Elizabeth Ganton and Grayson Kennedy
Valedictorians Elizabeth Ganton and Grayson Kennedy will represent the Faculty of Arts at their ceremonies on Friday, May 29. Watch the graduation livestream and find the convocation program on our website.
Elizabeth Lynn Ganton
Philosophy, Psychology (Hons)
Originally from Milton, Ontario, Elizabeth Ganton (she/they) is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, with Honours in Psychology and a major in Philosophy.
Elizabeth began at Saint Mary’s in 2021 as an undeclared arts major and embraced the opportunity to take courses in as many departments as possible. Having been homeschooled from kindergarten to grade 12, her first day at SMU was her first day of school ever!
Elizabeth went on to become a critical thinking tutor and believes that their path into philosophy was fuelled by their parents’ dedication to encouraging their children to think for themselves. Her involvement in various on-campus societies, interacting and forming community with many other students, and service learning opportunities at Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) inspired Elizabeth to pursue psychology along with philosophy.
Q&A with Elizabeth
Why did you choose Saint Mary’s University?
I had wanted to attend university in Halifax since I visited when I was 10 years old, and chose SMU because of its smaller class sizes and variety of courses and programs in the arts.
How were you involved in the SMU community?
I have been involved in various campus societies, including the Drama Society, the Pride Society, the Philosophy Society, the Environmental Society, and was secretary and one of the founders of the Bookworm Society. I was also part of the SMU branch of the Nova Scotia Student Strike for affordable tuition and divestment, helping students learn about how government cuts affect their tuition, and what they can do about where that tuition money is going.
Did you have a job or research position on campus?
I was a peer tutor for a first-year philosophy Critical Thinking course for three years.
What was your favourite class?
My favourite class was Environmental Ethics with Dr. Emma McClure. The role-playing game at the end of this course and other games in Dr. McClure’s courses were very effective in allowing me to see how the theories, concepts, and skills I was learning in class apply to (hypothetical) real-world scenarios.
Elizabeth won the People’s Choice Award for their 3-Minute Thesis at the 2026 Psychology Student Conference
What was your thesis title and description? Why did this research appeal to you?
My thesis title was “Night Skies and Meaning in Life: Awe, Social Identity, & Wellbeing in the Astronomy Community”. In an online survey, we asked individuals in the astronomy community to describe a time when they felt awe towards the night sky and examined how that awe related to their sense of meaning in life and overall well-being.
I was drawn to this subject as I have always had an interest in the night sky and astronomy as a hobby, and felt that the more I feel in awe of my surroundings, the better I feel about my life overall. Researching meaning in life and well-being in the astronomy community was a great way to connect these ideas.
Which instructor had the biggest impact on you?
There were two instructors who had the biggest impact on me, Dr. Scott Edgar and Dr. Emma McClure. They pushed me to become a better writer, communicator, and, more importantly, a better learner. Through Dr. Edgar, I gained the ability to dissect, fully grasp, and communicate various concepts more clearly than I ever thought was possible. From Dr. McClure, I learned to piece together big ideas that once seemed far too muddled and complex for me. These professors make each student feel supported and cared for individually, and I am beyond grateful for the lifelong passion for learning they have instilled in me.
Did you participate in any experiential learning opportunities at SMU?
I participated in the community service learning program for a developmental psychology class and volunteered with the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia. Since volunteering with ISANS for the service learning program, I have continued to volunteer with them on and off in various capacities since then, and plan to resume this summer.
Did you receive any scholarships or financial awards as a SMU student?
I received a renewable entrance scholarship and funding from SMUSA to attend and present at the Atlantic Regional Philosophers conference in October 2025, and funding from SMUSA and the Dean of Arts fund to present at the Science Atlantic Psychology Student Research conference in May 2026.
Looking back, what was your favourite SMU memory?
My favourite SMU memories were at the SMUvies events put on by the religion, philosophy, and women and gender studies faculties. I loved hearing other students and professors talk about how the theories and ideas we are learning about in school relate to pop culture.
What will you miss about Saint Mary’s?
I will miss the community feeling of being in the same boat with so many of my peers, struggling with midterms together, being excited for reading week together, and being proud of each other after all we’ve accomplished each semester. I’ll also miss being surrounded by so many student-focused staff: custodians, librarians, and food service workers who remember us and check in with us, faculty unions who communicate with and support student initiatives every step of the way, and professors who take time to hear students and work to make sure we have the best experience possible at SMU.
What are your goals for the future?
My main goal is to keep learning! I want to become a better writer and communicator. After I take a gap year to work and travel, I plan to pursue philosophy in grad school.
What advice would you give to current students?
My best advice is that it’s so important to put yourself out there and step out of your comfort zone. It took me a while to realize that it really isn’t that serious to go to an event alone, go to a professor’s office hours with a potentially silly question, or ask the person sitting next to you if they want to study together. Being brave and doing things that seemed scary at first was always worth it and led to amazing, unexpected opportunities. And take advantage of the available student services, even if you don’t think you need them! To name a few, I learned so much by asking questions to the librarians and in academic advising, felt the most comfortable I ever have in a doctor's office with Dr. Wong, and couldn’t have made it through my degree without Karen Schaffer’s career counselling.
Grayson Lynn Kennedy
English (Hons)
Originally from Coldbrook, Nova Scotia, Grayson is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, with Honours in English and a minor in creative writing.
