Celebrating Women in Business: Highlights from the 2024 Conference

Women in Sport Business conference panel

Panellists with moderator Cheryl MacDonald

Shannon Susko opened the event

Keynote speaker Signa Butler shares with the crowd

Audience members participated in a Q&A

Signa Butler with conference attendees

The 6th Annual Women in Business Conference, held on October 3, was a remarkable gathering that celebrated the achievements and contributions of women in the sport business landscape, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of women in varsity sport at Saint Mary's. Drawing over 120 participants, including student-athletes, alumni, former SMU women athletes, and community partners, the event created an inspiring atmosphere filled with energy, collaboration, and a shared commitment to empowering women.

Under the theme "Game On! Celebrating Women in Sport Business," the conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers. Keynote speaker Signa Butler BA'96, a seasoned CBC sports and Olympics commentator, captivated the audience with her compelling stories and insights. She shared her journey from athlete to working in the sport business world, breaking barriers as a woman in a male-dominated field. Accompanying her was special guest speaker Shannon Byrne Susko BComm'89 BSc'92, a serial entrepreneur and leadership coach, who shared invaluable lessons on resilience and empowerment in the business world.

The event also included an engaging panel discussion that showcased dynamic women making significant strides in the sport industry. 

Panelists included:

• Keisha Turner BA'12, Co-founder of Starberry Drink Co. and Akwekon Enterprises Inc.

• Justine Colley-Leger BComm'14, Director of Athletics at Halifax Grammar School

• Meghan Chayka, Co-Founder/CEO of Stathletes, a hockey data and analytics company

• Brittany Burke, Co-founder, CEO, and Manager of JUST Cycle

The panel was moderated by Cheryl MacDonald BA'10, CEO of Sport New Brunswick, who facilitated a rich discussion on their journeys and the future of women in leadership roles.

This year's conference not only celebrated women's remarkable achievements but also set the stage for future collaboration and innovation among women in sport business. The event highlighted the incredible power that women hold in business, leaving a positive impression on those present.

We are grateful to our sponsors for their invaluable support, including:

• Metromonics – Champion Maker Sponsor

• The Sobey family, the Sobey Foundation, and Sobey Inc. – Cheer Master Sponsors

• Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health and Vallis Law and Strategic Solutions – Sideline Super Supporter Sponsors

• Evolve, CIBC Wood Gundy, and O'Regans – Fabulous Fan Sponsors

• In-kind sponsors included Halifax Wanderers, Halifax Tides, and Evolve.

As we reflect on this year's conference's success, we eagerly anticipate next year's event and look forward to continuing this vital conversation about empowering women in the business world.

Announcing Ebun Oladele, Interim Black Student Advisor

Ebun Oladele MA’21

Saint Mary’s is pleased to announce that Ebun Oladele MA’21 will be stepping into the role of Interim Black Student Advisor in Student Affairs and Services (SAAS).

Ebun has been a valued member of the Saint Mary’s community for the past 3.5 years, serving as Secretary in the Marketing and Economics Departments and, most recently, as the Service Learning Coordinator in Experiential Learning. She holds Master’s degrees from Saint Mary’s University and from the University of Ulster, in Northern Ireland. She also brings an expansive wealth of knowledge and experience that spans Nigeria, Northern Ireland and Canada.

As an employee and former student of Saint Mary’s, Ebun's unique perspectives and experiences make her well-suited for the position. “I can relate to and understand a lot of the experiences some of our Black students are currently facing,” notes Ebun. “And I am equally aware of current processes and resources that are not entirely meeting the needs of our Black students. This role will allow me to advocate for enhanced resources, representation and support for our Black students.”

Ebun is particularly passionate about breaking down the institutional barriers that have historically limited access to opportunities for Black students. With a focus on academic empowerment, she hopes to champion initiatives that augment the educational experiences and outcomes of students, while creating programs that unite the culturally rich and diverse Black student community at Saint Mary’s.

