Acclaimed comic artist Kate Beaton to deliver the 2025 Cyril J. Byrne Memorial Lecture

What is the relationship between the arts and the economy? How do we value the ‘work’ of art and the business of creativity in our daily lives? 

Spend an evening with internationally acclaimed comic artist Kate Beaton as she revisits her earliest work—some never seen in public—and discusses her artistic journey so far. Join us in celebrating one of Atlantic Canada’s greatest artists as she charts her journey from Mabou, Inverness County, out to the world and back home again.

“We Were Always Working and Making Art: Rethinking the Economics and Value of Creativity”

• Friday, March 21 at 7 p.m.

• Scotiabank Conference Theatre (Sobey Building 201, 903 Robie Street) or watch via Zoom

• Open to the public, free to attend

Beginning with Hark! A Vagrant (2007-2018), moving through the explosive critical success of Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands (2022), on to her penetrating analysis of Bodies of Art, Bodies of Labour (2024) and her new 2025 release Shark Girl, Beaton will discuss her understanding of the essential role of the artist in our daily lives. Why have the arts always mattered to us, and why must we, especially now, continue to value and protect creative work in our contemporary culture? 

Kate Beaton is a comic artist and cultural critic with a webcomic series and eight books written for both adults and children. A multiple past winner of the Eisner, Yale, Harvey and Doug Wright Awards, she is a regular contributor to The New Yorker magazine and her work has been translated and published around the world. She'll be a guest speaker at Harvard University next week as its Weatherhead Canada Program presents "A Visual Narrative of Labour Migration and the Environment: In Conversation With Kate Beaton.”

Beaton’s graphic memoir Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands won CBC’s Canada Reads competition in 2023. It was named a “Book of the Year” by the New York Times, The Guardian, The Globe and Mail, The Washington Post, NPR, Time, Publishers Weekly and...Barack Obama! The Globe and Mail hailed Ducks as a “deeply beautiful” book that presents a “moving picture of humanity in general: lonely, disillusioned and, ultimately, redemptively, compassionate." 

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The Cyril J. Byrne Memorial Lecture
Over the years, the Cyril J. Byrne Memorial Lecture has welcomed many of the world’s best writers to Halifax. Past evenings have featured readings and discussions with Booker Prize-winners such as Yann Martel and Anne Enright, Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Ford and many others, including Alistair MacLeod, Anne Carson, Colm Tóibín, Dionne Brand, David Adams Richards, Wayne Johnston and the cast of CODCO. 

Throughout his 35-year career as a literature professor at Saint Mary’s University, Dr. Byrne embraced interdisciplinarity in his teaching and research. Well ahead of his time, he played a major role in establishing the university’s Atlantic Canada Studies Program in 1975 and the D’Arcy McGee Chair in Irish Studies in 1986. In recognition of the national significance of his work, Dr. Byrne was named to the Order of Canada in 1992. After his passing in 2006, this lecture was inaugurated to celebrate his memory, his scholarly vision and his fun-loving spirit.

Sponsored by the Irish Studies Program, this public lecture is presented by the Department of English Language and Literature in collaboration with the Faculty of Arts. All are welcome to attend. The Scotiabank Conference Theatre is located off the main lobby of the Sobey Building (SB on the campus map) at 903 Robie Street, Halifax, or join via Zoom: https://smu-ca.zoom.us/j/89229106318.

Saint Mary's University appoints Dr. Shannon Dea as Provost & Vice-President, Academic and Research

Dr. Shannon Dea

Saint Mary's University is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Shannon Dea as the university's first Provost & Vice-President, Academic and Research (PVPAR). Dr. Dea will assume her new role on July 1, 2025, bringing a wealth of experience and a distinguished career in academia.

Dr. Dea joins Saint Mary's University from the University of Regina, where she has served as Dean of the Faculty of Arts since 2020. In this role, she has been an academic leader for a faculty comprising 13 departments, 43 program options, and over 2,600 students.

Dr. Dea's academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Western University, an M.A. in Philosophy from Queen’s University and a B.A. in Philosophy and Russian from the University of Waterloo. Her scholarly work spans a wide range of topics, including academic freedom, harm reduction and feminist philosophy. She is the author of many articles and book chapters. Her book, Beyond the Binary: Thinking about Sex and Gender, now in its second edition, has been widely acclaimed for its insightful analysis and thought-provoking perspectives.

In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Dea has held numerous leadership positions, including Vice-President of the Board of Trustees at the MacKenzie Art Gallery and Chair of the Western Canadian Deans of Arts, Science, and Indigenous Studies. Her commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is evident in her work, particularly in her efforts to Indigenize academic spaces and promote social justice.

Dr. Dea's appointment marks a significant milestone for Saint Mary's University as she becomes the first person to hold the newly created position of PVPAR. In this role, she will oversee the university's academic and research activities, working closely with faculty, staff, and students to enhance the university's academic excellence and research impact. The Provost and Vice-President, Academic & Research also plays a crucial role in the university budget by overseeing the allocation of resources to support academic priorities and ensuring effective management of the budget process.

"We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Shannon Dea to Saint Mary's University," said Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary's University. "Her extensive experience, visionary leadership and deep commitment to academic excellence and social justice make her the ideal person to lead our academic and research initiatives. We look forward to the many contributions she will make to our university community."

Dr. Dea expressed her enthusiasm for joining Saint Mary's University, stating, "I am honoured to be appointed as the first Provost & Vice-President, Academic and Research at Saint Mary's University. I look forward to working with SMU’s amazing faculty, staff, and students to advance the university's mission and to foster a dynamic, equitable and inclusive academic environment."

One million pounds of perfectly imperfect food feeds Nova Scotians

Square Roots, a Nova Scotia social enterprise founded at Saint Mary’s University, celebrates major milestone.

Students sorting donated food

Square Roots, founded by Saint Mary’s University students in 2016, buys imperfect yet perfectly edible food from local farmers and sells it directly to customers at a price that is 50% less than the grocery store. Nova Scotians benefit from getting healthy food at a more affordable price and farmers benefit because they get revenue from the food that would otherwise go to waste. This month, Square Roots celebrates the major milestone of delivering one million pounds of food since its beginning in 2016.

“We could not have done it without the student teams, the community champions and the farmers. ”

— Courtney Dingle, Square Roots president

“Square Roots is delighted to reach this one million pounds of food milestone. We could not have done it without the student teams, the community champions and the farmers. We believe this is just the beginning of what’s possible. We are currently in 16 communities and want to be in every county in Nova Scotia by April 2025 and we have a vision to take this model nationally,” says Courtney Dingle, Square Roots president and SMU business student.

