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Indigenous Community, Student Support, Alumni, SMU Community
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Taking action to support Indigenous Students
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African Heritage Month 2025: Celebrating our community with events, resources and more

Community

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Stronger together: The 2025 SMU United Way campaign

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It’s time for the annual SMU United Way campaign!

Faculty and staff are invited to check the schedule of events (listed below) for what’s happening on campus from February 10—14. With plenty of options to choose from, and many activities taking place over the lunch hour, it’s an easy way to take a break, connect with colleagues and support a great cause.

  • First up is Pizza with the President on Monday in Loyola 290. Stop in for a slice, try your luck on the Wheel of Prizes, and enjoy special entertainment and speakers.

  • Book lovers and board game enthusiasts rejoice! The popular Books & Games Sale is back on Tuesday, February 15, and Wednesday, February 16. Look for our tables at Loyola Colonnade to browse our selection and get your copy of the latest SMU colouring book.

  • Additional events include Skating & Hot Chocolate at Dauphinee Centre, mini-massage therapy sessions, the return of Trivia at the Gorsebrook, and a screening of The Last Repair Shop, the Oscar-winning documentary with a SMU connection. This year the campaign wraps up on a creative note with a drop-in Art Studio where community members can tap into their artistic side over tea!

Other ways to give


Events not your thing? There are still other
opportunities to support the SMU United Way campaign.

You can pick up some copies of the new Saint
Mary’s Colouring Book in Facilities Management (McNally South—MS011), for just $5 each, or buy a
ticket to win a fantastic Valentine's-themed gift package (at our events or at LR114), including a $100 gift certificate for LeRouge Restaurant, a one-night stay at the Halifax Tower Hotel, plus chocolates and goodies!




As always, SMU community members can give to the United Way via payroll deduction (deadline of March 20 to enrol) or one-time donation on-line at SMU.ca/unitedway2025.

All proceeds raised go to the United Way Halifax Community Fund, and every dollar raised stays in the community.

CLICK TO DONATE NOW

Every donation counts and helps to improve people’s lives in our community. Thank you for your support.

Schedule of events

Pizza & Prizes!
Monday, February 10
Noon—1 p.m. | Loyola 290
Pizza for lunch! | Spin the Wheel of Prizes!
Join us for the United Way Kickoff Event. Enjoy some pizza, try your luck on the Wheel of Prizes, and check out some of the great items at our Silent Auction!
Donations to United Way appreciated.

Books & Games Sale
Tuesday & Wednesday, February 11 & 12
10 a.m.—3:30 p.m. | Loyola Colonnade
Hard cover books, games & puzzles: $2
Soft cover: $1; SMU Campus Colouring Books: $5

Skating & Hot Chocolate
Tuesday, February 12
Noon—1 p.m. | Dauphinee Arena
Bring your own skates, helmets provided. | $5 at the door

Lunch at the movies!
Screening of The Last Repair Shop
Wednesday, February 12
Noon—1 p.m. | Loyola 275 | Run time: 40 mins.
$5 donations at the door

In a nondescript warehouse in the heart of LA, a dwindling handful of devoted craftspeople maintain over 80,000 student musical instruments. Meet four unforgettable characters whose broken-and-repaired lives are dedicated to bringing so much more than music to the schoolchildren. Directed by Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers.

Massage Therapy Sessions
Wednesday, February 12
Noon—4:30 p.m. | Patrick Power Library
By Massage Therapy Program, Eastern College
Minimum donation: $5/30 minutes

Team Trivia Contest at the Gorsebrook: POSTPONED due to weather. Stay tuned for a new date.
Thursday, February 13
11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m. | Gorsebrook Lounge
$30 for groups of up to four people | Register at the door

Art Studio Drop-In
Friday, February 14
11 a.m.—4 p.m. | Secunda Boardroom (SB401)
An afternoon of art, creative fun, and mindfulness!
Art supplies and tea provided. | Minimum donation of $5.

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16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

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November 25-December 10, 2024

Saint Mary’s University is committed to fostering and advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility on our campus. Commemorative days serve as anchors, prompting us to contemplate our collective past, celebrate our accomplishments, and work towards a better future for all. The theme of this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is Come Together, Act Now; we invite you to join us in remembrance, unity and action on campus.

