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Saint Mary's team has impressive finish at Enactus World Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan

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The Saint Mary’s University Enactus team has returned home, buoyed by the thrill of placing in the top 16 in the world, with an exceptional performance at the prestigious Enactus World Cup, held October 2-4 in Astana, Kazakhstan.  

The team's journey to the World Cup began in May 2024, when the Enactus Saint Mary’s team secured the Enactus National Championship title against 49 Canadian post-secondary institutions. This victory propelled them, for the first time in SMU history, to the world's premier stage for student-led business innovation and social impact.  

Facing fierce competition with pioneering solutions 

This year, the Cup brought together teams from 29 countries. The competition was fierce, with talented teams from Germany, Morocco, Republic of Korea and Tunisia, vying for the top prize. While Tunisia ultimately secured the top spot, Enactus Saint Mary's distinguished themselves with their innovative projects, Plastarch and Square Roots, and dedication to social good. Square Roots tackles the twin issues of food waste and food insecurity by rescuing "imperfect" produce that would otherwise be discarded and offering it at affordable prices, and Plastarch is a pioneering enterprise to develop a sustainable bioplastic alternative for food packaging and utensils crafted from an unlikely source—discarded potatoes.  

Co-Presidents of Enactus Saint Mary's, Courtney Dingle and Gabe Martin say," To highlight a specific moment from the 2024 Enactus World Cup that was impactful to our team we would point to the cultural fair that happened before the opening ceremonies. Getting to share local snacks, play field hockey sticks with the other teams, and share our Canadian pride was an amazing experience. Being at an Enactus competition is always such a collaborative experience and that was equally true at the 2024 Enactus World Cup. Meeting teams from across the world and feeling supported by them meant so much to everyone on our team, and it was magical to be able to support students from other countries as well. The 2024 Enactus World Cup was an amazing experience for our team, to get to showcase our work on the global stage and get feedback from such diverse perspectives is something we really value. We are so grateful for all of the support we have had to get to this point and are so proud of every member of our team for their dedication and for the work they have put in to reach this level." 

Courtney Dingle

Gabe Martin

In addition to placing in the top 16 in the World Cup, a team of two Enactus Saint Mary’s team members, Aneesa Hussain and Ashish Ganapathy, and Hannah Meagher from Dalhousie placed second in the Bentley—iTwin4Good Challenge held at the Enactus World Cup with a $2,000 USD prize. Their innovative project, Accesstructure, showcased their commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Accesstructure is platform that automates accessibility audits of campus facilities, identifying non-compliance issues across various legislation and standards. The groundbreaking tool ensures that campus environments are inclusive and welcoming for all students, staff and visitors.  

The Accesstructure team reflects the experience saying, “Our biggest takeaway from the competition was the cultural exchange that took place not only during the cultural exhibition but throughout the remainder of the competition and afterward too. Meeting people from different continents, and sharing food, games, and music amongst ourselves helped us broaden our horizons and gain a richer perspective. Another highlight was participating in the iTwin4Good challenge at the Enactus World Cup, where we had the opportunity to present innovative solutions that address social and environmental issues through technology. This challenge reinforced the importance of creating lasting impact and reminded us that, regardless of the differences in our cultures or backgrounds, we all share a common goal: to build a better, more inclusive future. The connections we made and the ideas exchanged throughout the competition will continue to inspire us as we work towards making a meaningful difference in our communities.” 

“We are so proud of the hard work and everything that the teams have accomplished this year. Square Roots, Plastarch and Accesstructure are leading examples of Enactus project success, the impact students can have on the UN SDG goals, and how a social enterprise can continue to grow, evolve and support sustainability in the community and beyond,” said Catherine Fowler, President and CEO of Enactus Canada. 

From Halifax to Astana: a once-in-a-lifetime journey  

The journey to the Enactus World Cup was an adventure in itself. Astana, with its futuristic architecture and vibrant culture, provided a stunning backdrop for the competition. 

