2024 Canadian Venture Capital Competition hosted at Saint Mary's

The 2024 winners in the graduate category from the University of Waterloo MBA: Zia Baig, Leo Zhang, Hisham Ismail, Hufsah Khan, Vireshaar Ragavan and Ryan Trainor.

The team from the University of Waterloo secured first place in the undergraduate category: Harry Soo, Leo Chen, Mischa Hinds, Rachel Butler, Tony Cao and Shilp Shah.

The team from the University of Toronto won second place in the MBA competition.

Team from University of New Brunswick (MBA)

VCIC judges

Team from Wilfrid Laurier University (Undergraduate)

Team from Dalhousie University (MBA)

Over 80 business students from leading universities across Canada, including the University of Alberta, University of Toronto, Queen's University and Wilfrid Laurier University, came together in Halifax recently for the Canadian Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC). The day-long competition held on March 1, 2024, allowed students to immerse themselves in the role of venture capitalists and demonstrate their abilities in planning and execution while gaining valuable real-world insights.

“Hosting this divisional VCIC provides Canadian university students with the opportunities to participate in the world of venture capital, connecting with entrepreneurs and venture capitalists within the ecosystem. We are thrilled to nurture a supportive environment for entrepreneurial talents poised to make contributions to the evolving landscape of venture capital and innovation,” says Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

This year marked the fourth iteration of the Canadian competition, a staple event held annually at the Sobey School of Business. The competition evaluates participants based on their thorough preparation and strategic implementation and offers a dynamic platform for students to delve into the nuances of venture capital investment. By engaging in simulated investment scenarios, students are challenged to make crucial decisions under pressure, replicating the scenarios faced by actual venture capitalists.

The 2024 winners in the graduate category are the team from the University of Waterloo MBA program, who secured the top spot and $1,000. A group of undergraduate students from the University of Waterloo secured first place in the undergraduate category with a prize of $500.

The two winning teams will compete at the 2024 VCIC Global Finals on April 12-13 at Chapel Hill, NC, USA.

Saint Mary’s University continues to solidify itself as a dominant force in the realm of university venture capital. While SMU students are excluded from competition in the Canadian division, they compete in the Northeastern Division of the Venture Capital Investment Competition against U.S. universities, frequently placing in the top ranks in both graduate and undergraduate categories.

Read more about SMU’s recent success in Boston: Students excel in Venture Capital Investment Competition.

BComm student with focus on sustainability wins prestigious Frank H. Sobey Award

Madeline (Maddie) Bristol

Sobey School of Business student Madeline (Maddie) Bristol has been named one of only eight undergraduate students from across Atlantic Canada to win this year's  Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies.  

Maddie is in her final year of studying for a Bachelor of Commerce at the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary's. In addition to her studies, Maddie actively seeks opportunities to gain practical, real-world experience. 

Maddie served two consecutive year-long terms as president of Enactus Saint Mary's. During her presidency, she managed projects aimed at reducing food waste at the farm level, eliminating food insecurity, teaching at-risk youth financial literacy, and clearing oceans of plastic waste. Under her leadership, the team was named national champions in both the Scotiabank Climate Action Challenge and the TD Entrepreneurship Challenge. 

Plastarch Packaging team at the 2023 Innovation Cup

As her passion for entrepreneurship and sustainability grew, Maddie launched Plastarch Packaging. The business provides a bioplastic solution to single-use cutlery and packaging for environmentally conscious business owners without compromising durability and affordability. Plastarch Packaging was the recipient of a $10,000 award at December’s Innovation Cup, hosted by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

Maddie's commitment to entrepreneurship and sustainability, as demonstrated through her leadership of Enactus Saint Mary's and the founding of Plastarch Packaging, played a significant role in her selection for the Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies. Her innovative approach to addressing environmental challenges and her dedication to making a positive impact on the community exemplify the qualities that the award aims to recognize and celebrate. 

