Black joy on campus: Reflections from student Fisson Tibbo

Fisson Tibbo

Fisson Tibbo is a fourth-year student taking a double major in Psychology and in Social  Justice and Community Studies. She also holds three roles at Saint Mary’s: as a Residence Assistant; as a Residence Services Officer and as the Student Coordinator for the Racialized Student Academic Network (RSAN), which focuses on the academic wellbeing of BIPOC students.

During the lead-up to Black History/African Heritage Month, Tibbo took some time to reflect on what it means to be a Black leader at Saint Mary’s, and what Black joy looks like in the SMU community.

“As a Resident Assistant, I am a leader who can give representation for Black students, promote events and help foster the love we have for one another.” Tibbo shares. “I bring my experience and knowledge into my role, helping to raise awareness, share resources, initiate discussions and connect Black students from all different backgrounds to the best of my abilities.”

“As the Student Coordinator of RSAN at Saint Mary’s, creating a safe space is one of my priorities,” Tibbo explains. “Those spaces give us the opportunity to come together, to celebrate one another and celebrate the histories of our ancestors.”

Imani Tribe performs at International Night at SMU

When asked what Black joy at SMU means for Tibbo, she describes it as, “Seeing my people and having the community to walk into a space where I feel safe, seeing people coming together, playing music, dancing...even complimenting on each other's hair and understanding hair struggles,”

In addition to her roles at Saint Mary’s, Tibbo is also a member of the Imani Tribe, an African Christian acoustic musical group at SMU. The group recently took to the stage to perform at the 27th Annual International Night at SMU, an event that showcases and celebrates the incredible cultural diversity of the international community at Saint Mary’s.

Thank you Fisson for your thoughts on living and sharing Black joy, and your contributions to helping your community thrive!

SMU Dining celebrates Fair Trade, Feb 27-Mar 3

SMU Dining is hosting some fun events and give-aways to celebrate Fair Trade. Read on for details!

Monday, Feb 27

Free iced coffee giveaway at Student Centre Food Court, featuring our exclusive blend of Just Us! Fair Trade coffee, SMU Brew.

Located within the Student Centre Food Court, from 12:00pm while supplies last.

Tuesday, Feb 28

Boba (Bubble) Tea pop up in Dockside Dining Hall, featuring Just Us! Fair Trade tea.

Located within Dockside for meal plan members (or pay at the door), during the lunch period (11:30am – 2:30pm)

Wednesday, Mar 1

Meet the Just Us! team and learn about all things Fair Trade

Vicki Matthews from Just Us! and Michael Yarymowich, Aramark Canada’s Sustainability Director, will be on site to chat with students about what Fair Trade means and the Just Us-SMU Dining partnership; while enjoying free samples of products and Fair Trade swag!

Located in the Loyola Colonnade, from 11:00am – 2:00pm

Thursday, Mar 2

S’Mores Bar pop up in Dockside Dining Hall, featuring Just Us! Fair Trade chocolate.

Located within Dockside for meal plan members (or pay at the door), during the dinner period (4:30pm – 8:00pm)

Friday, Mar 3

Sustainability Trivia – Spin to Win! Trivia questions pertaining to all things Fair Trade

Located outside of Dockside Dining Hall, with prizes, swag and more to be won!

 
All week:

• Fair Trade Basket Giveaway via @SMUDiningHFX social media channels

• Official relaunch of SMU Dining’s Lug-a-Mug program

• $0.25 discount at non-franchised locations when using a reusable mug

SMU researchers working with US government to recover remains of lost service personnel

Dr. Aaron Taylor and Dr. Jonathan Fowler work with a 500 Noggin ground-penetrating radar, shown here

A Saint Mary’s University archaeology team is assisting the US government in identifying and recovering the remains of service personnel lost on foreign battlefields.

The Defense Prisoners of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency (DPAA) is the US government agency responsible for locating, recovering and identifying the remains of unaccounted-for US Department of Defense personnel from past conflicts. This project will focus on World War II (WWII) battlefields and aircraft crash sites. Saint Mary’s is the first university in Canada to partner with DPAA on a project of this nature.

“We have been developing our remote sensing expertise at Saint Mary’s University for several years now, providing assistance to different organizations across Canada,” says Dr. Jonathan Fowler, a professor in the Department of Anthropology.