The team ventured beyond the competition, immersing themselves in Kazakh culture. They engaged with local people, visited iconic architectures, savoured traditional cuisine such as beshbarmak and shashlyk. This cultural exchange fostered understanding and appreciation. 

A visit to the Canadian Embassy in Astana further strengthened their connection with the global Canadian community. They met with embassy officials, discussing the importance of their work and the opportunities and challenges faced by Canadians abroad. 

Almost recovered from intense preparation and competition, a long transcontinental journey and significant time change, the Enactus Saint Mary’s team is already talking about the path to the next National and International championships. 

Join the Enactus Saint Mary's Team! 

Are you a passionate student looking to make a difference? The Enactus Saint Mary's team is comprised of 80 dedicated students from diverse backgrounds, all united by a passion for creating positive change, and is always looking for new members to join its ranks.  If you are interested in joining a dynamic team that tackles real-world challenges, visit their website to learn more about getting involved. 

About Enactus 

Enactus is a global nonprofit organization that empowers students to use entrepreneurial action to address social and environmental challenges. Enactus chapters around the world work together to develop and implement innovative projects that create positive change. Through Enactus, students gain valuable skills in leadership, teamwork and entrepreneurship, while also making a meaningful impact on their communities. 

Enactus can be followed @enactus. To learn more, visit enactus.org.


Saint Mary's ranked one of Canada’s top 3 undergraduate universities

Saint Mary’s has once again earned a spot as one of Canada’s top 3 undergraduate universities.

Saint Mary's University is the third Best Primarily Undergraduate University in the country, according to the 2025 Maclean’s University Rankings. This marks the third year in a row that SMU has achieved this enviable position.

The annual rankings also confirm Saint Mary’s status as the top-ranked primarily undergraduate university in Nova Scotia, and its Sobey School of Business as one of the top 20 business programs in the country.

“I am extremely proud of our consistent placement in the Maclean’s rankings”, says Saint Mary’s University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “One reason for our high standing is that faculty and students alike participate on the front line of real-world research and knowledge creation. We take pride in offering these amazing opportunities to both undergraduate and graduate students in a supportive community where they thrive.”

Located in the heart of Halifax, Saint Mary’s has been a renowned place of learning and scholarship since 1802, encouraging discovery and innovation across a wide range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, sciences and business.

The university is known for its long history of investing in student support; a point made clear in the rankings, with Saint Mary’s taking second place for scholarships and bursaries and tying for second place in student awards.   

Saint Mary’s continues to advance student life on campus. The Sobeys Inspiration Hub, a four-storey, 43,000-square-foot building designed to foster student entrepreneurship and innovation opened in Fall 2023, and the new space for SMU Engineering, a 28,000-square-foot building with specially designed labs and project rooms, opened in Fall, 2024.  

The university’s research activity and calibre are also gaining recognition, with Saint Mary’s ranking fourth in medical/science grants and fifth in total research dollars. Saint Mary’s is now Nova Scotia's second-largest research university by research income.

Saint Mary’s is also listed as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities; in the undergraduate institution category, we ranked 1st in Atlantic Canada and 16th in the country. 


Interested in seeing what Saint Mary’s can offer?

Attend our Open House on October 26, 2024! Visit the Future Students page for more information.



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Saint Mary’s student recognized for academic achievements & deaf community contributions

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Emi Morse, a first-year student, received the Honourable David C. Onley Scholarship Award from Canadian Hearing Services

Emi Morse may only be a few weeks into her academic career at Saint Mary’s, but she’s already making a name for herself. Entering the first year of her undergraduate program, Emi arrived at Saint Mary’s with big ambitions that begin with the Bachelor of Science program, focusing in Psychology, and will conclude with her eventually gaining a Masters in Audiology and becoming a Cochlear Implant Audiologist.

It's a very specific career path that stems from Emi’s own experience as a deaf individual with bilateral cochlear implants. Born without hair cells in her cochlea due to a genetic condition called Pendred Syndrome, Emi experienced total deafness from birth. Hair cells are essential for hearing, as they respond to sound frequencies and send electrical signals through the auditory nerve to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound. Without these hair cells, Emi was unable to hear naturally. As a toddler, it was challenging for Emi to get a proper diagnosis as doctors chalked her symptoms up to slow development.

