African Heritage Month 2025: Celebrating our community with events, resources and more

Saint Mary’s celebrates African Heritage Month, honouring the achievements and contributions of Black and African Nova Scotian members of our community. The theme for 2025 is “Legacy in Action: Celebrating Black Brilliance.” During February, the 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.

Did you know? Nova Scotia has 52 historic African Nova Scotian communities with a long, deep, and complex history dating back over 200 years. Learn more from the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia.

You’re invited to join us this February for events hosted by faculty, students and departments, including an inaugural opening ceremony with special guest speakers on January 31. Learn about African Nova Scotian experiences with the Loyalist Connections Creative Society, support Black-owned businesses at the SMU Huskies vendor market, and meet new friends at fun events hosted by the African Student Society. Read more about events and campus resources below.

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African Heritage Month Opening Ceremony

Friday, January 31, 2025
3-5 p.m.
Loyola Conference Hall (LA 290)

This event is Saint Mary's University's first African Heritage Month Opening Ceremony! The event will celebrate and honour the rich contributions and the living legacies of Black Nova Scotians, honouring the impact and perseverance of the long-standing community and the African culture. It is an opportunity to reflect, learn and look back to move forward.

Highlights of the event will include African Drumming, Spoken Words and Remarks from Colin Campbell, Director, Government and Community Relations, African Nova Scotian Affairs and David Woods, founder/organizer of the Inaugural African Heritage Month Celebrations in Nova Scotia (1984-1991).

RSVP here

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SMU Huskies Black Heritage Night

Saturday, February 1, 2025

The SMU Huskies are celebrating African Heritage Month at the Homburg Centre with special performances before and during Saturday’s games! A vendor market featuring Black Nova Scotian-owned businesses will be held in the concourse of the Homburg Centre in partnership with the Black Business Initiative.

Women’s Volleyball vs. UNB at 1 p.m. 

Basketball doubleheader: SMU vs. CBU
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

Women's hockey vs. DAL
Puck-drop 7 p.m.

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Tribe Scholars: Scholarship Recipient Announcement

Tuesday, February 4, 2025
5-7:30 p.m.
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, Inspiration Studio (SH212)

Join Tribe and Saint Mary's University for an exciting event where we will reveal this year's recipients for our Undergraduate Tribe Network Award and our Tribe Network Graduate Scholarship and Internship. Get ready to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our talented scholars. Don't miss out on this special occasion to honour their achievements and meet the next generation of professionals.

Register here

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Black Entrepreneurship Showcase

Thursday, February 6, 2025
11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Loyola Colonnade

Meet organizations that support Black students in entrepreneurship. Speak with representatives from Black Girls Gather, Tribe Network, and Business is Jammin’ to learn how they can help support you in your entrepreneurial goals!

Writing Ourselves: Voice & Power with El Jones

Thursday, February 6, 2025
4-5 p.m.
Loyola Academic LA177

Join former Halifax Poet Laureate El Jones and The Counselling Centre for a writing workshop. El will discuss finding our voice, writing for justice, and self-empowerment during African Heritage Month. You do not have to be an experienced writer to attend; all are welcome!

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A live podcast recording: Exploring the Impacts of Defining Blackness 

Tuesday, February 11, 2025
5-6:30 p.m.
The Podcast Studio
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre (Sobey Hub 210)

What does defining a group do? Does it exclude individuals from the conversation? Can a definition include everyone? Or does it ask us collectively what a definition does to make us move forward?

Hosted by the Loyalist Connections Creative Society, this podcast recording will explore Blackness as more than racial identity, but a lens into culture, politics and the lived experiences of African and Black people shaped by systemic racism and cultural inheritance. Together, we’ll examine how local and global African influences intersect with identity, power and belonging in a world shaped by enduring inequities.

Register here to reserve your spot and submit your questions in advance. The podcast recording will take place in the Podcast Studio (Sobey Hub 210) from 5–6 p.m. with an audience Q&A to follow in the adjacent room SH 211. The event aims to foster interactive discussions with the audience and with the broader community once the podcast is available online. Food and refreshments to be provided.

