Nine students awarded $90,000 in Tribe Network Scholarships

Saint Mary’s University graduate student Tribe Network scholars with Dr. Adam Sarty, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and AVP Research. Student scholars named in story below.

On February 4, members of Saint Mary’s University and The Tribe Network gathered at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre to celebrate nine exceptional graduate students who received $90,000 in scholarships and internships provided by The Tribe Network.

In March 2024, The Tribe Network and Saint Mary’s University announced a scholarship program for Black and Indigenous students pursuing studies in commerce, computer science and analytics. To qualify, self-identified students must be studying in any discipline involving computing and analytics at the graduate level and share a passion for learning and a commitment to making a difference.

Successful recipients receive an internship opportunity and $10,000 annually, which can be applied towards tuition fees and/or support for student internships with external companies or non-profits.

Congratulations to the 2025 recipients!

• Frank Kwaku Aazore, Master of Arts in Geography

• Samuel Ebong, Master of Science in Computing and Data Analytics

• Terdoo Sylvester, Master of Science in Computing and Data Analytics

• Chidiebere Onwe, Master of Business Analytics

• Uzoamaka David, Master of Business Analytics

• Maxinne Baddoo, Master of Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation

• Nana Eko Korsah, Master of Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation

• Stephen Osunrinde, Master of Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation

• Papa Kwame Twumasi-Ntiamoah, Master of Science in Computing and Data Analytics

As these students embark on their educational journeys, these scholarships provide financial support and recognize their potential to make lasting impacts in their respective fields.

“Receiving this award has been a tremendous support in my academic journey,” said MA in Geography student Frank Kwaku Aazore. “The financial assistance helped cover my international travel and fieldwork expenses for my thesis research, allowing me to collect critical data collection for my study on Nature-based Coastal Adaptation in Accra, Ghana. This support relieved financial stress, allowing me to concentrate on my studies and professional development. Beyond financial support, this award has given me a sense of community and recognition, emphasizing the importance of representation and support for Black scholars in computing and analytics-related fields.”

Alfred Burgesson BA’19 BComm’19, Founder and CEO of Tribe Network, is extremely passionate about the value of education. He created the scholarship to help ensure that deserving students have access to higher education, regardless of their financial background.

Applications for the September 2025 Tribe Network Graduate Scholarship and Internship are open until February 28.

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About Tribe Network

The Tribe Network Award is a Nova Scotia provincial government-funded program to align Computer Science programs at Saint Mary’s University with initiatives to develop pathways for Black and Indigenous youth, with a particular focus on engaging African Nova Scotian and Mi’kmaq youth participating in programming through the Tribe Network and associated partners. The Tribe Network is a community of racialized people pursuing entrepreneurship and innovation. Their mission is to foster a culture of leadership, collaboration, creativity and growth for racialized individuals.

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

Master's theses round-up: African Heritage Month

Exploring themes of Black and African heritage, identity and justice

February is African Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of people of Black and African descent. To mark this month, the Patrick Power Library is highlighting the work of Saint Mary’s graduate students whose research explores themes related to Black and African heritage, history, identity and social justice.

A Master’s thesis represents years of dedication, inquiry and original scholarship, and we’re excited to showcase these contributions to academic knowledge. This collection of graduate student theses offers valuable insights into a diverse range of subjects studied by Saint Mary’s students. More student theses can be discovered in the University Archives’ online Institutional Repository.

Read on to discover the work of our student scholars!

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"Entering the workforce in Halifax: Strategies and coping mechanisms among the African migrant community"
by Priscilla Armah, Master of Arts in Geography, 2021

This study examines the job market experiences of Sub-Saharan African migrants in Halifax, using Bourdieu’s habitus and Labour Market Segmentation theory. It explores strategies, barriers like racism and systemic discrimination, and coping mechanisms, highlighting how interconnected individual, group and systemic factors shape labour market integration.

