Business booming for BComm student
Arsh Shaikh, Bachelor of Commerce student and business owner
When you walk into any of the four Flynn’s Dairy Bar and Convenience stores in the Halifax area, you are quickly immersed in a wide-ranging world of tasty treats. From classic candy delights to rare delicacies—Flynn’s has it all:
Noodle gummies – check!
Jolly Rancher slushies – you know it!
Dunkaroos pancake mix – you bet!
This is only scratching the surface. The store is also home to creative milkshakes crafted with your favourite cookies, candy and chocolate—and let’s not forget the ice cream.
The business opened in March 2020, starting with the first location in downtown Halifax and has grown since then with a store on Spring Garden, one in North-end Halifax (5552 Kaye Street) and another in Spryfield (383 Herring Cove Road).
The stores are run by Raees Shaikh and his sons Arsh and Zaid. Arsh is a second-year Bachelor of Commerce student at the Sobey School of Business. His journey to entrepreneurial success in Halifax started with his business-minded family and he credits his grandfather and father for igniting his professional passion.
“Growing up, I wanted to be a pilot,” says Arsh with a smile. “When I was 13, my father gave me an opportunity to take on some responsibilities at one of the businesses he owned while he was away. When he got back, I was eager to take on more work and wanted to learn as much as I could.”
From there, Arsh continued to hone his business prowess. In 2018, his family made the move from India to Canada. When it was time for him to attend university, he started doing his research and learned more about the Sobey School of Business and knew it was the right fit for him.
“My professors are like family, they treat everyone really well, says Arsh. “They listen and they’re flexible and understand what’s going on with their students, they’re very caring and supportive of your education and goals.”
The knowledge he’s gaining from his degree is providing a more solid foundation for his business expertise.
“My Bachelor of Commerce is helping me improve my writing skills,” he says. “It’s helping me be more strategic, to better understand the principles behind accounting and further enhance my relationship-building skills.”
Arsh has been able to strike a balance between maintaining his studies and running Flynn’s through clear, consistent communication with his professors as well as taking on a course load that’s right for him. When he’s done his BComm, he knows what he wants to do next.
“I’m going to pursue a master’s degree and it’s going to be at the Sobey School of Business,” he says with a smile. “I enjoy how passionate people are here and how your professors get to know you by name.”
Pursue your passion at the Sobey School of Business
Future business leaders graduate from cross-cultural program in China
This past week, the sixth cohort of students graduated from the BNUZ-SMU Joint Bachelor of Commerce program based in Zhuhai, China. Twenty-six graduates received both a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University and a Bachelor of Economics from Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, with 19 earning a major in finance.
Prof. Zhong Xin, Dean of the International Business Faculty at BNUZ, offered words of encouragement to the graduating cohort, “Graduation is not the end, but a new beginning. Continuous learning is crucial, and lifelong growth is the key to success in an ever-changing world. I wish you all the best as you embark on this journey, reaching new heights and achieving happiness along the way.”
She went on to express her “heartfelt gratitude to the faculty and staff of the International Business Faculty and the Sobey School of Business for their ongoing dedication and guidance” to the students in this partnership program.
The Joint Bachelor of Commerce program allows students at BNUZ to experience a truly cross-cultural undergraduate education, with half of their courses taught by BNUZ professors and the other half taught by visiting SMU faculty. More than 400 students have graduated from the program since it began in 2014, with graduates earning a reputation as high performers in business and finance.
This fall, more than half of the graduating cohort will begin postgraduate programs around the world, including in Hong Kong, the Netherlands, the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. Others will enter the workforce directly or begin preparing for the postgraduate entrance exam in China.
Dr. Harjeet Bhabra, Dean of the Sobey School of Business, highlighted the importance of this international education experience in his congratulatory message to this year’s grads, “The uniquely global perspective you have acquired throughout your studies will form the foundation for your future growth as business leaders both in China and beyond. We congratulate all of you on reaching this important milestone, and we wish you continued success as you join the ranks of our extensive alumni community.”
The longstanding partnership between Saint Mary’s University and Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, dates back to 2002 and has included a range of 2+2 programs in Arts, Business and Science, as well as a number of other exchange programs and summer institutes for students, faculty and members of the community.
More than 40 SMU faculty members from the Sobey School of Business and the Faculty of Arts have travelled to Zhuhai to teach in the Joint Bachelor of Commerce Program since 2016, which has led to collaborative research opportunities with the International Business Faculty at BNUZ.