Ebun is also committed to establishing dedicated spaces for Black students, recognizing this as a crucial factor in fostering a sense of belonging and overall success. “I’m passionate about engaging with students and creating spaces where they feel safe and empowered,” says Ebun. “Having access to a space that feels supportive can have a direct impact on students’ academic achievements, personal growth, mental health and emotional well-being. I’m excited to support students, as they explore and navigate resources, helping them create a positive journey here at Saint Mary’s.”

Ebun will officially begin her role as Black Student Advisor on Friday, October 25, 2024, and we are excited to see her bring her experience and dedication to this important role. For more information about Black student supports and resources, visit the Black Student Community Hub.

Saint Mary's ranked one of Canada’s top 3 undergraduate universities

Saint Mary’s has once again earned a spot as one of Canada’s top 3 undergraduate universities.

Saint Mary's University is the third Best Primarily Undergraduate University in the country, according to the 2025 Maclean’s University Rankings. This marks the third year in a row that SMU has achieved this enviable position.

The annual rankings also confirm Saint Mary’s status as the top-ranked primarily undergraduate university in Nova Scotia, and its Sobey School of Business as one of the top 20 business programs in the country.

“I am extremely proud of our consistent placement in the Maclean’s rankings”, says Saint Mary’s University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “One reason for our high standing is that faculty and students alike participate on the front line of real-world research and knowledge creation. We take pride in offering these amazing opportunities to both undergraduate and graduate students in a supportive community where they thrive.”

Located in the heart of Halifax, Saint Mary’s has been a renowned place of learning and scholarship since 1802, encouraging discovery and innovation across a wide range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, sciences and business.

The university is known for its long history of investing in student support; a point made clear in the rankings, with Saint Mary’s taking second place for scholarships and bursaries and tying for second place in student awards.

Saint Mary’s continues to advance student life on campus. The Sobeys Inspiration Hub, a four-storey, 43,000-square-foot building designed to foster student entrepreneurship and innovation opened in Fall 2023, and the new space for SMU Engineering, a 28,000-square-foot building with specially designed labs and project rooms, opened in Fall, 2024.

The university’s research activity and calibre are also gaining recognition, with Saint Mary’s ranking fourth in medical/science grants and fifth in total research dollars. Saint Mary’s is now Nova Scotia's second-largest research university by research income.

Saint Mary’s is also listed as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities; in the undergraduate institution category, we ranked 1st in Atlantic Canada and 16th in the country. 

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Saint Mary’s student recognized for academic achievements & deaf community contributions

Emi Morse, a first-year student, received the Honourable David C. Onley Scholarship Award from Canadian Hearing Services

Emi Morse may only be a few weeks into her academic career at Saint Mary’s, but she’s already making a name for herself. Entering the first year of her undergraduate program, Emi arrived at Saint Mary’s with big ambitions that begin with the Bachelor of Science program, focusing in Psychology, and will conclude with her eventually gaining a Masters in Audiology and becoming a Cochlear Implant Audiologist.

It's a very specific career path that stems from Emi’s own experience as a deaf individual with bilateral cochlear implants. Born without hair cells in her cochlea due to a genetic condition called Pendred Syndrome, Emi experienced total deafness from birth. Hair cells are essential for hearing, as they respond to sound frequencies and send electrical signals through the auditory nerve to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound. Without these hair cells, Emi was unable to hear naturally. As a toddler, it was challenging for Emi to get a proper diagnosis as doctors chalked her symptoms up to slow development.

With her mom advocating for her, Emi was finally able to get a proper diagnosis and had implants surgically inserted into both cochlea. These implants stimulate the auditory nerve, mimicking cochlear hair cells with electrodes. This allows some auditory receptions to transmit to her brain through her external processor, which captures sound through a microphone and transmits it to the electrodes implanted on the cochlea.

Emi and her family learned American Sign Language (ASL) and Emi was connected with the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Association (APSEA), which provided significant support and guidance during her school years. Through APSEA, Emi was able to learn about assistive technology devices that supported her cochlear implants, was connected with ASL interpreters to help translate verbal class materials and was guided on how to navigate school as a deaf individual.