Purple Ribbon Campaign: Wear a purple ribbon throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence to help create awareness and show your support for ending gender-based violence.

White Ribbon Campaign: Men and boys wear white ribbons throughout the 16 Days of Activism to speak out against gender-based violence, showing their commitment to ending violence against women and girls, promoting gender equity, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity.

Please join us on November 25 to place a purple and/or white ribbon on the Saint Mary’s Remembrance Tree after the Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative Speakers Series.

Events

The Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative Speakers Series

Monday, November 25

3:30-5 p.m. | Loyola 188

Highlighting community organizations that are working to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. All are invited to meet SMU Graduate student and Manager of Humane Canada’s ACT (Awareness, Collaboration, Tools) Project, Sue O’Neill, to learn about strategies for supporting survivors of gender-based violence with animals in accessing support services, safety planning and help-seeking.

Service Expo

Tuesday, November 26

12-2:30 p.m. | Patrick Power Library Community Space

Meet representatives from the Saint Mary’s Sexual Violence Support Centre as well as other community supports in place to support gender-based violence prevention and response. Information and resources for on and off-campus support will be available.

Survivor Art Workshop (students only)

Wednesday, November 27

5:30-7:30 p.m. | Loyola 181

Students who have experienced sexual and gender-based harm are invited to come share space with each other in a casual environment and participate in a gently guided art affirmation practice. 

Refreshments will be shared and supportive resources and more information about SMU Campus supports will be available.

National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women

December 6

10:30 | CLARI Room (Atrium 340)

Join us to commemorate the lives of the 14 women who were murdered at Polytechnique Montreal on December 6, 1989, and others who have experienced gender-based violence, highlighting the increased prevalence of violence and discrimination faced by Indigenous People, 2SLGBTQI+ and gender diverse people, individuals living with disabilities and other marginalized groups. 

Human Rights Day

December 10 is a time to universally acknowledge, defend, and enjoy Human Rights and assume communal and individual responsibility for protecting, reducing inequalities and advancing these rights for ALL individuals.

2024 Theme: Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.

What will YOU do to improve the current state of human rights globally while safeguarding the common future of Human Rights for all?

Personal Care Drive

November 25 – December 10

Please help women and children impacted by gender-based violence by donating personal care products such as deodorant, toothpaste/brushes, soap/facial wash, hair products, period products, manicure kits, journals and small children’s toys such as puzzles or books. Donations will go to a local women’s shelter, the Saint Mary’s Women’s Centre and the Sexual Violence Support Centre to support individuals who have experienced gender-based harm.

Drop off donations to any of the Purple Donation Boxes in the following locations:

  • Human Resources, McNally South Rm 111                                  

  • Sexual Violence Support Centre                                                      

  • SMUSA Information Desk                                                                   

  • Library                                                                                                     

  • SAAS Reception (3rd Floor Student Centre)                                   

  • Science Building – Dean’s Office (S221)                                        

  • Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

  • Homburg Centre

  • Women’s Centre

  • Loyola Residence Desk

  • Student Welcome Centre

  • Sobey School – Dean’s Office

  • Arts – Dean’s Office

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Saint Mary’s hosts annual celebration of history and heritage

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From “Blackberry’s Crumble” to a LEGO version of the Fortress of Louisbourg, history and culture were on display as Saint Mary’s University hosted the 2024 Nova Scotia Provincial Heritage Fair.    

The June 6 and 7 event featured projects by 59 students who were selected at school and regional fairs across the province. The learning opportunity is designed for students in Grades 4 through 9, encouraging them to explore Canadian culture, history and heritage while gaining research and public presentation skills.

This year’s participants – some in costume – shared their knowledge on everything from Viola Desmond to “Canada’s greatest hockey dad,” Walter Gretzky. One student shared beautiful sketches of African Nova Scotian settlements, while others recreated historic church steeples and even a stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway.

“The Heritage Fair puts the spotlight on budding young researchers from across the province,” said the event’s organizer, Dr. Kirrily Freeman, Director of Outreach and Experiential Learning for the Faculty of Arts. “It’s an annual highlight here at Saint Mary’s, where the students have a chance to hone their presentation skills while connecting with the expertise of our Arts faculty and heritage partners.”

