Honorary Degree Recipient: Roger J. Lewis

Roger J. Lewis

Roger J. Lewis BA'01, Sɨkɨpne'katik First Nation, is currently the Curator of Mi'kmaq Culture and Heritage with the Nova Scotia Museum. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, and his Master of Arts from Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), specializing in pre-contact Mi'kmaw cultural landscape and resource use. For the past two decades, he has been working closely with Mi'kmaw communities to record important ethnographic information and stories. He is regularly invited to advise educators and to speak within the provincial school system about Treaty Rights and Mi'kmaw history.   

Roger currently serves as the Vice President of the Board of the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre, where he advises on a number of issues dealing with urban residing Indigenous peoples, cultural property rights, research protocols, and the mentoring of youth. He is a Keptin (Captain) of the Grand Council of Mi'kmaq. He is a part-time instructor at Saint Mary's University, co-teaching a course titled "Indigenous Peoples of Canada" with Dr. Trudy Sable from 2014 to 2022.  

An expert on Mi'kmaq culture and heritage, Roger has contributed to numerous publications, including Mi'kmakik Teloltipnik L'nuk - How the People Lived in Mi'kmakik, published in Native Peoples: The Canadian Experience, and Being and Becoming Indigenous Archaeologist, edited by George Nicholas. He is a mentor and valuable resource expert on the Ta'n Weji-sqalia'tiek: Mi'kmaw Place Names Digital Atlas and Website Project. Since its inception, he has offered his knowledge of the landscape of Mi'kma'ki to help contextualize and precisely locate each place name. In 2021, Roger was invited to serve as one of twelve curators as selected from across Canada to provide Interpretation of Contemporary Indigenous art at the new senate building in Ottawa.    

Honorary Degree Recipient: James “JC” Curleigh

James “JC” Curleigh

James “JC” Curleigh BComm’89 is Gibson's President and Chief Executive Officer, where he leads the Gibson senior team of proven executives with broad experience in global brand building, finance and product development. JC is a guitar enthusiast and has been a proud owner of both Gibson and Epiphone guitars over the years, including his latest addition – a Gibson 1960’s J-45 acoustic guitar.

Prior to joining Gibson, JC served as the President of the Levi’s brand at Levi Strauss & Co., where he guided strategic shifts, leadership team evolution and market execution for all brands within the Levi Strauss & Co. portfolio, including Levi’s, Dockers, Signature by Levi’s Strauss and DENIZEN by Levi’s. At Levi’s he returned the brand to its iconic status and grew the business profitably every year under his leadership. He has a proven track record from Levi’s of finding ways to leverage heritage and create modern solutions. JC (along with his team) is credited with being the driving force behind the Levi’s resurgence.

Over the years, JC has built a reputation as a brand building expert and has crafted uniquely tailored solutions for a variety of other well-known consumer goods companies, including as president and CEO of KEEN Footwear and of Salomon Sports NA. At KEEN, he steered a young company to years of strong growth and developed a unique brand identity for its future. Additionally, under his leadership at Salomon, he expanded the ski company into a leading innovative action sports brand.

JC holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and has furthered his executive education at both Stanford and Harvard. He also has delivered several keynote speeches around the world on progressive brand building, business solutions, and team dynamics. He is a triple citizen of the U.S.A., Canada and the U.K. and is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Waterkeeper Alliance. He loves to play music, surf, ski and travel extensively with his wife and three kids.

Honorary Degree Recipient: William (Bill) Linton

William (Bill) Linton

William (Bill) Linton BComm’75 is a corporate director, philanthropist, and investor with over 30 years of business experience. Currently residing in Toronto, he was born and raised in Halifax. Bill comes from a family with a strong tradition of business excellence and giving back to their community through a commitment to volunteerism and philanthropy.

Over the span of his career, Bill has held various senior executive-level positions, including a leading role with one of Canada’s largest publicly traded companies. From 2005 to 2012, he served as Executive Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Rogers Communications Inc. Bill has an outstanding record of achievement in the telecommunications and technology sector in North America. During his tenure as an executive vice president with Rogers, he assembled a best-in-class finance team and significantly strengthened the company’s balance sheet while delivering substantial shareholder value and implementing best practices in financial reporting and controls.