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"Forced/coerced sterilization of HIV-positive women in the Southern African region in the context of reproductive justice and intersectional gender-based violence"
by Ogechukwu Chinenye Chukwudozie, Master of Arts in Women and Gender Studies, 2024

This study examines the forced sterilization of HIV-positive women through the lenses of reproductive justice, the intersectionality framework and feminist content analysis, highlighting how poverty, age, education and racism increase vulnerability. The author amplifies victims' voices and expands intersectional scholarship in Africa, emphasizing overlooked factors in the oppression of HIV-positive women.

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"Whose revolution is televised?: Young African Nova Scotian women respond to sexual politics in hip hop culture & everyday life"
by Alecia Green, Master of Arts in the Joint Women’s Studies Programme, 2007

This qualitative study explores how young African Nova Scotian women interpret Black female body representations in hip-hop videos. Using a Black socio-feminist lens, interviews with university students reveal critical media literacy, counter-hegemonic views shaped by academics, divinity, and community, and a belief that Black female beauty comes from within.

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"Presence and perseverance: Blacks in Hants County, Nova Scotia, 1871-1914"
by David Wayne States, Masters of Arts in Atlantic Canada Studies, 2002

In the early 19th century, Black refugees from the U.S. settled in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, facing harsh conditions and discrimination. This thesis traces the efforts of Black families in Hants County to adapt to these circumstances and improve conditions for their offspring's future success. States argues the agency shown by these people would result in the generations following them achieving a level of competency not thought attainable by the immigrant generation.

"The experiences and challenges of Black entrepreneurs in Halifax, Nova Scotia"
by Gabriel Nimoh, Master of Arts in Geography, 2022

Using the mixed embeddedness model and intersectionality theoretical framework, this study explores the experiences, motivations, barriers and coping strategies of Black entrepreneurs in Halifax. Findings highlight market opportunities, financial constraints, racial discrimination, and the role of mindset and social support in overcoming challenges. This study seeks to assist policymakers and practitioners in developing informed decisions that promote inclusion in the Canadian business environment.

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"In vivo facial tissue depth measurements of African Nova Scotian children for 3-D forensic facial reconstruction"
by Meaghan Alexandria Huculak, Master of Science in Applied Science, 2021

Partnering with the African Nova Scotian community, this student researcher collaboratively created the first African Canadian facial tissue depth database for identifying missing children. Using ultrasound technology on 54 participants (ages 3–18) showed age, sex, and nutrition contributed to tissue depth. This student’s thesis discusses the application of the findings in multiple forensic contexts.

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"Performing diversity: Black bodies in Atlantic Canadian post-secondary institutions"
by Itai Ashley Kuwodza, Master of Arts in Atlantic Canadian Studies, 2024

Kuwodza argues that the Black student experience in Atlantic Canada is explicitly limited by racist practices. The thesis traces the historical roots of exploitation and analyzes how colonial legacies, racial biases and economic disparities have contributed to the marginalization of Black individuals in Atlantic Canadian education and sport.

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"Where are the black female faculty?: Employment equity policy failures and the overrepresentation of whiteness"
by Isalean Phillip, Master of Arts in Women & Gender Studies, 2018

Philip’s thesis critiques employment equity and diversity practices at two Atlantic Canadian universities, using intersectionality and critical race feminism as theoretical frameworks. Through critical race feminist discourse analysis and interviews with Black women scholars, Philips analyzes the persistence of systemic racism and sexism, highlighting how the institutionalization of liberal feminist equity policies, diversity discourses and white patriarchal hegemony all sustain institutional practices of racialized gendered omission, erasure and misrepresentation.

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

Career Week: February 3-7, 2025

Join us for SMU Career Week from February 3-7! This week-long series of activities is designed to support students at all stages of their academic journey in planning their professional futures. The series will include both virtual and in-person events, offering insights, connections and unique perspectives from valued community partners, SMU subject matter experts, employer partners and alumni, inspiring students to explore, plan and build a strong foundation for success. 

Accessibility Information: We aim to make our events inclusive for everyone. Please email cel@smu.ca with any accessibility requests or specific accommodations.  

Career Week 2025 Events

LinkedIn Photoshoot

Monday, February 3
3-5 p.m.
Student Centre 401

Elevate your LinkedIn profile with a new professional photo! All students are invited to get a professional headshot taken by a photographer for free at the Career and Experiential Learning office on the 4th floor of the Student Centre between 3-5 p.m. Remember to dress in professional attire!

