Celebrating service and community at SMU

On Friday, November 28, McNally Auditorium was nearly full as faculty and staff gathered for Saint Mary’s 31st Annual Employee Recognition Awards. The event offered a chance to pause, connect, and celebrate the contributions that make our university community strong. From the opening remarks to the final photo, the atmosphere was warm and lively, with cheers ringing out as colleagues accepted their awards.

President Dr. Michael Khan opened the ceremony by reflecting on the significance of long-term commitment. “In a time when long-term service is increasingly rare, your dedication stands out. It speaks volumes about your loyalty, your passion, and your belief in the work we do together,” he said. “Your contributions have a lasting impact on our students, our colleagues, and the broader community.”

This year, Saint Mary’s recognized 15 employees marking 10 years, 21 employees reaching 25 years, and three individuals achieving 35 years of service, along with part-time faculty who have been affiliated for 15 years. These milestones represent decades of teaching, research, and support that shape the student experience.

“Today is a rare moment for us to lift our heads from our classrooms, labs, offices, and inboxes—and to come together as a community,” said Provost Dr. Shannon Dea. “We’re here not just to mark work anniversaries, but to honour the spirit of dedication and care that you bring every day.”

The ceremony also featured the President’s Awards for Exemplary Service, presented to:

• Dr. Jason Grek Martin, for leadership in Geography and Environmental Studies and advancing experiential learning.

• Kati Kilfoil, Assistant Director of Residence Life, for creating inclusive programs and mentoring student leaders.

• Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, for championing student entrepreneurship and global recognition through Enactus.

The Santamarian Awards, which celebrate contributions to workplace culture, recognized Andy Baker, Campus Store Manager, with the Individual Award, and the SMU Alumni Team with the Team Award. Honourable Mentions went to Greg Knight, Assistant Director of Athletics and Recreation, and the BA Advising Centre.

As the formal program concluded, attendees lingered for refreshments and conversation, continuing the spirit of connection that defines this annual tradition. Congratulations to all honourees—and thank you for helping make Saint Mary’s a welcoming and collaborative place to learn and work.

---

VIDEO: Watch the slide presentation below highlighting our award recipients!

Important reminder: Cannabis smoking restrictions near schools

Saint Mary’s is issuing an important reminder regarding the rules for smoking cannabis in public spaces, particularly near local schools. Students can be ticketed or, in some cases, charged for violating these laws.

The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) enforces both Provincial (Nova Scotia Smoke-free Places Act) and Municipal (HRM By-law N-300) laws that restrict public smoking.

Local law enforcement has expressed concern regarding instances of people openly smoking cannabis close to, or within sight of, school grounds (such as the Halifax Grammar School or the Inglis Street school). The police have indicated they will be stopping this activity.

To avoid penalties, please be aware of the following key restrictions:

Proximity to Schools and Playgrounds

• School Grounds: Smoking (including cannabis smoke and vaping) is absolutely prohibited on the grounds of any P-12 school.

• Playgrounds: You must be at least 20 metres away from the boundary of any publicly owned playground located in an outdoor public space.

• School Entrances/Vents: You must be at least 4 metres away from any building entrance, exit, or ventilation intake of a school building.

Municipal Property (Sidewalks and Parks)

• The HRM's By-law N-300 prohibits smoking on virtually all municipal property, which includes streets, sidewalks, and parks.

• By default, smoking is only allowed in specifically Designated Smoking Areas (DSAs). Even DSAs must still comply with the 4-metre and 20-metre provincial setback rules.

The easiest way to ensure you are compliant with all laws is to smoke on private property (like a private yard or balcony, subject to lease rules) or use one of the limited Designated Smoking Areas that complies with all provincial setback requirements.

Please also remember that smoking is prohibited on the university campus and within residence buildings.

We urge all students to respect these laws to prevent being ticketed or facing charges.

If you have any questions, please contact Student Affairs and Services. 