Before his time with Rogers, Bill held other senior executive positions, including President & Chief Executive Officer of Call-Net Enterprises Inc., Chair & Chief Executive Officer of Prior Data Sciences Inc. and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of SHL Systemhouse Inc.

Bill serves as a director of Deveron UAS Corp. and TMX Group Limited, as well as a number of private companies. An active investor and advisor, he has provided guidance to many highly successful start-ups in Canada. Along with his wife Marilynne, Bill has been a long-time supporter of St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto and the Toronto Reference Library.

Bill holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario.

Gold Medals and Silver Linings: Huskies hockey alumna Kori Cheverie reflects on ‘whirlwind’ coaching journey

Kori Cheverie

On the evening of February 17, 2022, millions of Canadians tuned into the women’s hockey gold medal game at the Beijing Olympics, cheering on Team Canada from their living rooms.

Saint Mary’s alumna Kori Cheverie BA’12 may have been one of the more personally invested viewers in the country, as she was watching as an assistant coach for Team Canada, despite being more than 10,000 kilometres away from the Olympic Games.

Cheverie describes the first few months of 2022 as a “rewarding whirlwind,” as the New Glasgow, NS native has experienced some of the highs and lows of her career while proudly representing Canada.

In January of 2021, Cheverie was named to the coaching staff of the Canadian National Women’s Team.

“That was a dream come true,” said Cheverie. “Growing up as a female hockey player in Canada, that’s the gold standard. I grew up dreaming of playing for the National team, but that’s one of the great things about hockey, there’s always the opportunity to stay involved in the sport, so to represent Team Canada was a lifelong goal.”

But a week before the team was scheduled to fly to Beijing, Cheverie tested positive for COVID-19, meaning she wouldn’t be able to travel to the Games.

“It was devastating news, but the cool thing about our group was we really focused on being a team first,” she said. “When the news came that I wasn’t able to go, I was disappointed but quickly shifted to focus on the silver linings. I went back to Nova Scotia and focused on doing everything I could still do to help us win the gold.”

Despite being stuck on the other side of the world, Cheverie was able to stay involved with the team through virtual meetings and watching all the games live from her living room in Nova Scotia.

“It was a 12-hour time difference, so the math wasn’t too hard… If the team had a 7 p.m. meeting in Beijing, I would be FaceTiming in at 7 a.m. from Nova Scotia,” laughs Cheverie. “It was a hard couple of weeks in terms of sleep schedule, but it was definitely worth it.”

Canada went on to win the gold medal, defeating their American rivals 3-2 in the final. When the final whistle blew, players FaceTimed Cheverie from the ice so she could virtually join in on the team celebrations.

“I talked to the coaches and players every single day and they kept me involved, so I still feel like I was part of the team that won gold.”

Making hockey history

Just two months later, Cheverie reached another major career accomplishment, becoming the first woman to serve as a coach for a Canadian men’s national team when she was named an assistant for Team Canada at the under-18 World Hockey Championships.

“To be honest, when they reached out with that opportunity, I wasn’t thinking too much about being the first woman to coach a men’s team,” recalls Cheverie. “It was just another opportunity to represent my country, work with some great athletes and coaches, and do whatever I could to help the team win.”

“I think it’s important for us as role models, not just for young girls, but for boys too, to be able to see that women can do what men can do in the game.” ”

— Kori Cheverie

Team Canada finished fifth at the tournament in Germany, and Cheverie says it was a great opportunity.

“It was a great experience, even though the outcome wasn’t exactly what we wanted. It was great to be a part of these young athletes lives on their trajectory to pro hockey, and their next career steps.”

Now back in Nova Scotia, Cheverie has had time to reflect on her trailblazing accomplishment of being the first woman behind a Canadian Men’s team bench.

“I don’t think I ever sought out to coach on the men’s side, it’s just kind of where the opportunities have led me,” says Cheverie, who also works full time as an assistant coach for the men’s team at Ryerson University.

“The men have been coaching on the women’s side for a really long time, and there are tonnes of qualified women coaches out there, who haven’t always gotten opportunities in the men’s game,” adds Cheverie. “I think it’s important for us as role models, not just for young girls, but for boys too, to be able to see that women can do what men can do in the game.”

Once a Husky, always a Husky

While her hockey journey has seen her travel around the world, Cheverie credits a large part of her career development to her time at Saint Mary’s University.