Coinciding with the 80th anniversary commemorations of D-Day operations in the Second World War, the event had half a dozen projects on military history topics. Pride in family heritage was also front and centre, with several students tracing their family roots.

The History of the North Bay Fisherman’s Co-op

Decorated with fishing nets, photos and lobster dip, a project from Antigonish indicated that history is still being made, with a placard noting, “There is a first for everything: My mom is the first female member of the North Bay Fisherman’s Co-op. She is also the first female captain of a boat where she fishes out of.”      

The student delegates and their parent chaperones arrived June 6 to set up their displays, get acquainted at a banquet, and settle into their residence rooms. On both days, the students attended podcasting and geocaching workshops, plus astronomy sessions in the Burke-Gaffney Observatory.

The Heritage Fair projects were open for public viewing on June 7, followed by an awards ceremony, both in the in the McNally Theatre Auditorium. The awards recognized student research in such areas as Indigenous and African-Canadian heritage, environmental history, equity and justice, immigration studies, sport history, and the history of science and technology. The judging panel included professionals who are active in the fields of culture, history and heritage: professors, archivists, librarians, museum curators, museum interpreters and more.

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Saint Mary’s University mourns the passing of Arthur L. Irving  

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The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University

The Saint Mary’s University community joins business and community leaders across our region and our country to mourn the passing of Arthur L. Irving, one of Canada’s most respected business and community leaders and a prominent and visionary philanthropist.  

Arthur Irving, Sandra Irving DCL’10 and Sarah Irving, along with the Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation and Irving Oil, made a transformational gift of $5 million to the Saint Mary's University's Entrepreneurship Centre. In recognition of this investment, the centre was renamed the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.  This generous gift showcases a deep commitment to student success, educational excellence and the development of future business leaders.  

“With the passing of Arthur L. Irving, we have lost an iconic figure in Canadian business and a highly respected son of Atlantic Canada,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Robert Summerby-Murray. “Arthur’s life and legacy exemplify entrepreneurship, business acumen and dedication to community and philanthropy. Saint Mary’s University is honoured to be home to the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre where his legacy will continue through our student entrepreneurs who are being empowered to lead change and build a better world. I want to express my condolences to the family, particularly to Sandra Irving and Sarah Irving, on the immense loss that Arthur Irving’s passing represents.”  

We invite the campus community to sign a book of condolences that will be available in the lobby of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre on May 15.

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McCain McLean Centre hosts Experiential Learning Symposium

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A woman stands at a podium addressing the room with a presentation of Halifax Wanderers FC on the screen behind her

On March 27, 2024, the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health hosted the university’s first-ever experiential learning symposium in support of the development of sport studies on campus. The event, titled “Sport Studies Outside the Classroom,” drew approximately 25 participants from on and off campus and included students, staff, faculty and industry professionals.

Experiential learning typically refers to hands-on opportunities to gain practical knowledge in a field. It includes an introspective component that calls upon students to reflect on their personal and professional development throughout the process. The event opened with presentations on the subject from the university’s Career and Experiential Learning office as well as the Director of Outreach and Experiential Learning for the Faculty of Arts, Dr. Kirrily Freeman.

Dr. Cheryl MacDonald, Director of the McCain McLean Centre and former instructor for Experiential Learning in Health, Wellness and Sport in Society (HWSS), provided an overview of current approaches to sport studies on campus. At the height of the pandemic, students completed online career modules and organized a virtual speaker series featuring women working in the sport and health industries.

Since 2023, the course has involved case study analysis in sport management and brief placements with organizations such as SMU Athletics & Recreation, the Counselling Centre, Rising Tide Irish Dance Academy, Volleyball Canada, Canoe Kayak Ontario Sprint and the Maritime Hockey League. The Centre also takes Experiential Learning students, the most recent of whom served as production assistants for a documentary on the history of women’s varsity sport on campus.

A room of participants listens to a speaker presenting

In preparation for the launch of the new certificate in Sports Business at Saint Mary’s in September 2024, the Centre invited the participation of Sport Nova Scotia, Halifax Wanderers FC and the University of Guelph. Scott McRoberts teaches Experiential Learning in Sport & Event Management at Guelph and is also the university’s Director of Athletics & Recreation.