With her mom advocating for her, Emi was finally able to get a proper diagnosis and had implants surgically inserted into both cochlea. These implants stimulate the auditory nerve, mimicking cochlear hair cells with electrodes. This allows some auditory receptions to transmit to her brain through her external processor, which captures sound through a microphone and transmits it to the electrodes implanted on the cochlea.

Emi and her family learned American Sign Language (ASL) and Emi was connected with the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Association (APSEA), which provided significant support and guidance during her school years. Through APSEA, Emi was able to learn about assistive technology devices that supported her cochlear implants, was connected with ASL interpreters to help translate verbal class materials and was guided on how to navigate school as a deaf individual.

It was her experience with APSEA that compelled Emi to give back to her community, driving her to become a mentor for families and young children going through similar experiences. "Growing up, I experienced a lot of discrimination from hearing individuals, teachers and medical professionals,” recalls Emi. “I didn’t feel supported the way I needed to be and felt like it was just assumed that I wouldn’t be able to achieve certain ideas of success. I wanted to prove that deaf people can be successful and they deserve recognition and respect.” Emi elaborates that her experience with APSEA motivated her to give back to those in similar situations and to raise awareness about deaf culture and the resilience and tenacity of deaf individuals.

Emi was shocked to learn that her passion for giving back had resulted in her being named the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Honourable David C. Onley Scholarship Award from Canadian Hearing Services. “Being a deaf person in a hearing world and being the only deaf person in my small town felt so tough and isolating,” describes Emi. “I had to work harder than everyone else just to get to the same level my peers were at. I’m living in a world that is not accessible, where I was expected not to succeed, but I worked so hard and I am so proud of what I have achieved.” The national scholarship is awarded annually to an individual who demonstrates outstanding academic achievements, resilience and dedication as a leader in accessibility and in the deaf community.

Leaving her small town to move into residence and start her post-secondary education at Saint Mary’s was a world of welcome change for Emi. “It’s been really fun,” signs Emi. “I’ve met so many people here in the dorm and during the Welcome Weeks events like the paint night and BINGO. Everyone is really nice and they’ve been really open to learning how to include me in verbal conversations.”

After facing discrimination throughout her educational journey, Emi was unsure what to expect from a post-secondary institution. “I chose Saint Mary’s because of its appealing support options and interpreting services,” notes Emi. “The Fred Smithers Centre had a lot of great accommodations that I needed, like the Digital Modulation (DM) systems that transmit primary audio directly to my cochlear implants and the GLEAN captioning software to help with notetaking.”

It may only be a few weeks into the Fall Term, but Emi has already settled into the groove at Saint Mary’s. Her excitement builds as she describes how she’ll be learning about the brain, how hearing people perceive the brain, and how things like neurons and receptors are fired. “I love the smaller classroom sizes at SMU,” describes Emi. “The professors have mostly been really nice and accepting of my accommodation requirements, ensuring my interpreters and I have everything needed for class lectures.”

When asked about her advice to future generations of deaf individuals, her ASL interpreters relay her message, while her fiery passion speaks volumes regardless of the language barrier. “Deaf people can do anything,” affirms Emi. “Don’t allow other people to make decisions about you. In those moments when it feels impossible, remember that if you do the work, you can do anything.”

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Celebrating Mi'kmaq History Month

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The 2024 poster highlights food and its significance in Mi’kmaw culture.

October is Mi’kmaq History Month, a time to celebrate and learn about Mi’kmaq culture and heritage.

This year, the theme is Mijipjewey Na Mawa’luksi’k (Food Gathers Us Together). The 2024 poster highlights the integral role of food in the Mi’kmaq culture: not just as a source of nourishment and comfort but as a key part of Mi’kmaq ceremonies, medicines and resiliency. Concepts around the stewardship of food sources and the generous sharing of resources are also highlighted.

Visit mikmaqhistorymonth.com to view a short video that further explores the theme.