Kori Cheverie

“I played at Saint Mary’s for five years and it was a great experience. Looking back at my time there, I got a great education, got to play the sport that I loved, and made lifelong friends.”

Cheverie played at Saint Mary’s from 2005–2010, graduating as one of the most accomplished players in program history. She was selected as an AUS First Team All-Star three times, winning the AUS Student-Athlete Community Service Award twice, was named Saint Mary’s Female Athlete of the Year twice, and represented Team Canada at the 2009 FISU World University Games.

But as one might expect from a future coach, Cheverie points to team success as her greatest accomplishment with the Huskies.

“Winning the AUS Championship in 2010 to finish off my career was amazing, and beating St.FX in the semi-finals was one of my most memorable experiences. Some of my best friends played at St.FX and they were the league favourites for my whole five years, and we didn’t beat them once in the regular season. I’ll never forget beating them in the semi-final, and then going on to win the finals against Moncton.”

Cheverie also credits the roots of her coaching career to her time at Saint Mary’s.

“(Former Huskies coach) Lisa Haley had a huge impact on myself, and many other players that she coached. At the beginning of my time at SMU, I had no ambitions to coach, but in 2009 I got the opportunity to help with some girls’ teams here,” she said. “From that moment on, I stayed in the hockey development world.”

Just 34-years-old, Cheverie still has a lot of goals left to accomplish in her coaching career.

“There’s a lot I still want to do in hockey,” says Cheverie. “I really enjoy the scouting side of the game, and obviously coaching, whether it’s on the bench, from the press box or from another continent. I just want to continue to learn and grow, whether it’s on the men’s side or the women’s side, I want to continue to get the opportunity to stay in the game and learn from the people around me.”

And she offers some advice for anyone chasing a dream, in athletics or not.

“Just stick with it,” says Cheverie. “The most important decision I made was continue to play. After my time at SMU, I moved to Toronto to play in the CWHL. That pushed me into an uncomfortable zone that I had to navigate, but it’s how I ended up with my first full-time coaching jobs, and it’s one of the best decisions I ever made. It’s easy to stop playing the sport you love and move on to your career, but you can find so many amazing experiences in the world of sports outside of playing.”

Inspiring words from a proud Huskies alumna who continues to break barriers on and off the ice.

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To learn more about our Ice Hockey teams here at SMU, visit our varsity athletics website.

Sowing the Seeds of Peace: Northern Ireland Peace Education Program

President Summerby-Murray wished the students and program coordinators well before leaving for Northern Ireland.

President Summerby-Murray and Dr. Malcolm Butler, VPAR, wished the students and program coordinators well before leaving for Northern Ireland.

Liam Mason, Bachelor of Commerce student, connects with students at Bunscoil An tSleibhe Dhuibh primary school. "As an Irish Studies student at Saint Mary’s, I was privileged to experience first-hand an Irish language primary school and utilize my Irish language skills with the students during our peace education workshops."

A group of 16 Saint Mary's students are building on a longstanding legacy of peace education in Northern Ireland this week.

The students—representing diverse areas of studies in Arts, Science and Commerce—are taking part in the Northern Ireland / North of Ireland Peace Education Program, facilitated by Peaceful Schools International and the Faculty of Education at Saint Mary's.

Now in its 18th year, the unique experiential program prepares the participants to conduct peace education workshops for elementary school children in Belfast. The students have a full itinerary including workshops, outreach and meetings with community partners involved in peacebuilding, as well understanding the history and cultural perspectives of Northern Ireland.

The group returns to Halifax on May 9. Check @smuhalifax for updates on their experiences, and stay tuned for a future story upon their return!

Faculty of Arts Update: Department and program name changes

With registration starting this week for the Fall and Winter terms, the Faculty of Arts would like to update students and staff on several program and department name changes.

Two programs have new names that will officially take effect on September 1, 2022. These new names are reflected in the 2022-2023 Academic Calendar and on Banner for Fall and Winter course selection. Both programs have new course acronyms as well:

• Ancient Studies (ANCS), formerly known as Classics (CLAS); and

• Global Development Studies (GDST), formerly known as International Development Studies (IDST).

Please note that program requirements will not change in either of these programs. For students who have already declared a major, minor, honours or concentration in Classics or International Development Studies, those program names will remain the same on your transcript. The new program names will apply for students who declare majors or minors from September 1 onward.  