We proudly honour the achievements of this year’s graduates in Zhuhai, and we extend our warmest welcome to the newest members of our 55,000+ global alumni network.
Q&A with Bachelor of Arts graduate and activist Trayvone Clayton
Trayvone Clayton is a member of the Spring 2023 graduating class. He graduates with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Criminology with a minor in Social Justice and Community Studies. A founding member of GameChangers902, Trayvone has made a positive impact on youth in the African Nova Scotian community. His advocacy work has been recognized with the 2019 Peace Medal from the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth, and two 2019 Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards
In May, he was the recipient of the first Edna and Velma Thomas Kane Writers Award. Valued at $30,000, it’s one of the most substantial student awards in the university’s history. Launched in the fall of 2021, it was created through the generosity of donor Floyd Kane BA’92, a writer, filmmaker, lawyer and TV producer from East Preston.
Q&A with Trayvone Clayton
How did you feel when you found out you were the first winner of the Edna and Velma Thomas Kane Writers Award? I was speechless. My mouth just dropped. It was such a big surprise. I’m still shocked about the award, and what it can do for my future.
How will this award help in your next chapter ahead? Honestly, it’s going to push me more to continue to do what I do. I’m going to keep doing everything I can to give back to my community and create opportunities for youth in my community.
What were your thoughts on graduating? It’s such a humbling but exciting moment. I’m just the third person in my family to graduate from university. My uncle (Dekota Clayton, a local audiologist) and my older brother Marquis were the first. Ever since I was a kid and saw them walk across the stage, it was always like, ‘ok, I’m going to do this’. My whole family played a big role. My parents are hardworking people. I’ve seen them always pushing to do more so I guess it’s in the DNA, that’s where I get it from. Marquis plays basketball too—he won the championship with SMU, so he’s a well-known man around here.
What courses or instructors had the biggest impact on you? Rachel Zellars is such a great prof. If students have a chance to take her Community Organizing course, they should. It can apply to anything, from local issues to worldwide issues.
Any thoughts to share about the Huskies and your teammates? I didn’t play this past year but in previous years, my teammates always made me feel welcome and comfortable. I built great friendships with people from all over and now it’s brotherhood. Basketball definitely got us all to where we are now.
What’s next for you? I’m going to continue on with community organizing. A lot of people call me an activist but I just like to do things for my community and to be a role model for youth. I’m planning to go to law school in the future, so that will be another big part of my life
What will you miss the most about SMU? Definitely Timmys. And one thing about SMU, it’s all right here. Especially in the wintertime, when you don’t even have to step outside … man, I’m grateful for that. Not too big, not too small, everything is here.
What advice do you have for new students at Saint Mary’s? Go talk to your profs. They can be a great source of help and support. And talk to other students. Make some new friends with people who are from another part of the world, it expands your horizons.
Be yourself, for yourself and nobody else. Accept people for who they are, too. Don’t come to university thinking, ‘I’m only going to hang with the cool kids.’ Everybody has their own ways of being cool. Even if they have a notebook in their pocket. Carry a notebook, always! Not for school or class, carry a notebook so you can jot down and document what’s going on in your daily life.
Science grads make SMU history with four-way Gold Medal tie
In a first in Saint Mary’s University history, four Spring graduates tied for the Bachelor of Science Undergraduate Gold Medal, earning the top GPA marks in the program. Abby Brouwer, Sumayyah Chotoye, Jaylynn Skeete and Allison Vandaele received their medals at the recent May convocation ceremony. Typically, only one undergraduate student in each faculty receives this award.
“We could have approached this four-way tie as a problem, but instead we celebrate the outstanding performance of these hardworking graduates whose commitment and perseverance are an inspiration to us all,” said Interim Vice-President, Academic and Research Madine VanderPlaat at the May 18 ceremony.
All four graduates received numerous awards and scholarships during their time at Saint Mary’s. Brouwer, from Hammonds Plains, NS, majored in Biology and plans to attend dental school. Chotoye, from Port Louis, Mauritius, majored in chemistry (honours) with a minor in French and is currently in the Master of Science, Applied Science program at Saint Mary’s. Skeete, from Dartmouth, NS, majored in psychology (honours) and will be entering a Masters/PhD program in clinical psychology. Vandaele, from Montague, PEI, majored in psychology (honours).