Square Roots was developed by students at SMU who participate in an international student program called Enactus. Enactus marries entrepreneurial-minded students with social action. Square Roots 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 "less attractive" produce that would otherwise be discarded, offering it at affordable prices to those with limited access to healthy food.

Working with local contacts, Square Roots is currently bringing food to over 25 communities across Nova Scotia—the newest being Port Hawkesbury, D’Escousse, Sydney, Baddeck, Cornwallis Park, Digby, Yarmouth, Shelburne, Mill Village, and Lunenburg. The team intends to be in all Nova Scotia counties by May 2025 and, in the bigger picture, has plans to expand across Canada by 2026.

The SMU Enactus team is well-recognized in Canada and around the world. They have placed top 4 in the Canadian Enactus championships 11 of the last 13 years and won the national Canadian champion in 2024. With this recognition, the team represented Canada at the global Enactus championship in Kazakhstan in October 2024. The SMU Enactus team recently earned first place in the 2025 Enactus regional competition and heads to the national competition in May 2025.

Women's Athletics leading the pack at SMU

Huge congratulations are in order for SMU Huskies women’s teams and athletes! On the courts, on the field and on the ice, female student-athletes have shone this season.

Most recently, two Huskies women's teams won AUS Championships on the same day, with the volleyball team joining the women's basketball team that won their third straight title earlier in the day at the Scotiabank Centre.

The Saint Mary's Huskies won their third Atlantic University Sport women's basketball championship, defeating the UPEI Panthers 68-53 on March 2. The win secured the team’s spot in the U SPORTS Final 8 National Championship, which will be played March 13-16 in Vancouver, BC. 

TheHuskies are the 2024-2025 AUS Women’s Basketball Champions for the third year in a row

The Huskies are the first AUS women's basketball program to hoist the AUS banner three straight years since their predecessors won four consecutive titles from 2013-2016.

MBA student Clara Gascoigne was named the AUS Women's Basketball MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and Tournament MVP. Lucina Beaumont, Evie Hargraves and Aki Kobayashi were also recognized with AUS awards.

Clara Gascoigne at the 2024-2025 U SPORTS Awards Banquet

Gascoigne was also named 2024-25 U SPORTS women's basketball defensive player of the year and a First Team All-Canadian. The six-foot guard from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, started in 19 games and led the Huskies in minutes, averaging 31.6 per game.

She is only the second Saint Mary's player and the second Atlantic University Sport women's basketball player to win the Defensive Player of the Year award after Kennisha-Shanice Luberisse and second to be named First Team All-Canadian after Justine Colley-Leger.

Read more about the U SPORTS Basketball Awards.

The Huskies are the 2024-2025 AUS Women’s Volleyball champions

The Saint Mary's Huskies women’s volleyball team became the AUS Champions for the first time since the 2011-12 season.

The Huskies defeated the Memorial Sea-Hawks to win the 2024-2025 AUS Championships, with left-side hitter Emilia Mikanovich named the AUS MVP and Playoff MVP. Grace Blaskovits was named AUS Rookie of the Year and Alena Piatukhova was named First Team All-Star. Mikanovich was also named a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian, while Blasksovits was named to the All-Rookie Team. Read more on the U SPORTS Volleyball Awards.

The Huskies will move on to represent the AUS at the 2025 U SPORTS National Championship, and will be making their second straight appearance at nationals slated for March 14-16 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

More honours for student-athletes

Women’s Hockey captain Ashley Penney was recognized for her academic, athletic and community contributions with the AUS Student-Athlete Community Service Award. Abigail MacKenzie and Ava Shearer also received AUS awards.

In the Fall term, Cara Freeman was named 2024 AUS Women's Soccer First Team All-Star and Elliana Porter was named 2024 AUS Women's Rugby All-Star.

Track and Field shotputter Katie Pegg won a gold medal in the F46 Para Shotput, with a personal best of 11.57m.

AUS award winners Clara Gascoigne, Ashley Penney and Emilia Mikanovich

Anecia Shepherd: celebrating Black culture and women’s history through art

Arts student Anecia Shepherd performed at the African Heritage Month Opening Ceremony at SMU on January 31

First-year Arts student Anecia Shepherd has already made an impression at Saint Mary’s with her passion, powerful writing and commanding presence. So, when her Professor, Soji Cole, recommended her to perform at the African Heritage Month Opening Ceremony, she saw an opportunity not only to share her words but to honour the legacy of those who came before her. 

Originally from Antigua, in the Caribbean, Anecia says she immediately felt a sense of belonging at Saint Mary’s. “SMU has this community feel that fosters not only growth but health and wellness,” she explains. She credits her professors for making efforts to connect with and support students as individuals, as well as campus initiatives like African Heritage Month programming, which helped establish a deeper sense of connection and belonging. 

“We put everything into celebrating Black culture in February back home,” Anecia explains. “The fact that SMU acknowledges February as this sacred month for Black people and celebrates that is beyond words. I think it makes all the Black students feel extremely appreciated.” 

Anecia moved the audience with her spoken word piece ‘Recalled: A Dream Had, A Dream Have’.

Anecia’s performance at the AHM Opening Ceremony took the audience on a journey through a dream, where a dove sent by her ancestors urged her to confront the past and acknowledge the towering legacy of Black culture. “What lies ahead of you is forged in the histories of those who have bled before you,” she recited from her spoken word piece, Recalled: A Dream Had, A Dream Have. 
 
Her performance reflected on the sacrifices and resilience of Black individuals, particularly Black women, and the burden of expectation placed upon them. “I can’t just be. Being is a measure of mediocrity. I gotta be strong...original...creative...revolutionary.” Her words lingered, acknowledging each stacked pressure before finally casting them off. “Forget I gotta be,” she declared, embracing both the struggles and triumphs of the legacy that shaped her. At that moment, she reclaimed her power. “I am!” 

As February’s Black History Month transitioned to March’s Women’s History Month, Anecia sees a natural connection between the two. "Black history and women’s history are deeply intertwined, woven together by stories of strength, struggle and resilience," she says. But with that legacy often comes immense pressure in the expectation to be everything to everyone and to do it all without faltering. 

Anecia’s piece also paid tribute to her grandmother, whose life was a testament to choosing fulfillment over expectation, embracing culture and living on her own terms. But beyond her personal inspiration, the poem served as a broader reflection on how Black individuals, and women in particular, face relentless pressure to fit into societal moulds, to excel without rest, and to endure without complaint. Her performance challenged that societal construct, rejecting the notion that success must come at the cost of self. 

Anecia’s love for writing extends beyond the spoken word. She hopes to use her words to explore injustice, honour her identity and find ways to influence meaningful change. “Writing feels like something I’ll do in every lifetime,” she says. 