Register for the LinkedIn Photoshoot here.

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Thinking About Grad School?

Monday, February 3
4-5 p.m.
Loyola 273

Thinking about grad school? This session is for you! Consider various pathways based on your career goals (you have more options than you think!), learn about the “invisible” steps to applying successfully to grad school, and figure out your ideal timeline.

Register here to learn more about grad school.

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Navigating the Job Market: The Power of Networking and Personal Branding

Monday, February 3
4-5:30 p.m.
Sobey Building, 4th Floor

This workshop is designed to help undergraduate and graduate students prepare for career success. It will focus on what employers, like Enterprise, look for in future candidates and how you can stand out to potential employers.

Additionally, the workshop will provide networking opportunities with Enterprise representatives and offer valuable insights into the company’s hiring process and work culture.

Register for Navigating the Job Market: The Power of Networking and Personal Branding here.

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Summer Job & Career Fair

Tuesday, February 4
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Loyola 290

Are you interested in learning about employment opportunities or finding a summer job? 

The Summer Job & Career Fair allows students to connect with a diverse range of hiring employers to share their skills, ideas and talents. Students who are eager to put their skills to good use in new roles will get a chance to interact and learn about opportunities from employers in their desired fields.  

Register for the Summer Job & Career Fair here.

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The Juggle is Real: Finding Balance

Tuesday, February 4
4-5 p.m.
LA273

Join us for a workshop presented by Peer Success Coaches and Career & Experiential Learning! Discover practical strategies to balance academics, work, and personal life while preparing for your future career. Learn how to manage your time effectively, set meaningful priorities, and maintain your well-being as a busy student. 

Register for the workshop here

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Grad Expo

Wednesday, February 5
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Loyola 290

Are you graduating in 2025? The Grad Expo is an opportunity for students to learn about alumni benefits, grad photos, student loan repayment, resources for new graduates, and more!   

Register here to receive important updates about the Grad Expo.

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Your Next Chapter Abroad: Insights for International Students

Wednesday, February 5
4-5:30 p.m.
Loyola 290

A panel of alumni and industry professionals will provide important information and answer questions to help international students after graduation. Topics could include the work permit application process, permanent residency, living in Nova Scotia, etc.

Register for Your Next Chapter Abroad: Insights for International Students

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Black Entrepreneurship Showcase

Thursday, February 6
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!

Register here for the Black Entrepreneurship Showcase

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Indigenous Student Career Fair & Panel

Thursday, February 6
2:30-4:30 p.m.
Unilever Lounge, Sobey Building, 4th Floor

Meet organizations interested in hiring and supporting Indigenous students and new grads in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. 

Organizations include Clean Foundation, RBC, Canada Border Services Agency, Efficiency NS and more.

Register for the Indigenous Student Career Fair & Panel here.

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Job Search and Resume Support Webinar

Friday, February 7
10-11:15 a.m.
Online event

This virtual session will cover the essentials of crafting a standout resume, from formatting and structure to expert tips for job searching. Get ready to learn best practices that will set you up for success in your career journey!

Register for the Job Search and Resume Support Webinar here.

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How to Apply for the Government

Friday, February 7
1-2 p.m.
Online event 

This virtual session will go over the application process for government jobs. If you're thinking about working for the Government of Canada, you don't want to miss this online event!

Register for How to Apply for the Government here.

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Employer Panel for International Students

Friday, February 7
1-3:15 p.m.
LA186

Recruiters from Clean Foundation, TD Bank, Halifax Regional Municipality, Oxford International College and Venor will share tips and strategies for job search success in this interactive session featuring both a larger panel presentation and smaller breakout discussion groups. Listen, ask questions, network, and get the inside scoop on what employers want! (Limited spaces available)

Register for the panel here

For more information about Career Week, please visit career360.smu.ca

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

Halifax Memory Maps research offers a new look at city’s heritage

A new study by researchers in the Department of Anthropology at Saint Mary’s University has found that 87 per cent of Halifax buildings that were standing in 1878 have since been demolished. The first phase of the Halifax Memory Maps project used archival maps and geographic information system (GIS) software to measure the loss of heritage buildings in the urban environment.