Atlantic Canada students team up with the Ecology Action Centre to tackle energy and climate challenges

This fall, the Saint Mary’s University Experience Ventures team partnered with the Ecology Action Centre (EAC) on a Social Impact Challenge aimed at driving meaningful change in Nova Scotia’s energy and climate landscape. This unique challenge spanned across Atlantic Canada, as students from Saint Mary’s, St. Thomas University, Cape Breton University, NSCAD, Mount Saint Vincent University, and Dalhousie University came together to collaborate virtually, share knowledge and build solutions for a more sustainable future.

The Ecology Action Centre’s Energy & Climate Team focuses on phasing out fossil fuels and creating a clean, reliable and affordable electricity system through research, advocacy and innovative collaboration. Through this challenge, 15 students joined forces to tackle pressing issues such as:

Energy Poverty in Nova Scotia:
Nearly 43% of Nova Scotians spend more than 6% of their income on energy costs. How can we reduce this burden and help families heat their homes without sacrificing essentials?

Green Trades and Energy Retrofitting in Cape Breton:
How can nonprofit organizations or social enterprises build green trades skills and retrofit homes to create sustainable jobs and cleaner communities?

Incentivizing Energy Retrofits in Multifamily Housing:
What policies or incentives can motivate landlords to make buildings energy-efficient, while keeping rent affordable for tenants?

Student deliver their final presentations to the Ecology Action Centre

The challenge began with a virtual kickoff on October 6, where students heard directly from the EAC’s Energy & Climate team about the challenges facing Nova Scotia’s energy future.

Over the course of one month, students conducted research, collaborated in diverse teams and developed strategic, data-informed recommendations. Weekly virtual office hours with EAC mentors ensured students had ongoing guidance, and participation was impressive; every session was filled with engaged, passionate students eager to refine their ideas and make a real impact. On November 3, students delivered their final presentations and written solutions, showcasing creative approaches that demonstrated both entrepreneurial thinking and deep social awareness.

Experience Ventures empowers students to think like entrepreneurs, digitally, creatively and impactfully. This Social Impact Challenge not only gave students valuable hands-on experience, it also strengthened connections between universities, industries and communities across the Atlantic region. Through challenges like this, students become mini-consultants, collaborating with real organizations to explore meaningful, innovation-driven solutions.

Robert (Rob) McLellan, a student from SMU, said. “I really enjoyed working on the project, analyzing case studies and energy data taught me a lot about Canada’s energy use and how to make it more affordable.”

Cierrah Smith, a second-year student at Dalhousie, said the program helped her develop skills in communication, collaboration and time management. “Balancing the project with other responsibilities was rewarding. I’d recommend this experience to other students!”

A partner from the Ecology Action Centre, Hannah Minzloff, said, “From start to finish, the team made the journey engaging and enjoyable. Engaging with students from different universities added depth, and we’ll be using their findings in our work. We highly recommend this initiative to other organizations!”

Interested in taking part in future challenges like this one?

Join the Experience Ventures interest list to gain early access to opportunities that let you learn by doing, work with real partners and make a difference in your community.

---

Experience Ventures, powered by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary, enables post-secondary students to make an impact alongside real world innovators through entrepreneurial thinking placements. EV is funded by the Government of Canda and is delivered in partnership with post-secondary institutions nationwide.

Learn more about the Ecology Action Centre and discover how the EAC is leading Nova Scotia's transition to clean energy: EAC Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Bluesky

Sobey MBA ranked among Top 40 in the world for sustainability by Corporate Knights

Saint Mary’s University is proud to announce that the Sobey School of Business MBA program has been ranked among the Top 40 MBA programs worldwide in the Corporate Knights 2025 Better World MBA Ranking—a global benchmark for sustainability-focused business education. 

This international recognition highlights the Sobey MBA’s commitment to developing responsible, purpose-driven leaders equipped to build an inclusive and sustainable global economy. Rooted in the principle of "Responsible Leadership, the program integrates sustainability management, social entrepreneurship, and ethical decision-making across its curriculum. Faculty members contribute to this mission through relevant, impactful research and experiential learning that prepares graduates to lead with integrity and vision. 