Congratulations, graduates!
More awards in the Faculty of Science
Two graduates in the Faculty of Science, Abigail Battson and Martin Hellmich, were awarded the Governor General’s Silver and Gold Medals. These awards recognize exceptional academic achievement and are given to the top undergraduate and graduate students in the academic year. Abigail graduated with a Bachelor of Science, honours astrophysics, while Martin graduated in Fall 2022 with a Master of Science, Applied Science (co-operative education). Hellmich also received the Georgia Pe-Piper Medal for Excellence in Applied Science.
Michael MacNeil received the Diploma in Engineering Gold Medal.
Natania Blair represented the Faculty of Science as the Valedictorian for the Bachelor of Science ceremony. The biology major received the John and Heather Fitzpatrick Valedictorian Award.
Three graduates, Dr. Zainab Mahdi Almukhtar, Dr. Meftah Mohamed Elsaraiti and Dr. Thomas J. Steele, graduated with a PhD in Applied Science and received the Durland Family Doctoral Convocation Award. Dr. Almukthar also received the J. Kevin Vessey Award in Applied Science.
Faculty were also recognized at Spring Convocation, with professor Mary Sheppard receiving the Father William A. Stewart, SJ Medal for Excellence in Teaching. This award, given by the Saint Mary’s University Alumni Association and Faculty Union, was determined by nominations from current and former students and colleagues.
For a full list of convocation award recipients and Spring 2023 graduates, read the Spring Convocation program or watch recordings of the ceremonies.
Meet your Valedictorian: Flynn Walthour BA'23
Flynn Walthour BA’23
Four years ago when she was getting ready to graduate from high school in Oregon, Flynn Walthour didn’t have a clear plan for her next steps. She knew where she was heading, though—across the continent to Halifax, and Saint Mary’s University.
Flynn was intrigued with the possibilities of exploring the opposite coast, living in a new country and creating new experiences for herself. Along with her studies, she gained valuable leadership skills as co-president of the SMU History Society. Now the Dean’s List student is graduating magna cum laude and heading back home with plenty of memories and lifelong friendships formed here.
Q&A with Flynn Walthour
Where is your hometown? I was born in Carmel, California and was raised there until I was 14. I then moved to Portland, Oregon where my family still lives.
Why did you choose Saint Mary’s? I chose Saint Mary’s due to its small class sizes and international student population. I wanted to come to the East Coast of Canada and SMU offered me everything I wanted from a school.
What programs did you study? I majored in History with a minor in Geography. They are interconnected in so many ways and I find a knowledge of both to be necessary. I love human geography, and learning how humans affect the environment and how the environment affects us culturally and historically. I have always been drawn to history ever since California history in elementary school. I love learning about the past and how it affects us today.
Which instructor had the biggest impact on you? Although I have loved many professors here at SMU, I constantly chose courses with Dr. Heather Green. Her classes are always interactive and captivating. I appreciate all I have learned from her.
What can you say about the value of studying arts and humanities? We need writers, historians and philosophers just as much as we need doctors and engineers. The arts teach critical thinking, empathy and understanding. They ask us to dig deeper and find out the true story. They teach us how to better understand the world we live in and how to make it better.
Were you involved in any campus activities? I got involved with the SMU History Society. My friend Lydia signed on for the executive team and needed another person to help restart the society, which had been absent since 2018. It required a lot of work but we wanted an outlet on campus where history lovers could meet other like-minded individuals. Although we restarted it late into our education and didn’t get to hold many events, I’m happy that we were able to bring the society back for future students.
What’s your favorite space on campus? The third floor of the library. I have spent many days up there working and reading. I love the bright windows and the quiet atmosphere. Other than my room, I doubt I have spent more time anywhere else.
What was it like to live in residence? I lived in residence for all of my in-person years at SMU and I feel as though it was the best fit for me. As an international student, entering a lease seemed difficult, given the fact that I do not live here year-round. My roommate Ashlyn and I found fun and a sense of home in Rice, and I appreciated the stability of having a home in residence.
Can you share any thoughts on our student supports and services? The support systems at SMU are better than anybody could imagine. I received nothing but support and help from residence staff, the Financial Aid office and the Student Health Clinic.
What are your goals for the future? I would like to become a high school history teacher. Saint Mary’s has set me on that path through the education I have received. I am confident in my ability to pass on my knowledge to the next generation.