“For us, these are more than projects. In many instances, we work with people looking for closure and do our best to provide them with that. This is about people who have been lost and bringing them home.”

Dr. Fowler is one of Canada’s leading researchers in archaeological geophysics and remote sensing. His ground-penetrating radar research has successfully mapped burials associated with the 1873 sinking of the SS Atlantic and identified nearly 300 unmarked graves in the pre-Deportation Acadian cemetery at Grand-Pré National Historic Site. Dr. Fowler has also worked with the Sipekne'katik First Nation in recent years related to the former Shubenacadie Residential school site.

The first search project with DPAA is in the final planning stages. It will offer opportunities to students for archaeological field experience in France this summer. Dr. Aaron Taylor BA'09 MA'12 will direct the project.

“Students will participate in excavations of a downed WWII US aircraft in an attempt to recover the remains of an aircrew member who perished in the crash,” says Taylor. “Students will be trained in archaeological field methods and best practices while following forensic archaeology techniques meeting DPAA protocols and guidelines.”

More on this story:

• Canadian Press/CBC article, “Halifax university's technology to help U.S. find missing soldiers on former European battlefields”

• Interview on The Todd Veinotte Show (hour three)

• To find out more about the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), visit dpaa.mil

Empathy, Love and Compassion: Sobey Innovator Speaker Series with Peace by Chocolate Founder and CEO, Mr. Tareq Hadhad

Organizers and special guests

Left to right: Jacqueline McPherson, Mr. Dave Sobey EMBA’21, Dr. Mohammad Rahaman, Dr. Saja Al Zoubi, Hallie Wedge, Mr. Tareq Hadhad

Tareq Hadhad

Mr. Dave Sobey EMBA’21

Dr. Saja Al Zoubi

Mr. Hadhad speaking with an attendee after his talk.

On the evening of Tuesday, January 31, the Sobey School of Business held its inaugural Sobey Innovator Speaker Series event, featuring Founder and CEO of Peace by Chocolate, Mr. Taraq Hadhad. Mr. Hadhad and his family immigrated to Canada from Syria during the Syrian War, and founded Peace by Chocolate in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Mr. Hadhad spoke to the audience about his story, instilling a message of tenacity, compassion and championing the skills of immigrants coming to Canada.

“Breaking barriers requires you to dream big,” Mr. Hadhad shared with the room full of staff, faculty, students and guests of Saint Mary’s University. “If you don’t see a light at the end of the tunnel, you need to turn it on yourself.”

The Sobey Innovator Speaker Series was developed with the help of a transformational gift, the largest in the history of Saint Mary’s University, to the School by the Sobey Family, Sobey Foundation, and Sobeys Inc. to support innovative research, experiential learning, and

meaningful connection with practice. The Speaker Series is intended to connect rising stars, disruptors, and innovators in the world of Canadian business to Sobey students, faculty and alumni.

The event comprised of Mr. Hadhad’s talk, a Q&A, and an opportunity to network. Emceeing the night was Hallie Wedge, a current Sobey School student and recipient of a Sobey National Innovator Scholarship. Mr. Hadhad was introduced by the President & Vice-Chancellor of the University, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, Mr. Dave Sobey EMBA’21 of the Sobey family, and Dr. Saja Al Zoubi, a lecturer in Global Development Studies at Saint Mary’s University. Dr. Al Zoubi spoke about how refugees can contribute to the economy of their host country, if the country provides them with support.

Mr. Hadhad and his business, Peace by Chocolate, are the perfect example of what happens when refugees are given the support and incubation that they need to thrive. Mr. Hadhad spoke candidly to the room, his warmth and charisma taking attendees through his family’s story, from his father starting his chocolate business in Damascus, Syria, to losing everything during the war, to being refused entry by fifteen countries before being accepted by Canada and moving to Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Attendees were moved by Mr. Hadhad’s family’s story of hardship and unending perseverance. However, Mr. Hadhad’s talk wasn’t just his story, or advice for entrepreneurs – although he had many thoughtful pieces of advice.

“Kindness begets kindness, love begets love. Supporting immigrants and refugees is the right thing to do,” Mr. Hadhad shared with the room. The overwhelming message of his talk was of love, compassion and above all else, empathy, and we are so thankful to Mr. Hadhad for sharing both his story and his wisdom.

