!

Shirley arrives to campus well before her shift each morning and ensures the C-Store is in tip-top shape when she leaves each afternoon.

One of SMU Dining’s most notable memories of Shirley’s devotion to her work was in September of 2003, when Hurricane Juan made landfall in Nova Scotia. Joe Makary, General Manager, recalls making the trek to campus the morning of the storm, to ensure students were fed. Due to the extensive damages, power outages, and devastation brought on by Hurricane Juan, Joe expected to be the only staff on campus that early in the morning.

To his surprise, when he arrived, Joe was not alone. Shirley had made her way to campus in the early hours of the morning and set up camp in the campus chapel to sleepover and ensure she was on campus to serve the students despite the storm. The night of Hurricane Juan is one of many times that Shirley has shown her truly admirable commitment and devotion to the campus community.

On January 4th, 2024, the SMU Dining Team gathered to recognize & celebrate Shirley’s accomplishment. The C-Store was transformed into a 40th Anniversary celebration complete with balloons, streamers, and cupcakes. Throughout the day, people from all different times in Shirley’s career stopped in to congratulate her. Stories were shared, gifts were exchanged, and countless hugs were had. Joe Makary, General Manager of SMU Dining, presented Shirley with a new plaque of recognition to mount on her already impressive wall of plaques, but this one displays her latest accomplishment, 40 Years of Outstanding & Dedicated Service.

When asked about her time working here Shirley states that “working with SMU Dining and Aramark has been a very fulfilling career”. She thoroughly enjoys getting to come to work each day to interact with the students, staff, and community members that pass through her store. Despite her 40 years of dedicated service with a notable perfect attendance, Shirley says she “has no plans of retiring anytime soon”.

Congratulations and thank you Shirley!

Student launches Black haircare and beauty supply vending machine on campus

Queen-Esther Okundonor

Students, friends and staff celebrating together

Group photo with everyone who was at the launch event including Dr. Summerby-Murray, Professor Rohini Bannerjee and staff from the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

Event attendees looking at the new vending machine

Queen-Esther with the QTress Beauty Supplies vending machine on campus

Queen-Esther Okundonor, a fourth-year Marketing and Finance student from Nigeria, has a passion for helping people. This passion led her to launch her new business, QTress Beauty Supplies, a vending machine located in the Loyola Academic Building on campus. QTress Beauty Supplies aims to provide convenient and easy access to hair and beauty care products for the diverse student body at Saint Mary’s University and Halifax at large. 

Before opening in October, Queen-Esther had spent three years thinking about starting her own beauty supply business after learning about other vending businesses. At first, she was hesitant to make business plans while balancing her schoolwork and tuition payments, but she decided to give it a try.

Although Queen-Esther faced some ups and downs throughout the journey of planning and envisioning her business idea, she did not give up on her project. Instead, she worked harder. She learned to pivot when things did not work out. To Queen-Esther, the whole process was worth it because she was able to meet many supporters and gain a community.

This fall, friends, students, staff and faculty, including Saint Mary’s President Robert Summerby-Murray, gathered at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and celebrated the launch of QTress Beauty Supplies. The new vending machine, which carries a variety of beauty and hair care products for different hair and skin types, is located on the first floor of the Loyola Academic Building.

The story of Queen-Esther’s entrepreneurship journey inspired many students, igniting a spark of motivation and encouraging them to chase their own dreams. “When you look your best, you feel your best, and this should not be only a luxury,” says Queen-Esther.

Watch a CTV News story about Queen-Esther Okundonor and QTress Beauty Supplies: Easy access to Black beauty supplies | CTV News

More than $37,000 raised for Food Room on Giving Tuesday

We are beyond thankful to all those who helped us raise over $37,000 to help support food security for hundreds of students!

Sadly, food security is a challenge faced by too many in our community, including many students. Last year alumni, faculty, staff and friends helped us raise more than $30,000 allowing the Community Food Room to host almost 3,000 student visits. This year, we are proud to be able to support even more students!