We are also pleased to announce a new department, plus two department name changes within the Faculty of Arts:

• New! Department of Global Development Studies, formerly the International Development Studies program (stay tuned for more exciting news on the launch of our twelfth Arts department);

• Department of Languages and Cultures, formerly Department of Modern Languages and Classics; and

• Department for the Study of Religion, formerly Department of Religious Studies.

The Ancient Studies program continues to reside within the Department of Languages and Cultures.

Contact the departments directly if you have questions about the new names. If students have any questions about program requirements or course selection, please feel free to reach out anytime to the BA Advising Office. 

Exploring How an Office Dedicated to Innovation and Community Engagement Supports Research at Saint Mary’s University

Kevin Buchan

Conducting research is integral to Saint Mary’s University, with untold amounts of time, effort, talent and resources dedicated to its pursuit by faculty and students. The creation and dissemination of knowledge are vitally important parts of the university’s mission and help to connect the university with the broader community. When it comes to partnership-based research,  the Office of Innovation and Community Engagement (OICE) plays a key role.

“We facilitate relationships,” says Kevin Buchan, OICE’s Director.

The role of OICE is to liaise with groups outside of the University such as community groups, companies, and non-for-profits who are looking for targeted expertise for their organizations; OICE then puts these external partners in contact with faculty at the University who can help.

OICE is part of the larger Office of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR), and works in close cooperation with the SMU-hosted Change Lab Action Research Initiative (CLARI) to foster community-engaged research

The benefits of these connections are multifaceted. External partners gain the expertise they need, researchers use their expertise to solve real-world problems, and students learn from this knowledge in the classroom, later applying these tangible examples in their own careers.

Along with facilitating these relationships between external partners and researchers, OICE also holds events that invite the wider community for a firsthand look at what goes on at the University.

“We have a big footprint in Halifax,” says Buchan. “People know we exist and that there’s research happening, but they don’t always know exactly what’s being done. That’s why the Research Expo is such an important event.”

The annual Research Expo is a showcase of the research happening at Saint Mary’s and the event features equal involvement from all faculties.

“Everybody is welcome at Research Expo,” Buchan explains. “This is an event for anybody and everybody who’s interested in the research that’s happening here at Saint Mary’s.”

Along with sharing their work with visitors and colleagues, select faculty present three-minute research pitches. This is a highlight of the event, giving a fascinating glimpse of the exciting new work happening across campus.

The intermingling of internal and external communities facilitates connections and collaborations. Community members attending Research Expo learn about research being done at the University, but also are able to mingle with and talk with researchers themselves.

For Buchan, the impromptu conversations and connections are what Research Expo is all about. “There’s a buzz about the room,” says Buchan. “People want to be there, learning together and collaborating. That’s what research communication is all about.”

For more information and a list of the presenters from this year’s Expo, click here.

Dr. Alexander MacLeod Launches Short Story Collection, "Animal Person"

Francesca Ekwuyasi and Dr. Alexander MacLeod

Dr. Alexander MacLeod reads from "Animal Person"

Book signing

Alexander MacLeod’s long-anticipated new collection of short stories, Animal Person, is finally unleashed and out in the world. The national launch on April 6 was a celebration complete with Cape Breton musicians, drawing several hundred fans and friends to the Halifax Central Library.

Canadian cover

U.S. cover

“The last time I published a book, we didn’t have this library, that’s how long it’s been,” said Dr. MacLeod, drawing laughs and applause from the crowd. The landmark library’s construction began in 2012, and MacLeod started building these stories back in 2010, soon after his first book Light Lifting was released to wide acclaim.

The musicians were Wendy MacIsaac and Troy MacGillivray, playing fiddle and piano while MacLeod signed books. The event’s co-host was author Francesca Ekwuyasi MA’16, a Saint Mary’s University graduate whose debut novel Honey Butter Pig Bread is earning international praise. She relished the opportunity to pick MacLeod’s brain on behalf of the audience, diving in with perhaps the hardest question first: “Why do you write?”

“I write because I think I’m trying to make sense of experience,” MacLeod replied. “Sometimes my experience, sometimes our experience. And I believe that experience is resolutely resistant to language. It doesn’t want to become a story. I’m fascinated by how much work it takes to process experience and turn it into something interesting … I’m trying to pin it down as best I can.”