Thank you to all attendees of the inaugural Sobey Innovator Speaker Series!

Bus pass discounts coming soon for SMU

Saint Mary’s will soon be making discounted bus passes available to employees.

The university has signed on to HRM’s EPass Program, an initiative that provides annual discounted transit passes purchased through payroll deduction, offering savings for employees and encouraging sustainable commuting.

Interested employees will be able to sign up for the program between Monday, February 20 and Friday, March 10.

February 16 update: Full details and sign-up information now available! https://www.smu.ca/about/employee-transit-epass.html

Earthquakes in Syria and Turkey: supports for students

It has been devastating watching events unfold in Turkey and Syria following the earthquakes earlier this week. We have a number of students who call those places home and have been keeping them in our thoughts. Large-scale tragedies are felt far and wide and can impact anyone’s well-being.

Beneficial service supports can be accessed through Student Affairs and Services, including the International Student Centre, Counselling Centre and the International Wellness Ambassador through the Counselling Centre, and teams within the Student Success Centre.

There are also a number of free mental wellness supports available within SMU and throughout the HRM, which can be found on the Counselling Centre’s Resources page. We also encourage you to connect with your faculty’s academic advisors where needed. 

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Patrick Power Library & Student Affairs share literary display for African Heritage Month

Display at Patrick Power Library

In collaboration with the Patrick Power Library, Black Student Advisor* Bria Symonds compiled a selection of scholarly texts that celebrate Black joy and liberation as part of the university’s African Heritage Month initiatives.  

Bria Symonds

The literary display provides perspectives, education and information for a range of audiences. Drawing from her experience and education in social work, community engagement and activism to inform her selections, Symonds highlights three particular works as an excellent starting point for anyone interested in exploring, understanding and engaging throughout the month of February and beyond. 

Burnley “Rocky” Jones Revolutionary, by Burnley “Rocky” Jones 

Symonds describes the African Nova Scotian author Burnley “Rocky” Jones as “an amazing pillar in the African Nova Scotian community, who was engaged in everything from social justice and education to politics and community mobilization.” 

As noted by the publisher, the book “illuminates the Black experience in Nova Scotia, it explains the evolving nature of race relations and human rights in recent Canadian history, and it reveals the origins of the “remedial” approach to racial equality that is now practised by activists and governments.” Symonds calls it “a beneficial read for allies looking to inform and understand how we can work in ways that are community centred from a social justice lens.” 

Policing Black Lives: State violence in Canada from slavery to the present, Robyn Maynard 

Symonds describes this selection as a heavier but highly educative read. “This book has been an impactful scholarly piece in my educational journey and professional life,” she says. ”It looks at complex and difficult stories of what policing looks like in Canada and provides valuable context in understanding what anti-black racism is.”  

The publisher says “Maynard’s intersectional approach to anti-Black racism addresses the unique and understudied impacts of state violence as it is experienced by Black women, Black people with disabilities, as well as queer, trans, and undocumented Black communities.” With the heaviness of the topic, Symonds recommends taking time to process and reflect on the reading. 

Unapologetic: A Black, Queer, and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements, Charlene Carruthers 

To contrast her previous selection, Symonds highlights Unapologetic as “a lighter read that is excellent for folks who are trying to understand the true meaning of intersectionality.” The notion of intersectionality looks at critical race theory and law and how that plays into the way multiple oppressions may be experienced. 

Symonds recommends the book as an exploration of “how we can reduce and prevent anti-black racism, as well as providing inclusiveness to those that come from a queer background.” Symonds points to the university’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, citing Unapologetic as an excellent read to promote continued learning and engagement within the SMU community and beyond. 

These three reads, along with the full compilation of selected scholarly texts will be on display at the Patrick Power Library for the full month of February. The library also proudly houses The Lynn Jones African Canadian & Diaspora Heritage Collection in the University Archives. The Lynn Jones Collection is accessible at any time to researchers, the SMU community and wider community. Please contact or drop by the Archives. A limited selection of the collection has been digitized and hosted online.

*Note: At the time of the interview, Symonds held the title of Black Student Advisor. The position is currently vacant, however Black/African-descended student supports remain available through Student Affairs and Services. 

Celebrating African Heritage Month

February 1 marks the official start of African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia, a time to celebrate the rich history, culture and contributions of people of African descent.