“I extend my warmest congratulations to Maddie Bristol,” says Mark Raymond, Interim Dean, Sobey School of Business. “Maddie embodies the SMU experience. Our students develop an entrepreneurial mindset and are equipped with the knowledge, insights, real work experiences and network to lead and make a positive impact on business and on the community.” 

About the Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies

All full-time business students attending Atlantic Canadian universities are eligible for consideration for the award. Deans at each university nominate candidates who have demonstrated a high level of entrepreneurship, a commitment to supporting the communities in which they live and work and relevant employment experience. Each award winner receives $45,000 in recognition of their achievements and gains access to mentorship support from members of the business community across the Atlantic region.  

David Sobey Retailing Centre awards three research grants to Sobey School of Business researchers

The David Sobey Retailing Centre is very pleased to award funding of $10,000 each to Sobey School of Business researchers Hadi Eslami, Bahareh Mansouri and Ethan Pancer.

Founded in 2014, thanks to a visionary and generous gift by the late Dr. David F. Sobey, CM, DComm’91, Chair Emeritus of Sobeys Inc., the David Sobey Retailing Centre is a leading expert and partner in the retail sector, shaping the future of retail through research, innovation and education. 

“Funding research in areas that are vital to the future of retail is a key priority for the David Sobey Retailing Centre” says Dr. Ramesh Venkat, Director of the David Sobey Retailing Centre, “Canada’s retail sector accounts for 15.6 per cent of Canada’s GDP and employs the most people of all sectors in our economy. An innovative, thriving and competitive retail sector is a vital contributor to Canada’s economy”.

Highlights of this new research are:

Hadi Eslami

Title: Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) Adoption and Shareholder Value of Retailers

Description: While retailers have been at the forefront of adopting the Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) payment method/system, we have limited knowledge regarding the performance effects of this adoption. In this research, we will examine how the adoption of BNPL influences retailers’ shareholder value performance across multiple consumer segments.

More about Hadi Eslami

Bahareh Mansouri

Title: Towards sustainable urban freight planning: the integration of micro-distribution centers into the urban transportation network

Description: This research project addresses the pressing challenges faced by the retail and service sectors in the context of urban freight transportation. It focuses on strategically integrating the Urban Micro-distribution Centers (UMCs), fed by the Urban Distribution Centers (UDCs), into the urban logistics network planning. This study employs optimization models, drawing from the Hub Location Problem (HLP) and the Location-Routing Problem (LRP) to minimize operational costs, reduce carbon footprints, and enhance customer satisfaction. 

More about Bahareh Mansouri

Ethan Pancer

Title: Consumer Responses to Product Innovation from Generative AI

Description: This project investigates how people perceive products created by generative AI compared to those made by humans, exploring the impact of a product's origin on its perceived value, trustworthiness, and acceptability. The findings aim to guide retailers in industries at the crossroads of technology and creativity in developing strategies that align with consumer attitudes in an increasingly AI-integrated market.

More about Ethan Pancer

Sobey School of Business Alumni in Residence: Wendy Luther EMBA'08

The Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University prides itself as a national leader in community-focused business education. Building foundations for an equitable, prosperous and progressive community through active learning is at the heart of what we do. Our success as a leading business school is inextricably linked with the success of our students, our stakeholders and our broader communities.

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. Through this program, students have the opportunity to build relationships, receive advice and gain insights from successful alumni. The Alumni in Residence Program hosts various speaking events where students can seek advice, learn about industry trends, and expand their professional networks.

Wendy Luther EMBA’08

We are delighted to share that Wendy Luther EMBA’08, President and CEO of Halifax Partnership, is our Alumni in Residence for 2024. Wendy is one of our distinguished Alumni—in March 2023, Wendy was named one of Atlantic Canada's 25 Most Powerful Women in Business.

Wendy is a leader in economic and export development, with vast experience promoting Nova Scotia and its assets globally. Wendy joined Halifax Partnership as President & CEO in 2019. In 2023, Halifax Partnership was honoured with four Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) including Gold for Economic Development Organization of the Year.

Before joining Halifax Partnership, Wendy was President & CEO of EduNova, a co-operative association of public and private-sector education providers committed to promoting Nova Scotia’s knowledge economy internationally. Under her leadership, EduNova was honoured with the prestigious international PIEoneer Association of the Year Award in 2017.