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Residence Life events

Movie Night: Summer of Soul

Wednesday, February 12, 2025
7-9 p.m.
LA 175

Join us for an extraordinary celebration of Black music and culture with "Summer of Soul," a groundbreaking documentary that resurrects the forgotten 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. Directed by Questlove, this Oscar-winning film captures electrifying performances by legendary artists like Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, and Sly and the Family Stone. Experience a powerful testament to Black joy, resilience, and musical brilliance during a pivotal moment in cultural history. This screening promises to inspire, educate, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Black people through the transformative power of music.

African Heritage Trivia Night

Tuesday, February 25, 2025
7-9 p.m.
SH 324

Join us for an exciting African Heritage Month Trivia Night! Test your knowledge of African history, culture, and contributions while enjoying a fun-filled evening with friends and community members. The event features engaging questions, lively discussions, and the chance to win fantastic prizes. The first-place winner will take home $100 in flex dollars! Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate and learn more about the rich heritage of Africa. Bring your team spirit and get ready for a night of friendly competition and cultural appreciation!

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Saint Mary’s African Student Society events

Soccer match: SMU vs. DAL

Friday, February 21, 2025
1-2:00 p.m.
BMO Soccer Centre

Join the Saint Mary’s African Student Society (SMASS) for a soccer match vs Dalhousie on February 21 at the BMO Soccer Centre on Thomas Raddall Drive.

Contact safricanstudentsociety@gmail.com for more information.

Black Owned Vendors Market

Thursday, February 27, 2025
12-4 p.m.
Loyola 290

Contact @smu.bss on Instagram for more information

Aunties & Uncles Game Night

Wednesday, February 26, 2025
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Sobey Hub 324
$10 entry free

Get together with friends for a fun night of games, food and prizes! Dress up in your favourite auntie or uncle attire.

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Third Annual Dynamic Rural Business Event

Thursday, February 27, 2025
6-8 p.m.
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre Conference Room, 5907 Gorsebrook Ave

Black Business Initiative (BBI) and the Sobey School of Business: Dynamic Rural Businesses Series
Join us for an engaging evening celebrating Black rural businesses! This in-person event will feature a panel discussion, networking opportunities, and a vendor showcase, all designed to support and uplift Black entrepreneurs.

Featured Panelists:

• Chef Pamela Leonforde – Owner, Café Caye Mangé

• Angela Cromwell – Founder, Ansena Wigs & Extensions

• Dr. A.K. Kirumira – Founder, Bioteen40

Register by February 25

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Reading materials and resources in the Patrick Power Library

A portion of the books and items featured in the Patrick Power Library African Heritage Month collection

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

This Master’s theses round-up from the University Archives’ Institutional Repository highlights the work of Saint Mary’s graduate students whose research explores themes related to Black and African heritage, history, identity and social justice.

Saint Mary’s University, in cooperation with Dr. Lynn Jones (C.M.), African Nova Scotian leader and activist, proudly houses The Lynn Jones African Canadian & Diaspora Heritage Collection in the University Archives. The Collection documents the lives of Lynn, her family, and over 50 years of African, African Diasporic and African Nova Scotian heritage and history.  Key parts of the collection include materials on:

• civil rights and social justice struggles in Halifax, Canada and beyond

• Lynn’s career as an athlete, politician, union activist, and work as an election observer for the 1994 South African Presidential election of Nelson Mandela

• the activism of Lynn’s brother, Burnley “Rocky” Jones and many others

• thousands of news clippings, programs, reports and other material documenting Black life (e.g. the histories of local Black communities and institutions, an obituary collection, news coverage of local and international racial segregation and apartheid, clippings on famous athletes and environmental racism).