Reflecting on both African Heritage Month and Women’s History Month, she shares a powerful message: “I’m still here…I, for myself, for my ancestors, for every Black person and woman in the wider community. We are still here...make space. Let’s work together and flourish together by building a community built on equality, love, kindness, and justice.” 

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Related:

• Celebrating International Women’s Day at Saint Mary’s

• Legacy in Action: Black Brilliance - SMU's inaugural African Heritage Month opening ceremony

• African Heritage Month 2025: Celebrating our community with events, resources and more

• Black/African Descended Student Support online hub

• Black/African Nova Scotian SMU Community News

Celebrating International Women's Day

Saturday, March 8, is International Women’s Day (IWD), a global celebration of women and girls. This year, we’re challenged to amplify the voices of all women, create opportunities for women and girls and accelerate action for gender equality. Learn more about the Government of Canada’s Strength in Every Story theme and the IWD Accelerate Action theme.

Join the SMU community for uplifting events happening on campus and online in celebration of International Women’s Day, and read about the students and alumni whose leadership inspires us all.

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International Women's Day - Celebrating a Feminist Future

Wednesday, March 5
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Loyola Colonnade

Join the Sexual Violence Support Centre team in the Loyola Colonnade to mark International Women's Day and celebrate a feminist future!

Drop by between 11-2 to honour a woman in your life, contribute to a special art exhibit and share a treat. All are welcome.

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Journalling Workshop for Black Students

Wednesday, March 5
2:30-4 p.m.
Loyola Private Dining Room, LA 298

Join the Black Student Advisor and the Sexual Violence Support Centre for a Journalling Workshop for Black students. FREE journals for the first 20 participants!

Shianne Gordon (Community Mobilization Coordinator with the East Preston Resource Centre and Community Navigator with Avalon Centre) will guide a journalling process of mindfulness and gratitude to support wellbeing.

Join us in Loyola 298 (Private Dining Room) for an afternoon of connection and reflection.

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Her Story: Empower Her

Wednesday, March 5
5:30-8 p.m.
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre Inspiration Studio (SH 212)

Join us for a special Women’s Day celebration as we come together to honour the achievements and contributions of women across various fields.

This event will highlight how women are re-imagining success by breaking boundaries, overcoming challenges, and leading with courage, innovation, and resilience.

Meet Inspiring Speakers:

• Rashmi Prakash – CEO & Co-founder, Aruna Revolution

• Sayeda Nabila – Senior Market Manager, TELUS

• Navdeep Parmanand – Chief Curves Officer & Founder, Celebrate Your Curves

Join us for an afternoon of thought-provoking conversations, shared experiences, and powerful insights from trailblazing women redefining success in their fields. Register Here.

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Celebration of Women in Entrepreneurship

Friday, March 7
10-11:30 a.m.
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre Inspiration Studio (SH 212)

Mark your calendars for March 7, 2025, as we come together to celebrate International Women’s Day at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. This event is all about confidence, connection and celebration—an uplifting space to honour women entrepreneurs and change makers!

Why you should attend:

• Connect with like-minded women entrepreneurs, students, alumni and changemakers

• Be inspired by success stories from incredible women making an impact

• Engage in fun, empowering activities designed to boost confidence and self-reflection

• Enjoy delicious treats from women-owned businesses

This event is open to all students, alumni and community members, and we welcome everyone who believes in the power of women’s leadership and entrepreneurship. Register here.

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International Women's Day: Embodying Support

Monday, March 10
10 a.m.-noon
O’Donnell-Hennessey Student Centre, 5th floor common space

Join the Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative in celebration of International Women's Day at the Student Centre 5th Floor common space! Get a temporary tattoo of a purple and/or teal ribbon to show your solidarity and support for those who have been impacted by gender- and sexual-based violence.

Meet the SVPI team, get resources for available supports and grab some snacks for the day!

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Empowering Voices: A Talking Circle for Immigrant and Black Women Entrepreneurs

Wednesday, March 12
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre Inspiration Studio (SH 212)

If you are an immigrant woman entrepreneur, a Black woman entrepreneur, or both, we want to invite you to connect with us at our intimate Talking Circle!

This is not your typical formal event—it’s a welcoming space to exchange stories, reflect on personal journeys and build meaningful connections.

We'll gather in a cozy circle of seats, sharing our backgrounds and experiences in a warm, supportive environment. It’s a chance to feel connected, comfortable, and inspired—the perfect way to brighten up a cold winter evening.

What to Expect:

• Open conversations about challenges, barriers, and triumphs

• A supportive environment to learn from diverse cultures and perspectives

• Opportunities to foster new friendships and explore business growth in Halifax

Our Facilitator will be Keisha Turner BA'12, Co-Founder of Starberry Drink Co. Register here.

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Paint and Sip

Wednesday, March 19
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre Inspiration Studio (SH 212)

Come join us for a relaxing evening of creativity and tea at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre in support of local women-owned businesses! All ticket sales will go to a local woman-owned business or organization supporting women - we will do a draw at the end of the night. There will also be amazing giveaway prizes from local businesses for attendees.

There will be a tea bar with a selection of teas and snacks to keep you warm and someone to help guide you through the painting process. No experience is necessary; just bring your creativity and enthusiasm! This event is perfect for a fun night out with friends or a solo artistic adventure. Let's paint, sip, and unwind together! Register here.

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Recurring Events

EDIA Book Club

The book for the Winter Term is Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong – and the New Research That's Rewriting the Story by Angela Saini.

The EDIA Book Club meets biweekly on Fridays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Patrick Power Library room LI-135.

Remaining dates for this term: March 7, March 21, April 4

Visit the webpage for updates about which chapters to read and for more information about the book club. If you would like to be added to the EDIA book club mailing list, please reach out to Maheshi Dharmasiri (maheshi.dharmasiri@smu.ca).

Women in Sport Business Speaker Series

In this monthly online speaker series, women with expertise in the field of sport business share their insights, highlighting their important roles in the sport industry.

Next event: Tuesday, March 18 at 7 p.m. with Lindsay MacPhee DipEng’04. Register here.

Lindsay, a former chemical engineer turned entrepreneur, founded The Floatation Centre Health and Wellness in 2015. She will discuss the benefits of floatation therapy and holistic wellness for athletes.

For more information, visit the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health website.

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50th Anniversary of Women in Varsity Sport

Former athletes, coaches and supporters gathered to celebrate the anniversary at Homecoming in October 2024

In 2024, Saint Mary's celebrated a monumental milestone: the 50th anniversary of women in varsity sports. The yearlong celebration showcased the inspiring journeys of female athletes who have shaped the university's athletic program, creating a legacy of achievement, determination and empowerment.