Language doesn’t settle easily on animals either, he added: “In this book, there are times when people are contemplating animals and wondering what the animal thinks of them. That animal is not using human language but that animal is definitely having thoughts.” 

The short story genre allows him to focus on the intensity of the situations found in his imagination, and to shed light on them from various points of view.

“I think I may have the first really deep dive on piano recitals and pet rabbits (and) motel rooms with serial killers,” he said of the varied collection of eight stories, published in Canada by McClelland & Stewart.

He mesmerized the room with readings from two of them, selected to show how the book travels great distances in space and time. “Everything Underneath” follows two sisters snorkeling at the beach on the last day of summer, in scenes recognizable to people from Dartmouth to Inverness County and beyond.

California is the setting for his “weirdest” story, which gets inside the mind of a man with a fetish for connecting with the contents of strangers’ suitcases. “What exactly do you think you’re looking at?” was inspired by two photographs taken in the mid-1970s by the late U.S. artist Henry Wessel Jr. The story resulted from an invitation to be part of Henry Wessel: A Dark Thread, a 2019 exhibition at La Maison Européen de la Photographie in Paris. Another photo of Wessel’s is featured on the cover of the U.S. version of Animal Person.

“The book is very much interested in intimacy and connections, and not necessarily the typical ones,” said MacLeod.

Some of the stories are like cats on their second or third lives after appearing in previous anthologies, and it’s good to have them all herded together in this one collection. Anchoring the book’s front end is “Lagomorph,” honoured with a 2019 O. Henry Prize and the 2021 Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia Masterworks Arts Award, which MacLeod won with Andrew Steeves of Gaspereau Press for their handbound letterpress collaboration.

“The Closing Date” originally appeared in the Sex and Death anthology (Faber & Faber and House of Anansi Press, 2016). “Once Removed” was featured in a recent issue of The New Yorker magazine, and “The Dead Want” was first published in iLit Modern Morsels: Selections of Canadian Poetry and Fiction (McGraw Hill Ryerson, 2012).

Dr. Alexander MacLeod teaches in the Department of English Language and Literature at Saint Mary’s, and also the Atlantic Canada Studies program. 

Honouring John “Jack” G. Keith

Jack and Yvonne Keith

The Saint Mary’s University community is saddened to learn of the passing of John “Jack” G. Keith CM, DComm’98 and joins with his family, friends and members of the larger Nova Scotian community in honouring his memory and his contributions, including the warm presence and generosity he demonstrated constantly towards the university. His favourite activity on campus was meeting the recipients of the awards that he and his wife Yvonne established and seeing firsthand how much the support meant to our students.  

Jack Keith exemplified the spirit of Saint Mary's by always giving back to the community. When Jack received the Order of Canada in 1993, he was described as a "banker with large reserves of social conscience." He received this honour for his outstanding volunteerism in education, the arts and cancer fundraising. 

Jack’s contributions to Saint Mary's were immense. He served as Chair of the Board of Governors at Saint Mary's from 1994-97 and was the founding chair of the Sobey School of Business Advisory Council, a position he held for 18 years, in addition to many other volunteer roles. Jack was presented the Honorary Gold "M" in 1997 by the Saint Mary's University Student Association which is their highest honour for a non-student in recognition of his many contributions to student affairs. Along with Yvonne, he was a loyal supporter at signature university events and was always on hand to cheer on the SMU Huskies football team.  

The university is flying flags at half-staff in recognition of Jack. His obituary can be found here John "Jack" Keith Obituary - Halifax, NS (dignitymemorial.com) and memorial donations can be made to the Jack & Yvonne Keith Entrance Bursary at John G. Keith Memorial. 

Science and Jr. Huskies 2022 Athletics Summer Camps Registration Now Open

Saint Mary’s University is excited to announce that Summer Camps are back!

There are so many exciting options for Science and Jr. Huskies Athletics Camps.

Science

2022 Marine Mammal Camp 
July 30-August 8, 2022

Teens 14-17: Thinking about marine research, conservation, and fieldwork? Our unique 10-day overnight camp offers a hands-on introduction to Marine Biology. 

Marine Mammal Summer Camp is presented by Saint Mary’s University and the Canadian Whale Institute.