“Experiential learning is a critical aspect in understanding the sport business landscape,” said McRoberts. “University athletics and recreation departments are well-positioned to provide students with those opportunities and to benefit from their contributions.” 

Saint Mary’s Director of Athletics & Recreation Scott Gray wrapped up the event with a presentation on existing and potential pathways for Experiential Learning students in his department. Students on campus have done gameday operations and worked in the fitness facility, and this year, a student with an interest in being an Athletic Director job-shadowed Gray. “We have an opportunity here to strengthen the relationship between athletics and academics on campus,” Gray said to the audience. “Experiential learning offers real-world insight in our dynamic and fast-paced environment.”

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PWHL's Victoria Bach inspires young hockey players during campus visit

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Five women talk together while seated on a bench in a hockey dressing room

Victoria Bach (center) with SMU women’s Huskies hockey players

The Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health had the pleasure of hosting Victoria Bach from the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) at the Dauphinee Centre on campus on Sunday, April 14, 2024. Bach, originally from Milton, Ontario, and a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation, visited Halifax as part of a series of events organized by the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund, initiated by SMU’s former Indigenous Visiting Fellow Ryan Francis.

The event was aimed at young girls who play hockey in Nova Scotia and drew approximately 50 spectators. Centre Director Dr. Cheryl MacDonald facilitated a question and answer session, followed by Bach raffling off a game-used stick and signing autographs. Later, she spent time with current members of the Huskies women’s hockey team.

As the session concluded, Bach shared her wisdom with the young attendees, saying, “Remember, every time you get the chance to step on the ice is an opportunity to get better.” She emphasized, “If you work really hard and have confidence in yourself, you’ll never have any regrets—whether it’s hockey or anything in life—and at the end of the day, have so much fun. That’s what it’s all about.”

Cheryl and Victoria sit on chairs addressing a room of young girls

Dr. Cheryl MacDonald and Victoria Bach speak with young hockey players

“What an incredible opportunity for the Centre to host not only a world champion and professional ice hockey player but also a member of a First Nation who serves as a role model for young Indigenous girls,” remarked Centre Director Dr. Cheryl MacDonald. “I extend my gratitude to Ryan Francis and the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund for their partnership, and I appreciate Victoria for being so generous with her time today.”

Hours later, Bach’s PWHL Toronto head coach and Saint Mary’s alumni, Troy Ryan, led the Canadian national women’s team to secure a gold medal with an overtime victory over the USA at the 2024 International Ice Hockey Federation’s (IIHF) Women’s World Championship in Utica, New York. Bach had previously won gold with Team Canada in 2021 and 2022 and remains an integral part of the national program. She has also competed in the former Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) and the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) before joining the PWHL.

Bach holds a Bachelor of Communication from Boston University, where she made history as the first player to score over 100 goals in the women’s hockey team's program. She missed the first eight games of the inaugural PWHL season as she was completing teacher’s college through Brock University.

The McCain McLean Centre continues its monthly online speaker series on ice hockey culture on Wednesday, April 24, with Dr. Janice Forsyth (UBC) and Dr. Taylor McKee (Brock University), who will discuss Indigenous participation in ice hockey. Interested individuals can register to receive the Zoom link on the Centre website.

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Changing local lives with the SMU United Way campaign

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The SMU United Way committee is pleased to announce the schedule of events for the 2024 United Way campaign!

Running from February 12-16, the campaign kicks off with a Pizza Lunch on Monday in Loyola 290. Stop in for a slice, try your luck on the Wheel of Prizes, and take in some special entertainment and speakers.

New this year is the online SMU Scavenger Hunt! How well do you know the Saint Mary’s campus? If you’re a SMU whiz, you could win a prize!

Another new addition to help raise funds is the first-every SMU colouring book, filled with iconic sights from around campus. Pick up your copy of the new Saint Mary’s Colouring Book for $5 at the Book Sale on Tuesday & Thursday in the Colonnade, or in Facilities Management: McNally South—MS011.