The Corporate Knights Better World MBA Ranking evaluates programs around the world on their integration of sustainability, ethics and social impact across teaching, research, and institutional leadership. Being named among the top programs globally reinforces the strength of the Sobey MBA and its ongoing efforts to embed sustainability in every facet of business education. 

“This recognition speaks to the kind of learning environment we strive to create. Our goal is to ensure that every MBA student is equipped to lead responsibly, think critically about social and environmental challenges and contribute to meaningful change in their organizations and communities,” said Firat K. Sayin, Associate Professor and MBA Director. 

This achievement reflects the collective efforts of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and program advisors who continue to champion responsible leadership and sustainability throughout the Sobey MBA experience. Their contributions play a key role in shaping a program that aligns academic excellence with social and environmental responsibility. 

The Sobey School of Business extends its appreciation to the entire community for their continued dedication to the program’s growth and global impact. 

Learn more about the Corporate Knights ranking and the Sobey MBA: 

• Sobey School of Business MBA Program

• Corporate Knights Ranking 

• Annual Responsible Leadership Day

EQUIS accreditation for Sobey School of Business

The Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary's University is proud to have achieved EQUIS re-accreditation. Awarded by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), EQUIS is one of the most comprehensive and prestigious international accreditations for business and management education.

Institutions that are accredited by EQUIS must demonstrate not only high general quality in all dimensions of their activities but also a high degree of internationalisation. The scope of EQUIS encompasses all programs offered by an institution, from undergraduate to PhD.

With both EQUIS and AACSB accreditations, the Sobey School is unique in Atlantic Canada and recognized among the top 1% of business schools globally for quality and rigour.

"We are extremely proud to have achieved EQUIS re-accreditation,” said Dr. Michel Delorme, Dean of the Sobey School of Business. “This global recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff, and it reaffirms our commitment to the highest international standards in management education. Our focus on responsible leadership, entrepreneurship, and sustainability ensures that our research and teaching are academically excellent and directly relevant to the societal and economic challenges facing our region and the world."

From executive to evidence-based leader: EDBA graduate champions the unique program

Jonny Stevens graduated with one of SMU’s first EDBA degrees at the Fall 2025 convocation. Shown here with President Michael Khan, Chancellor Michael Durland, and supervisor Dr. Ramesh Venkat

When Jonny Stevens BComm'02 MBA'07 EDBA’25 decided to pursue his Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (EDBA) at the Sobey School of Business, it wasn’t because he needed another credential. With a successful executive career already behind him, Stevens was driven by something deeper: curiosity.

“I didn’t want to just think I knew something—I wanted to know it,” he says. “I wanted to deepen my knowledge, challenge myself, and show my kids that you’re never too old to learn something new.”

As one of the first graduates of the Sobey EDBA program, Stevens helped shape the program’s early development while balancing full-time work and family life. He describes being part of the inaugural cohort as both an honour and a rare opportunity to help define a new academic path. “The core academics were solid from day one, but we got to influence some of the process details. That was exciting.”

The EDBA program, designed for experienced professionals who want to apply research to real-world business challenges, turned out to be exactly what Stevens had been searching for. For years, he had explored doctoral study options but found that traditional PhD programs required leaving full-time work behind. The EDBA provided a rigorous, research-focused alternative that was built around industry relevance.

“It's the same level of academic rigour as a PhD,” he explains, “But it’s designed for people who want to bring evidence-based thinking directly into business practice.”

Putting knowledge into practice

That mindset led Stevens to make a career pivot during the program. Formerly the Chief Revenue Officer of a billion-dollar professional services company, he founded his own consulting practice to help organizations apply research-based approaches to leadership and growth.

“I tell people my superpower is my library card. I help businesses move from thinking to knowing—to make decisions backed by data and evidence.”

His own research explored inclusion climates in B2B sales environments, developing an original 11-item scale to measure the impact of gender inclusion on team performance. The results showed that positive inclusion climate leads to greater job satisfaction and job performance. “It’s not just the right thing to do; it’s the profitable thing to do,” he says.

