Saint Mary's community gathers for Campus Reflection Walk

On Thursday, September 28, members of the Saint Mary’s community gathered for a Campus Reflection Walk in advance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Dr. Robert Sumerby-Murray, Saint Mary’s President, and Dr. Rohini Bannerjee, Associate Vice-President (Diversity Excellence), welcomed more than 80 students, staff and faculty as they gathered for an opportunity to connect with and acknowledge Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of L’nu, on which Saint Mary’s is located.

The collaborative event consisted of an accessible route, marked with ten posters, each prompting questions or statements for reflection, as Treaty people, in considering the 94 Calls to Action brought forward by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. “Everyone took their time on the walk,” says Dr. Bannerjee. “There were moments of silence and moments of deep conversation.”

In particular, Dr. Bannerjee made note of the student participants who joined from The Language Centre, noting, “their presence embodied curiosity and a commitment to better understanding T&R from the point of view of visitors to the land.”

At the end of the route, members of the Residence Life team hosted a final reflections table, with orange t-shirt paper cut-outs for people to write their thoughts, express their gratitude toward the land or highlight something from the walk that resonated with them. The reflections will be on display on the bulletin board across from Loyola Residence (LR) 108 for the month of October, with new pieces being added throughout the month.

Celebrating Mi'kmaq History Month at Saint Mary's

October is Mi’kmaq History Month! This year marks the 30th anniversary of this important celebration of Mi’kmaq culture and heritage.

This year, there is a special focus on highlighting traditional sports, games and pastimes central to Mi’kmaw culture. These activities help young people develop their understanding of Mi’kmaw culture and carry those teachings into adulthood.

Visit mikmaqhistorymonth.ca to learn more and to download a copy of the 2023 poster!

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

Resources and related links:

The Patrick Power Library's Mi'kmaq History Month collection is on display throughout the year. Access the collection on campus or online this month to learn more about Mi'kmaw culture and history. The Library is also proud to host an exhibit of Mi'kmaw cultural artifacts on loan from the Nova Scotia Museum. These important artifacts represent a range of landscapes, sites, traditional activities and cultural periods in Mi'kma'ki. Everyone is welcome to visit the exhibit!

The library has also created an online Indigenous Studies guide. This guide is a resource for research and study in the interdisciplinary aspects of Indigenous studies. It particularly focuses on Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.

• Saint Mary’s Indigenous Community

• Learn more about Mi’kmaq History Month, and the 2023 theme!

President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray has been appointed Chair, Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU)

Halifax, N.S. – Dr. Robert (Rob) Summerby-Murray, President and Vice-chancellor Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, N.S., has been appointed Chair, Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU).

Dr. Summerby-Murray will serve a two-year term as Chair, effective immediately.

In addition to Dr. Summerby-Murray, AAU Council (Presidents) appointed the following to the AAU Executive Committee:

• Dr. Denis Prud’homme, Recteur, Université de Moncton, Vice-chair 

• Dr. Paul Mazerolle, President, University of New Brunswick

• Dr. Greg Keefe, Interim President, University of Prince Edward Island

• Dr. Neil Bose, President Pro Tempore, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador

• Dr. Andy Hakin, President, St. Francis Xavier University

• Dr. Peggy Shannon, President, NSCAD University

Upon his appointment, Dr. Summerby-Murray, noted that the core values of the region’s universities are centred upon research and innovation, student success, social mobility, community engagement, leadership, and accountability.

“These core values are central to the contribution of strong public universities to regional prosperity and social and cultural development,” said Dr. Summerby-Murray.

“Ensuring our campuses are innovative, accessible, safe, secure and welcoming to all students is fundamental to making Atlantic Canada an education destination, locally, nationally and internationally,” he said. An important continuing agenda item for the AAU will be the fostering of its positive working relationship with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to facilitate the efficient processing of international student visa applicants accepted by our universities and to ensure alignment between immigration policies and the social and economic growth aspirations of Atlantic Canada.

“Universities play a significant role in regional population growth by attracting, educating, and helping retain international students in communities across Atlantic Canada. We will continue to work collaboratively and cooperatively with our provincial and municipal governments to create affordable student housing on and off campus as well as reliable and efficient public transit systems,” said Dr. Summerby-Murray.

He also noted that, “our university leaders know that improving access to healthcare is a top priority for Atlantic Canadians. In addition to graduating thousands of students annually who have been educated and trained to work in all aspects of healthcare delivery, our institutions are also focused on promoting healthy and active lifestyles among our students, values that will remain with them, their families, and communities in which they reside into the future.” 

The Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU) represents the interests of universities across the region, ensuring public visibility for the important role they play in preparing future leaders of our communities, in path-breaking research and innovation, and in contributing to the economic, cultural and social prosperity of life in Atlantic Canada.

Construction to affect access to Loyola Building, May 8-12

Contractors working with the university on the E&I Hub construction project will soon be laying new floor tile in the northeast lobby of Loyola Academic, which will temporarily impact how the space is accessed.

Please note the following:

• From May 8 – May 12, access from the Tim Hortons area to the northeast lobby (near the ATM) will be re-routed through side corridors. This area will be reopened as soon as the floor tile has been laid.

• Access through the northeast lobby doors will be maintained, but interior routing is impacted. There will be ample directional signage posted by the construction team to re-route foot traffic.

Thank you for your patience and understanding with these disruptions as Saint Mary’s moves forward with this exciting project.

Food Service hours: Spring Term 2023

Wondering what’s open for food options on campus this spring?

Until the Spring semester starts on May 8, food service options are limited to Tim Hortons and C-Store. Both are accessible, despite the construction in the building. Locations and hour details are available here.

Once the Spring semester starts, Tim Hortons, Starbucks, C-Store and the Gorsebrook Lounge will be open. Click here for their hours.

Questions? You can always check out the SMU Dining website to see what's open.

Crafts___Ship exhibition open at Saint Mary's University Art Gallery

Written by Inbal Newman

The word “craft” suggests humbleness. Whether referring to household items or handmade decorations, it brings to mind the things we keep around us daily. However, in the hands of three South Shore artists who combine a heaping portion of skill with a pinch of whimsy, craftsmanship and fine art effortlessly co-exist. Artists Carley Mullally, Gillian Maradyn-Jowsey of Lunenburg, and Inbal Newman of Mahone Bay create a cozy world contained within the finely-crafted pieces in Crafts___Ship, a group exhibition now on display at St. Mary’s University Art Gallery.

Every visitor will have some familiarity with the kinds of domestic objects on display like pottery, quilts, rugs and wallpaper. Some visitors may even recognize craft techniques like crochet and sailmaker’s stitching or locally relevant materials like lobster bands and a wooden dory. “Basically anything you would find washed up on the beach,” describes Mullally of their supplies. Yet the artists weave clever touches into each piece that breathe fresh perspective into an exhibit of traditional crafts.

The smaller side gallery, set up as a workshop, offers a peek into what fuels the exhibited pieces. Here, visitors can look closer at tools, materials, and inspirations. Sketchbook pages, schedules, and photos fill every wall alongside books on ceramics, fancy knots, and expressions of Lunenburg County. This room provides a visual insight into the artists' process not often shown in galleries and welcomes visitors into the studio environment where artwork first takes shape.

Meticulous hand-crafting and process is a central theme of the show, though playfulness shares an equally important role. The name of the exhibit itself offers a kind of madlib, with “man” removed from the center of “Craftsmanship” to emphasize crafts and South Shore culture while leaving the rest as a fill-in-the-blank. The union of serious skill and fun transforms everyday objects like rugs, quilts, and flags into extraordinary works of art.

Crafts___Ship is on view at St. Mary’s University Art Gallery until April 16, 2023. Gallery hours are 11 am - 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. See smuartgallery.ca for details.

Research Expo 2023

Each year in March, talented Saint Mary’s researchers in the faculties of Science, Arts and the Sobey School of Business gather to share their academic achievements and projects. The Research Expo showcases work from students, faculty members and researchers.  

The event is hosted by the Office of Innovation and Community Engagement (OICE), which facilitates research relationships between faculty members, government departments and the SMU Community. The OICE supports joint research initiatives, assists faculty in research contract development, intellectual property protection and private sector sponsorship The Office works to establish collaborations between researchers and external partners and license technologies to industry. 

Events like Research Expo are key to building partnerships across university departments and with external organizations. presenters at the 2023 Research Expo included: 

Dr. Steven Smith, Psychology 
Dr. Diane Crocker, Criminology 
Dr. Joniada Milla, Economics 
Dr. Yasushi Akiyama, Mathematics and Computer Science 
Dr. Karly Kehoe, History 
Dr. Danielle Tokarz, Chemistry 
Dr. Erin Adlakha, Geology 

To learn more about the research at Saint Mary’s University, click here.  