Wednesday features some opportunities for self-care, with a free yoga session in the Homburg and massage therapy sessions in the Library, offered by student practitioners from Eastern College. Or stop by for a lunch-hour screening of the Oscar-winning documentary with a SMU connection, The Queen of Basketball.

Wrapping up the week is Lunch-hour Trivia in the Gorsebrook Lounge on Thursday, February 15. Teams of up to four are encouraged to join and put their trivia skills to the test for the chance to win some fun prizes!

All proceeds raised go to the United Way Halifax Community Fund,

When you give, you are helping people who are struggling to keep up with their basic needs: safe shelter, nutritious food, and mental health support. At a time when costs are rising and housing is scarce, United Way Halifax is bridging gaps with short-term and long-term solutions. Your support right now is crucial.

CLICK TO DONATE NOW

Every donation counts and helps to improve people’s daily lives right here in our community. Thank you for your support.

Event schedule

Campaign Kickoff
Monday, February 12
Noon-1 p.m. | Loyola 290
Pizza for lunch! | Spin the Wheel of Prizes!
Donations appreciated

Books & Games Sale
Tuesday & Thursday, February 13 & 15
10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Loyola Colonnade
Hard cover books, games & puzzles: $2;
Softcover: $1; SMU Campus Colouring Books: $5

Massages Therapy Sessions
Wednesday, Feb. 14
12-4 pm | Patrick Power Library
By Massage Therapy Program, Eastern College
Minimum donation: $5/30 minutes

Trauma-informed Yoga
Wednesday, Feb. 14,
Noon-1 p.m. | Homburg Centre, Studio A
Donations appreciated

Movie Lunch Break!
The Queen of Basketball (22 minutes)
Wednesday, Feb. 14
11:30 a.m. | Film starts at noon sharp
Burke Theatre A
$5 donations at the door

Screen an Oscar-winning documentary with a SMU connection! Directed by Ben Proudfoot, The Queen of Basketball is an electrifying portrait of Lucy Harris, who scored the first basket in women’s Olympic history and was the first and only woman officially drafted into the N.B.A. Harris has remained largely unknown—until now.

Trivia
Thursday, Feb. 15
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Gorsebrook Lounge
$30 for groups of up to four people
Register at the door

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Remembering Dr. David Sobey, C.M., DComm'91, Chancellor Emeritus

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Dr. David Sobey, CM, DComm’91, Chancellor Emeritus
1931-2023

David Sobey

The Saint Mary’s University community mourns the passing of Dr. David Sobey, C.M., DComm’91, Chancellor Emeritus of Saint Mary’s University. We join with his family, friends and colleagues in sharing their grief and honouring the life of this steadfast Nova Scotian and exemplary Canadian.

David has left an indelible mark on the lives of students, faculty and staff at Saint Mary's University. His unwavering generosity and guidance over the years have transformed the university and the Sobey School of Business. His legacy will continue to shine through the countless students he has empowered to pursue their dreams and through the David Sobey Centre for Innovation in Retailing and Services established through David’s generosity and vision.          

David Sobey had a long and warm association with the university and in particular with the Sobey School of Business named in honour of his father, Frank H. Sobey. David received an Honorary Doctorate of Commerce in 1991 and cut the ribbon for the new Sobey Building in 1998.  Along with his wife, Faye, he was a strong supporter of Saint Mary’s for more than three decades, beginning in 1986 with his service on the Board of Governors. From 1991 to 1998, he chaired the Building on Strength Capital Campaign, helping to raise $24 million. When the Sobey School of Business Advisory Committee met for the first time in 2002, David was a member. From 2008 to 2010, he served as Saint Mary’s first lay chancellor, conferring degrees to thousands of students at convocation.

In 2019, David announced the $18 million gift from the Sobey family, The Sobey Foundation, Sobeys Inc. and Empire Company Limited. As part of that gift, the Sobeys Inspiration Hub is opening this fall, another stellar tribute to the legacy of David Sobey, the Sobey family, The Sobey Foundation, Sobeys Inc. and Empire Company Limited.

“We are very saddened to hear the news of David’s passing,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “We are honoured to count David Sobey as a friend and guide over many years. He visited campus not only for important events and meetings but often came to watch the progress of the latest building project or meet with faculty, staff and students and hear about their achievements. I will miss his presence and thoughtful leadership that have touched the lives of so many.”