Saint Mary's University acknowledges that the university is located on the traditional land of the Mi’kmaq Nation. This territory is covered by the "Treaties of Peace and Friendship" which Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1725.

Events

Sisters in Spirit: Honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People

Thursday, October 3, 2024
12:30-2:30 p.m.
Loyola Private Dining Room (LA298)

Join the Indigenous Student Advisor and the Sexual Violence Support Centre in advance of the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People. The event will include guest speaker, Chief Annie Bernard-Daisley of of We'koqma'q, who made history as Cape Breton First Nations first female chief. Chief Annie has been a strong advocate locally, provincially, and federally, speaking to both the provincial and federal governments on matters related to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Following Chief Annie’s talk there will be a beading workshop, with supplies provided.

All are welcome.

Resources and related links:

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Campus Reflection Walk in Honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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Members of the SMU community gather for a special song and smudge ceremony led by Professor Raymond Sewell before the Campus Reflection Walk.

On Thursday, September 26, members of the Saint Mary’s community gathered on the Quad for a Campus Reflection Walk in advance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This important event brought students, faculty and staff together to honour Indigenous communities, show gratitude for the land we are privileged to live, work and study on, and reflect on our collective role in reconciliation. 

Tom Brophy, Associate Vice President, Student Affairs and Services, welcomed more than 50 participants on the campus Quad. He took a moment to offer a thoughtful land acknowledgment, recognizing Mi’kma’ki as the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq people. Brophy emphasized that the Mi’kmaq people are not only the original inhabitants of this region but also its long-standing stewards, caring for Mother Earth for countless generations.  

President Summerby-Murray (second from right) joined faculty, staff and students for the walk and to discuss truth and reconciliation.

The event began with a meaningful prayer and song led by Professor Raymond Sewell, L’nu singer-songwriter and Assistant Professor in the English Language and Literature Department. Participants stood in a circle around Sewell as he performed the song using a turtle shell rattle, symbolizing the Creation story and Turtle Island. Sewell then led a traditional smudging ceremony, inviting everyone to cleanse themselves with the smoke. He shared a reflection on how the sage smoke ties people together like a braid. 

Following the ceremony, participants embarked on a marked path around campus where posters along the walk posed thought-provoking questions. The prompts centered around the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and the Treaties of Peace and Friendship. The walk encouraged reflection on the histories of Mi’kmaq people and on our responsibilities as Treaty people. Some fell into quiet contemplation, while others engaged in meaningful discussions about the ways the University and the Saint Mary’s community can actively support the ongoing journey toward understanding, healing and reconciliation. 

“Taking the time to participate in this reflective walk and to acknowledge the histories and treatment of Indigenous people is a crucial step in our journey toward understanding and honouring the truths of our history,” notes President Summerby-Murray. “The meaningful dialogue that stemmed from these important questions helps us continue to move forward in building a more inclusive campus and learning environment for all.” 

As we head into October, Saint Mary’s has organized a number of initiatives around Truth and Reconciliation, Treaty Day and National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People. To learn more about what’s coming up visit SMU News.

Saint Mary’s Huskies to host 2026 U SPORTS men’s hockey championship

Source: USports.ca

The Saint Mary's University Huskies are proud to announce their selection as host of the 2026 U SPORTS men's hockey national championship.

The University Cup championship will be held from March 19–22, 2026. The prestigious event will return to the historic Scotiabank Centre for the first time since 2020 – when the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2026 University Cup will be the first of four prestigious U SPORTS National Championships to be held at the Scotiabank Centre over the next four years, marking a new chapter for university sports in Canada.