The 2023 theme, Seas of Struggle – African Peoples from Shore to Shore, honours the strength and determination of people of African descent from the shores of Africa to the shores of Nova Scotia and reflects the key role the sea has played in this history.

To help mark the month's significance, the tri-colour Pan-African flag will be raised in front of the McNally building. The red, black and green flag was created in 1920 to represent the people of the African Diaspora. 

At Saint Mary’s, in addition to events listed below, we will be celebrating BIPOC members of our community on @smuhuskies with Black student athlete profiles featured throughout the month, and within the February edition of the Saint Mary's Entrepreneurship Centre's newsletter, The Entrepreneurial Minute, with a spotlight on BIPOC entrepreneurs. Be sure to subscribe to SMUEC's monthly newsletter here to receive the next edition in your inbox at the end of the month!

Related stories

• The Turner Bursary for African Canadian and Indigenous Women

• Black joy on campus: Reflections from student Fisson Tibbo

• Huskies host Black Heritage Night basketball doubleheader

• Creating a Black Student Society at SMU: Reflections from inaugural president, Oratile Mogae 

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Patrick Power Library

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

Related: Patrick Power Library & Student Affairs share literary display for African Heritage Month

Dynamic Rural Business Series

Monday, February 6
5–8 p.m.

The Black Business Initiative (BBI) and the Sobey School of Business are launching the Rural Black Businesses Series at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

The focus of this event is to bring together rural NS black entrepreneurs and create a space to discuss their challenges and their successes.

CCDI Webinar: Unlearning anti-Black racism

Thursday, February 9
2–3 p.m.

The conversation around anti-Black racism has mostly focused on strategies for eliminating racism within organizations and communal settings. However, tools and strategies can only go so far when we have been socially conditioned into anti-Blackness. In this webinar, we will explore how we can unlearn internalized anti-Black racism.

This webinar is presented by The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI).

Saint Mary's Huskies celebrate Black Heritage Month with community events

The Saint Mary's University Department of Athletics is proud to announce its celebration of Black Heritage Month this February, including our 'Black Heritage Day Basketball Doubleheader' on Saturday, February 11.

Throughout the month, Saint Mary's University will be highlighting some of our many incredible Black student-athletes whose impacts and achievements are important pieces of Huskies history, today, and every day.

On February 11, Saint Mary's will showcase a range of cultural events and activities at our women's and men's basketball games against crosstown rival Dalhousie Tigers.

Learn more

Movie night for Black students: Love and Basketball

Wednesday, February 15
Library Classroom
6:30 p.m.

Join us for a screening of the movie Love and Basketball. Hosted in collaboration with the Black Student Coordinator and Patrick Power Library. Snacks provided.

Kemet Udjat: An African Heritage Month film festival

March 13–15
5–8 p.m.
Scotiabank Conference Theatre (SB 201)

Register here 

Join us for three nights of film screenings, discussions and light refreshments. The films will all be shown in person, and the March 14 film will also be available for viewing online. More details to follow.

• Monday, March 13: Le Mythe de la femme noire (2023, 1 hr 34 mins), directed by Ayana O’Shun

• Tuesday, March 14: I Am Not Your Negro (2016, 1 hr 35 mins), directed by Raoul Peck
  (Note: This film will be available to view in person and online.)   

• Wednesday, March 15: Nowhere in Africa (2001, 2 hrs 21 mins), directed by Caroline Link

Presented by Dr. Jean-Blaise Samou, Francophone & Intercultural Studies, with the support of the Office of the Associate Vice-President Diversity & Excellence and the Alliance Française Halifax

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Resources

• Lynn Jones African Canadian & Diaspora Collection

• African Descended/Black Student Support

• African Heritage Month events in Halifax
  
  
  

Shae Demale receives Top 8 Academic All-Canadian award

Shae Demale and Governor General Mary May Simon

Saint Mary’s Huskies women’s hockey forward Shae Demale was honoured recently as a Top 8 Academic All-Canadian for the 2021-22 season by U SPORTS.

 In the 2021-22 academic year, more than 4,900 student-athletes achieved U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status by maintaining an average of 80 percent or higher while competing for one or more of varsity teams and volunteering in their communities.

 From this pool of top athletes, an elite group is chosen from across Canada to make up the Top 8, making this one of the most prestigious recognitions in U SPORTS.