What advice do you have for new students? My advice for new students is to get involved. Life is what you make it so put yourself out there, make friends, join societies and make your experience at SMU one you can look back on with pride.
Spring Convocation for the Faculty of Arts takes place on May 19, 2023. Watch the ceremonies live at smu.ca/graduation or on our Facebook page.
Saint Mary’s African Student Society brings back African Night
Amid COVID-19 and a virtual university experience, the Saint Mary’s African Student Society (SMASS) noted that African-descended students, like so many, were feeling lonely and disconnected. As Saint Mary’s returned to an in-person environment, the African Student Society wanted to bring back the experience of African Night.
“Having this event back at Saint Mary’s was so meaningful for us,” shares Holly Kanyamunyu, Creative Director/Social Media Executive, Saint Mary’s African Student Society (SMASS). “It evoked such a sense of nostalgia for home and reminded everyone of the good times and great sense of community we can have here.”
African Night was a collaboration between SMASS and the Dalhousie African Student Association (DASA) that had many supporters across Saint Mary’s to help bring the event back to life. Notable contributors included the International Student Centre and Residence Life from Student Affairs and Services (SAAS), the Department of Social Justice and Community Studies, the Sobey School of Business, the Saint Mary’s Students Association (SMUSA) and SMU Alumni.
“It is so important that Saint Mary’s continues to support events like these,” explains Ysaac Rodriguez, Manager, International Student Centre, SAAS. “It helps students feel connected and at home here while sharing and celebrating where they come from.”
The event focused on creating an opportunity for African and African-descended students to connect in the diaspora and share their cultures together. “This year, our goal was to reestablish an interconnected community for our students,” explains Aba Owusu-Biney, Vice-President, SMASS. Starting with a vibrant red-carpet welcome, guests made their entrance in a colourful array of traditional and African-inspired attire. “Fashion is a big part of how we express ourselves,” describes Owusu-Biney. “It represents many different traditions and cultures, so having the event centered around fashion really set the stage for the entire night.”
The more than 250 attendees were fully immersed into a Sub-Saharan African experience with cultural performances in song, dance, poetry, Nigerian inspired cuisine and a show-stopping fashion show, all incorporating local, Black-owned businesses from Halifax.
“African Night is not just an event for Africans but an event for everyone,” says Sally Oppong, 4th year student and former SMASS president. “Having such a diverse group of people come together to celebrate, share and learn felt like bringing a piece of home to the new community I’ve found myself in--merging my identities of an African woman, a SMU student and a temporary Canadian resident.”
Saint Mary’s is a dynamic campus with roughly 30% of students coming from outside of Canada. “Cultural events and initiatives like these are important in fostering social connections and engagement, which enhance the student experience and academic success,” states Lynn Cashen Basso, Assistant Director, Student Culture and Experience, SAAS. “African Night gave students an incredibly valuable opportunity to feel a stronger sense of community here at SMU and to extend their network of support with folks from Dalhousie and across Halifax.”
SMASS wishes to thank their co-hosts, DASA, along with the sponsors, vendors and performers for their respective contributions towards African Night. “We are thrilled to have restored African Night after several years on hiatus,” shares Owusu-Biney. “We wanted to establish a new legacy for African students to support their well-being and success through connectedness. We look forward to seeing future SMASS executives carry on the revived tradition.”
For more information on SMASS, African descended/Black student events and supports, visit the African Descended/Black Student supports page.
Meet your Valedictorian: Karla Kenny BA'23
Karla Kenny BA’23
Time is never wasted when you’re chasing your dreams, says Karla Kenny, who knows from experience that dreams change and grow along the way.
Karla began university 20 years ago to obtain her first Bachelor of Arts degree in her home province of Newfoundland and Labrador. She has since built a meaningful career in the human services industry, working with non-profit organizations supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as at-risk youth and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Now a mother of three sons and a small business owner in Halifax with her wife Erin, Karla returned to school to enhance her commitment to working toward a more equitable and inclusive society. She looks forward to representing the Class of 2023 and she’s no stranger to public speaking. At the recent Science Atlantic Psychology Conference, she won the Science Communication Award for her presentation titled, "Oh, that's so cringy! Exploring the Evolutionary Roots of Embarrassment".
Q&A with Karla Kenny
Where is your hometown? Cape Broyle, Newfoundland, though Nova Scotia has been home for the past decade.