Learn more about Wendy Luther and explore her remarkable professional journey.

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Join us for our upcoming event with Wendy Luther on March 25, 2024

Ask Wendy Luther: Moving From Successful Student to a Stellar Professional and Entrepreneur

• Monday, March 25, 2024

• 1:30-3:30 p.m.

• Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

  Sign up!

Students excel in Venture Capital Investment Competition

Students from the Sobey School of Business gained valuable real-world experience and excelled in the recent Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC) New England Regional Final held in Boston.

The graduate team, composed of students from the MTEI (Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation) and MBA programs, took home a top award. “Entrepreneurs and start-ups participate at these events and they determine the winners for Entrepreneurs Choice. Our team won due to their ability to communicate and connect,” says the team’s advisor, Brennan Daley of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

Gurprit Singh, MBA student

“Being part of VCIC in Boston was a truly transformative experience for me, giving me a real-world view of venture capital, pushing my critical thinking ability and exposing me to the vibrant Boston entrepreneurial ecosystem,” says MBA student Gurprit Singh. “The experience is not just a competition, but a stepping stone into the dynamic world of venture capital, shaping my skills and expanding my network in venture capital.”

Saint Mary’s participates annually in the Global Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC), the world’s largest venture capital competition with over 120 university and graduate school teams competing. VCIC is the only place where students get to be VCs for the day, and startups get an immersion in the fundraising process. The SMU teams compete against U.S. universities in the Northeast region and are judged by their preparation and thoughtful execution as a VC firm.

Top (L-R): Sorav Sogy, Ankit Mittal. Bottom (L-R): Shakkharatul Haque Mehad, Jacky Chiu, Shri Subramanian, Gurprit Singh, Sruthi Ganesapandian, Jack Poirier, Sidney Nuwahereza, Oscar Lu, Brennan Daley.

Sorav Sogy, BComm student

Bachelor of Commerce student Sorav Sogy says, “It's not studying; you're actively managing a Venture Capital (VC) fund as an associate. This involves making investment decisions, raising funds, attending conferences and building crucial relationships with entrepreneurs and VCs. You're making a real impact by working alongside industry leaders, facilitating co-investment deals, and learning directly from senior partners and associates at local VC firms. It’s as real as it gets.”

The university’s excellence in venture capital is well established through consistent winning performances in global competitions, expert faculty dedicated to mentoring students, and successful graduates who often pursue careers in this exciting field.

Mark Raymond, Interim Dean of the Sobey School of Business, notes that the teams from Saint Mary’s are the only Canadian teams competing at this elevated level against teams from prominent U.S. universities including Babson, Dartmouth and Notre Dame. “We are known for giving our students amazing opportunities. This is an example of how SMU students gain an entrepreneurial mindset and are equipped with the knowledge, insights, real work experiences and network to lead and make a positive impact.”

Saint Mary’s students, staff and faculty are paying it forward by hosting a national competition in Halifax in March for other Canadian teams who would otherwise not gain these lessons in entrepreneurship and innovation. "Hosting the Canadian regionals provides an opportunity for students from other schools to compete and engage with our vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem," notes Daley.

David Sobey Retailing Centre attracts retail industry veterans to Advisory Council

The David Sobey Retailing Centre (formerly David Sobey Centre for Innovation in Retailing & Services) at the Sobey School of Business is delighted to welcome retail industry veterans Joe Jackman, Julia Knox, Dave S. Sobey and Wanda Walkden to its Advisory Council.

“The David Sobey Retailing Centre is extremely fortunate to have retail veterans and innovators of this calibre join our experienced Advisory Council,” says Vivek Sood, Executive Vice President, Related Business, Empire Company Limited and Chair, David Sobey Retailing Center Advisory Board. “The Advisory Council directly connects the centre with the retail sector, providing insights into industry issues and trends, and guiding the centre in its mission to shape the future of retail.”