  • 2026 University Cup (Host: Saint Mary's University)

  • 2027 Women's Basketball Final 8 (Host: Acadia University)

  • 2027 Men's Basketball Final 8 (Host: Dalhousie University)

  • 2028 Women's Hockey Championship (Host: STFX University)

"Saint Mary's University is proud to be a part of this tremendous collaborative initiative to host upcoming U SPORTS Championships in Halifax," said Scott Gray, Saint Mary's University Director of Athletics & Recreation. "We are incredibly excited to host the 2026 University Cup and welcome the top U SPORTS Men's Hockey teams to the Scotiabank Centre. Time and time again, Halifax has proven that we support University Athletics and hockey like nowhere else in the country, and we are thrilled to welcome hockey fans from across Canada and showcase our renowned East Coast hospitality. " 

Enactus students count down to the World Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan

Gabe Martin

Gabe Martin is Co-President and a lead presenter for Enactus Saint Mary's at the Enactus World Cup. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Entrepreneurship and a minor in Political Science. As an active member of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, he credits the Centre with “helping him find out what he was good at and get better at it.”

We asked Gabe to share with the SMU Community what the team has been working on for the upcoming Enactus World Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Last May, Enactus Saint Mary’s competed against 49 schools from across Canada at the Enactus Canada National Exposition in Toronto. For the first time in the team's 20-year history, Saint Mary’s was named Canadian national champions. The team will represent Canada in Astana, Kazakhstan, from October 2 to 4, competing against 29 teams around the world.

Enactus presenters share their presentation at the university’s send-off celebration on September 24

As our team prepares to travel to Kazakhstan, our focus is split on many different tasks, including competition prep, continuing to run our businesses, and helping new members get involved for the upcoming school year. Throughout the team, there is a high level of excitement for both the competition and the other activities that will take place this year. In September, the team provided a market value of $20,000 of food to students and the wider community completely for free!

Once we arrive in Kazakhstan, the team will compete in three rounds before a world champion is named. It is exciting to note that Saint Mary’s University will also represent Canada in the early-stage competition at the World Cup, and two of our team members, along with a student from Dalhousie, will represent Canada in the iTwin4Good challenge. During the competition, you can follow the team’s journey through the Enactus and Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre’s social media channels.

The team has received these opportunities because of the work put in by countless individuals on many businesses. Two of these projects that the team will be highlighting in Kazakhstan are Square Roots and Plastarch. Square Roots is a business focused on addressing the issues of food waste and food insecurity in Canada by purchasing farmers' “seconds” produce and providing it to communities for a 56% discount compared to grocery store prices. Plastarch is developing a bioplastic alternative to restaurant single-use items out of potato starch.

25 Enactus students join together

The Enactus Saint Mary’s team

Representing Canada at the Enactus World Cup is a huge undertaking for the team, but it is an opportunity we could not be more grateful to have. The history of Enactus Saint Mary’s goes back more than 20 years; hundreds of students have come through the program and laid the foundation for this team to be in the position we are today. Enactus makes a lifelong impact on everyone who gets involved. Many students from past years who deserved to have won the national title put us in the position we are in now, so when 22 of our students go to Kazakhstan to represent Enactus Saint Mary’s, it is for every student that was ever a part of the program.

About Enactus

As a global organization, Enactus gives students the opportunity to apply creative problem-solving through entrepreneurship to some of the world's greatest challenges. This is summed up through their value statement: “Young leaders everywhere use innovation and business skills to ensure that all people thrive in a sustainable world.” Enactus Canada is an independent organization under the global brand and consists of 76 post-secondary institutions across the country. It is responsible for organizing and running regional and national-level competitions every year.

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September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation responds to one of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which calls for a day to “honour survivors, their families, and  communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.” 

In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, administrative offices will be closed and there will be no classes or labs on Monday, September 30.

an orange tshirt with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation emblem

September 30 is also known as Orange Shirt Day , which began in 2013 to honour Indigenous children forced to leave their families to attend residential schools.

Orange t-shirts are available for purchase at the Campus Store, with proceeds going to the Mikmawey Debert Cultural Centre. Members of the SMU community are encouraged to wear their orange shirts to campus on Friday, September 27, ahead of the September 30 closure.

Events on campus

Campus Reflection Walk

September 26, 2024
12-1 p.m.
Meet at the O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre

Join Student Affairs and Services Associate Vice-President Tom Brophy for a Campus Reflection Walk as we come together to acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We are honoured to have Professor Raymond Sewell begin the walk with opening remarks and a traditional smudging ceremony. As we walk through campus, you will find posters with prompts for reflection and discussion, encouraging us all to examine our roles and responsibilities as Treaty people.