What’s your major? Honours Psychology. I have a degree in gender studies from Memorial University and a photojournalism diploma from Loyalist College. The honours program here allowed me to gain valuable research experience that will help pave the way for me to pursue graduate studies.
What was it like to be a more non-traditional student here at SMU? For me, the experience was wonderful because I never felt like I was out of place. I had a lot of great dialogue with younger students who could offer me a perspective on their experiences and in turn, allowed me to share mine.
What courses or instructors had the biggest impact on you? Advanced Seminar in Evolutionary Psychology with Dr. Maryanne Fisher was hands down my favourite course. She has been instrumental in my next steps to continue exploring queer theory from an evolutionary lens. Her openness in discussing the importance of creating dialogue regarding queer experiences and representation within the area of psychology research leaves me with the utmost respect for her as a professor and a human.
It's not something that was openly talked about in class when I was in my twenties. To see how that has changed is wonderful. I also really enjoyed Contemporary Readings in Psychology with Dr. Marc Patry, who also led a discussion-based class that got a roomful of people from different demographics engaged in dialogue.
What are your future goals? Dr. Fisher recognized my interest in the field of evolutionary psychology and the elements I can bring from the queer experience. I’m currently working on applying this perspective to topics such as mating strategy, flirting, self-promotion, jealousy patterns and parental investment, all through a queer lens. I’m also beginning research on the evolutionary roots of embarrassment! Future areas will also likely involve the social, personality and developmental psych realms.
How will your passion for research help to enhance your advocacy work? I believe that working hands-on my entire life within marginalized populations, and having my own lived experience, I will always continue to work toward promoting visibility, equity and inclusion. In doing so from a research perspective, I hope to keep bringing awareness that differences are to be celebrated. As one species on this planet, we all deserve the same rights and safeties as others.
What advice do you have for new students at Saint Mary’s? Find what you love and chase a life in it. If your path ever seems to become less clear, just know that it's ok. Whether you are 18 or 80 years old, know that you have the power to choose a different path and pursue the life that is good for you.
Spring Convocation for the Faculty of Arts takes place on May 19, 2023. Watch the ceremonies live at smu.ca/graduation or on our Facebook page.
2023 poetry and fiction prizes announced
The Department of English Language and Literature is delighted to announce the winners of this year’s Joyce Marshall Hsia Memorial Poetry Prize and Margó Takacs Marshall Prize for Excellence in Short Story Writing.
First place in the short fiction category goes to Jaya Joshi, an English major, for a wistfully lyrical story about the afterlife. Melissa Dalley, an Anthropology major, took first prize in the poetry category for a sequence of connected poems on the themes of loss and grief, and fourth prize in the short story contest.
The Awards Committee reviewed a strong pool of entries this year, in both the poetry and fiction categories, says Dr. Luke Hathaway. Submissions included spoken/sung and written pieces, and work in a dizzying array of genres: “contemplative lyrics, mythopoeic epyllia, speculative fictions, small-town dramas...we had it al!”.
Here is the full list of winners:
Joyce Marshall Hsia Memorial Poetry Prize
First prize – ‘Die Young’ and others, by Melissa Dalley; majoring in Anthropology; minors in Biology and Ancient Studies
Second prize – ‘Oviparous’, by Capitu Petersen; Anthropology major; minor in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies; Forensic Sciences certificate
Third prize – ‘My Biggest Fears’, by Connor Hattie; English major; Psychology minor
Honourable mention – ‘Salamander’ by Ryan Sanderson; English major; Creative Writing minor
Margó Takacs Marshall Prize for Excellence in Short Story Writing
First prize – ‘The Exit Interview’, by Jaya Joshi; English major; French minor
Second prize – ‘Don’t Stay Too Long’, by Andrew Stilwell; English major
Third prize – ‘The Place We Can Never Get Back To’, by Melanie Hattie; Anthropology major
Fourth prize – ‘The Delay’, by Melissa Dalley; Anthropology major; minors in Biology and Ancient Studies
The judges would like to extend their gratitude to all students who submitted their work, and to the sponsors of these awards. The annual creative writing contests are open to any student currently enrolled at Saint Mary’s University. Next year’s deadline for submissions will be in March 2024. Some of the previous winners have gone on to become nationally celebrated writers, such as Sue Goyette, Jenny Haysom, Jill MacLean and Danny Jacobs.