Canada’s retail sector accounts for 15.6 per cent of Canada’s GDP and employs the most people of all sectors in our economy. “The David Sobey Retailing Centre is an integrated player in Canada’s retail community,” says Dr. Ramesh Venkat, Director, David Sobey Retailing Centre. “We are engaged in real-world retail innovation and training, world-class executive education and events, and research in areas vital to the future of retail including technology, AI, consumer psychology and behaviour, e-commerce and retail competition.”

New Advisory Council members:

Joe Jackman, Founder and Executive Chair, Jackman Reinvents

Joe Jackman is the Founder and Chairman of Jackman Reinvents, a management consulting firm specializing in transformative growth, and the CEO of Catapult Capital Partners, a venture capital and advisory firm focused on accelerating the growth of early-stage businesses.

For over 35 years, Jackman has helped leaders of retail, consumer packaged goods and B2B companies strengthen their strategic positions and accelerate value creation. An inductee into the Hall of Legends by the American Marketing Association, he is the author of the book The Reinventionist Mindset and is widely considered to be a leading expert on change and rapid business reinvention.

Julia Knox, Chief Technology and Analytics Officer and Chief Privacy Officer, Empire Company Limited

Responsible for technology, enterprise data and advanced analytics, Knox joined Empire in 2021 bringing with her extensive experience as a highly accomplished executive at Giant Tiger, where she was SVP, E-Commerce & Chief Merchandising Officer.

Knox’s leadership extends to community service; she serves as the Chair of the Board of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and is a founding activator of ShEO, a non-profit venture capital fund supporting women entrepreneurs. She is also a member of the Grocery Board for GS1 Canada.

Dave S. Sobey, Vice President, Operations, Atlantic, Sobeys Inc.

In his role, Sobey is accountable for Atlantic Operations of full-service and community banner stores. These include Sobeys, Foodland, and participating Co-ops within the four Atlantic provinces.

Sobey serves as the 2022-24 Chair of the Grocery Foundation Atlantic to benefit Atlantic Canada’s children’s hospital foundations and as Co-chair of the ‘Charting Our Course’ capital campaign for the Ship Hector Society to restore and relaunch the iconic ship in Pictou County.

Wanda Walkden, Chief Human Resources & Communications Officer, Staples Canada

Walkden leads Human Resources, Internal Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility, ensuring the alignment of these critical areas supports the engagement and retention of Staples’ 11,000 associates.

Prior to joining Staples, Walkden was the VP, Human Resources for Lowe’s Canada. She has over twenty-five years of human resources experience gained in a variety of industries including telecommunications, global outsourcing and retail, and has led the Human Resources function for multi-site teams based in Canada, U.S, Europe and Asia Pacific

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The David Sobey Retailing Centre, founded in 2014, was made possible thanks to a generous and visionary gift by the late Dr. David F. Sobey, CM, DComm’91, Chair Emeritus of Sobeys Inc.

To view the full list of David Sobey Retailing Centre Advisory Council members and find out more about the centre, please visit davidsobeycentre.ca

Finance students excel in global competition

The Saint Mary’s team earned eighth place for Canada in the 2023 Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge

Saint Mary’s University students gained valuable real-world experience that will help propel them into careers in capital markets and investment banking, by participating in the 2023 Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge. The Saint Mary’s team, comprised of students in the Sobey School of Business, finished eighth in Canada, 42nd in North America and 113th in the world out of 2,007 teams.

Teams from 309 universities and business schools faced the same challenge: use Bloomberg Terminals to invest $1 million virtual USD and be ranked on the profit/loss margin. “We were nervous,” says Master of Finance student Ifrahim Iftikhar. “We did not want to lose the $1 million (virtual) in the first two or three weeks.”

Team Captain Rehan Habib and the team members Nancy Naadei Kotei-Sass, Ryan Macalalad, Suja R.J. Vikas and Ifrahim Iftikhar are all from the prestigious Master of Finance program. They taught themselves how to use the Bloomberg Terminals from online videos and other resources provided by Bloomberg Education.