The highlight of the festivities took place during Homecoming in October 2024, when alumnae athletes, current student-athletes and prominent figures in women's sports gathered to celebrate the accomplishments and journey of the past 50 years of women in varsity athletics. It was more than just a celebration; it was a heartfelt tribute to the past, present and future of women's sports at SMU. Read more about the celebration and alumni highlights in Maroon + White alumni magazine.

Today, the SMU Huskies women’s teams are leading the pack!

Women’s Basketball AUS Champions 2024-2025

Women’s Volleyball AUS Champions 2024-2025

The Women’s Basketball Huskies won the 2024-2024 AUS Championships for the third season in a row! MBA student Clara Gascoigne was named the AUS Women's Basketball MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and Tournament MVP. Lucina Beaumont, Evie Hargraves and Aki Kobayashi were also recognized with AUS awards.

The Women’s Volleyball Huskies won the 2024-2025 AUS Championships, with left-side hitter Emilia Mikanovich named the AUS MVP and Playoff MVP. Grace Blaskovits was named AUS Rookie of the Year and Alena Piatukhova was named First Team All-Star.

Women’s Hockey captain Ashley Penney was recognized for her academic, athletic and community contributions with the AUS Student-Athlete Community Service Award. Abigail MacKenzie and Ava Shearer also received AUS awards.

In the Fall term, Cara Freeman was named 2024 AUS Women's Soccer First Team All-Star and Elliana Porter was named 2024 AUS Women's Rugby All-Star.

AUS award winners Clara Gascoigne, Ashley Penney and Emilia Mikanovich

Inspiring Students

Rheannon Richards BA’24 was the first woman to be awarded the Edna and Velma Thomas Kane Writers Award at last year’s Spring Convocation. She was recognized for giving back to her community as a tutor and conversation partner for newcomers. The $30,000 award was established in 2023 for undergraduate Arts students of African Nova Scotian or Black/African descent who aspire to careers in writing.

Commerce student and entrepreneur Olivian Sanderson was awarded a Dream Chaser Change Maker Award for Sociable, a mental health app for students, which she co-founded. The award provides a $10,000 scholarship and celebrates student entrepreneurs who use their businesses to address pressing social and environmental challenges. 

First-year Engineering student Mia Makhlouf received the Montreal Women’s Memorial Scholarship, which honours the memory of the 14 women who were killed on December 6, 1989 in an anti-feminist attack at the École Polytechnique, the engineering school at the Université de Montréal.

First-year student Emi Morse received the prestigious Honourable David C. Onley Scholarship Award from Canadian Hearing Services. This national scholarship is awarded to an individual who demonstrates outstanding academic achievements, resilience, and dedication as a leader in accessibility and the deaf community.

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International Women’s Day Collection at the Patrick Power Library

This year's theme, Strength in Every Story, highlights the importance of uplifting the voices of all women, especially those who continually face barriers to success. The SMU Library's International Women's Day book list celebrates women’s resilience, determination, and contributions to our past, present, and future.

Find the display on the ground floor of the library, or browse the book list online. All Library resources are free for SMU students, faculty, and staff to borrow. 

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More inspiring women at Saint Mary’s:

• Sustainability…period! From classroom to Aruna Revolution: how Bridget's MBAN is helping make menstrual products eco-friendly

• Anecia Shepherd: celebrating Black culture and women’s history through art

• Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre highlights Female Changemakers

• BComm student with focus on sustainability wins prestigious Frank H. Sobey Award

• 'A dream come true' Saint Mary's shot put star Katie Pegg set to compete at 2024 Paralympic Games 

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

• Celebrating Women in Business: Highlights from the 2024 Conference

More events this month:

• March 6: Public reading by our SMU 2025 Writer-in-Residence Souvankham Thammavongsa

• March 12: Queer Market

• March 13: Upholding Sacred Obligations: Searching for the Missing and Disappeared Children

• March 14: Fighting for France: Secret Intelligence, War Memoirs, and How Josephine Baker Took on the British Empire

Legacy in Action: Black Brilliance - SMU's inaugural African Heritage Month opening ceremony

Sanmi Conga

Zoe Tolliver

SMU student opened the event with song

Deborah Brothers-Scott

Director, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellness

Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray

President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary’s

Simbarashe Chiunda

Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association President

Anecia Shephard

First-year Arts student

Damini Awoyiga

Halifax Youth Poet Laureate

David Woods

Organizing founder of Nova Scotia’s first African Heritage Month celebrations

Colin Campbell

Director of Government and Community Relations at African Nova Scotian Affairs

The Honourable Twila Rose Grosse

Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs

Sunal Shah

Student and event emcee

President Summerby-Murray with event attendees

Sanmi Conga drummers

Damini Awoyiga shares her poem “Legacy”

David Woods with a SMU student

Attendees applaud

On Friday, January 31, members of the Saint Mary’s University community gathered for the inaugural African Heritage Month Opening Ceremony, centred around this year’s theme: Legacy in Action: Black Brilliance.  

Organised by the Black Student Advising Office and emceed by SMU student Sunal Shah, the opening ceremony saw more than 100 students, faculty, staff and community members in attendance for the event, which blended powerful performances and speeches with vibrant drumming from Sanmi Conga and a soul food meal catered by R&B Kitchen. The event was both a joyous celebration and a deep reflection on the histories, perseverance and impact of Black and African Nova Scotians. 

SMU student Zoe Tolliver opened the evening with moving renditions of “O Canada” and “Lift Every Voice,” the Black National Anthem. Quiet voices through the crowd lifted alongside her as participants stood in unity, setting the tone for the event. 

“We are here today to celebrate African Heritage Month, and it is important that we not lose sight of the fact that we are seeing attacks on EDIA. This backlash is often rooted in anti-Black racism,” said Deborah Brothers-Scott, Saint Mary’s Director, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellness, during her welcome. “We find ourselves in challenging times. It is important that we stand together united in creating more equitable, inclusive and diverse spaces.” 

President and Vice-Chancellor Robert Summerby-Murray reflected on the meaning of legacy, celebrating both the African Nova Scotian community and those who have joined from places of African descent worldwide. “As we think of that word—legacy—we are building on the past and the foundation laid by many within this room,” he shared. “But it also tells us that we have a responsibility to use that foundation to build the future, and everyone in the SMU community has a role in projecting that legacy forward for a better and brighter future together.” 

Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association President Simbarashe Chiunda took in the crowd as he stepped to the podium. “I have never been more proud to be Black,” he proclaimed. He explored the significance of legacy and brilliance, highlighting the rich history of the African Nova Scotian community and the vast African diaspora. “As students, we represent the future of this legacy,” he said, reflecting on the Black excellence he sees at SMU, from students and student leaders to entrepreneurs, artists, and advocates. “Let us honour our ancestors by taking action to support each other and build a world where Black excellence is not just recognized but celebrated. Because Black history is not just history. It is now, it is here, and it is us.” 

First-year Faculty of Arts student Anecia Shephard delivered a powerful spoken word performance. She guided the audience through an introspective journey depicted as a dream, where a messenger dove from her ancestors led her through Black history, identity, and legacy. Her words painted a vivid picture of struggle, resilience and hope, embracing the strength of those who came before her and her role in shaping the future. “We are the present, written for future minds,” she declared. 

Halifax Youth Poet Laureate Damini Awoyiga took the stage with a spoken word piece celebrating the unbreakable spirit of Black history. Her poem “Legacy” traced a lineage of strength from freedom fighters to cultural figures, recognizing the struggles, sacrifices, and victories that shape both the present and future. “We are the legacy. Straight from the ashes, voices like thunder,” she intoned, embracing the power of the present while honouring the past. 

The event’s first keynote speaker, David Woods, reflected on the personal and collective journeys of Black and African Nova Scotians. A multidisciplinary artist and the organizing founder of Nova Scotia’s first African Heritage Month celebrations in 1992, Woods delivered a moving performance speech titled “Notes from Beloved,” a call for self-love in the face of oppression. “Out yonder, they don’t love your hands,” he recited, describing Black flesh that weeps, dances and endures. “Love your heart above all, for this is the prize.” 

Following his performance, Woods intertwined personal narratives and historical accounts, highlighting the No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canada’s first and only all-Black battalion, and the Caribbean immigrants who settled in Cape Breton to work in the steel mills and coal mines, alongside individual accounts of journeying to and settling in Nova Scotia. “These are stories that were hidden and erased,” he emphasized. “By them coming to light, they have enriched not only Black folk but all Canadians. The challenge of this month is to extend them. Extend them to the spaces where you are.” 

The second keynote speaker, Colin Campbell, Director of Government and Community Relations at African Nova Scotian Affairs, shared a recorded address from Twila Grosse, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs, before unpacking the meaning behind Legacy in Action: Black Brilliance. He highlighted the extension of the UN’s International Decade for People of African Descent, underscoring the global call to action for recognition, justice, and development. 

With his final thoughts, which concluded the 2025 African Heritage Month Opening Ceremony, Campbell echoed the evening’s recurring lament: “Standing on the shoulders of Black brilliance was paved with a price by generations.” He closed with a call to action, reinforcing the sentiments imbued by each speaker and performer throughout the night. “Let us commit to advocate, educate, and celebrate—not just during African Heritage Month, but every day. Together, we will ensure that the brilliance of our community shines for generations to come.” 

Taking action to support Indigenous Students

Members from Eastward Energy visited Saint Mary’s campus to discuss the new Indigenous Opportunities Bursary with student advisor Kylar Johnson

New bursary offered in September 2025 in partnership with Eastward Energy

Saint Mary’s University is proud to announce a new bursary aimed at supporting Indigenous students, thanks to a generous donation from Eastward Energy. The Eastward Energy Indigenous Opportunities Bursary will provide financial assistance to five Indigenous students each year for the next five years. This initiative will help alleviate barriers to post-secondary education and empower future leaders within Indigenous communities.

"As an Indigenous Student Advisor, my role is to be a bridge—connecting students to the resources they need to succeed,” said Kylar Johnson BComm'23, Indigenous Student Advisor. "This bursary not only helps Indigenous students financially but also affirms the commitment of the university to provide them with the support they need to thrive. It is a tangible, real-world example of creating change. By creating these opportunities, we are reinforcing the importance of community and reconciliation, ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard and valued throughout the university experience."

“Supporting Indigenous students is an important step toward building a more inclusive future,” said Kristen Wilcott MAEC'21, Manager of Government Relations at Eastward Energy. “This bursary underscores our dedication to fostering opportunities and partnerships with First Nations communities. I hope it encourages students to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities.”

A partnership grounded in shared values

Saint Mary’s University and Eastward Energy share core values of reconciliation and a commitment to fostering inclusive education.

The connection goes even deeper—several members of the Eastward Energy team are alumni of Saint Mary’s, including Ashley MacDonald BComm'11, Vice-President of Finance, and Allison Coffin MBA'13, Director of Regulatory and Government Relations. Partnering with Saint Mary’s was a natural extension of their shared commitment to diversity, making this collaboration a personal and meaningful step in advancing Truth and Reconciliation.

SMU Indigenous Student Advisor Kylar Johnson BComm’23 with Allison Coffin MBA'13, Kristen Wilcott MAEC'21 and Ashley MacDonald BComm'11 of Eastward Energy

 A lasting impact for Indigenous students

“As an institution, we are committed to supporting Indigenous students and fostering stronger community connections,” said Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President and Vice-Chancellor at Saint Mary’s University. “This significant gift will have a lasting impact, empowering Indigenous students to reach their academic potential. Saint Mary’s University remains dedicated to eliminating disparities and promoting inclusion, core pillars of our strategic plan. This bursary is a key step in realizing those values as we strive for a world without limits.”

“This effort is aimed at reducing financial barriers for Indigenous students pursuing higher education,” said John Hawkins, President at Eastward Energy. “This initiative reflects our continued commitment to Indigenous youth. As many of our team members at Eastward are Saint Mary’s alumni, we are pleased to partner with them. By supporting the next generation of leaders, we hope to contribute to reconciliation and the shared prosperity of our region.”

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Quick Facts

• The Eastward Energy Indigenous Opportunities Bursary will be awarded for the first time in the Fall of 2025.

• The bursary will award $1,000 to five students each year for the next five years.

• Self-identifying Indigenous students can learn more about bursaries, scholarships and awards.

• Eastward Energy is a Nova Scotia-based company that provides natural gas distribution services across the province.

Learn More

• Indigenous Community | Saint Mary's University

• Indigenous Student Advisor

Former Huskies basketball star McMillan goes pro

Alain McMillan BA’24 currently plays for the Arras Pays D’Artois Basket Féminin in France

Small but mighty. That’s how Saint Mary’s graduate Alaina McMillan BA’24—who stands at five foot six—describes herself. As the Huskies women’s basketball point guard from 2018-2024, her stats bear that out. She led the team to two championships and earned AUS all-star, AUS MVP, and Team MVP multiple times each. All told, she scored 1,419 points while wearing the maroon and white jersey.