THIS CAMP IS FULL

Forensic Science Camp
Two Camps: July 4-8 and July 11-15, 2022

For teens 14-17: Using hands-on labs & research-based field work, learn how sciences like Biology & Chemistry are used in Forensic Science. Two five-day camps will run in July.

THIS CAMP IS FULL

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Jr. Huskies Athletics

Basketball

Co-Ed
Five-Day Camp
July 4-8, 2022 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Supervised from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Ages 6-12

Five days of basic skill development, modified games and lots of fun-filled basketball activity. Quality coaching by Varsity Head Coaches for Men's and Women's Basketball, assistant coaches and some of the best student-athletes in Canada. Cost is $125.00 which includes a camp t-shirt.

Boys

Five-Day Camps
July 18-22, 2022 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Supervised from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
July 25-29, 2022 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Supervised from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
August 1-5, 2022 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Supervised from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Ages 6-14

Emphasis on individual skill development and team concepts of offense and defense. Also, skills contests, game situation drills and full court games. Quality coaching by Varsity Head Coach Jonah Taussig and members of the Men's Basketball Huskies. There is limited registration for each camp and cost is $225 which includes a camp t-shirt.

Girls

5 Day Camps
July 11-15, 2022 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Supervised from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
August 8-12, 2022 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Supervised from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Ages 6-14

These camps emphasize on individual skill development and team concepts of offense and defense. Also, skills contests, game situation drills and full court games. Quality coaching for girl's basketball camp by Head Coach Scott Munro and members of the Women's Varsity Huskies. There is limited registration for each camp and cost is $225 which includes a camp t-shirt.

Football

Boys Contact Camp (Full Gear Required)
August 1-5, 2022 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Supervised from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Ages 8-15

The contact summer camp will focus on the fundamental skills associated with football and progress to position-specific techniques. Each camper will be exposed to all positions in football on the first morning, then move into an offense/defense position specifically to their choice after the first morning.

Participants will be organized according to their age group as well as skill level and ability. Each player will undergo a complete teaching progression in all facets of the game. By attending the camp participants have the opportunity to work with the players and coaches from one of the top programs in the country. The skills learned from this camp will provide a better understanding of the game of football and prepare campers for the upcoming season.

Cost is $285 which includes a camp jersey.

Non-Contact Camp
August 1-5, 2022 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Supervised from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Ages 6-10

The non-contact camp offers young co-ed campers aged 6-10 the opportunity to learn football skills and techniques in a positive, fun, non-contact learning environment. Each day is structured to teach the campers all positions and rules of football. On the final afternoon a showcase of flag football by the campers will occur.

Cost is $245 which includes a camp t-shirt.

Hockey

SMU Prospects Training Camp
August 29-September 1, 2022 8 a.m-5 p.m.
Players born 2010-2011, 2012-2013, 2014-2015, Female born only 2010-2011

This is a competitive and high level program for players preparing to play and/or tryout for the High Performance Travel teams and for the upcoming season. Focus will be given in the areas of conditioning and advanced development in skating, shooting, puck control, angling, puck protection, passing and receiving and small area competing skills.

Registration is limited Cost is $395 which includes hockey jersey.

Competitive High Performance Program
August 8-12, 2022 8 a.m-5 p.m.
August 22-26, 2022 8 a.m-5 p.m.

This is a competitive and high level program for players preparing to play and/or tryout for competitive minor hockey teams for the upcoming season. Focus will be given in the areas of conditioning and developing skills such as skating, shooting, passing and receiving, puck control, angling and small area competing skills.

Registration is limited. Cost is $495 which includes a hockey jersey.

Girls:

Five-Day Development Camp
August 15-19, 2022 9 a.m-4 p.m.
Players born 2008-2010, 2011-2012 and 2013-2015

All sessions run by SMU coaching staff and players. A great opportunity to get ready for the upcoming season! This is a week-long camp designed for players wanting to improve all aspects of their game. The daily schedule includes two on-ice sessions, off-ice fitness, off-ice puck skills session and an instructional classroom session. Players will be challenged in a fun learning environment, playing in small area games and other compete-type stations.
Registration is limited. Cost is $405

Elite Showcase Sessions
Friday August 19 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. and Saturday August 20 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Players born 2004-2007

This Camp includes five hours of ice, one off-ice workout, one classroom session, one campus tour and practice jersey. These sessions are designed to work on player's skating, puck skills and hockey awareness, all the while challenging them in competitive settings such as battle drills and other small area games. These sessions are for players who want to be pushed and are planned to take players out of their comfort zones, allowing them to reach new heights!
Registration is limited to 30 spots. Cost is $150.