Orange background with text: Truth and Reconciliation, what does it mean to you?

Reconciliation, what does it mean to you?

September 27, 2024
Loyola Colonnade

Stop by the Loyola Colonnade (across from Tim Horton’s) and share what reconciliation means to you. The Residence Life Multicultural Committee will display input from the SMU community on a display board of mini orange t-shirts.

Sisters in Spirit: Honouring Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People

An image of a red dress with event information in text

Thursday, October 3, 2024
12:30–2:30 p.m.
Loyola Private Dining Hall

Join the Indigenous Student Advisor and the Sexual Violence Support Centre in advance of the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People. The event will include guest speaker Chief Annie Bernard-Daisley of We'koqma'q, who made history as Cape Breton First Nations’ first female chief. Chief Annie has been a strong advocate locally, provincially, and federally, speaking to both the provincial and federal governments on matters related to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Following Chief Annie’s talk, there will be a beading workshop, with supplies provided by the Indigenous Student Advising office.

Community events and resources

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre

A poster with MNFC event details

Monday, September 30
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre, 2021 Brunswick Street, Halifax

 A dedicated day to learn and reflect on the generational harm done to the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis of Turtle Island. People are encouraged to wear orange T-shirts as part of the Indigenous-led grassroots initiative “Every Child Matters”. For more details, follow @mnfc.hfx on Instagram, Facebook or visit mymnfc.com. 

Every One Every Day 
Begin or continue your Reconciliation journey by attending 'Truth & Reconciliation: Every Day Action' sessions throughout the year. Free and open to all, these sessions are offered by Every One Every Day, a Truth and Reconciliation initiative of Wije’winen / Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre. 

See the Fall Program, follow the initiative's blog, and be sure to check out its Reconciliation Resources for more information.

Patrick Power Library

The Patrick Power Library is currently featuring an Indigenous book display on the first floor, across from the Research Help Desk, as well as an Indigenous Heritage Display on loan from the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History. You can also visit the Red Dress display and Indigenous art pieces from Loretta Gould.

The Library has developed a resource collection that includes books and videos related to Truth and Reconciliation. Be sure to also visit their Indigenous Studies Research Guide.

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Manage conflict with science: psychologist Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley offers free training

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Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley

Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley, an organisational psychologist with 20 years of practice, has launched a free training program on conflict management. The program helps participants use science-based tools to understand their own conflict management style and effectively resolve conflicts with colleagues.

“People do their best work when they have psychological safety,” says Dr. Lee-Bagley, who has extensive applied experience and research knowledge on burnout, psychological safety in the workplace, behaviour and organisational change, and wellness leadership.

“When I work with executives, I see that friction between coworkers often gets more intense as you rise up the ranks and the stakes get higher. Now, workers at all levels have evidence-based training to help them manage any conflict and move forward with more trust.”

The program is available for free at impactme.app/courses. ImpACT Me is an app that helps people navigate life’s tough challenges. It offers science-based training on burnout and conflict management, and behaviour-based tools to help training stick.

“We are proud to offer this free science-based conflict resolution program. Organisations stand to save millions through better productivity, labour relations and talent retention,” said Will Pate, CEO of ImpACT Me.

The training program was developed as part of a Saint Mary’s University project to create psychologically safe workplaces.

“We are excited to be able to apply a vast research literature in civility and conflict in the workplace from our researchers to create a training program that offers practical, real-life strategies that can be used in everyday life,” said Dr. Adam Sarty, Associate Vice-President, Research at Saint Mary’s University. “By pairing our knowledge of workplace psychology with the psychology of behaviour change, we can have a lasting and meaningful impact on workplaces.”

The project is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Fund, a grants and contributions program that invests in projects aimed at creating safer workplaces for federally regulated employees.

“A safe and respectful workplace is a fundamental right in Canada. Our government is proud to support initiatives like Saint Mary’s University’s that equip workers and employers with the tools they need to drive positive change and build healthier, more respectful workplaces,” said Minister of Labour and Seniors, Steven MacKinnon.