According to her Saint Mary’s coach Scott Munro, Alaina is one of the top athletes he has ever coached, leading the team to more wins and a higher ranking each year. “Alaina arrived at a time when we needed a tremendous competitor and she pushed herself and the team to give their best every single day,” he says. “She was greatly respected by her teammates, and her ability to lead grew throughout her career.”

It’s this work ethic and enthusiasm that have propelled Alaina into the big leagues, specifically onto the roster of one of France’s professional women’s basketball teams—Arras Pays D’Artois Basket Féminin. Since September 2024, Alaina has been living in northern France in the city of Arras and enjoying the perks of European living while getting to play the game she loves.

“Playing overseas basketball is definitely much different than the North American style of play,” says Alaina. “My game has changed a lot.” Add to that the fact that she is being coached in the French language. “Thank goodness I’m a visual learner!” she laughs. “Once we run through things once or twice, I catch on right away.”

Her life in France is a long way from the Dominican Republic, where she was born. It’s also a long way from Brantford, Ontario, where her family moved when she was five years old. There, her Dad enrolled her in every sport imaginable, wanting her to get a feel for what she most enjoyed.

Within a few years, it was clear that Alaina’s sports would be soccer and basketball, where she consistently played above her age group. By the time she reached high school, her energy was focused on shooting hoops, and she was rewarded with recruitments for both a prep school and an AAU team. She spent her summers touring around the States getting exposure to scouts from the NCAA, the highest collegiate level of women’s and men’s basketball globally.

Her ultimate goal was to play Division 1 basketball, and it seemed she was well on her way there—winning two back-to-back OSBA (Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association) championships. But a broken ankle put an end to her D1 dreams.

That’s where Saint Mary’s comes in. “Scott Munro reached out to me and offered me something I couldn’t turn down—a chance to make an impact.” That impact was the opportunity to play point guard, spend a lot of time on the court, and be a leader. When she looks back on her time with the Huskies, it is with disbelief at the kind of career she had.

McMillan was named AUS all-star, AUS MVP and Team MVP multiple times during five seasons with the SMU Huskies

“It was incredible having a coach who believed in me from the get-go. Scott’s confidence in me never wavered, so I could just keep improving.” She is also proud of her own determination and the hard work of the whole team, who began to feel like family, especially during the COVID years. “As a point guard, my number one goal was to help my teammates gain confidence and become better players. When I got to witness them succeed, it brought me so much joy.”

Alaina’s contract with Arras Pays D’Artois Basket Féminin ends at the end of May, but she is keen to continue using basketball as an opportunity to travel and gain life experiences. Working with her agent, she will explore all her options for next season.

However, one thing is for sure: she will return to Canada this summer to play with the Maritime Women’s Basketball Association on the Halifax Thunder team and, of course, catch up with family and friends. “My family has been my main support system since being away and that’s helped with the homesickness,” she says. “They are extremely proud and happy that I get to travel and continue to play the sport that I love. And I can’t wait to see them again!”

By Renée Hartleib

African Heritage Month 2025: Celebrating our community with events, resources and more

Saint Mary’s celebrates African Heritage Month, honouring the achievements and contributions of Black and African Nova Scotian members of our community. The theme for 2025 is “Legacy in Action: Celebrating Black Brilliance.” During February, the Pan-African flag will be raised in front of the McNally building. The red, black and green flag was created in 1920 to represent the people of the African Diaspora.

Did you know? Nova Scotia has 52 historic African Nova Scotian communities with a long, deep, and complex history dating back over 200 years. Learn more from the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia.

You’re invited to join us this February for events hosted by faculty, students and departments, including an inaugural opening ceremony with special guest speakers on January 31. Learn about African Nova Scotian experiences with the Loyalist Connections Creative Society, support Black-owned businesses at the SMU Huskies vendor market, and meet new friends at fun events hosted by the African Student Society. Read more about events and campus resources below.

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African Heritage Month Opening Ceremony

Friday, January 31, 2025
3-5 p.m.
Loyola Conference Hall (LA 290)

This event is Saint Mary's University's first African Heritage Month Opening Ceremony! The event will celebrate and honour the rich contributions and the living legacies of Black Nova Scotians, honouring the impact and perseverance of the long-standing community and the African culture. It is an opportunity to reflect, learn and look back to move forward.

Highlights of the event will include African Drumming, Spoken Words and Remarks from Colin Campbell, Director, Government and Community Relations, African Nova Scotian Affairs and David Woods, founder/organizer of the Inaugural African Heritage Month Celebrations in Nova Scotia (1984-1991).

RSVP here

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SMU Huskies Black Heritage Night

Saturday, February 1, 2025

The SMU Huskies are celebrating African Heritage Month at the Homburg Centre with special performances before and during Saturday’s games! A vendor market featuring Black Nova Scotian-owned businesses will be held in the concourse of the Homburg Centre in partnership with the Black Business Initiative.

Women’s Volleyball vs. UNB at 1 p.m. 

Basketball doubleheader: SMU vs. CBU
Women's basketball: tip-off at 6 p.m
Men's basketball: tip-off at 8 p.m.

Half-time performances with the African Dance Society

Women's hockey vs. DAL
Puck-drop 7 p.m.

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Tribe Scholars: Scholarship Recipient Announcement

Tuesday, February 4, 2025
5-7:30 p.m.
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, Inspiration Studio (SH212)

Join Tribe and Saint Mary's University for an exciting event where we will reveal this year's recipients for our Undergraduate Tribe Network Award and our Tribe Network Graduate Scholarship and Internship. Get ready to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our talented scholars. Don't miss out on this special occasion to honour their achievements and meet the next generation of professionals.

Register here

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Black Entrepreneurship Showcase

Thursday, February 6, 2025
11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Loyola Colonnade

Meet organizations that support Black students in entrepreneurship. Speak with representatives from Black Girls Gather, Tribe Network, and Business is Jammin’ to learn how they can help support you in your entrepreneurial goals!

Writing Ourselves: Voice & Power with El Jones

Thursday, February 6, 2025
4-5 p.m.
Loyola Academic LA177

Join former Halifax Poet Laureate El Jones and The Counselling Centre for a writing workshop. El will discuss finding our voice, writing for justice, and self-empowerment during African Heritage Month. You do not have to be an experienced writer to attend; all are welcome!

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A live podcast recording: Exploring the Impacts of Defining Blackness 

Tuesday, February 11, 2025
5-6:30 p.m.
The Podcast Studio
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre (Sobey Hub 210)

What does defining a group do? Does it exclude individuals from the conversation? Can a definition include everyone? Or does it ask us collectively what a definition does to make us move forward?

Hosted by the Loyalist Connections Creative Society, this podcast recording will explore Blackness as more than racial identity, but a lens into culture, politics and the lived experiences of African and Black people shaped by systemic racism and cultural inheritance. Together, we’ll examine how local and global African influences intersect with identity, power and belonging in a world shaped by enduring inequities.