We invite the campus community to sign a book of condolences that will be in the lobby of the Sobey School of Business.

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Nova Scotia Provincial Heritage Fair returns to SMU

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Budding young history buffs from across the province converged on campus last week, as Saint Mary’s University hosted the 2023 Nova Scotia Provincial Heritage Fair.

“We were thrilled to welcome students back in person this year,” said the event’s coordinator Dr. Kirrily Freeman, Director of Outreach and Experiential Learning for the Faculty of Arts. “The Heritage Fair encourages young research talent to shine and connect with the expertise of our Arts faculty and heritage partners. It’s so great to be able to do that in person again.”

The annual celebration of history and heritage returned to campus on June 8 and 9 for the first time since June 2019. Virtual versions were offered over the past few years due to the pandemic.

Forty students—some in costume—shared projects on a wide range of topics, after being selected at their school and regional fairs. Subjects this year ranged from the history of the Jingle Dress to Vimy Ridge, Oak Island, ham radios and even local rapper Classified. The learning opportunity is designed for students in Grades 4 through 9, encouraging them to explore Canadian culture, history and heritage while gaining research and public presentation skills.

“By doing these projects, students focus on research and critical thinking. But they also learn how to share that knowledge with the public, and how to explain the significance of events from the past,” said Freeman.

The students and their chaperones arrived June 8 to set up their displays, attend workshops and get acquainted at a banquet with entertainment by Halifax ‘wizard rock’ band The Lovegoods. On June 9, the projects were open for public viewing in the McNally Theatre Auditorium. Students and their parents enjoyed chatting with The Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, ONS, KC, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and Her Honour Mrs. Patsy LeBlanc, who wandered among the displays and stayed for the awards ceremony afterwards.

Educational workshops both days ranged from podcasting to archaeology, and astronomy sessions in the Burke-Gaffney Observatory. Awards recognized student research in such areas as Acadian and Indigenous heritage, environmental history, equity and justice, immigration studies, history of science and technology, military heritage and more. The judging panel included professionals who are active in the fields of culture, history and heritage: history professors, archivists, librarians, museum curators, museum interpreters and more.

Related:

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Fulbright Canada Community Leadership Program

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Settling in a new country is full of unknowns. Immigrants navigate the uncharted waters of adjusting to a new culture, new surroundings, and a new life. During a time of great transition, understanding financial practices and rules in their new country can be daunting.

Fulbright Canada, in partnership with the United States Embassy in Ottawa and Sobey School of Business of Saint Mary’s University, recently hosted a Community Leadership program. This one-of-a-kind event connected 50 new immigrants from 23 different countries and five continents: Asia, Africa, Europe, North America and South America. The speakers, session chairs and facilitators included finance professors from Dalhousie, Saint Mary's and Mount Saint Vincent University as well as practitioners from Royal Bank of Canada, Bank of Montreal, Health Canada, Investment Group and McInnes Cooper. The two-day event also received support from the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia to connect immigrants to the informative material.

Participants engaged in discussions, breakout sessions and had opportunities to network. Presentations covered personal financial management, consumer credit, real estate management, safeguarding from scammers, career choices and taxation.

The program was developed by Fulbright Canada Research Alumni Chair and former Dalhousie University professor and current professor of economics at the University of New Brunswick, Dr. Fazley Siddiq. The program’s creation also involved a Strategic Committee including two Sobey School of Business faculty members, Dr. Mohammad Rahaman and Dr. Ashraf Zaman.

“First and foremost, our goal is to help immigrants integrate within the greater Canadian society,” says Dr. Siddiq. “This program is focused on giving them more than basic financial skills. We’re giving them financial management skills which includes everything from making good investment decisions to informed choices with respect to mortgage loans, car loans, saving for retirement and more.”

Dr. Fazley Siddiq

Zahra Bazzi and Shiella Macion attended the Fulbright Community Leadership program. They both felt it was beneficial.

“This is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to learn about personal financial management in Canada,” says Bazzi. “The sessions were very informative.”