Throughout his academic journey, Grayson found his home among the creative arts scene in SMU, where he not only received the Robert Hayes Memorial Scholarship in 2024 for his interest and aptitude in creative writing, but he also won 3rd and 2nd place in the Margo Takacs Marshall Memorial Prize for Excellence in Short Story Writing in 2025 and 2026 respectively. He was an avid member of the Saint Mary’s University Drama Society since 2022, serving as the lead role in Midsummer.com and The Importance of Being Earnest, and a supporting role in Agamemnon. Grayson considers his crowning achievement to be the time he wrote and directed his own original play through the Drama Society titled What You Will in the winter of 2026.
Aside from creative accomplishments, Grayson was deeply involved in the SMU community through volunteering as a Pack Leader and working as a student assistant at the Patrick Power Library. He was also granted the opportunity to present some of his critical work at the Annual Atlantic Undergraduate English Conference in 2026.
After graduation, Grayson plans to pursue a Master of Arts in the near future while continuing his involvement in the arts through creative writing, publishing more work, and producing more plays.
Q&A with Grayson
Why did you choose Saint Mary’s University?
I chose Saint Mary’s University because I liked the small, close-knit community it presented through its size. It wasn’t as intimidating as other universities I was considering at the time, and I can confidently say that SMU does have a fantastic community with plenty of opportunities to connect with others. I also chose SMU for its creative writing program, a choice I am thoroughly satisfied with.
Did you live in residence?
I lived in residence for all four years I attended SMU.
Did you have a job or research position on campus?
I worked as a student assistant at the Patrick Power Library for almost two years, where I discovered a love for library work and working with books in general. It was the best job I have ever had, with amazing colleagues and incredible interactions with patrons.
What was your favourite class?
I consider almost every class I took in the English department as my favourite! To narrow it down, my favourite class for its entertaining content was The Fantastic, taught by Dr. Mark Barr, where I got to engage with books from my favourite genre: fantasy. However, my favourite classes for what I learned were Literary Theory I and Literary Theory II, both taught by Dr. Alexander MacLeod. Those classes made me think about the world in new and exciting ways, and those lessons will stay with me for a long time.
Tell us about your honours research.
In the Honours seminars I took, titled Works of Wonder in the 19th Century and Milton, I focused my research on my favourite topics: gender and queer theory. For Works of Wonder, I looked at the role women’s bodies played in religious oppression during the 19th-century phenomenon of the fasting girls and the Salem Witch Trials through The Wonder by Emma Donoghue and Lois the Witch by Elizabeth Gaskell. In Milton, I argued that Paradise Lost by John Milton suggests that gender queerness is a virtue, and that embracing strict traditions of gender identity is antagonized. As I am transgender and frequently find myself pondering all kinds of questions regarding gender and queerness, I am eager to continue exploring these topics in English literature in the future.
Which instructor had the biggest impact on you?
While almost all of my professors were quite impactful, I had the honour of meeting and being taught by Dr. Alexander MacLeod. Not only did he teach some of my favourite classes that showed me new ways to think about the world, but I also consider him to be fundamental in developing my creative writing skills. He taught me how stories work through characters, themes, language, and a lot more. Without him, I would not be the writer I am today.
Did you receive any scholarships as a SMU student? (or bursaries?)
I received the $ 7,000 Renewable Entrance Scholarship when I enrolled at SMU directly out of high school, which I was able to keep for the entire four years I studied here. In 2024, I also received the Robert Hayes Memorial Scholarship for my interest in and aptitude for creative writing, granted on the recommendation of the chair of the English Department.
Do you have a favourite space on campus?
My favourite space on campus is the Patrick Power Library. Not only did I have an amazing job there, but it was a fantastic place for me to study, especially because I am someone who needs lots of quiet in order to focus. Plus, I always enjoy being surrounded by books, no matter if it’s a library, bookstore, or my own room. All in all, I love its quiet and relaxed atmosphere.
Grayson during a production with the SMU Drama Society
Looking back, what was your favourite SMU memory?
I don’t think I have anything specific, but all of my favourite memories have to do with spending time with friends, working on various SMUDS productions, and making great connections with people. I’ve spent many nights playing games with my friends, and I had so much fun acting and directing. It’s hard to pick just one! Some of my favourite memories are about having fun with cast members, trying to remember lines and sometimes failing to do so, and all the laughs we had in late-night rehearsals where we were delirious with exhaustion. My time at SMU was a lot of fun and I will forever cherish these memories.
What will you miss about Saint Mary’s?
I will miss the community. I have met so many amazing people, and have been involved in so many incredible projects and groups, and I’m sad that I will be leaving all of that behind. When I first came to SMU, I was afraid I wasn’t going to make many friends or find a place where I belonged, but I found all that and more. I made connections that will last me a lifetime, and I will miss seeing everyone I know on a regular basis.
What are your goals for the future?
My main goal is to become a published author. I have a lot of story ideas that I have not been able to put together yet because I was so busy with school, but now that I am graduating, I hope that I will get more time to work on my projects and publish a book. Besides that, I currently plan to pursue a Master of Arts and potentially a PhD to become an English professor, but I plan to take my time with that as well.
What advice would you give to current students?
Do not be afraid to take opportunities. If you see something you like or that interests you, go for it! Even if you don’t think you’ll get it, you never know what could happen. You aren’t guaranteed to win contests, get the job you really want, etc, but you are guaranteed to lose it if you don’t go for it. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I let opportunities slip by, no matter how doubtful I felt about my chances. You miss every shot you don’t take, and that is a quote I live by every day.