The study’s results were published online November 12 in the form of an ArcGIS StoryMap called Halifax Heritage: 1878, which can be accessed at mapsofmemory.com. 

“We hope these findings will encourage Haligonians to reconsider the extent and value of Halifax’s rich architectural inheritance before it vanishes forever,” Dr. Jonathan Fowler says on behalf of the research team.

Emily Davis BA’24 works with Dr. Fowler in the Archaeology Lab

Recent graduates Emily Davis BA’24 and Gillian Bonner BA’24 were key players in the project as student researchers while finishing their Bachelor of Arts degrees.

“I think the Memory Maps project is valuable to the public in general because it allows people to engage and connect more with the city that they live in,” says Davis, who grew up in Sydney Mines, Cape Breton. “The digital maps make the heritage and history of the city more accessible…that’s sort of the point of archaeology, to share it with the community and the public.”

Project background

Halifax is one of Canada's fastest-growing cities and will soon have over half a million residents. The bustle and new builds are evident to all, with construction cranes and traffic detours across the city.

“In times of rapid and transformational change, it is important to carefully consider what we choose to keep and what we choose to discard,” says Dr. Fowler. “Recognizing that change is necessary for growth and that heritage architecture is an important part of Halifax's distinctive vibe and character, we need to find a balance. How much of Halifax's rich and unique architectural heritage should be carried into the future, and what can be let go?”

Prior to the Halifax Memory Maps project, there has been no systematic survey of Halifax's architectural heritage. The research team felt that an inventory of built heritage assets is an essential part of any meaningful discussion of this subject: “We cannot properly manage and steward what we have not first measured and mapped,” says Dr. Fowler.

Starting with the first large-scale map of the city, the 1878 Hopkins’ City Atlas of Halifax, the team examined the Halifax peninsula, street by street and building by building, to see what survived and what has been lost. The results of this first phase of the project revealed that whole neighbourhoods have vanished from some areas of the city, while in others, large parts of old Halifax remain intact. Some well-seasoned buildings have acquired municipal or provincial heritage status and thus a measure of official protection. In most cases, however, they have not and could face the risk of being demolished.

This image from the Halifax Heritage 1878 map shows “a vanished neighbourhood, a Victorian gasworks, and the Tobin estate beneath what is now the Barrington St. Superstore and Peace and Friendship Park.”

The challenge moving forward

A recent HRM staff report reveals that from 2009 to 2019, 33 of 104 buildings with potential for municipal heritage designation were demolished, an attrition rate of 32 per cent in just 10 years.[1] This report relates to just a small area of downtown Halifax.

Until now, planners—and the public—have not had a comprehensive map of peninsular Halifax’s oldest buildings. Along with raising awareness of our built heritage, the researchers hope the Halifax Memory Maps project offers a helpful tool for managing current and future growth.

“As our newly elected mayor and Council are seated, and as the pace of change continues to drive the city to grow bigger and busier than ever before, Haligonians need to decide what kind of Halifax they want to bequeath to future generations,” says Dr. Fowler. “For that is the essential nature of heritage: it is what we inherit from our ancestors. And it is what we value enough to preserve and pass on to others.”

Henry House

Royal Engineers NS Archives

Intercolonial Railway 1901

McCord Stewart Museum

Queen Hotel 1887

NS Archives

Tobin Estate 1880

NS Archives

The research team was recently invited to present findings at a special meeting of the HRM Planning and Development Office and will continue to share results with municipal staff and the public in the months ahead. In development now are a map of Late Victorian Halifax and a map of grave markers in The Old Burying Ground, one of Canada's oldest marked cemeteries.