Meet your Valedictorian: Natania Blair BSc'23
Natania Blair BSc’23
As an international student, Natania Blair expected her environment to change when she arrived in Halifax from rural Jamaica, but she couldn’t have known then exactly how much it would change. Natania and her cohort worked towards their degrees through the COVID-19 pandemic, transitioning to online learning with many unable to return home. Natania was also a residence assistant, dedicated to helping students through this difficult time.
An impressive list of extracurricular activities and volunteer work never stopped her from excelling at her studies, she worked hard until the last term—taking six classes in her final two terms during the 2022-23 academic year, an impressive feat.
Natania is proud to have family attending convocation, including her younger sister, a Saint Mary’s student taking biology in her big sister’s footsteps. She is currently working in Halifax and is planning to pursue permanent residency and medical school.
Q&A with Natania Blair
Where is your hometown?: My hometown is in rural Jamaica. A vibrant community, rich in culture, called May Pen, in the parish of Clarendon.
What’s your major?: I’m graduating with a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology.
What was your favourite class?: Global Change with Professor John Calder. It was a very eye-opening course. I also enjoyed GEOL 1203 Earth History: Atlantic Canada Perspective with Professor Randolph Corney.
Is there an instructor who had a big impact on you?: So many professors had positive impacts on me. Some are Dr. Andrew Hare, Professor Caitlin Cunningham and Dr. Anne Dalziel. They were excellent motivators and role models.
Why did you choose Saint Mary’s University? An international recruiter named Lauren Cullen met with me in Jamaica and told me all about SMU. She got me so excited to be a Husky SMUdent!
What activities were you involved with at Saint Mary’s?: My most impactful activity would be my role as a Residence Assistant. Thanks to Kati Kilfoil and her team, I garnered important life skills and valuable experiences throughout my three years of being an RA. I was also part of the Executive Team as the Public Relations Officer of the Caribbean Society in my fourth year.
What was your favourite space on campus?: My favourite space on campus is the SMU Gym. I was on the Cheerleading team in my first year, and we would practice in the SMU gym. Since then, I’ve made going to the gym a priority.
Do you currently volunteer with any organizations?: I was previously a SAGA Volunteer (Students Acting for Global Awareness). I took on the role of mentor and welcomed students who were new to the SMU family.
Did you receive any awards or recognition from the university or other organizations during your time as a student here?: I received an award for showing resilience as a Residence Assistant during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as an award for Outstanding Programming as an RA. I made the Dean’s List, which I am very proud of. Being Valedictorian for the Faculty of Science at this 2023 convocation is such an honour in itself.
What advice would you give your younger self who was just starting university?: You are smarter than you think. Keep being that happy, positive, and optimistic girl despite any challenges you may face along the way. Don’t let anyone dim your light—if you are too bright for them, offer them some shades. And remember you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
What are your goals for the future?: I hope to continue my studies of the Sciences in pursuing my dream of becoming a Medical Doctor.
Spring Convocation takes place May 17-19, 2023. Watch the ceremonies live at smu.ca/graduation or on our Facebook page.
Meet your Valedictorian: Oratile Mogae BComm'23
Oratile Mogae BComm’23
photo: Ashley Brown
As Oratile Mogae prepares to walk across the stage on convocation day to receive her Bachelor of Commerce degree and deliver her valedictorian address, she’s humbled by the honour of representing her graduating class.
“It’s a surreal feeling,” she says with a smile. “We’ve all had our own journeys to get here, and I recognize graduating will mean something different to everyone—it’s going to be a special day.”
Looking back at her own journey, growing up in Bedford, Nova Scotia, the decision to attend Saint Mary’s was easy.
“The Sobey School of Business is one of the top business schools in Canada,” she says. “The university also has a reputation for smaller class sizes and having a close sense of community on campus—much like a family.”
Family is important to Mogae, and she’s quick to share that her parents have always been her biggest cheerleaders every step of the way. As an African Nova Scotian woman, creating an inclusive family-like atmosphere for Black students is something she is passionate about.
A journey of inclusion
Saint Mary’s strives to create an academic environment that is inclusive, equitable and dedicated to embracing global perspectives, something she values deeply about the university. Her passion for inclusion sparked her to create the university’s first Black Student Society.