 Shae, now 22 years old, received the award at a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.

 “It was a surprise and honour to be recognized,” said Shae. “I couldn’t have imagined this when I was starting to play, but I knew that there was a lot of opportunity and I worked hard at everything I did. When you do that, it can take you a long way.”

 Shae started her athletic career at a young age in Red Deer, AB, first in ringette before switching to hockey in grade six. She is now a volunteer coach with young players in the Metro West Force Female Hockey Club in Halifax.

 “It’s rewarding to work with young female players,” said Shae. “It’s an important part of sports and especially female sports, to get role models for them—and I love doing it.”

 Shae was the most valuable player in AUS women’s hockey last season, leading the conference with 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists). She has just returned from Lake Placid, New York, where she won a gold medal as a member of Team Canada at the 2023 World University Games.

 As a science student majoring in biology with a minor in psychology, Shae has maintained a perfect 4.30 GPA in the past two years and has earned a spot on the Dean’s List for four academic years.

 In 2020, she received the Saint Mary’s President’s Award for top academic and athletic performance. She is also a four-time U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian, and has won the Dr. John C. O’C. Young Award for having the highest grade in chemistry, along with several other awards from Saint Mary’s for her academic standing and community involvement. She also volunteers in the emergency department at the IWK Health Centre.

 After graduation this spring, she hopes to play in a professional hockey league either in North America or Europe before returning to school to pursue graduate studies in a medical field.

The Governor General's Academic All-Canadian Commendation was founded in 2013 by the Right Honourable David Johnston, former Governor General of Canada, who first honoured Canada's Top 8 student-athletes.

Along with Shae, the other winners were: Alex Carson of Dalhousie, Jade Downie-Landry of McGill University, Jean-Simon Desgagnés of Laval, Raphaël Garcia of Carleton, Kate Current of Western, and Eric Lutz and Rebecca Smith of Calgary were all nominated for their excellence both on and off the field of play. The awards were presented on January 26, 2023.

Dr. Danika van Proosdij recognized for excellence in environmental research

Dr. Danika van Proosdij at Winter Convocation

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce that Dr. Danika van Proosdij was honoured with a President’s Award for Excellence in Research for her innovative work on the effects of climate change on the environment. The award was presented recently during the Winter 2023 convocation at Saint Mary’s University.

An international leader in her field and an established pioneer in the implementation of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation, Dr. Danika van Proosdij has dedicated almost three decades to finding and promoting solutions to prevent coastal erosion and flooding. In the past six years, Dr. van Proosdij has received $15.8M in direct research funding from federal and international agencies.

“Time and again Dr. van Proosdij has proven to be a tremendous innovator in her field, and her prolific success in publishing and securing funding from federal agencies is recognition of the value of her work,” said Dr. Adam Sarty, Associate Vice-President, Research and Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at Saint Mary’s.

“Her research on coastal ecosystems will become increasingly beneficial to coastal communities in Nova Scotia and potentially around the world as climate change necessitates new solutions. We are proud of the advancements she is making in this field, and that she is leading the next generation of researchers and environmental specialists.”

Dr. van Proosdij’s ability to embrace challenges from the individual through to the global scale is ultimately what sets her apart. Her work is collaborative, cross-disciplinary and transboundary between biophysical and social sciences; her efforts to address the effects of climate change on ecosystems and ultimately human systems will have a vital impact on the ecosystem in Nova Scotia and beyond.

“I’m proud of the results of decades of collaboration with provincial and federal governments and restoration industry leaders such as CB Wetlands Environmental Specialists have made a real impacton the protection of coastal ecosystems,” said Dr. van Proosdij. “I’m also gratified that this research and teaching is building capacity in the region, so that so much of this work can be done increasingly by trained people in our community.”

“We’re always happy to collaborate with others on restoration and rehabilitation of vulnerable areas; these partnerships have proven to be greater than the sum of their parts and lead to advanced knowledge in this field.”

It has been an especially successful year for Dr. van Proosdij; in the fall of 2022 she was elected as a new Fellow of The Royal Society of Canada and received the award at a ceremony in Calgary. Elected by their peers, the 102 new Fellows were chosen for their outstanding scholarly, scientific and artistic achievements. Founded in 1882, the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) recognizes excellence, advises the government and the larger society, and promotes a culture of knowledge and innovation in Canada and with other national academies around the world. She was also a finalist for a Discovery Award in the Professional of Distinction category.