The team will release its next map – Halifax 1899 – in Spring 2025. Team members include:

• Gillian Bonner BA’24, an Anthropology graduate who now works in cultural resource management;

• Emily Davis BA’24, a graduate of the Anthropology honours program; she has an interest in industrial, landscape and historical archaeology;

• Dr. Jonathan Fowler, an archaeologist who ‘loves old maps’ and teaches in the Department of Anthropology;

• Sheheryar Khan, a Bachelor of Science and Diploma of Engineering student at Saint Mary's; he is interested in civil engineering and environmental issues; and

• Wesley Weatherbee, the Anthropology Laboratory Technician at Saint Mary’s, where his research focuses on coastal archaeology and climate change.

Davis hopes the research project will help to guide her toward a career in the archaeology field. “I would like to keep working in this area of study,” she says. “I find it to be very rewarding and I’m also quite passionate about it. I think it’s important work, so I would like to go further with my education and do a master’s, and then kind of see where life takes me from there.”

Emily Davis talks with Global TV about the Memory Maps project

[1] Heritage Advisory Committee and Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee, 31 January 2019. Case H00437: Strategy for the Protection of Potential Heritage Resources Downtown

Halifax, Item No 9.3.

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Related reading:

• SMU offers archaeology studies through Ancient Studies and Anthropology.

• How Halifax's history is slowly fading

• Halifax has lost 87 per cent of its heritage buildings, new study says

• Halifax's history being wiped away as city grows

• Team mapping historical buildings in Halifax says city losing its 'architectural inheritance'

• A "memory map" of Halifax compares the buildings on the peninsula in 1878, to see what's still standing

Students innovate retail at Market Price Hackathon

Students pitching their ideas for Market Price’s business strategy in winter

A team of students who won the first place at the Hackathon with Matthew Smith BComm’18 and Lauren Ferguson BComm’20

Matthew Smith BComm’18 and Lauren Ferguson BComm’20 kicking off the event with their presentations

Lauren Ferguson BComm’20 working with students

Students brainstorming for presentations

More than 30 undergraduate students from Saint Mary’s, Dalhousie, Mount Saint Vincent and NSCAD gathered for the two-day Market Price Hackathon held on October 30 and November 6. The event brought together talented students to take on an engaging challenge: boosting foot traffic during the winter months for an alumni-owned retail business, Market Price.  

In collaboration with the David Sobey Retail Centre and the Experience Ventures team at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, this hackathon offered students the unique chance to dive into the world of retail innovation. They were mentored by Market Price’s own dynamic founders, Matthew Smith BComm’18 and Lauren Ferguson BComm’20, who provided hands-on guidance from start to finish, as well as by retail expert Rameesh Venkat, Director of the David Sobey Retail Centre. Market Price's unique branding, inspired by a fish market, tells a visual story that students thoughtfully integrated into their Hackathon concepts. This narrative, woven into Market Price’s space and branding, served as a critical design anchor for student teams as they developed ideas. 

Students tackled their task with innovative ideas, ranging from immersive in-store experiences to community-driven events. They used entrepreneurial thinking to craft strategies that would draw in customers despite Halifax’s chilly winter. One unforgettable idea came from a student team who proposed an attention-grabbing “Break the Ice” event. Their concept? Encasing a pair of Market Price’s signature sneakers in a giant block of ice displayed outside the store during winter. Shoppers and passersby would have the chance to chip away at the ice, with the lucky first person to fully break through winning the shoes. The idea sparked excitement among mentors and students alike, showcasing the team’s creative approach to engaging the community and drawing in new customers. 

“The Market Price Hackathon was incredible!” shared one student participant. “Being able to work with real business owners like Matt and Lauren while getting direct input on our ideas really gave us a taste of the entrepreneurial world.” 

"It was great to be part of it. We learned a lot from the students, and it was really nice to get involved with the community and our alumni connection [at Saint Mary’s University]," says Lauren. “I definitely recommend other businesses participate in the Experience Ventures Hackathon, especially small businesses in the community—it really gets you involved and sparks some great ideas,” Ferguson added. 

More opportunities are coming for you! Spots are limited—find our upcoming events and sign up today here. 

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Experience Ventures, powered by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary, enables post-secondary students to make an impact alongside real-world innovators through entrepreneurial thinking placements. Experience Ventures is funded by the Government of Canada and is delivered in partnership with post-secondary institutions nationwide. Saint Mary’s University’s Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre is the Regional Lead Atlantic Canada partner in Experience Ventures. 