Donations made on Giving Tuesday—which were matched by the J & W Murphy Foundation—will help provide access to nutritious food and other essentials, allowing students to better focus on their studies while here at Saint Mary’s.

We are truly grateful for the support of our alumni, faculty, staff, friends and community surrounding Saint Mary’s students with care and support as they finish their fall semester.

Learn more about the SMU Community Food Room: hear from Coordinators Yeshani and Simba.

Accessibility Week at Saint Mary’s

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

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

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

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Accessibility Week Events  

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

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

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Keynote Speaker: Vicky Levack

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

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

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More Accessible Word and PowerPoint Document Workshop

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

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

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Accessibility Week Trivia Night  

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

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

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Tune-sy Tuesday Accessibility Week Edition  

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

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

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Therapy Dog Drop-in  

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

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

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Accessibility Questions and Answers (Q&A)

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

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

Register for the Accessibility Q&A.  

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 Blind Hockey Exhibition

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

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

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Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility Open House

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

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

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Man, Oh Man! A Conversation About Masculinity and Mental Health

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

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

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Accessible PDF Workshop

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

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

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Keynote Speaker: Jay Dolmage on Academic Ableism

Friday, December 1  
Noon | Online  

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

Register for this event.

Meet our 2SLGBTQIA+ and Accessibility Wellness Ambassadors

Did you know that you can access peer-based mental health support through the Counselling Centre? Along with professional counselling services, they offer drop-in peer supports, bi-weekly art and mental health programming, programs geared toward specific communities and more!

Two of the Counselling Centre's student staff this year 2SLGBTQIA+ Wellness Ambassador Jo (Left), and their Accessibility Wellness Ambassador Zoë (Right). Wellness Ambassadors coordinate wellness-based social programs for members of their communities. Jo hosts bi-weekly Queer Board Games Nights and monthly Trans Student Drop-Ins. Zoë works as a part of the Counselling Centre and Fred Smithers Centre offering social programs to students who are part of the blind, deaf, disabled and neurodivergent communities. All students are welcome to attend events and learn about their work.

Jo and Zoë both have training to offer one-on-one peer support. Want to set up a chat with one of them? Send them an email and learn more about what they do on the The Counselling Centre's Peer Support Page.

Jo McKenzie (they/them), 2SLGBTQIA+ Wellness Ambassador
2SLGBTQ.Wellness@smu.ca

Zoë MacDonald (she/her), Accessibility Wellness Ambassador
Accessibility.Wellness@smu.ca.

Women in Business event highlights networking and sustainability

Chantal Brine BA’09 discusses the importance of forming meaningful connections through strategic networking techniques and how it can empower your future.

Co-Chairs of the Women in Business Committee and hosts of the “Sobey School of Business - Elevating Women in Business: Blazing Trails”, Manar Salem and Meredith Drost, welcoming our panelists and speakers.

(Left to Right) Moderator AVP, Diversity Excellence, Rohini Bannerjee and panelists Marley MacDonald MA’14, Rebecca de Condé BComm’15, Sara Shabnam BComm’15, and Dr. Denise Daley discussing their personal experiences with environmental sustainability and its positive impact.

Committee and Volunteers: (Left to Right) Luke McOnie, Tiffany Delaney, Rhonda Harrington, Mohosina Afrin Chowdhury, Nimrah Mujeeb, Manar Salem, Meredith Drost, Hallie Wedge, Stephanie Letemplier, Shrilakshmi Subramanian, Tabassum Fatima, Areej Zara.

Dr. Mark Raymond, Interim Dean of the Sobey School of Business opening remarks for the Elevating Women in Business: Blazing Trails event. 

Attendees practicing the networking skills that keynote Chantal Brine BA’09 presented on.

Dr Robert Summerby-Murray President at Saint Mary’s delivering the closing remarks.

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

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

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

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