Register here to reserve your spot and submit your questions in advance. The podcast recording will take place in the Podcast Studio (Sobey Hub 210) from 5–6 p.m. with an audience Q&A to follow in the adjacent room SH 211. The event aims to foster interactive discussions with the audience and with the broader community once the podcast is available online. Food and refreshments to be provided.

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Residence Life events

Movie Night: Summer of Soul

Wednesday, February 12, 2025
7-9 p.m.
LA 175

Join us for an extraordinary celebration of Black music and culture with "Summer of Soul," a groundbreaking documentary that resurrects the forgotten 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. Directed by Questlove, this Oscar-winning film captures electrifying performances by legendary artists like Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, and Sly and the Family Stone. Experience a powerful testament to Black joy, resilience, and musical brilliance during a pivotal moment in cultural history. This screening promises to inspire, educate, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Black people through the transformative power of music.

African Heritage Trivia Night

Tuesday, February 25, 2025
7-9 p.m.
SH 324

Join us for an exciting African Heritage Month Trivia Night! Test your knowledge of African history, culture, and contributions while enjoying a fun-filled evening with friends and community members. The event features engaging questions, lively discussions, and the chance to win fantastic prizes. The first-place winner will take home $100 in flex dollars! Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate and learn more about the rich heritage of Africa. Bring your team spirit and get ready for a night of friendly competition and cultural appreciation!

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Saint Mary’s African Student Society events

Soccer match: SMU vs. DAL

Friday, February 21, 2025
1-2:00 p.m.
BMO Soccer Centre

Join the Saint Mary’s African Student Society (SMASS) for a soccer match vs Dalhousie on February 21 at the BMO Soccer Centre on Thomas Raddall Drive.

Contact safricanstudentsociety@gmail.com for more information.

Black Owned Vendors Market

Thursday, February 27, 2025
12-4 p.m.
Loyola 290

Contact @smu.bss on Instagram for more information

Aunties & Uncles Game Night

Wednesday, February 26, 2025
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Sobey Hub 324
$10 entry free

Get together with friends for a fun night of games, food and prizes! Dress up in your favourite auntie or uncle attire.

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Third Annual Dynamic Rural Business Event

Thursday, February 27, 2025
6-8 p.m.
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre Conference Room, 5907 Gorsebrook Ave

Black Business Initiative (BBI) and the Sobey School of Business: Dynamic Rural Businesses Series
Join us for an engaging evening celebrating Black rural businesses! This in-person event will feature a panel discussion, networking opportunities, and a vendor showcase, all designed to support and uplift Black entrepreneurs.

Featured Panelists:

• Chef Pamela Leonforde – Owner, Café Caye Mangé

• Angela Cromwell – Founder, Ansena Wigs & Extensions

• Dr. A.K. Kirumira – Founder, Bioteen40

Register by February 25

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Reading materials and resources in the Patrick Power Library

A portion of the books and items featured in the Patrick Power Library African Heritage Month collection

Throughout February, the Patrick Power Library will display a collection of library resources for African Heritage Month on the ground floor. Book recommendations will also be shared online on our social channels (@smuhfxlibrary). All books can be borrowed with your SMU ID card. Browse the full African Heritage Month collection online.

This Master’s theses round-up from the University Archives’ Institutional Repository highlights the work of Saint Mary’s graduate students whose research explores themes related to Black and African heritage, history, identity and social justice.

Saint Mary’s University, in cooperation with Dr. Lynn Jones (C.M.), African Nova Scotian leader and activist, proudly houses The Lynn Jones African Canadian & Diaspora Heritage Collection in the University Archives. The Collection documents the lives of Lynn, her family, and over 50 years of African, African Diasporic and African Nova Scotian heritage and history.  Key parts of the collection include materials on:

• civil rights and social justice struggles in Halifax, Canada and beyond

• Lynn’s career as an athlete, politician, union activist, and work as an election observer for the 1994 South African Presidential election of Nelson Mandela

• the activism of Lynn’s brother, Burnley “Rocky” Jones and many others

• thousands of news clippings, programs, reports and other material documenting Black life (e.g. the histories of local Black communities and institutions, an obituary collection, news coverage of local and international racial segregation and apartheid, clippings on famous athletes and environmental racism).

Researchers, community members, educators and students, community organizers, and others are all welcome to visit the collection. It can be viewed in person at the Saint Mary's University Archives. Parts of the collection, including samples of archival material from Lynn's personal collection and a small example of the newspaper clipping collection, have been digitized and are available on the library's digital repository. A more detailed finding aid and collection inventory are also available. 

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African Descended/Black Student online hub

Find SMU resources on our online hub for Black and African Nova Scotian students. Find out how to connect with the Black Student Advisor, learn about awards and bursaries, see news and more!

Visit smu.ca/blackstudent to be connected

Related stories and resources:

• African Descended/Black Student Support

• Announcing Ebun Oladele, Interim Black Student Advisor

• Local African Heritage Month events

• Breaking records: Omena Babalola MBA'92 sprints towards success

• Justine Colley-Leger: Inspiring young women with her legacy 

• Rheannon Richards of Dartmouth receives 2024 Edna and Velma Thomas Kane Writers Award

SMU community “superpowers” helpful in hard times

Paul Hollingsworth BA’94 with Saint Mary’s University Dean of Arts Mary Ingraham

For students who are grieving the loss of a parent or a sibling, getting back into your studies is a challenging time. It’s a struggle that Paul Hollingsworth BA’94 remembers well from his time as a student at Saint Mary’s University.

Now one of Atlantic Canada’s most accomplished journalists, Hollingsworth shared his insights with current students as a guest speaker for the recent 2024 Dean’s List celebration held by the Faculty of Arts. Speaking from the heart, the CTV broadcaster recalled that things were going really well for him in the fall of 1991: he had just declared his English major and he was maintaining a B+ average, balancing his schoolwork with a daily fitness regime and a part-time job at a downtown pub.  

“Things were productive,” he told the crowd of students gathered in Loyola Conference Hall. “Then, on December 13, my older brother Bryce, who was three years older than me, took his own life. He was tall, handsome and athletic, and he should’ve had a full stretch of life ahead of him. Yet he was gone in an instant.”

Paul addresses a group of students at the Faculty of Arts Dean’s List event

The holidays were a devastating time for Hollingsworth and his family. By the time he returned to classes in January, he had lost 20 pounds after several weeks of not eating or sleeping properly. Friends invited him to parties, hockey games and basketball matches, hoping that keeping busy would help.