Read more: Experience Ventures program brings 152 new experiential learning opportunities for students in Atlantic Canada  

Celebrating Women in Business: Highlights from the 2024 Conference

Women in Sport Business conference panel

Panellists with moderator Cheryl MacDonald

Shannon Susko opened the event

Keynote speaker Signa Butler shares with the crowd

Audience members participated in a Q&A

Signa Butler with conference attendees

The 6th Annual Women in Business Conference, held on October 3, was a remarkable gathering that celebrated the achievements and contributions of women in the sport business landscape, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of women in varsity sport at Saint Mary's. Drawing over 120 participants, including student-athletes, alumni, former SMU women athletes, and community partners, the event created an inspiring atmosphere filled with energy, collaboration, and a shared commitment to empowering women.

Under the theme "Game On! Celebrating Women in Sport Business," the conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers. Keynote speaker Signa Butler BA'96, a seasoned CBC sports and Olympics commentator, captivated the audience with her compelling stories and insights. She shared her journey from athlete to working in the sport business world, breaking barriers as a woman in a male-dominated field. Accompanying her was special guest speaker Shannon Byrne Susko BComm'89 BSc'92, a serial entrepreneur and leadership coach, who shared invaluable lessons on resilience and empowerment in the business world.

The event also included an engaging panel discussion that showcased dynamic women making significant strides in the sport industry. 

Panelists included:

• Keisha Turner BA'12, Co-founder of Starberry Drink Co. and Akwekon Enterprises Inc.

• Justine Colley-Leger BComm'14, Director of Athletics at Halifax Grammar School

• Meghan Chayka, Co-Founder/CEO of Stathletes, a hockey data and analytics company

• Brittany Burke, Co-founder, CEO, and Manager of JUST Cycle

The panel was moderated by Cheryl MacDonald BA'10, CEO of Sport New Brunswick, who facilitated a rich discussion on their journeys and the future of women in leadership roles.

This year's conference not only celebrated women's remarkable achievements but also set the stage for future collaboration and innovation among women in sport business. The event highlighted the incredible power that women hold in business, leaving a positive impression on those present.

We are grateful to our sponsors for their invaluable support, including:

• Metromonics – Champion Maker Sponsor

• The Sobey family, the Sobey Foundation, and Sobey Inc. – Cheer Master Sponsors

• Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health and Vallis Law and Strategic Solutions – Sideline Super Supporter Sponsors

• Evolve, CIBC Wood Gundy, and O'Regans – Fabulous Fan Sponsors

• In-kind sponsors included Halifax Wanderers, Halifax Tides, and Evolve.

As we reflect on this year's conference's success, we eagerly anticipate next year's event and look forward to continuing this vital conversation about empowering women in the business world.

Kane Writers Award: Apply by November 30

2023 recipient Trayvone Clayton with Edna Kane

The Edna and Velma Thomas Kane Writers Award supports aspiring writers of African Nova Scotian and Black/African descent. Valued at $30,000, the award will be presented to an undergraduate student in the Faculty of Arts upon graduation from Saint Mary’s.

2025 award criteria

To be eligible, undergraduate BA and BES students must:

• be graduating from Saint Mary’s in 2025,

• be Canadian citizens or permanent residents,

• identify as Black/African descended, with priority going to African Nova Scotian students,

• have good academic standing,

• have demonstrable financial need, and

• aspire to a career in writing, broadly defined. 

This award was established through the generosity of alumnus Floyd Kane BA’92, a writer, lawyer, filmmaker and creator of the acclaimed TV series, Diggstown. It aims to reduce financial roadblocks for graduating students by supporting them in pursuing further studies, training or self-directed projects to advance their writing aspirations.

Broadly defined, a career in writing can include (but is not limited to) creative writing, poetry, songwriting, spoken word performance, film/television writing, multimedia creation, or an academic career path in the arts and humanities.