As the Director of the TransCoastal Adaptations Centre for Nature-Based Solutions, Dr. van Proosdij has been engaged in understanding how the biophysical processes of coastal ecosystems respond to natural and anthropogenic drivers of change. As a leading expert in coastal geomorphology, she merges field studies of sediment transport and hydrodynamics with GIS and geo-visualizing technologies to assess and enhance the resilience of coastal systems.  This knowledge is then applied to the implementation of nature-based solutions on the ground.  She has also served as a scientific advisor to federal and provincial governments.

Dr. van Proosdij earned her PhD in Biophysical Processes and Environmental Analysis from the University of Guelph in 2001 and has been a professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Saint Mary’s since 1999. With a willingness to generously share her knowledge, she has provided a stimulating training environment for 136 highly qualified personal, from undergraduate to postgraduate levels. She has co-authored more than 42 papers and 105 technical reports, and has given 200+ presentations around the world.

The President's Award for Excellence in Research honours continued exceptional contributions to research and scholarship conducted by a full-time Saint Mary's University faculty member. More information can be found at smu.ca/fgsr/presidents-award.

Meet your Valedictorians: Bernadine Inah Baual BComm’23 and Kapil Sahni MTEI’23, Sobey School of Business

Graduates from the Sobey School of Business leave with not only a degree, but with untold memories, skills and dreams for the future. Our winter valedictorians, Bernadine Inah Baual and Kapil Sahni, both exemplify the spirit of the Sobey School. Before they both cross the stage and accept their degrees, we sat down with them to ask a few questions.

Bernadine Inah Baual

Bernadine Inah Baual

Bernadine, originally from the Philippines, moved to Canada in 2017 and calls New Glasgow home. She is graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting.

During her time as a student, Bernadine was a Teaching Assistant for Spirituality and Work, supporting the professor in the overall teaching and learning experience of the students in the course. She was also the student representative and a member of the Service-Learning Advisory Committee (SLAC), which discusses Service Learning and its approaches in the university, student engagement and community partnerships to encourage students and support them in attaining additional learning outside of the classroom.

Preferred name: Bernadine
Graduation date: January 28, 2023
Program: Bachelor of Commerce, Major in Accounting

What has been your favourite class?

I’ve loved my Financial Accounting courses, specifically Introductory Financial Accounting and Intermediate Financial Accounting. Introductory Financial Accounting was the course that made me confirm that I really want to take Accounting as a major, and I loved the challenge of Intermediate Financial Accounting – it was hard, but fulfilling!

Are there any awards you’ve won or achievements you’d like to share?
I’ve been a consistent Dean’s Lister through my entire degree.

What are your future educational plans?
I plan to get my CPA designation. After that, I’m not sure yet!

What is your favourite spot at SMU?

The second floor of the library. I love how quiet it is there, it is the place where I really finished a lot of schoolwork and studies!

Do you have any advice for students starting at SMU?

Do not be afraid to explore new things. Unforeseen circumstances contain the lessons that we need in life. Going into university and getting your degree will be a hard and challenging journey, but I want you to know that it will all be worth it in the end just trust yourself and never give up on those dreams.

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 Kapil Sahni

 Kapil Sahni

 Kapil Sahni moved to Canada from New Delhi, India, and is confident, curious, self-driven and kind-hearted. During his two years at Saint Mary’s pursuing his Master of Technology Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Kapil was actively involved in campus life, volunteered for the International Student Career & Employability program, as well as co-founding the Working Women Network to enhance the employability of women professionals across Canada, aiming to bridge the gender diversity gaps in the corporate world. He has also held the roles of a teaching assistant and research technician at SMU.

Preferred Name: Kapil
Graduation Date: January 27, 2023
Program: Master of Technology Entrepreneurship & Innovation (MTEI)
Previous Degrees: MBA, BBS

 Why did the MTEI program appeal to you?

MTEI helps individuals become independent and channel their creativity into creating something of their own in this competitive world. My long-term career goal of establishing myself as an entrepreneur in today’s digital world could only be fulfilled by a comprehensive program curriculum of MTEI.

What, in your mind, are the most valuable skills/experiences that the MTEI program provided you with?