It was her experience with APSEA that compelled Emi to give back to her community, driving her to become a mentor for families and young children going through similar experiences. "Growing up, I experienced a lot of discrimination from hearing individuals, teachers and medical professionals,” recalls Emi. “I didn’t feel supported the way I needed to be and felt like it was just assumed that I wouldn’t be able to achieve certain ideas of success. I wanted to prove that deaf people can be successful and they deserve recognition and respect.” Emi elaborates that her experience with APSEA motivated her to give back to those in similar situations and to raise awareness about deaf culture and the resilience and tenacity of deaf individuals.

Emi was shocked to learn that her passion for giving back had resulted in her being named the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Honourable David C. Onley Scholarship Award from Canadian Hearing Services. “Being a deaf person in a hearing world and being the only deaf person in my small town felt so tough and isolating,” describes Emi. “I had to work harder than everyone else just to get to the same level my peers were at. I’m living in a world that is not accessible, where I was expected not to succeed, but I worked so hard and I am so proud of what I have achieved.” The national scholarship is awarded annually to an individual who demonstrates outstanding academic achievements, resilience and dedication as a leader in accessibility and in the deaf community.

Leaving her small town to move into residence and start her post-secondary education at Saint Mary’s was a world of welcome change for Emi. “It’s been really fun,” signs Emi. “I’ve met so many people here in the dorm and during the Welcome Weeks events like the paint night and BINGO. Everyone is really nice and they’ve been really open to learning how to include me in verbal conversations.”

After facing discrimination throughout her educational journey, Emi was unsure what to expect from a post-secondary institution. “I chose Saint Mary’s because of its appealing support options and interpreting services,” notes Emi. “The Fred Smithers Centre had a lot of great accommodations that I needed, like the Digital Modulation (DM) systems that transmit primary audio directly to my cochlear implants and the GLEAN captioning software to help with notetaking.”

It may only be a few weeks into the Fall Term, but Emi has already settled into the groove at Saint Mary’s. Her excitement builds as she describes how she’ll be learning about the brain, how hearing people perceive the brain, and how things like neurons and receptors are fired. “I love the smaller classroom sizes at SMU,” describes Emi. “The professors have mostly been really nice and accepting of my accommodation requirements, ensuring my interpreters and I have everything needed for class lectures.”

When asked about her advice to future generations of deaf individuals, her ASL interpreters relay her message, while her fiery passion speaks volumes regardless of the language barrier. “Deaf people can do anything,” affirms Emi. “Don’t allow other people to make decisions about you. In those moments when it feels impossible, remember that if you do the work, you can do anything.”

Celebrating Mi'kmaq History Month

The 2024 poster highlights food and its significance in Mi’kmaw culture.

October is Mi’kmaq History Month, a time to celebrate and learn about Mi’kmaq culture and heritage.

This year, the theme is Mijipjewey Na Mawa’luksi’k (Food Gathers Us Together). The 2024 poster highlights the integral role of food in the Mi’kmaq culture: not just as a source of nourishment and comfort but as a key part of Mi’kmaq ceremonies, medicines and resiliency. Concepts around the stewardship of food sources and the generous sharing of resources are also highlighted.

Visit mikmaqhistorymonth.com to view a short video that further explores the theme.

Saint Mary's University acknowledges that the university is located on the traditional land of the Mi’kmaq Nation. This territory is covered by the "Treaties of Peace and Friendship" which Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1725.

Events

Sisters in Spirit: Honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People

Thursday, October 3, 2024
12:30-2:30 p.m.
Loyola Private Dining Room (LA298)

Join the Indigenous Student Advisor and the Sexual Violence Support Centre in advance of the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People. The event will include guest speaker, Chief Annie Bernard-Daisley of of We'koqma'q, who made history as Cape Breton First Nations first female chief. Chief Annie has been a strong advocate locally, provincially, and federally, speaking to both the provincial and federal governments on matters related to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Following Chief Annie’s talk there will be a beading workshop, with supplies provided.

All are welcome.