Application deadline: Saturday, November 30, 2024

Related reading

• Class of 2024: Kane Writers Award recipient Rheannon Richards BA'24

• Embracing the power of writing with new Kane Award

• Removing barriers to increase access to education

Saint Mary’s introduces Star Finder - The David Lane Astronomy Outreach Program

Saint Mary’s is proud to announce the creation of a new initiative called Star Finder - The David Lane Astronomy Outreach Program.  

Star Finder is a new educational program that will enable teachers from across Nova Scotia to deliver an astronomy-focused curriculum to grade six and nine students. The program will focus on space exploration and astronomy, with a special emphasis on creating opportunities for those teaching in rural and underserved communities. The goal is to foster enthusiasm and understanding of astronomy among schoolchildren. 

David Lane at the Burke-Gaffney Observatory’s 50th anniversary event in September 2022  

The new program is funded by a $250,000 philanthropic gift from the late David and Michelle Lane. It will build on decades of successful outreach at the Burke-Gaffney Observatory, which was driven primarily by David Lane, the former Astronomy Technician in the Department of Astronomy and Physics at Saint Mary’s and the Director of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory. During his 29-year career at Saint Mary’s, Dave single-handedly automated the observatory, making it available to users worldwide through X (Twitter) and Facebook. Dave also created the Earth Centred Universe, an easy-to-use planetarium and telescope-control program which allowed institutes to operate their own educational astronomy platforms.  

“David and Michelle Lane's gift exemplifies the community outreach that Saint Mary's University is famous for," said Dr. Vincent Hénault-Brunet, Director of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory. “The Star Finder program will give young people in rural and underserved areas access to the type of scientific discovery associated with big cities and major universities. The program enables students and teachers to have hands-on participation in cosmic discovery.” 

Thanks to Dave’s efforts, tens of thousands of children and university students were introduced to astronomy at the Observatory, located at the top of the Loyola building on the Saint Mary’s campus.  

Dave Lane passed away in March 2024 at the age of 60. He is survived by his wife Michelle, who shares Dave’s dream of launching this educational project as a way to keep giving back and share David’s passion for astronomy with a wider community.  

“Dave brought the wonders of the night sky to people of all ages and walks of life; he especially loved sharing his passion with students, fellow astronomers and members of the general public,” said Michelle Lane. “Star Finder will now build on Dave's life's work and greatly expand the circle of people who will benefit from mentorship and outreach in exploring the night sky.”  

The Star Finder project is being developed with Saint Mary’s University alumna Andrea Misner BSc’06. Uniquely suited to this task, she studied astrophysics at Saint Mary’s and later earned a master’s in education degree from the University of Manitoba. Misner teaches high school general sciences, physics and astronomy in Winnipeg, and is a recipient of a 2024 Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.  

Star Finder will build teachers’ astronomy knowledge and skills by remotely using the BGO and mini-robotic observatory (MRO). Teachers and their students will also be provided access to the extensive archive of data and images at the Burke-Gaffney Observatory, strengthening their engagement with and excitement for astronomical understanding and discovery.  

“This is a deeply personal project, one that Dave and I planned together before his death as a way of leaving a legacy that reflects Dave’s lifelong passion for education and astronomical discovery,” said Michelle Lane. 

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To honour Dave’s legacy, members of the Saint Mary’s community and public can make a gift to Star Finder - The Dave Lane Astronomy Outreach Program.

Building women’s hockey at Saint Mary’s…and beyond

Lisa Haley with Athletic Director Scott Gray and President Rob Summerby-Murray at the SMU Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2019 (credit: Mona Ghiz)

Lisa (Jordan) Haley didn’t have an ounce of coaching experience in 1997 when Athletic Director Larry Uteck asked her to start up a women’s hockey program at Saint Mary’s. But that didn’t stop her from saying yes. And she’s never looked back. For the last 27 years, Lisa has been a Head Coach at the university level, making her the longest-standing varsity coach in the history of  U Sports women’s hockey.

Born and raised in Westville, Nova Scotia, Lisa and her twin sister Lesley followed in the footsteps of two older brothers, starting their hockey journey when they were just four. At 16, and in the first year that Women’s Hockey was offered at the Canada Games, both sisters tried out and made the team, representing  Nova Scotia at the 1991 Canada Winter Games.

