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.

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.

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.

Meet your Valedictorian: Laura Eamon BComm'23

Laura Eamon BComm’23

At 17, Laura Eamon jumped at the chance to attend university halfway across the country from where her family lived. After experiencing personal challenges with alcoholism, she struggled to complete the first year of her studies. 

In 2012, she returned to Nova Scotia. After getting sober, completing a diploma at NSCC and working at Nova Scotia Health, she decided to attend university while staying close to her incredible and supportive family.

After hearing about a close friend’s experiences at Saint Mary’s University, she decided to apply, and the rest is history.

During her Bachelor of Commerce journey at the Sobey School of Business, Laura received many awards and recognitions, including the Elaine Leventhal Bursary, the SSHRC Explore Undergraduate Summer Research Award, the Daughters of the Vote Delegate, the Handyside Ethical and Social Responsibility Award, the Canadian Conservation Corps Participant and the Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies. Laura is also a member of the Sobey Scholars Network, a network that includes all current and past scholarship recipients, alumni, chair holders, named professors and post-doctoral fellows who have been the recipients of philanthropic financial support from the Sobey family, The Sobey Foundation, Sobeys Inc. and Empire Company Limited.

Q&A with Laura Eamon

Where is your hometown?: Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia.

What’s your major?: I’m graduating with a major in Economics with a Co-op Distinction.

What activities were you involved with at Saint Mary’s?: I was Treasurer with Saint Mary’s University Environmental Society for one year.

What was your favourite class?: I enjoyed all the math classes I took because working through long problems with multiple steps and a correct answer at the end is very satisfying. I found it interesting learning about Atlantic Canada’s recent history, and I loved learning how economics can be used in any industry and in any country to explore why things happen the way they do.

What’s your favourite space on campus?: Probably everyone’s favourite space on campus is the Atrium with the living wall and the library with the incredible floor-to-ceiling windows. That’s where it feels most like the traditional university experience.

Which instructor had the biggest impact on you?: Professor Tiffany Vu was always an incredibly thoughtful, engaging teacher throughout my time at Saint Mary’s. She is kind, strong, and making waves in her field. She believed in me, let me explore my thoughts in class, asked me to come on as a teaching assistant and worked with me to get the SSHRC Explore Undergraduate Summer Research award and Frank H. Sobey Excellence in Business Studies award.

What advice would you give to your younger self?: You’re never too old or too invested to start over, be a beginner, and change your mind. Stay organized, and always ask for help.

Who inspires you?: The main reason I’m walking across the stage to get my degree is my family: my husband, my two stepdaughters, and my mum. I couldn’t have done any of this without their support and sacrifices. I wish my dad was here to see me as the first in our family to graduate from university. I speak publicly about my experiences and alcohol use because of him.

Do you volunteer in the community?: I volunteer with the Sackville Rivers Association as the social media coordinator.

What are your future goals?: I hope for a bright future filled with local adventures and happy experiences with my family. I hope for slow days of joy and quick days of pain. I want to work with a team of open-minded, caring individuals for an organization making a positive impact on the planet and its people. I hope I respect my values of variety, well-being, and sustainability.

Spring Convocation takes place May 17-19, 2023. Watch the ceremonies live at smu.ca/graduation or on our Facebook page.

Bob Dawson, leader in the fight against racism, to receive an honorary doctorate

Saint Mary’s University will recognize Bob Dawson BA’71 with an honorary doctorate in Civil Law at the 2023 Spring Convocation, celebrating his leadership in fighting racism both on and off the ice. While attending Saint Mary’s University in 1967, Dawson became the first Black athlete to play in the former Atlantic Intercollegiate Hockey League where he was often the target of verbal and physical abuse.

In 1970, he became a member of the first all-Black line in Canadian university hockey, which included Darrell Maxwell and Percy Paris. His commitment to fighting racism did not end when he left university but continues to the present day.

Bob Dawson and teammates recognized as the first all-Black line at SMU Homecoming in 2017

After completing his Masters in Social Work in 1973 at Dalhousie University, Dawson joined the Public Service of Canada in Halifax and later moved to Ottawa in 1980 where he worked for 37-years in human resources management and received several awards for contributions to employment equity and diversity. 