Saint Mary’s becomes a Fair Trade Campus

Ever wonder where your hot cup of coffee comes from? At Saint Mary’s University, you can be sure your coffee is Fair Trade certified and farmers have received fair compensation for their product. In today’s globalized world, our purchases can significantly impact people around the globe and the environment. Saint Mary’s faculty, staff and students are dedicated to making a difference, and as a result of their efforts, all on-campus purchases are now Fair Trade certified.  

Fair Trade is an alternative approach to business based on partnerships between producers and consumers. Farmers receive a minimum price, improved terms, and a social premium that helps improve their lives and enables them to plan for their future. SMU professor and Canada Research Chair in International Development Studies, Gavin Fridell, is a noted expert on Fair Trade and recently published The Fair Trade Handbook: Building a Better World, Together.

"Saint Mary's University has long demonstrated academic leadership around issues of the global trade system and the role of Fair Trade in addressing injustices, we are pleased to welcome you as the 45th Fair Trade Campus of Canada. Saint Mary's students, faculty and staff continue to lead the way in taking initiatives that directly benefit farmers and producers in the Global South and build environmental resilience in their communities. Congratulations!"  says Loïc de Fabritus Gautier, Senior Manager of Advocacy & Citizen Engagement at Fair Trade Canada. 

Saint Mary’s meets a variety of requirements for the national program, including: 

• Ensuring all applicable food service locations on Saint Mary’s campus offer Fair Trade certified coffee, tea, and chocolate options as required by Fair Trade Canada standards. 

• Ensuring one Fair Trade chocolate option is available at all applicable snack vending machines on campus. 

• Establishing and maintaining a Fair Trade Committee for our campus (the Sustainability Sub-Committee on Fair Trade) that meets regularly to monitor and further Fair Trade at Saint Mary’s. 

SMU Dining hosted events and giveaways in early March to celebrate Saint Mary's campus certification. 

You can learn more at  Fair Trade Canada. 

Student entrepreneurs vie for top spot in SMU’s national pitch competition

Who has the best entrepreneurship idea in Canada? Tune into the 2023 Saint Mary’s University March Madness Pitch Competition to see aspiring student entrepreneurs present their ideas and hone their pitching skills in a bid to win cash and prizes valued at over $19,000.

Now in its third year, the March Madness Pitch Competition is run by the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre and aims to give student entrepreneurs the chance to acquire skills, resources and training to jumpstart their businesses. Modelled after the NCAA March Madness basketball competition, the month-long virtual event sees 64 students from across Canada compete head-to-head in brackets as they strive to be declared the best in the country.

In the Final Round, the top two pitchers square off to deliver their most compelling, four-minute pitch. Final pitches and live Q&A are judged by a panel of nationally renowned entrepreneurs.

This national competition is a major draw for Canada's top student entrepreneurs. It features twenty-four universities from coast to coast, from as far west as the University of Victoria and the University of Alberta, to participants from central Canada such as the University of Waterloo, Carleton University, and Western University. Eastern Canada is also well represented with many participants, including HEC Montreal, Mount Allison University, Saint Mary's University and the Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Thousands of viewers from around the world will tune in online to support their favourites and follow the action. To keep up to date on all the latest teams, pitches and results, visit https://smuec.ca/march_madness/ or www.facebook.com/smuec.ca for the live streams.

Saint Mary's to host CFL's Touchdown Atlantic 2023

The east coast's biggest celebration of football – Touchdown Atlantic – will return to the region on Saturday, July 29, 2023 as the defending Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts will take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Huskies Stadium in Halifax, N.S.

"Saint Mary's University is pleased to welcome the Toronto Argonauts and Saskatchewan Roughriders to Huskies Stadium in Halifax this summer," said Scott Gray, Saint Mary's Director of Athletics & Recreation. "This is a wonderful opportunity for our campus and community, and in particular, our football program, to experience the excitement of professional football. We are very grateful to the CFL for this incredible opportunity to play host to this event."

The regular season match-up is set for Huskies Stadium on the campus of Saint Mary's University, with kick-off at 5 p.m. in Halifax (Atlantic Standard Time), which is 4 p.m. in Ontario (Eastern Time) and 2 p.m. in Saskatchewan (Central Standard Time).

"Touchdown Atlantic brings our fans together in a fun and exciting way," said Randy Ambrosie, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

"It's our way of showing our friends in Atlantic Canada that they're an important part of the CFL family – and inviting our fans from across the country to 'come for the game and stay for a vacation.'"

Next year's edition builds on the success of Touchdown Atlantic in 2022. Last summer's game, also played between Saskatchewan and Toronto, sold out in less than 24 hours and featured a packed house of 10,866 at Raymond Field on the campus of Acadia University in Wolfville, N.S.