Influenced by world events, the students initially took a defensive position and followed a safe 60/40 diversification strategy focused on U.S. stocks, but soon found they were only matching the WLS index (Bloomberg World Large, Mid & Small Cap Price Return Index) which was underperforming at the time. They needed a change in direction to maximize returns over the short, six-week span of the competition.

“Our diversity was a distinct advantage, says Rehan Habib. “ With team members from several countries including India and Pakistan, we had multiple perspectives and important sector insights.”

“We identified that the Indian stock market was doing extremely well, and the Pakistan market was at a historic high,” explains Suja Vikas. “We analysed the market and decided collectively how much risk we could take.” The strategy succeeded and the team secured a $65,000 lead by the competition's end.

Faculty mentor, Dr. Florian Muenkel, says that the competition is particularly valuable for the students studying in the Sobey School of Business. “It’s practical experience. Students learn how to take a large set of assets and identify which ones have the best potential.  They learn that we are all exposed to behavioural biases, and they learn how to overcome them. At the same time, they browse the news and consider macroeconomics and political risk.”

He notes that the Saint Mary’s team was successful due to teamwork—they were able to divide up the tasks and make decisions. “You have to rely on your team; they worked well together.”

Nancy Naadei Kotei-Sass says, “I learned a great deal—how to handle the Bloomberg Terminal and how to trade. Trading in a short period requires a lot of strategies because the market can be your friend today and an enemy tomorrow.” Ifrahim Iftikhar expressed a similar sentiment. “We found that good news such as strong company performance did not necessarily translate into a stock price increase. There were other factors at play. It was an eye-opener.”

Ryan Macalalad says, “The mentorship of faculty members, Dr. Florian Muenkel and Dr. Rahman Khokhar, extended far beyond the four walls of the classroom, inspiring us to explore our potentials as traders, face challenges and strive for excellence. Their encouragement and advice throughout the trading challenge was instrumental in the team’s success."

8,400 students across 38 countries competed in the 2023 Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge, testing their skills in investing $1 million virtual USD. The global event is supported by the research and analytics team at Bloomberg for Education.

The Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge tests students annually on generating the highest relative profit and loss return (P&L) via Bloomberg Terminals. Each team is accompanied by a faculty advisor.

Saint Mary's partners with KW Legacy to promote Sobey National Innovator Scholarships

Students in the Sobeys Inspiration Hub

Saint Mary's University and KW Legacy are pleased to announce a unique enterprise to promote an exceptional scholarship opportunity. Under this partnership, KW Legacy will publicize the Sobey National Innovator Scholarships to students in the Waterloo region who want to pursue their post-secondary education at the Sobey School of Business in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  

“We believe that by working together, we can make a true difference in the lives of those in our region and support students in their post-secondary dreams. We are proud to partner with Saint Mary's University and support the unique opportunities they provide for so many students. Adding more students from the KW region to the Atlantic Canada mix is a great opportunity to learn, share, and grow between provinces and regions,” says Peter Kalbfleisch, KW Legacy. “Thank you to Saint Mary's and the Sobey School of Business for helping us support students in our region, helping develop our future leaders and making a significant impact in the lives of our youth and community.”  

“We appreciate and are grateful for the support of KW Legacy and the Sobey National Innovator Scholarships to provide a student within the Waterloo Region with a scholarship to Saint Mary’s University,” said Jeewan Chanicka, Director of Education for the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB). “This financial support represents the type of partnership that can provide opportunities for students to continue their academic journey and provide more equitable access to a university education as they work towards achieving their full potential in learning and in life.” 

“These scholarships represent a significant opportunity for personal and professional growth for the recipients, embodying the transformative power of education. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of Saint Mary’s University, KW Legacy, and Sobeys, which reflects our commitment to nurturing young minds. This scholarship will make a profound difference in the lives of its recipients, and we are honored to be part of this exciting announcement,” said Lema Salaymeh, Senior Manager of Communications, Waterloo Catholic District School Board. 