For Stevens, who graduated in fall 2025, the EDBA experience was transformational. “You can’t start this program and finish it as the same person,” he says. “It stretches your thinking, your skills, and your view of what’s possible.”

His advice for future students? “Know why you’re doing it, be clear about your goals, and be ready to work hard. If you want to be surrounded by the best professors, peers, and research opportunities—this is the program for you.”

Learn more about the EDBA program and how it’s transforming business leadership: smu.ca/sobey/edba

Students develop fresh ideas for Elevate Media in Provincial Innovation Sprint

Students from Saint Mary’s University, NSCC, Dalhousie University, Cape Breton University and St. Francis Xavier University came together at the end of October for the second Provincial Innovation Sprint, a high-energy problem-solving event designed to connect students with industry. The Sprint invited participants to support Elevate Media, a growing social media management agency based in Sydney, NS, by developing ideas that could strengthen the company’s reach and long-term growth.

Participants of the virtual Provincial Innovation Sprint

The virtual session allowed broader participation, bringing together students from across the province. This created a collaborative environment where students from different institutions engaged meaningfully with each other and the business.

Elevate Media is co-owned by Ethan MacLean, an NSCC alumnus and Brooke McDonald, a current NSCC student. Together, they help businesses improve their digital presence by adapting content to current trends and maintaining clear and consistent brand storytelling.

Ethan and Brooke challenged students to develop a plan for expanding their services across Canada while preserving their authentic, creative approach and strong client relationships.

Students were introduced to the challenges of helping Elevate Media scale its business to serve clients across Canada, ensuring that the agency could maintain authentic connections, uphold consistent brand storytelling and deliver the creative quality clients have come to expect, even without being physically present for every piece of content creation.

Drawing from diverse academic backgrounds, the students worked to create solutions that combined creativity with strategic business thinking. Ideas included building partnerships with freelancers and designing automated systems to streamline client outreach. Several teams also explored Elevate Media’s brand positioning and recommended developing a more distinctive name to stand out in a competitive market.

Dalhousie student Omar Dahleh

Dalhousie student Omar Dahleh earned first place for presenting a clear and future-focused approach to supporting Elevate Media’s growth. Cape Breton University student Ryan Drohan and St. Francis Xavier University student Emma Jewkes placed second for their thoughtful recommendations around partnerships and expansion. Third place went to Saint Mary’s students Martino Elias and Jaxon Yon for their creative ideas related to workflow improvements and brand identity.

Ethan and Brooke expressed their appreciation for the students’ professionalism and insight. They shared that the ideas generated during the Sprint offered valuable direction for the company’s next stage of growth and demonstrated how impactful student perspectives can be when applied to real business challenges.

The Provincial Innovation Sprint continues to bring motivated students together with Nova Scotia businesses that want to innovate and grow. For Elevate Media, the ideas presented open new opportunities for expansion. For students, the Sprint provided practical experience in supporting a fast-growing digital agency in an evolving industry.

Ancient Olympics shines the spotlight on Arts

Students in Sveva Savelli’s ‘Sport and Leisure in the Ancient World’ course held a demonstration on the Huskies field

Students dusted off their togas and olive branches this fall, taking history to the field for a dynamic outdoor reenactment of the Ancient Olympics as part of Dr. Sveva Savelli’s popular course “Sport and Leisure in the Ancient World.”

Cross-listed in both the Ancient Studies and Health, Wellness, Sport and Society (HWSS) majors, Dr. Savelli’s course draws attention to the historic origins of the sports we know today and examines the impact they had on the societies that shaped them.

Dr. Savelli is an associate professor of Ancient Studies and Intercultural Studies in the Department of Languages and Cultures. She also runs the Metaponto Archaeological Field School in southern Italy—so she is no stranger to providing opportunities for hands-on learning.

The Ancient Olympics demonstration was featured on CTV News, Global News and The Chronicle Herald

During the demonstration, students performed reenactments of the Ancient Olympics on the field at Huskies Stadium, bringing history to life for their peers, their professor, and the media.