Resources and related links:

• The Patrick Power Library's Mi'kmaq History Month collection is on display throughout the year. Access the collection on campus or online this month to learn more about Mi'kmaw culture and history. The Library is also proud to host an exhibit of Mi'kmaw cultural artifacts on loan from the Nova Scotia Museum. These important artifacts represent a range of landscapes, sites, traditional activities and cultural periods in Mi'kma'ki. Everyone is welcome to visit the exhibit!

• The library has also created an online Indigenous Studies guide. This guide is a resource for research and study in the interdisciplinary aspects of Indigenous studies. It particularly focuses on Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.

• Learn more about Indigenous history, perspectives and culture through the Saint Mary’s lens and find resources on our online Indigenous Community Hub.

• Campus Reflection Walk in Honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Campus Reflection Walk in Honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Members of the SMU community gather for a special song and smudge ceremony led by Professor Raymond Sewell before the Campus Reflection Walk.

On Thursday, September 26, members of the Saint Mary’s community gathered on the Quad for a Campus Reflection Walk in advance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This important event brought students, faculty and staff together to honour Indigenous communities, show gratitude for the land we are privileged to live, work and study on, and reflect on our collective role in reconciliation. 

Tom Brophy, Associate Vice President, Student Affairs and Services, welcomed more than 50 participants on the campus Quad. He took a moment to offer a thoughtful land acknowledgment, recognizing Mi’kma’ki as the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq people. Brophy emphasized that the Mi’kmaq people are not only the original inhabitants of this region but also its long-standing stewards, caring for Mother Earth for countless generations.  

President Summerby-Murray (second from right) joined faculty, staff and students for the walk and to discuss truth and reconciliation.

The event began with a meaningful prayer and song led by Professor Raymond Sewell, L’nu singer-songwriter and Assistant Professor in the English Language and Literature Department. Participants stood in a circle around Sewell as he performed the song using a turtle shell rattle, symbolizing the Creation story and Turtle Island. Sewell then led a traditional smudging ceremony, inviting everyone to cleanse themselves with the smoke. He shared a reflection on how the sage smoke ties people together like a braid. 

Following the ceremony, participants embarked on a marked path around campus where posters along the walk posed thought-provoking questions. The prompts centered around the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and the Treaties of Peace and Friendship. The walk encouraged reflection on the histories of Mi’kmaq people and on our responsibilities as Treaty people. Some fell into quiet contemplation, while others engaged in meaningful discussions about the ways the University and the Saint Mary’s community can actively support the ongoing journey toward understanding, healing and reconciliation. 

“Taking the time to participate in this reflective walk and to acknowledge the histories and treatment of Indigenous people is a crucial step in our journey toward understanding and honouring the truths of our history,” notes President Summerby-Murray. “The meaningful dialogue that stemmed from these important questions helps us continue to move forward in building a more inclusive campus and learning environment for all.” 

As we head into October, Saint Mary’s has organized a number of initiatives around Truth and Reconciliation, Treaty Day and National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People. To learn more about what’s coming up visit SMU News.

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation responds to one of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which calls for a day to “honour survivors, their families, and  communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.” 

In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, administrative offices will be closed and there will be no classes or labs on Monday, September 30.

September 30 is also known as Orange Shirt Day , which began in 2013 to honour Indigenous children forced to leave their families to attend residential schools.

Orange t-shirts are available for purchase at the Campus Store, with proceeds going to the Mikmawey Debert Cultural Centre. Members of the SMU community are encouraged to wear their orange shirts to campus on Friday, September 27, ahead of the September 30 closure.

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Events on campus

Campus Reflection Walk

September 26, 2024
12-1 p.m.
Meet at the O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre

Join Student Affairs and Services Associate Vice-President Tom Brophy for a Campus Reflection Walk as we come together to acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We are honoured to have Professor Raymond Sewell begin the walk with opening remarks and a traditional smudging ceremony. As we walk through campus, you will find posters with prompts for reflection and discussion, encouraging us all to examine our roles and responsibilities as Treaty people.

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Reconciliation, what does it mean to you?

September 27, 2024
Loyola Colonnade

Stop by the Loyola Colonnade (across from Tim Horton’s) and share what reconciliation means to you. The Residence Life Multicultural Committee will display input from the SMU community on a display board of mini orange t-shirts.