The Sobey National Innovator Scholarships are exclusive to Saint Mary’s University and the Sobey School of Business. There are ten renewable entrance awards valued at $50,000 over four years awarded annually. These scholarships are presented to ten exceptional Canadian students each year in recognition of their accomplishments and as encouragement and support for their success in the Sobey School of Business. The initial scholarship in academic year one is $20,000. The renewal value in academic years two–four is $10,000 per year. The total value of each scholarship over four years is $50,000.  

The Sobey National Innovator Scholarship recipients also become members of the Sobey Scholars Network, a special cohort that includes all current and past students, alumni, Chair holders, named Professors and Post-Doctoral Fellows who have been the recipients of philanthropic financial support from the Sobey Family, The Sobey Foundation, Sobeys Inc., and Empire Company Limited.   

“The Bachelor of Commerce program at the Sobey School of Business is one of Canada’s most respected programs at one of Canada's top three undergraduate universities," says Mark Raymond, Interim Dean of the Sobey School of Business. "We teach our Bachelor of Commerce students more than how a good business runs. We show them how to run a business for good—for the long-term and for a better, more sustainable, more responsible world. We equip our students with the knowledge and insights to lead with purpose, and they graduate prepared to make a positive impact on business, organizations and on society."  

Meet your Valedictorians for Winter 2024

Three valedictorians, selected for their leadership, campus involvement and academic success, will address their fellow graduates at the Winter Convocation ceremonies taking place on January 26 and 27, 2024. These students are the recipients of a John and Heather Fitzpatrick Valedictorian Award.

Learn more about the Winter 2024 valedictorians, and watch the ceremonies live at smu.ca/graduation.

Sheldon Bhawanie, Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Sheldon Bhawanie, Valedictorian for the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

Sheldon Bhawanie left his home in Trinidad and Tobago and arrived at Saint Mary’s after searching for the best business school in Atlantic Canada. Needless to say, the Sobey School of Business came out on top and Sheldon has never regretted his choice. His degree, a Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation, has given him the foundation for a successful career and so much more.

Sheldon is currently employed at the Sobey School of Business as a Professional Development Project Manager in Graduate Career Services and volunteers as a soccer coach at the Halifax City Soccer Club. Working with students, helping them navigate their education journeys and enriching their lives has become a calling. “We are here not only to exist but also to make life better for others.”

Q&A with Sheldon

Why did you choose Saint Mary’s University?

I had attended St. Mary’s College in Port of Spain and had dedicated a significant part of my life to volunteering there. When I was looking for a good business school to attend in the Maritimes, it was no coincidence that SMU came up—I was sold! From one St. Mary’s to the next.

Tell us how you got involved in the SMU Community

I volunteer as a mentor for the Innovation Sprint events hosted at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. I think the clarity with which I see problems can help others solve problems.

Looking back, what was your favourite Saint Mary’s memory?

I remember coming to SMU for the first time in August 2022 and just standing in the Atrium thinking that I did well to get into my program and that I had to make my mark here. I couldn’t believe I was going to be part of the tapestry of this university. That moment is etched in my memory forever.

How has the MTEI helped shape your success in Halifax?

I have made so many connections here, not only as a student but networking with other professionals in Halifax! I learned that networking is key to setting up your landing after graduation. Everyone knows someone and therefore, good connections position you for a fulfilling life.

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Funmilayo Chioma Adegoke, Bachelor of Commerce

Funmilayo Adegoke, Valedictorian for the Sobey School of Business

Funmilayo Chioma Adegoke, from Lagos, Nigeria, earned a Bachelor of Commerce with a double major in Accounting and Computing and Information Systems. Her keen interest in the intersection of technology and finance motivated her to pursue these fields, and she is enthusiastic about exploring how technology can transform the accounting world.

Q&A with Funmilayo

Why did you choose Saint Mary's University?

I chose Saint Mary’s because of the Sobeys School of Business and its esteemed reputation as one of the top business schools in Canada.

What was your experience coming to Halifax as an International student?