Researchers, community members, educators and students, community organizers, and others are all welcome to visit the collection. It can be viewed in person at the Saint Mary's University Archives. Parts of the collection, including samples of archival material from Lynn's personal collection and a small example of the newspaper clipping collection, have been digitized and are available on the library's digital repository. A more detailed finding aid and collection inventory are also available. 

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African Descended/Black Student online hub

Find SMU resources on our online hub for Black and African Nova Scotian students. Find out how to connect with the Black Student Advisor, learn about awards and bursaries, see news and more!

Visit smu.ca/blackstudent to be connected

Related stories and resources:

• African Descended/Black Student Support

• Announcing Ebun Oladele, Interim Black Student Advisor

• Local African Heritage Month events

• Breaking records: Omena Babalola MBA'92 sprints towards success

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

• Rheannon Richards of Dartmouth receives 2024 Edna and Velma Thomas Kane Writers Award

SMU community “superpowers” helpful in hard times

Paul Hollingsworth BA’94 with Saint Mary’s University Dean of Arts Mary Ingraham

For students who are grieving the loss of a parent or a sibling, getting back into your studies is a challenging time. It’s a struggle that Paul Hollingsworth BA’94 remembers well from his time as a student at Saint Mary’s University.

Now one of Atlantic Canada’s most accomplished journalists, Hollingsworth shared his insights with current students as a guest speaker for the recent 2024 Dean’s List celebration held by the Faculty of Arts. Speaking from the heart, the CTV broadcaster recalled that things were going really well for him in the fall of 1991: he had just declared his English major and he was maintaining a B+ average, balancing his schoolwork with a daily fitness regime and a part-time job at a downtown pub.  

“Things were productive,” he told the crowd of students gathered in Loyola Conference Hall. “Then, on December 13, my older brother Bryce, who was three years older than me, took his own life. He was tall, handsome and athletic, and he should’ve had a full stretch of life ahead of him. Yet he was gone in an instant.”

Paul addresses a group of students at the Faculty of Arts Dean’s List event

The holidays were a devastating time for Hollingsworth and his family. By the time he returned to classes in January, he had lost 20 pounds after several weeks of not eating or sleeping properly. Friends invited him to parties, hockey games and basketball matches, hoping that keeping busy would help.

“People were shocked at my appearance, but I soldiered on. They didn’t know what to say. We didn’t talk about mental health back then like we do now,” he said.

Supportive SMU community

Hollingsworth credits his community of kind professors, mentors and friends for helping him through such a dark time. A key turning point came thanks to Dr. Roger Macdonald, a faculty member who, at the time, was teaching Shakespeare. He asked Hollingsworth to stay after class one day in late January.  

“When everyone had left, he closed the classroom door, pulled up a desk and sat next to me. He said, ‘How are you doing?’ It was the first time anyone had asked that. And I started to cry. In fact, I cried more than I had ever cried during that entire experience. I cried so much I couldn’t talk; I couldn’t communicate. I literally melted in the moment.”

Hollingsworth hadn’t done very well on an assignment handed back that day, but Macdonald reassured him, urging the heartbroken student to keep coming to class and to keep working hard on his studies. “He said his office door was always open and I could come by and talk anytime … I took him up on that offer, and I would go see him at his office and we would talk mostly about baseball. Roger Macdonald made a difference in my life.”

Other professors also had a supportive impact: Dr. Michael Larsen, Georges “Burpee” Hallett and Janet Baker, to name a few. “These professors saved me. They saw something in me, and they used their superpowers to lift me up. Their only motivation was kindness.”

Hollingsworth Family Award

Hollingsworth now frequently lends his time and talents to events that support mental health initiatives. He has also helped to develop a lasting legacy at Saint Mary’s in the form of a scholarship on behalf of his family. Launched in 2023, the Hollingsworth Family Award was created for first-year full-time students—particularly those in financial need— to help them cope with the loss of a family member and connect them to a community of support at Saint Mary’s.

The award “means the world to me,” said Hollingsworth, adding that even great students can encounter great struggles during their university years.