“People were shocked at my appearance, but I soldiered on. They didn’t know what to say. We didn’t talk about mental health back then like we do now,” he said.

Supportive SMU community

Hollingsworth credits his community of kind professors, mentors and friends for helping him through such a dark time. A key turning point came thanks to Dr. Roger Macdonald, a faculty member who, at the time, was teaching Shakespeare. He asked Hollingsworth to stay after class one day in late January.  

“When everyone had left, he closed the classroom door, pulled up a desk and sat next to me. He said, ‘How are you doing?’ It was the first time anyone had asked that. And I started to cry. In fact, I cried more than I had ever cried during that entire experience. I cried so much I couldn’t talk; I couldn’t communicate. I literally melted in the moment.”

Hollingsworth hadn’t done very well on an assignment handed back that day, but Macdonald reassured him, urging the heartbroken student to keep coming to class and to keep working hard on his studies. “He said his office door was always open and I could come by and talk anytime … I took him up on that offer, and I would go see him at his office and we would talk mostly about baseball. Roger Macdonald made a difference in my life.”

Other professors also had a supportive impact: Dr. Michael Larsen, Georges “Burpee” Hallett and Janet Baker, to name a few. “These professors saved me. They saw something in me, and they used their superpowers to lift me up. Their only motivation was kindness.”

Hollingsworth Family Award

Hollingsworth now frequently lends his time and talents to events that support mental health initiatives. He has also helped to develop a lasting legacy at Saint Mary’s in the form of a scholarship on behalf of his family. Launched in 2023, the Hollingsworth Family Award was created for first-year full-time students—particularly those in financial need— to help them cope with the loss of a family member and connect them to a community of support at Saint Mary’s.

The award “means the world to me,” said Hollingsworth, adding that even great students can encounter great struggles during their university years.

Hollingsworth’s career has included a number of roles in news media, including as an international sports reporter

He began his journalism career shortly after graduating and now serves as CTV’s national news reporter based in Halifax. Over the years, he has held many roles within CTV, from sports reporting and producing to anchoring the CTV Atlantic weekend news desk. Career highlights include reporting from the World Series, Super Bowl, FIFA World Cup, Stanley Cup Playoffs and many other international sporting events.

Hollingsworth has also written and co-written at least four books about sports trivia and NHL stars Brad Richards, Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon. In his spare time, he co-hosts The Scramble, a popular sports podcast with SMU Hall of Famer Chris Flynn BA’97.    

As a proud alumnus, Hollingsworth remains actively involved on campus, attending sports games and other events – he’s also a “SMU Dad” now, with a son in the Bachelor of Commerce program.   

“People ask me what I learned while attending Saint Mary’s,” he said. “Obviously, I received a first-class education. I learned about language, literature and the arts, developing a capacity for independent thought. But more important than all those things, I learned what it felt like to be part of something. The people at this university cared for me. And I love them back for it. I became part of a community, the Saint Mary’s community. I owe everything to this university and the great people who taught me and supported me along the way. Not to mention the friendships made for life.”

Related reading:

• The Hollingsworth Family Award

• From grief to gratitude: The Hollingsworth Family Award (Maroon + White article)

• The Counselling Centre at SMU

• Bell Let’s Talk mental health resources

Access Ability: inclusive growth for individuals and employers

Opportunities for individuals who self-identify as living with a disability and inclusive businesses

The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre's innovative Access Ability program, funded by Service Canada, empowers people who self-identify as living with a disability. This program provides two distinct paths depending on the individual’s need:

• Access Ability Employment: helps participants find and secure fulfilling employment opportunities supported by a wage subsidy program.

• Access Ability Entrepreneurship: supports those pursuing their own business ventures.

Both streams emphasize skill development and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. The Access Ability Employment stream empowers participants through two key initiatives:

• Entrepreneurial Mindset Certificate (EMC) Program: Participants attend eight paid workshops led by industry experts. Topics include Creative Thinking and Problem Solving, Intrapreneurship: Unleashing Your Inner Entrepreneur and Navigating the Hidden Job Market. Participants learn valuable skills, earn up to $600, and receive learning and job-hunting support.

• Wage Subsidy Program: This program helps individuals who self-identify as living with a disability find and keep supportive employment. This program does so by providing small and medium businesses in Atlantic Canada with the support of a wage subsidy (up to $6,300 at $9 per hour). The goal of the program is to help participants get the skills and training necessary to stay on with their employer after the subsidy is completed.

This year, a remarkable 92 participants learned transformative skills for success in job hunting and had on-the-job experience through Entrepreneurial Mindset Certificate (EMC) training. In addition, 29 new employees joined wage-subsidized positions through funding that provided over $100,000 in wage subsidy support.

Just Cycle, one of the employers who joined the Wage Subsidy Program, reflects on the experience:

“Working with the Access Ability program has been very beneficial for our company. Not only did the program allow us to grow our team, but it also helped us improve employee engagement and productivity. The collaboration has been seamless; the team is responsive and genuinely invested in our success. We appreciate the tailored approach that addresses our unique challenges. Overall, we are thrilled with the outcomes and look forward to continuing our journey together. Thank you!”

Join the next cohort of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Certificate (EMC) Program and Wage Subsidy Program. The next cohort of the EMC Program runs from February 10 to March 7, 2025. Sign up now to join this winter.

We are seeking employers to join the Wage Subsidy Program in 2025! Submit your interest form now to secure your spot.

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Access Ability Entrepreneurship

The Access Ability Entrepreneurship stream provides two different streams:

• Business Incubator: Offers participants a full-time paid wage along with guidance, training, resources and mentorship, all delivered virtually, allowing aspiring entrepreneurs from across the province to participate regardless of location.

• Speaker Series: This series features 18 training sessions and group meetings with experienced speakers from the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It provides invaluable knowledge for personal and business development, while participants earn up to $900 for attending all sessions.

This year’s cohort of the Access Ability Entrepreneurship program provided over $80,000 in wages along with business development and disability-related support for nine program participants.

Kevin MacKinnon, a small business owner in Port Hawkesbury and participant in the Business Incubator program, said, “I really enjoy the Access Ability Entrepreneurship Incubator Program through SMU. There is so much to learn and they do a great job of breaking it down so it's easier to understand. This program has helped me a lot, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to build their business.”

This winter, the Access Ability Entrepreneurship Speaker Series runs from January 7 to March 8, 2025. There are only ten spots remaining. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or seeking to expand your entrepreneurial knowledge, this program will allow you to learn directly from experienced speakers from the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Apply now for the 2025 cohort and secure your spot for the Speaker Series this winter!

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Questions?

Employment Stream: Contact AccessAbility@smu.ca

Entrepreneurship Stream: Contact aae@smu.ca