The program’s curriculum of entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation enhanced my analytical and problem-solving skills, which has enabled me to solve daily life problems. Diving deep into technology and modern-age digital practices helped create a robust foundation for my entrepreneurial journey.

Do you have successes you’d like to share or difficulties you were able to overcome?

Prior to joining the MTEI program, I did not have the entrepreneurial tools and techniques I needed, which was a bottleneck to my long-term career growth. With the right amalgamation of technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation-oriented curriculum along with industry-led training, I feel I can now make headway into the start-up arena. In fact, the support provided by the MTEI professors and the SMUEC officials helped me to scale my start-up quicker than expected in a short time span.

What are your future plans?

My future plan is to establish my entrepreneurial venture in the North American market commercially. As I seeded Canada’s first women-focused, AI-powered talent management platform – Working Women Network – during the MTEI program, getting early recognition with the prestigious VOLTA and Mitacs scholarship now propels me to take it to the market in the coming years.

Do you have any advice for incoming students?

The MTEI program instructs students about the multifarious business models one can pick from and customize them to suit their business idea most appropriately. The program’s holistic learning approach ranges from learning the theoretical concepts about the fundamentals of business to growing as an individual from all perspectives. It teaches real-world skills and prepares its undertakers to use their imagination to ward off any challenge that the future might throw at them as aspiring entrepreneurs.

Graduate Profile: Souvik Sinha MFin’22, Sobey School of Business

Souvik Sinha

This past September was supposed to be a time of celebration for Souvik Sinha. He had completed the Master of Finance (MFin) program at the Sobey School of Business and was set to convocate. However, Hurricane Fiona’s province-wide destruction cancelled those plans – until now. Before he walks across the stage in this special-edition Fall convocation, Souvik sat down with us and reflected on his journey through the MFin program.

Preferred Name: Souvik

Home Country: India

Graduation Date: Fall 2022 (Convocation January 2023)

Previous Degrees: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), specialized in Finance, from International School of Business and Media, Pune, India

Why did the MFin program appeal to you?

The MFin program of Sobey School of Business is an accelerated, one-year program which comprises of multiple in-depth Finance courses, a corporate tour to Toronto and assistance for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) examination. The school is in the prime location of Halifax, which is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada while being easier to live in than other major centers, such as Toronto and Vancouver. The school ranking in Canada is impressive and the class cohort is small, which enables us to interact with Professor seamlessly. For these reasons, I chose to study at the Sobey School.

What, in your mind, are the most valuable skills/experiences that the MFin program provided you with?

The MFIN program at Saint Mary’s University provided a unique opportunity to navigate the financial markets of Canada. It created a platform to interact with employers, associates and alumni, and attend career fairs. The intense coursework helped us to enrich our finance knowledge, and graduate career services and the writing center provided professional development.

Do you have successes you’d like to share, or difficulties you were able to overcome, during your time in the program?

The program was fast-paced and I experienced significant successes which would not have been possible if I had not enrolled in the program. Some highlights for me were:

• Participation in Ethics Challenge conducted by CFA Society Atlantic Canada

• Participation in Halifax Innovation Challenge conducted by RBC and IBM

• Executives roles in different student societies:

  • President of the Saint Mary’s Investment Society

  • Vice President Public Relations, Toastmaster’s Club at SMU

  • Co-chair, Graduate Advisory Committee by SMUSA

In regards to difficulties, I experienced a few health setbacks including being sick with covid and breaking my elbow in an accident. These were tough times, however SMU supported me taking a short time off for recovery.

What have you been doing since graduating back in September?

After graduating, I started working as a Business Analyst at RBC Capital Markets, Halifax.

I am working on Portfolio and Change Management team of RBC Capital Markets.

What are your future plans?

I would like to continue working with RBC Capital Markets, learning and growing within the organisation. In addition, I would also continue my CFA education.

I also love to travel, and I would like to visit most of the Canadian provinces in coming years.

Do you have any advice for incoming students?

Saint Mary’s University has lot of resources, utilizing those will be highly rewarding for future.

Interact, learn, and share with all your professors and classmates. Communicate with other students in your program. Join a student society and participate. Attend employers-driven online or offline programs. Be curious! Enjoy the lovely people and beautiful city of Halifax.

Thank you Souvik for your time, and we hope you have an incredible convocation!