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Sisters in Spirit: Honouring Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People

Thursday, October 3, 2024
12:30–2:30 p.m.
Loyola Private Dining Hall

Join the Indigenous Student Advisor and the Sexual Violence Support Centre in advance of the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People. The event will include guest speaker Chief Annie Bernard-Daisley of We'koqma'q, who made history as Cape Breton First Nations’ first female chief. Chief Annie has been a strong advocate locally, provincially, and federally, speaking to both the provincial and federal governments on matters related to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Following Chief Annie’s talk, there will be a beading workshop, with supplies provided by the Indigenous Student Advising office.

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Community events and resources

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre

Monday, September 30
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre, 2021 Brunswick Street, Halifax

 A dedicated day to learn and reflect on the generational harm done to the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis of Turtle Island. People are encouraged to wear orange T-shirts as part of the Indigenous-led grassroots initiative “Every Child Matters”. For more details, follow @mnfc.hfx on Instagram, Facebook or visit mymnfc.com. 

Every One Every Day 
Begin or continue your Reconciliation journey by attending 'Truth & Reconciliation: Every Day Action' sessions throughout the year. Free and open to all, these sessions are offered by Every One Every Day, a Truth and Reconciliation initiative of Wije’winen / Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre. 

See the Fall Program, follow the initiative's blog, and be sure to check out its Reconciliation Resources for more information.

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Patrick Power Library

The Patrick Power Library is currently featuring an Indigenous book display on the first floor, across from the Research Help Desk, as well as an Indigenous Heritage Display on loan from the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History. You can also visit the Red Dress display and Indigenous art pieces from Loretta Gould.

The Library has developed a resource collection that includes books and videos related to Truth and Reconciliation. Be sure to also visit their Indigenous Studies Research Guide.

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Learn more about Indigenous history, perspectives and culture through the Saint Mary’s lens and find resources on our online Indigenous Community Hub.

Related links

• Meet the new Indigenous Student Advisor, Kylar Johnson (May 29, 2024)

• News for and about the Indigenous community at Saint Mary’s

• More information on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Saint Mary’s introduces Star Finder - The David Lane Astronomy Outreach Program

Saint Mary’s is proud to announce the creation of a new initiative called Star Finder - The David Lane Astronomy Outreach Program.  

Star Finder is a new educational program that will enable teachers from across Nova Scotia to deliver an astronomy-focused curriculum to grade six and nine students. The program will focus on space exploration and astronomy, with a special emphasis on creating opportunities for those teaching in rural and underserved communities. The goal is to foster enthusiasm and understanding of astronomy among schoolchildren. 

David Lane at the Burke-Gaffney Observatory’s 50th anniversary event in September 2022  

The new program is funded by a $250,000 philanthropic gift from the late David and Michelle Lane. It will build on decades of successful outreach at the Burke-Gaffney Observatory, which was driven primarily by David Lane, the former Astronomy Technician in the Department of Astronomy and Physics at Saint Mary’s and the Director of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory. During his 29-year career at Saint Mary’s, Dave single-handedly automated the observatory, making it available to users worldwide through X (Twitter) and Facebook. Dave also created the Earth Centred Universe, an easy-to-use planetarium and telescope-control program which allowed institutes to operate their own educational astronomy platforms.  

“David and Michelle Lane's gift exemplifies the community outreach that Saint Mary's University is famous for," said Dr. Vincent Hénault-Brunet, Director of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory. “The Star Finder program will give young people in rural and underserved areas access to the type of scientific discovery associated with big cities and major universities. The program enables students and teachers to have hands-on participation in cosmic discovery.” 

Thanks to Dave’s efforts, tens of thousands of children and university students were introduced to astronomy at the Observatory, located at the top of the Loyola building on the Saint Mary’s campus.  

Dave Lane passed away in March 2024 at the age of 60. He is survived by his wife Michelle, who shares Dave’s dream of launching this educational project as a way to keep giving back and share David’s passion for astronomy with a wider community.  