Through job creation and wages, event expenditures and spending by out-of-town travellers, the event supported more than $12.7 million in overall economic activity across Nova Scotia. Tourism operators say Halifax is ready for CFL football – and another strong contingent of visiting CFL fans.

The Saint Mary's University football program is one of the most successful in the country and one of the most popular in the region. The Huskies have reached the Vanier Cup nine times, winning the national championship of Canadian university football on three occasions (1973, 2001 and 2002).

"Saint Mary's University has a proud tradition of excellence for student-athletes – including in Huskies' football," adds Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary's University. "The opportunity to host the CFL's Touchdown Atlantic football game in July 2023 is an opportunity to demonstrate this proud tradition to a national audience. We are delighted to partner with the Canadian Football League in this initiative to bring superior athletes to our campus and to Atlantic Canada."

Ticket details for Touchdown Atlantic 2023 will be announced in the new year. Fans can subscribe to the CFL Newsletter for the latest updates and information.

QUOTES

"I am thrilled to welcome the CFL back to Halifax for the 2023 Touchdown Atlantic game. This past season we hosted several events that re-introduced fans from across the region and the country to our Atlantic hospitality as a sports city. Halifax is excited to be the host city for the rematch between the Roughriders and the Argonauts. Having the game in Halifax will allow us to give the CFL and its fans an experience that will have them coming back for more."
​– Mayor Mike Savage, Halifax Regional Municipality

"There are few, if any, places on the planet I enjoy visiting more than Atlantic Canada. You've opened your arms to us in the past and welcomed us like family members and I celebrate your formidable history of embracing others. We once again are looking forward to your unique hospitality; a combination of warm hearts, down home music and some of the most delectable food imaginable. We look forward to being the home team on July 29, and to being the visiting team in the future when the CFL permanently calls Atlantic Canada home."
​– Michael "Pinball" Clemons, General Manager, Toronto Argonauts

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Halifax after an incredible visit for Touchdown Atlantic in 2022. The people of Nova Scotia welcomed us with open arms and it was so special to see how many of our fans traveled thousands of miles to join us. I know I speak for all Rider Nation when I say we can't wait to go back and share that amazing East Coast experience again in 2023!"
​– Craig Reynolds, President and CEO, Saskatchewan Roughriders 

"Halifax was host to many successful Touchdown Atlantic related events last year, so we're very pleased the CFL is bringing the game itself to our region. Halifax has a reputation as a great sports city, from hosting international sporting events to supporting our local teams, and the tourism sector is ready to showcase our region and hospitality to CFL fans and visitors."
​– Ross Jefferson, President and CEO, Discover Halifax

VIDEO: A holiday message from our president

Please enjoy this short video that reflects all that Saint Mary’s has accomplished this year. If so inspired, please share with your networks by using the Share function above.

Best wishes for a happy and safe holiday!

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women at Saint Mary’s

Saint Mary’s University students, faculty and staff gathered on December 6 to honour and acknowledge the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. 

The reflective event was led by Deborah Brothers-Scott, Director, Diversity and Inclusion. Raymond Sewell, Assistant Professor, opened the event with two captivating Indigenous songs, and Miriam H. Schroedor MA’71 2017 read a poem titled “I am a woman.”  

Saint Mary’s faculty members Dr. Erin Adlakha, Dr. Aldona Wiacek, and Dean of Science Dr. Lori Francis reflected on their own experiences, facing and overcoming opposition in their careers.  

Every year, a scholarship is awarded to a young woman studying Engineering at Saint Mary’s. Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray and SMUSA President Isobel Tyler presented the scholarship to this year’s recipient, Jade Cameron. 

Students, SMUSA representatives, and faculty carefully placed 14 roses in a large vase to commemorate the 14 women who were killed at the l’École Polytechnique in Montreal on December 6, 1989. Those women are: 

• Geneviève Bergeron 

• Hélène Colgan 

• Nathalie Croteau 

• Barbara Daigneault 

• Anne-Marie Edward 

• Maud Haviernick 

• Maryse Laganière 

• Maryse Leclair 

• Anne-Marie Lemay 

• Sonia Pelletier 

• Michèle Richard 

• Annie St-Arneault 

• Annie Turcotte 

• Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz 

“It is necessary that we continue to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6 each year,” says Dee Dooley, Sexual Violence Advisor. “We remember and honour the lives of the 14 women engineers who were taking up space that was and is theirs to take. It is necessary that we reflect on the meaning of this day, and the impact of violence on the lives of those who experience it.”