Previously, there had been African and Caribbean Student Societies, but Mogae wanted to create a hub where all Black students on campus could come together and have a safe space to connect. “Some Black people don’t identify with a specific background,” she says. “For example, they don’t only identify as African or Caribbean—they identify as Black.”
To get the ball rolling, Mogae and her friend Aba Owusu-Biney applied to create the society with the Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA). Once approved, she became the society’s president and they set up a governance structure. The Black Student Society officially began in the fall of 2022 and the team hit the ground running, planning activities and events.
“We hosted a paint and sip, open mic, a skate night and a workshop for Black professionals in the workplace,” she says. “Black History Month/African Heritage Month was our biggest month, and that went really well.”
Members of the Black Student Society at an event
She’s proud of the inclusive environment she helped create for current and future Black students, and she’s honoured by the lasting impact the society will have for the university.
“For Black students, especially international students, to have a source of family on campus is so important,” says Mogae. “To be able to create a home environment is quite special.”
She encourages everyone to continue to ask questions, learn about and support Black culture. She says the struggles Black students face are different, and not everyone might understand, but allowing people to feel heard and supported goes a long way.
As she writes the next chapter of her own post-university journey, Mogae hopes to start her own business, continue to learn in a World without limits and keep creating safe spaces for Black students to thrive.
Spring Convocation takes place May 17-19, 2023. Watch the ceremonies live at smu.ca/graduation or on our Facebook page.
Meet your Valedictorian: Emperor Ben Robertson MTEI'23
Emperor Ben Roberston MTEI’23
When Emperor Ben Robertson was selecting a school to obtain his Master of Technology Entrepreneurship & Innovation degree, he knew Saint Mary’s University was the right choice.
The university's commitment to providing high-quality education, unique experiential learning opportunities, a vibrant location and extensive student support services contributed to his decision.
His education has provided him with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of technology entrepreneurship and equipped him with the knowledge to help businesses thrive in the digital age.
Q&A with Emperor Ben Robertson
Where is your hometown?: Accra, Ghana.
What was your favourite class?: Out of all the classes I took in my MTEI program, my favourite courses were Technology Entrepreneurship and Tech Strategy and Productivity.
What was the best piece of advice you received?: The most profound piece of advice that has had a significant impact on my life did not come from anybody I know personally. It was a quote that I stumbled upon while walking down Barrington Street that read, "Think and act like failure is impossible for you." This simple yet powerful quote has transformed my perspective on how I approach my goals.
Which instructor had the biggest impact on you?: Throughout my academic journey, I was fortunate to have had many exceptional professors who delivered transformative lectures. However, one professor in particular, Dr. Ramesh Venkat, had an enormous impact on me. Thanks to Dr. Venkat's exceptional teaching, I gained a deeper understanding of marketing and developed valuable skills that have been essential to my career. His influence on me has been invaluable, and I am grateful for the impact he has had on my personal and professional growth.
What was your thesis research?: I collected data on the challenges that businesses faced and explored ways to create opportunities for them to succeed in their respective locations. One of the most intriguing aspects of this research was its timing, as it was conducted during the post-COVID period when businesses were transitioning to new ways of operating. By talking to business owners, I gained valuable insights into their challenges and how they were adapting to the changing business environment.
Overall, this experience gave me a unique opportunity to explore the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses in the Halifax-Dartmouth area. It also allowed me to develop key skills that are essential in any business environment, including communication, research and problem-solving skills.
What advice would you give to your younger self?: If I could go back and speak to my younger self, I would tell them to try new things and challenge themselves as much as possible. I would encourage them to embrace failure as a natural part of the learning process and to adopt a mindset of "failing fast and failing often."
The reason is simple: by trying new things and taking risks, we are more likely to stumble and fail along the way. However, each failure provides an opportunity to learn and grow; the more we fail the faster we can learn and adapt. This can lead to faster progress and success in the long run.
Do you volunteer in the community?: As a passionate individual interested in promoting economic growth and prosperity, I volunteer as a member of the African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity Youth Council (REPYC). This council is an initiative aimed at promoting economic growth and prosperity among African Nova Scotian communities in Nova Scotia.
What are your future goals?: I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. I am confident that with my skills, knowledge and experience, I will be able to make a meaningful contribution to a multinational company while also pursuing my passion for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Spring Convocation takes place May 17-19, 2023. Watch the ceremonies live at smu.ca/graduation or on our Facebook page.