“Dave brought the wonders of the night sky to people of all ages and walks of life; he especially loved sharing his passion with students, fellow astronomers and members of the general public,” said Michelle Lane. “Star Finder will now build on Dave's life's work and greatly expand the circle of people who will benefit from mentorship and outreach in exploring the night sky.”  

The Star Finder project is being developed with Saint Mary’s University alumna Andrea Misner BSc’06. Uniquely suited to this task, she studied astrophysics at Saint Mary’s and later earned a master’s in education degree from the University of Manitoba. Misner teaches high school general sciences, physics and astronomy in Winnipeg, and is a recipient of a 2024 Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.  

Star Finder will build teachers’ astronomy knowledge and skills by remotely using the BGO and mini-robotic observatory (MRO). Teachers and their students will also be provided access to the extensive archive of data and images at the Burke-Gaffney Observatory, strengthening their engagement with and excitement for astronomical understanding and discovery.  

“This is a deeply personal project, one that Dave and I planned together before his death as a way of leaving a legacy that reflects Dave’s lifelong passion for education and astronomical discovery,” said Michelle Lane. 

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To honour Dave’s legacy, members of the Saint Mary’s community and public can make a gift to Star Finder - The Dave Lane Astronomy Outreach Program.

Building women’s hockey at Saint Mary’s…and beyond

Lisa Haley with Athletic Director Scott Gray and President Rob Summerby-Murray at the SMU Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2019 (credit: Mona Ghiz)

Lisa (Jordan) Haley didn’t have an ounce of coaching experience in 1997 when Athletic Director Larry Uteck asked her to start up a women’s hockey program at Saint Mary’s. But that didn’t stop her from saying yes. And she’s never looked back. For the last 27 years, Lisa has been a Head Coach at the university level, making her the longest-standing varsity coach in the history of  U Sports women’s hockey.

Born and raised in Westville, Nova Scotia, Lisa and her twin sister Lesley followed in the footsteps of two older brothers, starting their hockey journey when they were just four. At 16, and in the first year that Women’s Hockey was offered at the Canada Games, both sisters tried out and made the team, representing  Nova Scotia at the 1991 Canada Winter Games.

Not long after, both Lisa and Lesley were recruited to play varsity-level hockey at Concordia. Lisa was named Rookie of the Year in 1991 and finished as an Assistant Captain in her final year. Their team was legendary, and the whole 1995-1996 team has since been inducted into the Concordia University Sports Hall of Fame.

In Montreal, Lisa studied to be an Athletic Therapist and was drawn to the “on the field” aspects of the profession rather than the clinical rehab. In fact, she chose athletic therapy as her educational path because she felt that it was the only way to stay in sports. “As a female, there were no opportunities to play professionally, and I didn’t see any women as professional hockey coaches - all of my hockey coaches were men.”

Upon graduating from Concordia in 1996, she needed to complete a certain number of practical hours in order to be able to write her licensing exam. She decided to return to her home province and did her entire practicum at Saint Mary’s, acting as a Student Athletic Therapist for all of the varsity sports teams. This is where Larry Uteck comes in.

A year after Lisa came to Saint Mary’s, CIAU (now U Sports) began offering a national championship for women’s hockey. Larry asked Lisa if she’d be interested in starting up the women’s hockey program and being the coach.

“Larry had a lot of foresight and decided that he wanted Saint Mary’s to be a leader in Women’s Hockey,” says Lisa. “He recognized the importance of putting females into leadership roles, and he must have seen some leadership potential in me.”

The only catch was that the position was a volunteer gig. Back then, there were very few women working as paid varsity coaches. Despite not being paid, Lisa fell in love with coaching from the first practice she ran. All that hard work paid off when the inaugural team won the first-ever AUAA Championship and went to the first-ever Nationals.

1997 Women's Hockey Team poses for a team photo with their AUAA (now AUS) trophy in the Alumni Arena. Women's university hockey became a U Sports (then CIS) sanctioned sport in 1997, and was Saint Mary's University Sport Hall of Fame - 2019 Inductee - Lisa Haley's first year as Head Coach of the program.