Transitioning to life away from my family was a new experience, but SMU made it smoother than I expected. The assistance I received encouraged me to get involved and support other students as they transition into the SMU community. I worked with the International Centre and Residence Programming Team to help organize holiday-themed events, offering students on campus during the Christmas break a 'home-away-from-home' experience.

What other ways did you get involved with campus life?

I had many opportunities to get involved on campus, including as a member of the Commerce Society and African Society. I volunteered with the SMU Community Food Room and as a Cultural Assistant for the Language Centre, which paved the way for a rewarding job opportunity.

My first job on campus was with the Patrick Power Library, where I gained invaluable experience. In my second year (during the pandemic), I served as a Resident Assistant, supporting students facing unprecedented challenges and was honoured with a Flexible Leadership Award for my contributions during that time.

Which instructor had the most significant impact on you?

I've been lucky to encounter a few exceptional professors during my academic journey. Professor Charles Baxter sparked my interest in accounting, while Professor Vasiliki Athanasakou helped me gain a new perspective on the subject. Both have been invaluable mentors to me.

What are your goals for the future? How did Saint Mary's help set you on this path?

I am working towards my CPA and have found the CPA prerequisite courses offered by Saint Mary’s to be very helpful in achieving my goal. The resources provided by SMU have enabled me to explore my diverse interests and pursue a second major in Computing and Information Systems.

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Celina C.J. Rolle, Bachelor of Arts

Celina Rolle, Valedictorian for the Faculty of Arts

Press on and persevere. This is the message Celina Rolle wants to emphasize in her valedictory words of wisdom to fellow graduates. “Though we stand on top of this hill, many more are waiting to be conquered,” Celina says in her address, which opens and closes with inspiring passages from the Matthias Barr poem “Persevere”.

Celina works as a foreign service officer with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Bahamas. She came to Halifax from Nassau to pursue a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Global Development Studies, building on her previous studies in law and criminal justice at the University of The Bahamas.

Q&A with Celina

Why did you choose Saint Mary’s? After researching different universities, I found that Saint Mary’s stood out the most to me. Its commitment to ensuring that everyone feels welcome resonated with my values. It was also a plus to know several people who have either attended or are currently enrolled at SMU.

What was your favourite course? The Mind-Body Problem (PHIL 2328). After taking this class, I’m still grappling with the question of whether the mind is contained within the brain. It pushed me to think creatively and consider alternative possibilities.

Which instructor had the biggest impact on you? Jean-Blaise Samou, my instructor for Africa: Contemporary Development Issues (GDST 4462). The main responsibility of professors is to encourage students to think critically. However, he went beyond that by motivating us to explore the backgrounds of the authors whose readings we were required to study. This helped us understand how their personal experiences influenced their writing. I have since applied this approach to all my classes and even in my personal life, resulting in a significant impact on my way of thinking.

What will you miss most about Saint Mary’s? I am going to miss every one of my friends dearly. From the moments of pure joy and laughter that we shared to the deep conversations we had, I’m grateful for the time we spent together. I will always cherish those memories.

How has your experience at Saint Mary’s helped shape your future goals? Through interacting with a diverse range of people from different walks of life, I have learned how to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and appreciate different perspectives. SMU's curriculum is designed to instil a strong work ethic. The rigorous coursework and deadlines taught me to manage my time wisely and work efficiently under pressure. These skills have been very useful in my career, where I am required to handle multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines. Next, I would like to obtain my master’s degree.

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Winter Convocation takes place on January 26 and 27, 2024. Watch the ceremonies live at smu.ca/graduation or on our Facebook page.

Sobey School globally recognized for supporting UN initiative

The Sobey School of Business has been named PRME Champions for 2024-2025. This is the third time the school has been reaffirmed as one of the world’s leading business schools, supporting the United Nations initiative - Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). 

“Once again, we are proud to be recognized as PRME Champions,” says Interim Dean, Mark Raymond. “The recognition places the Sobey School in a select group of business schools across the globe who are committed to sustainability and to educating the business leaders of tomorrow to make a positive impact on the world.”