Hollingsworth’s career has included a number of roles in news media, including as an international sports reporter

He began his journalism career shortly after graduating and now serves as CTV’s national news reporter based in Halifax. Over the years, he has held many roles within CTV, from sports reporting and producing to anchoring the CTV Atlantic weekend news desk. Career highlights include reporting from the World Series, Super Bowl, FIFA World Cup, Stanley Cup Playoffs and many other international sporting events.

Hollingsworth has also written and co-written at least four books about sports trivia and NHL stars Brad Richards, Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon. In his spare time, he co-hosts The Scramble, a popular sports podcast with SMU Hall of Famer Chris Flynn BA’97.    

As a proud alumnus, Hollingsworth remains actively involved on campus, attending sports games and other events – he’s also a “SMU Dad” now, with a son in the Bachelor of Commerce program.   

“People ask me what I learned while attending Saint Mary’s,” he said. “Obviously, I received a first-class education. I learned about language, literature and the arts, developing a capacity for independent thought. But more important than all those things, I learned what it felt like to be part of something. The people at this university cared for me. And I love them back for it. I became part of a community, the Saint Mary’s community. I owe everything to this university and the great people who taught me and supported me along the way. Not to mention the friendships made for life.”

Related reading:

• The Hollingsworth Family Award

• From grief to gratitude: The Hollingsworth Family Award (Maroon + White article)

• The Counselling Centre at SMU

• Bell Let’s Talk mental health resources

Access Ability: inclusive growth for individuals and employers

Opportunities for individuals who self-identify as living with a disability and inclusive businesses

The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre's innovative Access Ability program, funded by Service Canada, empowers people who self-identify as living with a disability. This program provides two distinct paths depending on the individual’s need:

• Access Ability Employment: helps participants find and secure fulfilling employment opportunities supported by a wage subsidy program.

• Access Ability Entrepreneurship: supports those pursuing their own business ventures.

Both streams emphasize skill development and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. The Access Ability Employment stream empowers participants through two key initiatives:

• Entrepreneurial Mindset Certificate (EMC) Program: Participants attend eight paid workshops led by industry experts. Topics include Creative Thinking and Problem Solving, Intrapreneurship: Unleashing Your Inner Entrepreneur and Navigating the Hidden Job Market. Participants learn valuable skills, earn up to $600, and receive learning and job-hunting support.

• Wage Subsidy Program: This program helps individuals who self-identify as living with a disability find and keep supportive employment. This program does so by providing small and medium businesses in Atlantic Canada with the support of a wage subsidy (up to $6,300 at $9 per hour). The goal of the program is to help participants get the skills and training necessary to stay on with their employer after the subsidy is completed.

This year, a remarkable 92 participants learned transformative skills for success in job hunting and had on-the-job experience through Entrepreneurial Mindset Certificate (EMC) training. In addition, 29 new employees joined wage-subsidized positions through funding that provided over $100,000 in wage subsidy support.

Just Cycle, one of the employers who joined the Wage Subsidy Program, reflects on the experience:

“Working with the Access Ability program has been very beneficial for our company. Not only did the program allow us to grow our team, but it also helped us improve employee engagement and productivity. The collaboration has been seamless; the team is responsive and genuinely invested in our success. We appreciate the tailored approach that addresses our unique challenges. Overall, we are thrilled with the outcomes and look forward to continuing our journey together. Thank you!”

Join the next cohort of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Certificate (EMC) Program and Wage Subsidy Program. The next cohort of the EMC Program runs from February 10 to March 7, 2025. Sign up now to join this winter.

We are seeking employers to join the Wage Subsidy Program in 2025! Submit your interest form now to secure your spot.

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Access Ability Entrepreneurship

The Access Ability Entrepreneurship stream provides two different streams:

• Business Incubator: Offers participants a full-time paid wage along with guidance, training, resources and mentorship, all delivered virtually, allowing aspiring entrepreneurs from across the province to participate regardless of location.