Their hard work, dedication, and exemplary presentation skills attracted the attention of CTV, Global News and the Chronicle Herald, as they showcased the unique education opportunities available in the Faculty of Arts.

“While I was developing this class, I was thinking about the students who are not able to participate in the field school,” says Dr. Savelli.

““Here at Saint Mary’s, we provide many opportunities for students to experience the ancient world, and this is a way to experience it on campus.””

— Dr. Sveva Savelli

Dr. Sveva Savelli

Courses like these are part of the curriculum for the HWSS major in the Bachelor of Arts— accompanying a new wave of sports-related programming supported by the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health.

The HWSS Major is geared towards students looking to launch a career in sport and ensures they are equipped to approach the industry from all angles: historical, political, social, psychological and more. Knowing where sport has been equipping students to take the industry to new heights, and the material is already resonating with students.

“Doing this Ancient Olympics project has really shown how these sports have changed over time,” says Liam Van Loon, fourth-year Environmental Studies major and varsity hockey player.

“Being an athlete myself, I see what modern-day athletics is like and how the culture operates, and it's neat to throw it in rewind and see what’s... laid the foundation for what we have today.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by McCain McLean Centre (@mccainmcleanctr)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by McCain McLean Centre (@mccainmcleanctr)

Interested in more sports education? Check out the Health, Wellness and Sport in Society major and certificate and Sports Business major and certificate. Apply now for Fall 2026!

Hope in code: How machine learning is shaping the future of lung cancer care

Dr. Somayeh Kafaie, Assistant Professor in Mathematics and Computing Science at Saint Mary’s University

Behind every lung cancer diagnosis is a family holding its breath, waiting for scans, for plans, for decisions, for the next step. What if advanced technology could help deliver those answers more quickly and tailored to each patient? At Saint Mary’s University, that possibility is becoming clearer. 

Data science meets patient need 

When Dr. Somayeh Kafaie speaks about her research, her voice softens. “For me, my research is about hope and progress,” she says. “It’s about making sure every patient receives the right treatment at the right time.”

An assistant professor in Mathematics and Computing Science at Saint Mary’s University, Dr. Kafaie leads the GraphML Lab, a space where data science meets human need. Supported by a Legacy Research Grant from the Lung Association of Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island (LungNSPEI), her project applies machine learning to one of the most complex challenges in modern medicine: how to make radiation treatment for lung cancer faster, safer and more personalized. 

Dr. Kafaie and her team are working to help physicians improve radiation treatment plans for lung cancer patients

The work, titled “Machine Learning for Optimized Lung SBRT Dose Prescription”, explores whether artificial intelligence can help doctors predict the best radiation treatment plan for each patient based on their anatomy, medical history and the unique position of their tumour.

In collaboration with Nova Scotia Health and Cape Breton University, Dr. Kafaie and her team are using data-driven models to help physicians design more precise, individualized care plans, reducing delays and minimizing risk to surrounding organs. 

“Right now, creating a radiation treatment plan can take several days,” she explains. “It requires multiple rounds of adjustment by medical teams before it’s finalized. We’re exploring how machine learning can act as an intelligent assistant; not replacing doctors but helping them predict the right settings more efficiently and with greater confidence.” 

Improving care where it’s needed most 

Her path to this work was shaped early by her father, whose quiet encouragement to “do something meaningful” stayed with her. “He dreamed of me working at a university,” she recalls. Today, that same drive to teach, learn and help others anchors her research, utilizing knowledge to improve care where it is needed most. 

Dr. Kafaie’s passion for healthcare innovation took hold during her postdoctoral studies, when she began to see how data could drive real-world impact. “You can actually see how your work affects people,” she says. “That’s what keeps me going.”  

She grew up far from major hospitals and research centres, in a community where advanced treatment often meant travelling long distances. “Even here, in Nova Scotia, people sometimes have to travel hours or even to other provinces for specialized care,” she reflects. “If we can bring technology and expertise closer to smaller or rural communities, the impact will be enormous.” 