Soccer

Micro Huskies (Girls and Boys)
July 4-8, 2022
July 11-15, 2022
July 18-22, 2022
Half Day 9 a.m.-noon, Full Day 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ages 5-7

Micro Huskies gives young players the opportunity to develop physical literacy and basic movement skills like running, jumping. landing, passing and dribbling in a fun setting built around play and positive reinforcement.

Cost is $125 for half day and $200 for full day.

Mini Huskies (Girls and Boys)
July 4-8, 2022
July 11-15, 2022
July 18-22, 2022
Half Day 9 a.m.-noon, Full Day 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ages 8-10

Mini Huskies allows players to develop their movement ABCs - agility, balance, coordination and speed - and learn the fundamentals of the game while emphasizing fun, cooperation and maximum time on the ball within a challenging environment.
Cost is $125.00 for half day and $200.00 for full day.

Jr. Huskies (Girls and Boys)
July 4-8, 2022
July 11-15, 2022
July 18-22, 2022
Half Day 9 a.m.-noon, Full Day 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ages 11-13

Junior Huskies is geared towards players looking to improve their skills and soccer IQ. The sessions will focus on advanced soccer skills and introducing position-specific techniques and concepts.

Cost is $125 for half day and $200 for full day.

Volleyball

Girls
August 15-19, 2022
August 22-26, 2022
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ages 12-18

The overall goal of this camp is to provide an environment where volleyball players can develop their skills and have fun playing the game. Campers will be grouped by age and/or experience level (preference can be accommodated to provide social experience within the context of the camp goals - campers can choose to change groups if they prefer). Classroom sessions will be included (example: strength training, sports taping, nutrition, etc.).

Registration is capped to 80 campers. Cost is $230 which includes a camp t-shirt and water bottle.

Research Matters: Saint Mary’s Announces Historic $3-million Gift to Graduate Student Research

Chancellor Durland and Catherine Durland (centre) with MTEI students

Imagine the difference one person can make when there’s a community of talented, supportive and driven people—world-leading experts—to lean on, learn from and work with to innovate, disrupt and create change. Thanks to a historic gift in support of graduate student research at Saint Mary’s University, future generations of research pioneers and innovators will take another step on the path toward A World Without Limits.

Saint Mary’s is pleased to announce the establishment of the Durland Scholarships in Graduate Research. The graduate entrance scholarships are supported by a $3-million gift from the Durland Learning Foundation and the Durland Family to A World Without Limits: The Campaign for Saint Mary’s University, marking the single most significant investment in graduate student research in the university’s history.

“We want this gift to reflect the past, the present and the future. It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ to all the many special faculty members at Saint Mary’s who have so greatly inspired me and so many others throughout the years. Words cannot express our collective gratitude for all you do,” says Saint Mary’s University Chancellor Dr. Michael Durland BComm'87 DComm'10.

“We also wanted to make a gift that will have immediate impact by supporting our current faculty members, students and their extraordinary research. And we wanted to invest in the future of research at Saint Mary’s—to help recruit great graduate students, to help support the future work of our wonderful faculty members, and to encourage researchers from around the world to make Saint Mary’s their home.”

“We want this gift to reflect the past, the present and the future.”

— Dr. Michael Durland

Thanks to the visionary generosity of Chancellor Durland, his wife, Catherine BComm’87, and their family, the Durland Scholarships will strengthen the university’s ability to recruit and retain top graduate students to its research-based programs. The scholarship program will grant supplemental awards of $10,000 per year for graduate students and $15,000 per year for PhD students, as an addition to other awards and funding from the university. The awards are university-wide, renewable and available to students beginning in fall 2022.

“This transformative gift will support us in attracting the best and brightest graduate students to our university, strengthening our research capacity and positioning Saint Mary’s for the incredible growth and success that is outlined in our strategic research plan,” says Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “On behalf of the entire Santamarian community, I want to thank the Durland Family—Dr. Michael Durland, our chancellor, his wife, Catherine Durland, both proud Saint Mary’s alumni, and their family, for their incredible generosity and their vision in supporting graduate research.”