• Speaker Series: This series features 18 training sessions and group meetings with experienced speakers from the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It provides invaluable knowledge for personal and business development, while participants earn up to $900 for attending all sessions.

This year’s cohort of the Access Ability Entrepreneurship program provided over $80,000 in wages along with business development and disability-related support for nine program participants.

Kevin MacKinnon, a small business owner in Port Hawkesbury and participant in the Business Incubator program, said, “I really enjoy the Access Ability Entrepreneurship Incubator Program through SMU. There is so much to learn and they do a great job of breaking it down so it's easier to understand. This program has helped me a lot, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to build their business.”

This winter, the Access Ability Entrepreneurship Speaker Series runs from January 7 to March 8, 2025. There are only ten spots remaining. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or seeking to expand your entrepreneurial knowledge, this program will allow you to learn directly from experienced speakers from the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Apply now for the 2025 cohort and secure your spot for the Speaker Series this winter!

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Questions?

Employment Stream: Contact AccessAbility@smu.ca

Entrepreneurship Stream: Contact aae@smu.ca

Mia Makhlouf receives 2024 Montreal Women’s Memorial Scholarship

Engineering student Mia Makhlouf.

Congratulations to Mia Makhlouf, the recipient of the 2024 Montreal Women’s Memorial Scholarship. This award was presented at a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women ceremony at Saint Mary’s University. Mia is a first-year student in the Diploma in Engineering program.

Presented each year to a female Engineering student, the scholarship honours the memory of the 14 women who were killed on December 6, 1989 in an anti-feminist attack at the École Polytechnique, the engineering school at the Université de Montréal.

The event was part of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence at Saint Mary’s, commemorative days that served as a prompt to contemplate our collective past, celebrate our accomplishments, and work towards a better future for all.

Saint Mary’s University unveils ambitious new Strategic Plan, “World Without Limits”

Saint Mary’s University has launched its latest strategic plan, “World Without Limits,” setting a transformative vision for the next five years. The plan builds on the university’s strengths in student experience and in equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility while fostering community engagement and faculty and staff success. 

Vision for the future 

The strategic plan outlines five key priorities that will guide the university’s efforts: 

1. Discovery and Learning with Purpose: Saint Mary’s commits to fostering a vibrant culture of research, teaching and learning that reflects our core values. 

2. Healthy and Successful Community: Saint Mary’s will create a community that is accessible and inspiring, providing support and strengthening the university experience for students, faculty and staff.

3. Sustainability: The university is committed to long-term fiscal sustainability through careful and strategic management of institutional resources, while embracing environmental sustainability in the design of buildings and shared spaces.

4. Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility: The university will promote a safe and welcoming place of learning, working and belonging that is equitable, inclusive and accessible for Black and Indigenous people, people of colour, people with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and other equity-deserving groups.

5. Community Relationships and Philanthropy:  Saint Mary’s will enhance relationships with alumni, donors, government and other community partners. 

Reflecting on the plan, President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray said, “Saint Mary’s occupies a unique position in Canada; our students and our alumni know this. We stand out by providing an exceptional student experience full of opportunity, while providing a warm and supportive environment. We will build on our distinction and grow our strengths by acting on this strategic plan.”  

A commitment to community 

Saint Mary’s University has a long-standing tradition of community engagement. The new strategic plan reinforces this commitment by promoting initiatives that benefit both the local and global communities. From collaborative research projects to a fundraising campaign to community service programs, the university aims to make a positive impact beyond its campus. 

Development of the strategic plan began in 2021 and involved 730 individuals who took the opportunity to provide input through 60 workshops and five focus groups.  

The strategic plan was endorsed by Senate and approved by the Board of Governors and is now being shared with the broader community and all of SMU’s stakeholders.  

As Saint Mary’s University embarks on this new chapter, the strategic plan serves as a roadmap for the future. By prioritizing people and sustainability while seeking to make a positive impact in the greater community, the university is poised to achieve its vision and build on its position as one of Canada’s best primarily undergraduate universities. 