As PRME Champions, the Sobey School is integrating the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across curriculum, research, and partnerships. Currently, the school’s research agenda is aligned to support the SDGs as faculty generate insights on issues such as corporate social responsibility, poverty-climate change nexus, social entrepreneurship, and the role of gender in venture capital funding. The research intensity associated with the SDGs is a strong point of distinction for the school. Nearly 50% of the faculty have contributed to the portfolio of research aligned with the SDGs with 65% of all research-active faculty engaged in SDG-related research.

The school has also adapted its curriculum to meet PRME objectives and in response to student demand. Professor Miguel Morales notes, “Over the past three years, we have strategically adapted the Bachelor of Commerce curriculum to embed sustainability as a core component. The renewed Program Learning Outcomes place a strong emphasis on sustainability, and in Winter 2024, we are introducing two dedicated sustainability courses. These core courses serve as pillars for developing a deep-rooted awareness of sustainable business practices early in students' academic journeys.” As a result, Sobey School students graduate with a distinct advantage; they are prepared for the new world of business, one that requires responsible leaders to rise to global challenges in new, integrated ways.

For the 2024-2025 PRME programme cycle, the Sobey School has committed to the refreshed Seven PRME Principles and, in keeping with the new principle on Practice to “adopt responsible and accountable management principles in our own governance and operations”, is championing the university’s completion of the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

Sobey is one of only four business schools from Canada to be considered a Champion of PRME. There are 46 other business schools from around the world to be named Champion. The Sobey School is the oldest and the most accredited business school in Atlantic Canada offering the largest portfolio of disciplines and programs graduate programs east of Quebec.  

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

Alumnus brings local holiday tradition to life through 3D printing

Woody the Talking Christmas Tree (Paul Hollingsworth/CTV Atlantic)

It's that time of year again when the mall fills with holiday shoppers, dazzling lights and a magical talking tree from the North Pole. Woody, the talking Christmas tree, returned to the Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth in 2021, after a 15-year hibernation. Woody has a fresh new look, and it's not just because he's been getting plenty of beauty sleep.

Mohammed Issa BComm’16

Mohammed Issa BComm'16, the founder of Eureka Technologies Inc., has restored life to Woody's face through 3D printing. Woody also owes his magical abilities to Eureka Technologies Inc., who designed and built all the mechanical elements that bring Woody to life.

Although Rome was not built in a day, Woody was constructed in just two weeks. The mall had initially contacted Eureka Technologies Inc. in March of 2021 to inquire if they could take on the Woody project but then decided to move forward at the end of October.

"Woody arrives at the mall the day before Remembrance Day and wakes up the day after (November 12). So, we only had two weeks to construct and assemble Woody," says Mohammed.

No stranger to challenges, he was confident that his team would deliver.

Mohammed was a mature student studying for a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Saint Mary's. With three small children at the time, he enrolled in the business program to gain the knowledge required to start a completely different business venture he had in mind.

"I purchased my first 3D printer intending to create a prototype for my new business idea. However, I realized I could also generate extra income by providing 3D printing services using Kijiji." This led to the birth of Eureka Technologies Inc. in 2015. As a full-time student, Mohammed utilized his entrepreneurial spirit to support his family with his printer, which ultimately led to the success of his business today.

Today, Mohammed is passionate about growing the entrepreneur in others, and he does so by collaborating with the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. Together, they offer a robotics class where Eureka Technologies Inc. provides each student with 3D-printed robot kits. The students get to build and program their robots in this class.

"Learning entrepreneurship through this class is expanding the mindset of our students from diverse backgrounds across different faculties," says Mohammed.

Mohammed's dedication to Saint Mary's students and his entrepreneurial mindset is evident through his active participation in the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. The Saint Mary's University Alumni Association has recognized his exceptional work with Eureka Technologies Inc. and his unwavering support for young entrepreneurs by awarding him the Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year for 2023.

"I plan to continue giving back to the community and supporting students the way that I was helped as a student," said Mohammed, expressing his gratitude for the recognition of his efforts.

To learn more about Eureka Technologies Inc., visit www.eurekatec.ca/about.

Check out Woody's Twitter account to join in on the magic!