Lisa would eventually go on to be hired in a double-duty position as the Assistant Athletic Therapist/Head Coach of Women’s Hockey. But it wasn’t until 2005 that she was able to drop her athletic therapist duties and was named a full-time Varsity Coach.

In her 14 seasons with the Huskies, Lisa amassed one of the best winning records in CIS (now U Sports) women’s hockey history. The team made it to the Atlantic University Sports (AUS) finals eight times, capturing the league title in 1998, 2003, 2004 and 2010. Lisa herself earned the title of AUS coach of the year twice and was also named CIS coach of the year.

“Lisa did an incredible job of getting the women’s hockey program up and running and making it a real success,” says Kathy Mullane, the first female coach ever hired by Saint Mary’s in the 1970s. Kathy added that Lisa had proved herself by working hard to achieve her hockey coaching credentials over the years. “She is widely recognized as a tremendous coach who has a talent for recruiting very skilled players and who continues to be a strong voice for promoting women in hockey.”

In 2011, Lisa left Saint Mary’s for a new challenge. Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), formerly Ryerson, was starting a women’s hockey program from scratch and knew they needed a strong leader with a proven track record. Lisa has spent the last 12 years building TMU’s hockey program. She has brought them from last place in the Ontario University Association Conference in 2011 to a national ranking of 8th in recent years.

She’s also excelled internationally with Hockey Canada’s High Performance program, helping them win six World Championship medals, including two golds. As the assistant coach for the Canadian Women’s Hockey Team at the 2014 Sochi Games, she earned an Olympic Gold.

While the moment of achievement—the championship title or the gold medal—feels amazing, Lisa is also fulfilled by the role she plays as a mentor, helping her players reach their full potential, both on and off the ice. “I love supporting the leadership potential in the young women I coach, helping set them up to be good role models for other young women down the road.”

Mission accomplished when she sees what the remarkable women who were a part of the first-ever Huskies Women’s Hockey program have gone on to do with their lives. “They have created amazing careers for themselves and are serving as incredible leaders in their fields.”

Lisa herself was inducted into the Saint Mary’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2019 for her great contribution to SMU sports and Huskies Women’s Hockey. Although she loves her job at TMU and has grown to enjoy Ontario, she misses Nova Scotia and still cheers for the Huskies. “Except when they’re playing TMU,” she laughs.

By Renée Hartleib

Breaking records: Omena Babalola MBA'92 sprints towards success

Omena Babalola, center, runs at a university track event

Omena Babalola's story is all about pushing limits and reaching for the stars. The MBA'92 alum started on the tracks of Saint Mary's University and later made a big splash as a leader and role model in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her time at SMU wasn't just about snagging a degree—it was about smashing records, setting the bar high and building a legacy that keeps on inspiring.

When she arrived in Canada in the fall of 1989, Omena was all about soaking up the culture, and she figured getting an MBA at Saint Mary's was the perfect shot at doing just that. Choosing Saint Mary's for its friendly vibe, top-notch outdoor track, and being close enough to family in Prince Edward Island, she kicked off an adventure that would forever stamp her mark on the university's history books.

Omena earned Athlete of the Week, shown here in a 1991 edition of the SMU Journal

Omena handled her sports career with great grit and grace. The fact there weren't any other women sprinters didn't get her down. If anything, it made her push even harder, often training with the guys who backed her up and pushed her forward. Her outstanding performances in the 60m and 300m sprints broke records that are still standing, showing just how unstoppable she is.

Her time at SMU was enriched by the wonderful African student community, who she could always count on to cheer her on at each race. Despite being the only woman sprinter on the team, her determination brought more women into sprint events and strengthened the women's sprint team at Saint Mary's.

Omena Babalola MBA’92

After leaving Saint Mary's, Omena brought the lessons of hard work, teamwork and resilience with her as she transitioned to professional and community life in Winnipeg. She has had a remarkable career as a Professional Auditor, earning numerous designations, all while dedicating herself to mentoring young people and supporting her community. Her success off the track is a testament to the excellence she strived for in her athletic career.

Omena is currently an Alumni-in-Residence with the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and recently hosted a series of events: From New Horizons to Thriving Ventures: The Immigrant Entrepreneurial Odyssey. The final event of the summer series takes place on August 19.