It’s a sentiment that resonates far beyond academic walls. Lung cancer remains one of the most aggressive and least forgiving cancers, touching almost every family in some way. For patients and their loved ones, waiting for treatment can be excruciating. A technology that shortens that wait time while improving accuracy could change outcomes and lives. 

Expanding the impact of innovation 

Dr. Kafaie’s collaboration with Dr. Mike Sattarivand at Nova Scotia Health began with a simple question: Can we make lung cancer treatment planning faster and more precise? That question has since evolved into a cross-disciplinary partnership combining medical expertise with advanced analytics.

““This is what science is. Tiny steps built on the shoulders of others, each of us adding one small improvement that, together, makes a big difference.””

— Dr. Somayeh Kafaie

At Saint Mary’s, the project also bridges disciplines and communities. Students in Dr. Kafaie’s lab gain first-hand experience in using data science to solve real-world problems, while the collaboration with Nova Scotia Health strengthens the connection between academic research and patient-centred innovation. It’s a model of what SMU does best: combining human insight with technical excellence to create tangible public value. 

“SMU provides the academic foundation in data science and machine learning that makes this research possible,” says Dr. Kafaie. “Our students work closely with clinical experts, attending our lab meetings and contributing to the computational models. It’s truly a bridge between the university and the health-care system.” 

Although the project currently focuses on lung cancer, its potential reach extends far beyond. The same algorithms could one day inform treatment planning for other cancers, or even other diseases where personalized care is critical.  

“This is just the beginning,” she says. “AI can be a support system for doctors across many areas of medicine.” 

Still, for all the science and computation, what lingers after speaking with Dr. Kafaie is the humanity. She speaks of patients she has never met with the tenderness of someone who has known loss, and of research as a quiet act of care. “We live in a world where many people feel alone,” she says. “But if we each do a little bit, in our own way, we can make things better. That’s what I want my work to say.” 

For Saint Mary’s University, this project is one of many that show how innovation and compassion can move hand in hand. In labs like Dr. Kafaie’s, data becomes more than numbers. It becomes connection, progress and, most importantly, hope.       

---

Related:

• Can AI make medications safer? Saint Mary's prof says yes.     

• Mathematics at Saint Mary’s University (undergraduate)

• Computing Science at Saint Mary’s University (undergraduate)

• Graduate Science programs at Saint Mary’s

• Research News

Accessibility Week: Celebrating 40 years of accessibility at Saint Mary's!

December 1–4: Hosted by the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility

Join the Fred Smithers Centre (FSC) as we celebrate 40 years of Accessibility at Saint Mary’s University! This week-long celebration highlights our ongoing commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and community through engaging workshops, interactive events, and opportunities to connect and learn.

Accessibility information: The Fred Smithers Centre strives to host inclusive and accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Please email fredsmithers.centre@smu.ca for accessibility requests or specific accommodations.

Events Highlights

Grad Connections: Exploring Your Next Academic Step

Monday, December 1
1-2 p.m. | Loyola Academic 280

Thinking about continuing your studies? This session will help you explore graduate and professional academic opportunities, application tips, and resources available to support students with disabilities as they transition into advanced studies. Learn how to plan your next steps with confidence and accessibility in mind.

Register here!

---

The Studio Presents: Accessible Word Documents & PowerPoints

Monday, December 1
2-4 p.m. | Atrium 306

The Studio for Teaching and Learning provides an opportunity to learn how to create more accessible Word and PowerPoint documents. During the workshop, participants will have an opportunity to work on their own document(s) and ask questions.   

---

BarrierU! Virtual Escape Room

December 1- 4
On Brightspace

Escape from BarrierU and create AccessibleU. Unlearn myths and learn about accessibility. It takes less than 30 minutes! As you complete challenges, you’ll get words needed to solve the final puzzle statement and win prizes!