Graduate students at Saint Mary’s work closely with award-winning faculty in an environment that encourages curiosity and creativity among students and faculty alike. Within the university’s 29 diverse graduate degree programs, students benefit from the best of both worlds—close interaction and a sense of community, yet access to state-of-the-art resources and facilities.

“This transformative gift will support us in attracting the best and brightest graduate students to our university”

— Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray

Saint Mary's University is known for research that addresses pressing world issues such as climate change and the environment, where leading researchers restore salt marshes. The university's researchers engage in scholarship at the intersection of climate and communities, including work with

Indigenous and international communities on challenges facing their livelihoods and conservation efforts. The university fosters innovative scientific research, from combating balance disorders to understanding black holes and building the newest great space telescope. The Sobey School of Business challenges our understanding of global migration, immigration and what it means to be a modern, global citizen. The school is also engaged in research around innovation in business and workplace studies, including the pandemic's impact on employers and employees and what the big virtual shift means for companies and their employees moving forward.

The examples above in climate change and the environment, community connection and innovative science, modern global citizenship, and innovation in business and workplace studies represent the five strategic research priorities and areas that will be supported through today’s graduate scholarship announcement.

“The Durland Scholarships in Graduate Research are closely aligned with the university’s new strategic research plan and will promote and support a broad spectrum of graduate research activity in Arts, Science and Business, bringing forth new collaborations, knowledge and innovations,” says Dr. Malcolm Butler, Vice-President of Academic and Research. “These new scholarships will bolster our research by enabling us to recruit the best and brightest students to work and train in our labs, where we will foster and nurture their passion and potential in a rich and thriving collaborative research environment, leading to new discoveries, new innovations and new pathways toward A World Without Limits.”

A Month of Madness: Saint Mary's Wraps Up Another Successful National Student Entrepreneurship Competition

After 31 days of competition featuring top student entrepreneurship talent from across Canada, one person has climbed to the top of the bracket as the winner of this year's 2022 Saint Mary's University March Madness Competition.  

Senior chemical engineering student, Quinn Cavanagh of Dalhousie University, won for his pitch RFINE Biomass Municipal Biomass Solutions. RFINE produces materials from spent coffee grounds that can be used for products such as high-strength building materials to flexible plastic alternatives—a wide array of customizable applications. 

According to Cavanagh, 82 million kilograms of waste coffee grounds are disposed of daily, waste that produces vast amounts of greenhouse gases. Consumers are demanding that coffee companies take more responsibility. His pitch illustrated how RFINE collects coffee waste to create high-value compounds that would allow companies like Starbucks to have every table and countertop in their stores to be made from their coffee waste. The abundance of applications for RFINE's coffee ground materials idea showed abundant potential to the judges, who awarded Cavanagh the win. With the win comes a $10,000 top prize sponsored by Metronome United and one-year membership of legal guidance and support for his start-up provided by Goodlawyer. 

Goodlawyer is offering a year of their pro membership to the top four finalists. At the same time, the second-place finisher received $5000, and the two third place finishers left with $1000 to support their ideas courtesy of Shannon Byrne Susko BComm'89 BSc'92 and Metronome United. 

"I want to congratulate Quinn on his win and Danielle, our second-place finisher, for an amazing finale to our best March Madness competition to date," says Michael Sanderson, Director, Saint Mary's University Entrepreneurship Centre (SMUEC). "Thank you to everyone who participated and brought their great ideas to the forefront. And a special thanks to our sponsors and judges who play a critical role in making this pitch tournament a success." 

This national competition, a destination for Canada's top student entrepreneurs, featured twenty-four universities from coast to coast. From as far west as the University of Victoria and the University of Alberta to participants from central Canada such as the University of Waterloo, Carleton University, and Western University. Eastern Canada was also well represented with many participants, including HEC Montreal, Mount Allison University, Saint Mary's University and the Memorial University of Newfoundland. 

Saint Mary's University's own Marlee Armour, a graduate student in the Master of Technology Entrepreneurship & Innovation program at the Sobey School of Business, finished in a tie for third place. Her pitch was for a product called the SwimTrainer, a flotation device that supports both a better position for children to learn to swim and a safer position for them to float in the water.  

For more information about the tournament, visit https://smuec.ca/march_madness/ or visit www.facebook.com/smuec.ca to watch the videos from each round.