“I appreciate the networking opportunity and to get to know people who don’t necessarily have the same background as me but have immigrated to Canada,” says Macion. “I have a background in the finance industry, but there are things that I have learned that are enhancing my understanding.”  

Zahra Bazzi and Shiella Macion

The event also included special guests: U.S. Consul General for Atlantic Canada Lyra Carr, Halifax Mayor Mike Savage, the Honourable Steve Craig, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the Honourable Brian Wong, Minister of Advanced Education, Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax, and Jennifer Watts, CEO of ISANS.

The Honourable Steve Craig, Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rob Summerby-Murray, U.S. Consul General for Atlantic Canada Lyra Carr, Sobey School of Business Dean Dr. Harjeet Bhabra, Fulbright Canada Research Alumni Chair Dr. Fazley Siddiq and Halifax Mayor Mike Savage.

Saint Mary’s University’s Sobey School of Business hosted the program. The school is the oldest and largest business school in the Atlantic region, and it was more than happy to welcome the participants, subject matter experts and special guests.

“Partnering with Saint Mary’s helped us reach a lot of people. There are many immigrants living in Halifax, and the city has numerous experts from academia and the banking sector who volunteered their time to be here,” says Dr. Siddiq. “When I spoke to the Sobey School of Business’ Associate Dean, Dr. Mohammad Rahaman, he was quick to suggest that the university host the event.”  

Dr. Siddiq hopes participants walked away from the session with a good knowledge of financial management and that they feel inspired to continue to learn and ask questions.

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Ramadan in Unity brings SMU Muslim community together

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Ramadan, one of the holiest months of the Islamic calendar, began on March 22. It is marked by compulsory acts guided by the five pillars: faith, prayer, charity, fasting and making the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. Those taking part in Ramadan participate in daily fasting during daylight hours, having one meal, Suhoor, before the sun rises and one meal, Iftar, after the sun sets. Prayer also takes place five times a day during the month-long observance.

“Here at Saint Mary’s, we have a diverse community of learners, faculty and staff,” notes Lynn Cashen Basso, Assistant Director, Student Culture and Experience, Student Affairs and Services (SAAS). “Through various initiatives, we strive to support an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment for all.”

Iftar kits were prepared by the Student Success Centre and SMUSA Community Food Room

This year, SAAS undertook several initiatives to support those within the SMU community who were observing the holy month of Ramadan. “It is important to create opportunities for open and inclusive dialogue that reinforces our commitment to fostering a community that is based on respect and belonging,” elaborates Cashen Basso.

Led by the division of Student Culture and Experience, SAAS, in collaboration with both the Saint Mary’s Muslim Students Association and Saint Mary’s Students Association (SMUSA), the university coordinated the creation of new guidelines for the multi-faith space where students could step away for prayer throughout the day without having to leave campus with extended hours for Ramadan.

The Community Food Room, a shared initiative with SAAS and SMUSA, handed out 266 Iftar kits over five distribution days to support those breaking fast at sundown. Most notably, the International Student Centre collaborated with the Saint Mary’s University Muslim Society to host the inaugural Ramadan in Unity event.

“To have the opportunity to openly acknowledge Ramadan at Saint Mary’s is extremely meaningful,” explains Ammar Abdul Shakoor, President, Muslim Students Association. “This ensures that Muslim students feel welcomed and know they have a safe space on campus.”

The event was open to members of the Saint Mary’s—and broader Halifax—Muslim community, as well as non-Muslim students across the city. “We wanted an opportunity to share our holy month and its significance in Islam with our peers,” Shakoor elaborates. “Our goal was simply to unite and come together as one in a welcoming environment, which is why we called the event, Ramadan in Unity.”

Ramadan in Unity boasted special guest speakers, SMU President, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, the Ummah Masque Imam, Abduallah Yousri, community leader, advocate and local Imam Mohammed Yaffa, and SMUSA Vice-President of Events, Toky Tajwar.

“Religion and faith are of paramount importance to many at Saint Mary’s,” describes President Summerby-Murray. “Supporting our students, faculty and staff in this way reinforces our commitment to providing a safe and inclusive academic environment and allows us opportunities to learn from each other and broaden understandings that go beyond our own lived experiences.”

To learn more about Ramadan, visit Islamic Relief Canada.