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

November 25-December 10, 2024

Saint Mary’s University is committed to fostering and advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility on our campus. Commemorative days serve as anchors, prompting us to contemplate our collective past, celebrate our accomplishments, and work towards a better future for all. The theme of this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is Come Together, Act Now; we invite you to join us in remembrance, unity and action on campus.

Purple Ribbon Campaign: Wear a purple ribbon throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence to help create awareness and show your support for ending gender-based violence.

White Ribbon Campaign: Men and boys wear white ribbons throughout the 16 Days of Activism to speak out against gender-based violence, showing their commitment to ending violence against women and girls, promoting gender equity, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity.

Please join us on November 25 to place a purple and/or white ribbon on the Saint Mary’s Remembrance Tree after the Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative Speakers Series.

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Events

The Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative Speakers Series

Monday, November 25

3:30-5 p.m. | Loyola 188

Highlighting community organizations that are working to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. All are invited to meet SMU Graduate student and Manager of Humane Canada’s ACT (Awareness, Collaboration, Tools) Project, Sue O’Neill, to learn about strategies for supporting survivors of gender-based violence with animals in accessing support services, safety planning and help-seeking.

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Service Expo

Tuesday, November 26

12-2:30 p.m. | Patrick Power Library Community Space

Meet representatives from the Saint Mary’s Sexual Violence Support Centre as well as other community supports in place to support gender-based violence prevention and response. Information and resources for on and off-campus support will be available.

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Survivor Art Workshop (students only)

Wednesday, November 27

5:30-7:30 p.m. | Loyola 181

Students who have experienced sexual and gender-based harm are invited to come share space with each other in a casual environment and participate in a gently guided art affirmation practice. 

Refreshments will be shared and supportive resources and more information about SMU Campus supports will be available.

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National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women

December 6

10:30 | CLARI Room (Atrium 340)

Join us to commemorate the lives of the 14 women who were murdered at Polytechnique Montreal on December 6, 1989, and others who have experienced gender-based violence, highlighting the increased prevalence of violence and discrimination faced by Indigenous People, 2SLGBTQI+ and gender diverse people, individuals living with disabilities and other marginalized groups. 

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Human Rights Day

December 10 is a time to universally acknowledge, defend, and enjoy Human Rights and assume communal and individual responsibility for protecting, reducing inequalities and advancing these rights for ALL individuals.

2024 Theme: Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.

What will YOU do to improve the current state of human rights globally while safeguarding the common future of Human Rights for all?

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Personal Care Drive

November 25 – December 10

Please help women and children impacted by gender-based violence by donating personal care products such as deodorant, toothpaste/brushes, soap/facial wash, hair products, period products, manicure kits, journals and small children’s toys such as puzzles or books. Donations will go to a local women’s shelter, the Saint Mary’s Women’s Centre and the Sexual Violence Support Centre to support individuals who have experienced gender-based harm.

Drop off donations to any of the Purple Donation Boxes in the following locations:

• Human Resources, McNally South Rm 111                                  

• Sexual Violence Support Centre                                                      

• SMUSA Information Desk                                                                   

• Library                                                                                                     

• SAAS Reception (3rd Floor Student Centre)                                   

• Science Building – Dean’s Office (S221)                                        

• Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

• Homburg Centre

• Women’s Centre

• Loyola Residence Desk

• Student Welcome Centre

• Sobey School – Dean’s Office

• Arts – Dean’s Office

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Learn more

• Saint Mary’s Sexual Violence Support Centre

• Immigrants & Refugees: GBV In Focus, updates from the GBV-MIG Canada Research Program - Read the latest newsletter

  https://www.smu.ca/gendernet/newsletters.html 

• Saint Mary's Sexual Violence Advisor receives national award

• International Women's Day at Saint Mary’s (2024)

• 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence 2024 (Government of Canada)

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.