Carly the Robot, Imagination Station at SMU

Carly the Cat Robot

You might have seen something new prowling the halls around the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

Meet Carly the Cat Robot, named in honour of Carleton, the much-loved late campus cat.

Carly is a groundbreaking service robot designed to assist with tasks and engage and inspire through advanced robotics and AI technology.

Alongside Carly, the Centre is excited to introduce the Imagination Station, a platform showcasing innovative, sustainable technologies and designs to inspire future innovators.

Product offerings change frequently and visitors have a chance to win some of the exciting items on display!

Visit the Imagination Station at the Inspiration Studio (SH212) in the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre to learn how to win!

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Enactus Saint Mary’s is heading to the World Cup!

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An excited team of people hold a trophy and celebrate on stage

Enactus Saint Mary’s at the 2024 National Exposition

The countdown is on…Enactus Saint Mary’s, who won the Enactus National Exposition in May, is headed to Kazakhstan for the World Cup competition from October 2-4!  

Enactus is the largest student leadership organization in the world and strives to solve environmental, social and economic issues through entrepreneurial action. Enactus chapters from around the world work to address global issues and showcase their successes through regional, national and worldwide competitions.   

The Saint Mary’s University team was named the 2024 Enactus National Champions in May 2024 by the country’s largest experiential learning platform, Enactus Canada, and a judging panel comprised of top Canadian CEOs. The Enactus Saint Mary’s team has been building toward this championship, having placed in the top 4 in the National Championships 11 of the last 13 years. “We are immensely proud of the Saint Mary’s Enactus team,” says Robert Summerby-Murray, President of Saint Mary’s University. “These students are passionate change-makers, driven to do business well and for the good of the world.“

The team was recognized for their ability to enable social, environmental and economic impact through entrepreneurial action. Their success stems from a passionate commitment to fostering positive change through two key projects:  

Plastarch

A person holds a potato shaped like a heart

This pioneering business tackles the escalating problem of plastic waste by offering a sustainable alternative for restaurant food packaging and utensils. Their solution lies in an affordable, durable and food-safe bioplastic crafted from an unexpected source—potatoes slated to be discarded. Plastarch not only mitigates plastic pollution but also promotes a circular economy by finding a valuable use for food waste.  

Square Roots

This initiative addresses the twin issues of food waste and food insecurity. At the farm level, 30% of harvested produce is dumped into landfills due to cosmetic imperfections despite being perfectly healthy. Square Roots rescues this "imperfect" produce that would otherwise be discarded, offering it at affordable prices to those with limited access to healthy food. The team recently received a $100,000 investment from the Government of Nova Scotia for expansion, and their goal is to operate in more than 50 locations across Canada and the US by 2026. 

““Enactus Saint Mary’s University is a model of team success and social entrepreneurship. We are proud to have them represent Enactus Canada at the World Cup. From their leadership on Square Roots to their innovative ideas on uses for potato waste and single-use utensils, we are confident the team will be a top competitor amongst the 29 other countries represented at the World Cup.””
— Catherine Fowler, President and CEO of Enactus Canada
Students in their Enactus outfits hold encouraging signs

Enactus team members get ready to cheer on the Saint Mary's presenters at the National Exposition

The team, led by Co-Presidents Gabe Martin and Courtney Dingle, along with Susan MacInnis and Paige Bigelow BComm’24, features 27 students from the Sobey School of Business, Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Science. Twenty-one students will make the trip to the World Cup, along with staff from the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, to pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges. Saint Mary’s is the only university representing Canada in this competition with support from the Saint Mary’s community, Halifax Mayor Mike Savage and Premier Tim Houston BComm’92.

“Representing Canada on the world stage is beyond exciting,” says Courtney Dingle. “We had the opportunity to go to the Enactus World Cup last year, and what an incredible opportunity it was to collaborate and come up with new ideas for the world’s biggest challenges.”