Learn more about her Alumni-in-Residence position with the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

Campus community fights food insecurity

The shelves are full at the SMU Community Food Room after another successful Annual Food Drive Competition 

Thanks to the generous faculty, staff and alumni who participated in last month’s Food Drive Competition, more than 3,000 pounds of food was donated to the SMU Community Food Room! Hosted annually by the Alumni Office, this year’s food drive results exceeded the 2023 record.

The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre team “The IncrEDIBLES” won the 2024 Annual Food Drive Competition in support of the SMU Community Food Room

Congratulations to the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre team “The IncrEDIBLES”, who won the competition by contributing 1,207 lbs of food. As the winning team, they receive a trophy and a pizza party! The Accounting Department team “Rounding Errors” and the University Secretariat team “Get on board for food!” placed second and third.

In total, 11 teams participated and raised a total of 3,054 lbs of food, which was weighed in by student volunteers on July 25. Teams were awarded bonus points for collecting the most requested items by Food Room users, such as cereal, rice, and canned goods.

The Alumni Office would like to thank the faculty, staff, and alumni who made financial contributions during the competition. These contributions allowed the Food Room to purchase much-needed items with some flexibility. Members of the SMU community can donate to the Food Room anytime and receive a tax receipt for their donation.

"I am deeply grateful to every department that participated with such enthusiasm in the Annual Food Drive Competition,” says Yeshani Sugunendran, Community Food Room Coordinator. “The passion and excitement each participant brought to supporting this vital cause was incredibly inspiring. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to SMU Alumni for organizing this event and a special gratitude to the volunteers from the SMU Community Food Room, whose exceptional assistance was pivotal to the food drive's outstanding success. Their dedication to collecting, weighing, and stacking an impressive 3,054 lbs of food, compared to 2,100 lbs last year, was truly remarkable."  

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About the Food Room 

The SMU Community Food Room is the on-campus food bank for the Saint Mary’s University community. The food room saw 3,855 appointments booked between May 2023 and April 2024, an increase from 3,248 in the previous year. Students can book an appointment with the Community Food Room.

Saint Mary's launches bold new recruitment campaign: Every one is unique

Click the image above to watch the new recruitment campaign video

The new Saint Mary's undergraduate student recruitment ad campaign went live this week with a bold new look that aims to grab the attention of Gen Z students.

As part of the university's updated recruitment strategy, the External Affairs and Recruitment teams partnered with creative agency STC to develop an ambitious campaign to attract prospective students in Nova Scotia and key Canadian markets.

The promotion is mainly digital and highly focused on reaching high school students and their parents or other influencers. The ads drive traffic to the newly updated Future Students webpage for more information.

"This campaign is decidedly different, with a fresh look to cut through the noise and clutter of the digital space where our target audience spends so much time," says Lauren Cullen, Acting Director, Domestic and International Recruitment and Marketing. "It presents Saint Mary’s as a supportive environment that recognizes the potential in each of our students and celebrates their uniqueness, and also highlights our distinctive campus experience, our place in the city and our programs." 

The ads' visual treatment puts a fun, distinctive twist on Saint Mary's brand framework to help it stand out in a competitive landscape and appeal to 16 to 18-year-olds. The treatment is temporary and campaign-specific and doesn't replace Saint Mary's institutional brand.

Faculty and staff may have seen a production crew shooting scenes on campus in late June. They were capturing footage of actual Saint Mary's students, each with their own unique pathways that are highlighted in the ads.

"We were thrilled to showcase some of our star students, Cameron Brown (Science), Jayrell Diggs (BComm), Theressa Jabbour (Arts), Kara Maclean (Arts), Lucy Pothier-Bogoslowski (Science) and Adrianna Timmons (BComm)," says Nadine LaRoche, Director, Integrated Communications. "We owe a huge thanks to them and to the many kind faculty and staff who helped in a multitude of ways to help with this important recruitment effort.”

The advertising campaign will continue throughout the Fall term. Look for bus shelter ads in the Halifax area this September and camera crews on campus to capture our students in action again!