---

Breakfast Club

Tuesday, December 2
9-11:30 a.m. | Student Centre Lobby

Start your day with a warm breakfast and good company! Join us for a community breakfast hosted by the Community Food Room in partnership with the Fred Smithers Centre. Enjoy great food, learn more about campus resources, and connect with peers and staff in an inclusive and welcoming environment.

---

Genio Demonstration & Assistive Tech Q&A

Tuesday, December 2
Noon–1:30 p.m. | Secunda Marine Boardroom, 4th Floor Sobey School of Business

Discover the latest in assistive technology and digital tools that enhance learning and accessibility. This demonstration will feature Genio and a variety of other assistive technologies available through the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility, followed by an open Q&A with an Accessibility Advisor. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, explore adaptive devices, and gain practical insight into the tools and supports available on campus.

---

Connect & Create: An Accessibility Week Social

Tuesday, December 2
4-6 p.m | 5th Floor Student Centre Lounge

Join us for Connect & Create, a relaxed and inclusive crafting session during Accessibility Week! Meet Hailey, the Accessibility Peer Success Coach, and enjoy some creative activities while socializing with peers. Take a break, connect with others, and explore your creativity in a welcoming space designed to support connection and self-expression.

---

Fred Smithers Centre Birthday Pop-Up

Wednesday, December 3
10 a.m-1 p.m | Loyola Colonnade

Stop by and help us celebrate 40 years of accessibility services at Saint Mary’s! The pop-up will feature giveaways, light refreshments, and a chance to learn about the Centre’s history and impact over the past four decades. Come share in the celebration and connect with the community that makes accessibility a campus-wide value.

---

SEI Study Session

Wednesday, December 3
Noon-3 p.m. | 5th Floor of the Student Centre

Join the Student Employment Initiative (SEI) for a group study session in celebration of Accessibility Week! Drop in to study for finals, enjoy snacks, and connect with SEI staff, students, and Accessibility Peer Coach, Hailey. This is a great chance to prepare for exams in a supportive and inclusive space.

---

Therapy Dog Drop-In

Wednesday, December 3
1-2 p.m. | Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility

Take a break from your busy week and enjoy some pawsitive vibes with Meri, the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog! Drop in for cuddles, wagging tails, and a little calm in the middle of a busy time. Whether you stay for five minutes or the whole session, Meri is sure to brighten your day!

---

Accommodate 101

Wednesday, December 3
2-2:45 p.m | Virtual

Join us for an introductory session on Accommodate, the new test-management portal used by the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility at Saint Mary’s University.

Accommodate is a platform where students can book tests, request accommodations, and manage their accessibility needs, all in one place. It’s also a streamlined system for instructors to view which students in their courses are registered with the Centre, monitor test requests, and securely upload exams through a fully protected portal. This session will provide a clear overview of how Accommodate supports both students and faculty in creating a smooth, accessible testing process across campus. Join us to get familiar with this essential new tool.

---

How to Create Accessible PDFs

Thursday, December 4
2-4 p.m. | Atrium 306

Join Accessibility Lead, Jennifer Webb, to explore creating more accessible PDFs using various software. Learn how PDFs are processed for various neuro-diverse experiences, explore accessibility check tools and get templates to build off accessible-ready documents. This hands-on workshop will allow participants to develop or work on their own documents, get help and ask questions.   

Students team up to boost local pet business through Innovation Sprint

Students from Saint Mary’s and Dalhousie joined Jenn and Winston from East Coast Dog at the recent Innovation Sprint

Students from Saint Mary’s University and Dalhousie University recently teamed up to help East Coast Dog, Halifax’s premium boutique pet store and grooming salon, strengthen its community engagement and brand presence. The challenge was part of the Innovation Sprint program held at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, where students collaborate with local businesses to apply creative problem-solving and entrepreneurial thinking to real-world needs.

Founded and operated by Jenn Marotta, East Coast Dog has quickly become a trusted name in the local pet care community. With a background in animal care and customer service, Jenn built her business around one goal: to create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable experience for both pets and their people. Combining professional on-leash dog walking, expert grooming and high-quality retail, she’s built a space that reflects her passion for animal well-being and community connection.