“This year, we are so excited that we can showcase our work to that global audience and find new ways to collaborate to help us scale our impact across the world,” says Gabe Martin. Hear more from Gabe’s perspective in this piece he shared with the SMU community: Enactus students count down to the World Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Enactus Send-Off Celebration

Enactus Saint Mary’s students, program alumni, staff and supporters joined together for a Send-Off Celebration on September 24. Global presenters wowed the crowd with their award-winning presentations. Others, including President Robert Summerby-Murray, shared words of encouragement as the team prepares for the global competition. Below is a photo gallery of the event.

Support Enactus Saint Mary’s 

To ensure that 21 of Enactus Saint Mary’s students can travel to Kazakhstan and continue to develop their groundbreaking projects, we are seeking your generous support. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a significant difference. Let's show the world the incredible talent and innovation that Saint Mary's University has to offer! Support the team

Meet the team

Meet some of the Enactus Saint Mary’s team members who are headed to Kazakhstan in October.

Gabe stands at a microphone

Gabe Martin

Hometown: Ottawa, ON

Program: Entrepreneurship and a minor in Political Science

Team role: Co-President

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Susan smiles while standing outside

Susan MacInnis

Hometown: Sydney, NS

Program: Double degree in Finance and Computing Science

Team role: Outgoing Co-President

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A head shot of Jonzel

Jonzel Robichaud-Lorde

Hometown: Moncton, NB

Program: Accounting and Global Business Management

Team role: Global presenter

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Olivian wears her Enactus tartan and blazer

Olivian Sanderson

Hometown: Pugwash, NS

Program: Accounting and Management

Team role: Presenter and Project Manager

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Rashid wears a tartan tie and blue blazer

Rashid Khan

Hometown: Ballia, India

Program: MBA

Team role: Co-Vice-President of Tech

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David wears a tartan tie and black blazer

David Campbell

Hometown: Tantallon, NS

Program: Entrepreneurship and Computing Information Systems

Team role: Co-Vice-President of Tech

Read more

Enactus SMU logo

Follow for updates

Watch rounds of competition in Kazakhstan this October on the live stream of the Enactus World Cup!

Follow the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and Enactus Saint Mary’s on social media for more updates:  

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Saint Mary’s University to welcome young scholars as new Shad Canada partner

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High school students from across Canada can now apply for a distinct summer academic experience at Saint Mary’s University thanks to a new partnership with Shad Canada. As a Shad campus, Saint Mary’s will host Shad’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) and entrepreneurship program for students in grades 10 and 11.

“Every summer, more than 1,500 students come to Shad to discover new areas of study, access post-secondary academics, business and community leaders, and reach new heights of personal development,” said Tim Jackson, Shad Chief Executive Officer. “We are thrilled to have Saint Mary’s join the team to deliver an incredible program steeped in entrepreneurship, research and international collaborations.”

Shad students collaborate for 27 days to design solutions to real-world problems such as food security, water management, or waste. Saint Mary’s hands-on approach to these challenges, combined with its robust business, science, mathematics, and arts programs, will provide a solid foundation for supporting students in their Shad design challenge.

“Shad Canada’s focus on entrepreneurship and community-building aligns with Saint Mary’s strategic priorities,” said Saint Mary’s President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “We are thrilled to partner with Shad and welcome young scholars from across Canada to Saint Mary’s and Halifax.”

Students from across Canada apply to participate in Shad programs. Once selected, students are paired with a university away from their home community and live on campus for the duration of the program. To learn more about Shad or to apply for the 2025 program, please click here.

For more information about the Shad Saint Mary’s program, contact Laura.Stiles-Clarke@smu.shad.ca.

About Shad Canada

Shad Canada is a STEAM and entrepreneurship program for students in grades 10 and 11. During the month-long program, students live on campus and participate in a real-world design challenge that prepares them to take on social and economic challenges. Shad’s program is transformational and life-changing, and many Shad alumni go on to innovate and start their own businesses. Shad has 26 campus partners, a network of more than 23,000 program graduates and has been running STEAM programs since 1980. Learn more at shad.ca.