“We are very pleased to honour Bob Dawson,” says Saint Mary’s University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “He has carried his commitment to fight racism beyond the hockey arena and into the wider Canadian society. He shows us what it means to be a leader and live by values that will inspire others, especially future generations.”

As a member of the Ottawa-Carleton Area Police Community Council, Dawson helped develop a community action strategy to prevent, manage and resolve critical incidents involving the police and communities of colour. While with the National Capital Alliance on Race Relations, he established and implemented the “Police-Minority Youth Program”, a community-based initiative to improve relations between the police and youth and was recognized with a Civilian Citation in 1992 and Community Service Award in 1993 from the Police Services Boards for the cities of Gloucester and Ottawa. 

Over the years, Dawson has worked with numerous community organizations and universities to organize events and conferences to address racism in hockey. One of his proudest moments came when his request to Canada Post for a stamp to commemorate the “125th anniversary of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes (CHLM)” was approved and issued on January 24, 2020. He is currently working with the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa to create an archival collection on the CHLM. Since February 2021, Dawson has been working with students and staff at the R.I.S.E. Academy on hockey-related initiatives, which included an anti-racism campaign entitled “Blow The Whistle on Racism”.

Dawson played for the SMU Huskies from 1967-1971

An accomplished sportswriter and historian, Dawson writes extensively on Blacks in various sports, especially hockey. On January 25, 2015, he received from Black History Ottawa the John G. Dennison Award for excellence in the study, preservation, and promotion of Canadian Black history and culture. In 2022, The Hockey News recognized him as one of the Social Change Advocates Making An Impact for his work in the areas of anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion.

On February 22, 2022, the NHL’s Ottawa Senators presented Dawson with a Senators’ jersey in appreciation for his contributions to growing the game of hockey in Ottawa. At the Carnegie Initiative Summit in January 2023 in Toronto, he was presented with the Carnegie Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to challenging the status quo to make hockey more inclusive.

In recent years, Dawson has returned to his alma mater to reunite with teammates and to host conferences devoted to ending racism and promoting equity and inclusion for Black athletes.

“Bob has been a lifelong ambassador of Saint Mary’s University as an athlete, a scholar, and a professional and he has dedicated his life to Black inclusion in Nova Scotia and beyond,” says Dr. Cheryl MacDonald, Associate Director of Outreach and Instructor, Centre for the Study of Sport & Health. “His intellectual and practical contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion in hockey specifically have informed my own work as a sport scholar. I consider it a privilege to have been asked to deliver the citation for his honorary degree at the graduation ceremony in May.”

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.

---

 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!

Graduate Profile: Shubhra Singh MTEI’23, Sobey School of Business

Shubhra Singh

Shubhra Singh came to the Master of Technology Entrepreneurship & Innovation (MTEI) program with a business idea: a network that addresses the challenges of women in the workforce. With the guidance and support of MTEI professors and SMUEC, Shubhra’s start-up idea became a prestigiously-funded reality called WWN Technologies. Before she walks across the stage during convocation, Shubhra sat down and answered some questions about both her journey through MTEI and her business.

Preferred Name: Shubhra

Hometown: New Delhi, India

Graduation Date: 27 of January, 2023

Why did the MTEI program appeal to you?

As a woman in tech with lots of experience in building start-ups from the ground up, I always wanted to start my own tech business. I was accepted into various entrepreneurship programs across Canada, however the MTEI program from Saint Mary’s university had a very practical approach. I decided that the tools and resourceful ecosystem of the program would be very helpful to me as a budding entrepreneur.

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

MTEI provided me with resources and an ecosystem that kept the fire burning in my belly to embark my entrepreneurial journey. The entire program curriculum is well structured, which helps you to learn practical applicability of everything that a start-up needs. The best part is all the professors and even the dean, Dr. Harjeet Bhabra, are more than willing to help you. The SMU Entrepreneurship center also has wonderful mentors that keep pushing you to achieve.