When Jenn joined the Innovation Sprint, she brought her dog Winston, who quickly became the star of the event. Students connected deeply with East Coast Dog’s mission and were curious to learn about the certifications and training programs that make the business unique. Over the course of the session, they worked in small teams to brainstorm ways to expand community engagement, attract new customers and build brand loyalty through creative programs and partnerships.

Ideas ranged from dog run clubs and reward programs to rehab coaching for retired K-9s and community training events. Many teams focused on initiatives that would deepen local connections and create memorable experiences for pet owners, while also introducing new revenue streams for the business.

The winning team took home the program’s $1,000 grand prize. To close the session, Jenn also awarded $170 in gift cards to the top three teams and $5 gift cards to all participants-a thoughtful gesture that reflected her commitment to appreciation and community spirit.

The winning team, Mila Souilliere and Patricia Tagliapietra from Dalhousie University, impressed Jenn with their creative approach to community engagement. In fact, one of the winning ideas even sparked a potential collaboration. A student who runs a local club caught Jenn’s attention and the two discussed partnering on a future event.

Global co-operative partnership at the Sobey School of Business

Representatives from Saint Mary’s University and the National Confederation of Cooperatives of the Philippines

NATCCO Philippine delegation arrives in Halifax for a week of collaboration, learning and a newly signed partnership with Saint Mary’s

Saint Mary’s University deepened its global ties this November, celebrating a new international partnership that connects co‑operative leaders from Canada and the Philippines.

On November 3, Saint Mary’s President Dr. Michael Khan, Sobey School of Business Dean Dr. Michel Delorme, and Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research Dean Dr. Adam Sarty joined the International Centre for Co‑operative Management (ICCM) for a special event marking the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) of the Philippines.

With 2025 designated as the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives, the timing underscores a shared commitment to strengthening the co-operative movement worldwide.

According to the International Cooperative Alliance, cooperatives are people-centered enterprises owned, controlled and run by and for their members to realize their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations.

This ethos aligns closely with the UN theme for the year: Co‑operatives Build a Better World.

NATCCO, the Philippines’ national organization representing co‑operatives and credit unions, sent a delegation of 28 senior business leaders to Saint Mary’s for the first week of November. Hosted by the ICCM, the group explored the Canadian credit union system, engaged with the Centre’s specialized research on governance, strategy, and market differentiation, and visited co‑operative partners across Nova Scotia.

“We are delighted to bring our member-cooperatives here to learn, connect, and broaden their perspectives,” said CEO Sylvia O. Paraguya. “This week has been rich with insights, and we are grateful for the meaningful exchanges we have shared. As this is our pilot batch, we look forward to bringing another group next year.”

Regarding the partnership with ICCM, Paraguya states, “NATCCO remains committed to building stronger cooperatives within an integrated network, and education and training continue to be at the heart of our services. We deeply value our relationship with the International Centre for Co-operative Management. This partnership is yet another expression of cooperation among cooperatives — a truly fitting initiative as we celebrate the second International Year of Cooperatives (United Nations).”

For the ICCM, the partnership reinforces a long-standing commitment to global co‑operative education and collaboration.

“It is always a pleasure to connect with our international network,” said Karen Miner, Managing Director of the International Centre for Co‑operative Management. “We have been offering education to co-operatives across the globe since 2003, and each new partnership is strengthening our collective knowledge and network. The NATCCO group was a very engaged group and we look forward to more collaborations.”

Saint Mary’s International Centre for Co‑operative Management (ICCM) and the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) of the Philippines celebrated a new MOU in November 2025

The newly signed MOU promises to open doors to continued learning, shared research and joint initiatives that will support the advancement of cooperative systems in both countries. As the world approaches the International Year of Cooperatives, the partnership between Saint Mary’s University and NATCCO stands as an example of how global collaboration can help co‑operatives thrive.

More information about the International Centre for Co‑operative Management is available at www.smu.ca/iccm.