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

During my stint at MTEI I founded my company WWN Technologies, which is Canada’s first AI based SAAS platform for women job seekers that will help companies to achieve their diversity targets. With the ecosystem MTEI provided me and mentors like Dr. Ellen Farrel, Dr. Claudia de Fuentes, Michael and Jason, the company is a VOLTA resident company, which is the biggest accelerator in Atlantic Canada. The company is able to get decent pre-seed funding.

What are your future plans?

As a woman entrepreneur, I want to grow my company and make it the biggest SAAS platform for diversity hiring in North America. I want to give back to society.

Do you have any advice for incoming students?

As a student myself, I understand we deviate from our goals and the journey of an entrepreneur is tough. However, you are at the right place – all you need to do is ask for help from your professors and SMUEC, and keep your network intact. Be proactive and believe in your idea!

Thank you Shubhra, we wish you and WWN Technologies all the success – happy convocation!

Meet your Valedictorian: Jaideep Tuli IMTE’23, Faculty of Education

Jaideep Tuli

Delivering a valedictory address comes naturally to Jaideep Tuli, who has been recognized for his motivational speaking work in his home country India. During his time at Saint Mary’s, Jaideep was vice-president of the university’s Halifax Toastmasters chapter. He feels quite at home in the spotlight whether he’s making speeches, reciting poetry, acting in theatre productions…or teaching a new language to students.

Jaideep is graduating with an International Master of Teaching English (IMTE) degree. He already manages his own educational institute JD IELTS Classes in his hometown of Karnal, in northern India’s Haryana province. He serves as a board member for the Dartmouth Learning Network and Halifax Theatre for Young People, and has volunteered with other local arts organizations such as FIN Atlantic International Film Festival. On campus, he volunteered with SMUSA’s Graduate Advisory Committee and The Language Centre, where he’s now working casually.

Amid his many talents and interests, poetry is his first love. He believes in the power of words to “live in the hearts of people while bringing love, joy, positivity and smiles to the world,” he says. Recognized as ‘Best Youth’ by the Indian Red Cross Society, he has received numerous awards and accolades for his poetry, writing, acting, public speaking and social activism.

Have you always spoken English yourself? No. I spoke Hindi at my school and I spoke Punjabi at my home and did a certificate course in Urdu language. I've learned English on my own by writing blogs and by reading, talking to people and just out of curiosity, by watching interviews.

Did you always want to be a language teacher? No, teaching came by accident to me, though my parents are teachers. My mother worked as a principal for 22 years at a charitable school and my father worked as a physical instructor. When I was a child I said, “No, I don't want to be a teacher.” I used to say I'll become a blogger or an actor, even an army officer.

Why did you choose to come to Halifax for our IMTE program? For me, the name Saint Mary’s was fascinating. I've been surrounded by spiritual people all my life so the word ‘Saint’ really caught my eye. Back home in India, I did my bachelor’s degrees in computer science and education, then fortunately got a job teaching English. I realized this is something I really want to do, and wanted some formal education for that. When I looked into the IMTE program at Saint Mary’s, it was exactly what I wanted. When I came here, it was even more than what I expected.

What have you gained through the IMTE program? I've learned so much from each of the instructors. I've learned how to listen effectively, how to be kind to your students and how to be receptive to different cultural considerations. I've learned how to make a lesson student-centered and how to be flexible in the classroom. And how to help international students be confident, even if they are just starting to learn English.

Do you have a favourite memory of your time at Saint Mary’s? One of my first times on campus, there was an event happening (Mawio’mi) that I wanted to explore. Mi’kmaq students were there with music and wearing costumes. I was wearing my turban so I looked totally different from all the people there. They were dancing and so I danced with them. They welcomed me in such a nice way. I love to try new experiences and learn new stories of life from different people.

What are you planning to do next? I’m applying to be a mentor with the EduNova Study and Stay™ program, so I'm looking forward to that. I'll keep doing more volunteer work and teaching English too. I’m always working on my @StraightFromHeart channel on YouTube, uploading my poetry videos. I hope to do some auditions for acting and I dream of writing a book too. Life is about telling stories and listening to stories in one way or another. Everything is a story. If you see carefully, there are stories all around you.

Watch Jaideep’s valedictory speech on January 27 at 7 p.m. via the convocation live stream. ·