Not long after, both Lisa and Lesley were recruited to play varsity-level hockey at Concordia. Lisa was named Rookie of the Year in 1991 and finished as an Assistant Captain in her final year. Their team was legendary, and the whole 1995-1996 team has since been inducted into the Concordia University Sports Hall of Fame.

In Montreal, Lisa studied to be an Athletic Therapist and was drawn to the “on the field” aspects of the profession rather than the clinical rehab. In fact, she chose athletic therapy as her educational path because she felt that it was the only way to stay in sports. “As a female, there were no opportunities to play professionally, and I didn’t see any women as professional hockey coaches - all of my hockey coaches were men.”

Upon graduating from Concordia in 1996, she needed to complete a certain number of practical hours in order to be able to write her licensing exam. She decided to return to her home province and did her entire practicum at Saint Mary’s, acting as a Student Athletic Therapist for all of the varsity sports teams. This is where Larry Uteck comes in.

A year after Lisa came to Saint Mary’s, CIAU (now U Sports) began offering a national championship for women’s hockey. Larry asked Lisa if she’d be interested in starting up the women’s hockey program and being the coach.

“Larry had a lot of foresight and decided that he wanted Saint Mary’s to be a leader in Women’s Hockey,” says Lisa. “He recognized the importance of putting females into leadership roles, and he must have seen some leadership potential in me.”

The only catch was that the position was a volunteer gig. Back then, there were very few women working as paid varsity coaches. Despite not being paid, Lisa fell in love with coaching from the first practice she ran. All that hard work paid off when the inaugural team won the first-ever AUAA Championship and went to the first-ever Nationals.

1997 Women's Hockey Team poses for a team photo with their AUAA (now AUS) trophy in the Alumni Arena. Women's university hockey became a U Sports (then CIS) sanctioned sport in 1997, and was Saint Mary's University Sport Hall of Fame - 2019 Inductee - Lisa Haley's first year as Head Coach of the program.

Lisa would eventually go on to be hired in a double-duty position as the Assistant Athletic Therapist/Head Coach of Women’s Hockey. But it wasn’t until 2005 that she was able to drop her athletic therapist duties and was named a full-time Varsity Coach.

In her 14 seasons with the Huskies, Lisa amassed one of the best winning records in CIS (now U Sports) women’s hockey history. The team made it to the Atlantic University Sports (AUS) finals eight times, capturing the league title in 1998, 2003, 2004 and 2010. Lisa herself earned the title of AUS coach of the year twice and was also named CIS coach of the year.

“Lisa did an incredible job of getting the women’s hockey program up and running and making it a real success,” says Kathy Mullane, the first female coach ever hired by Saint Mary’s in the 1970s. Kathy added that Lisa had proved herself by working hard to achieve her hockey coaching credentials over the years. “She is widely recognized as a tremendous coach who has a talent for recruiting very skilled players and who continues to be a strong voice for promoting women in hockey.”

In 2011, Lisa left Saint Mary’s for a new challenge. Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), formerly Ryerson, was starting a women’s hockey program from scratch and knew they needed a strong leader with a proven track record. Lisa has spent the last 12 years building TMU’s hockey program. She has brought them from last place in the Ontario University Association Conference in 2011 to a national ranking of 8th in recent years.

She’s also excelled internationally with Hockey Canada’s High Performance program, helping them win six World Championship medals, including two golds. As the assistant coach for the Canadian Women’s Hockey Team at the 2014 Sochi Games, she earned an Olympic Gold.

While the moment of achievement—the championship title or the gold medal—feels amazing, Lisa is also fulfilled by the role she plays as a mentor, helping her players reach their full potential, both on and off the ice. “I love supporting the leadership potential in the young women I coach, helping set them up to be good role models for other young women down the road.”

Mission accomplished when she sees what the remarkable women who were a part of the first-ever Huskies Women’s Hockey program have gone on to do with their lives. “They have created amazing careers for themselves and are serving as incredible leaders in their fields.”

Lisa herself was inducted into the Saint Mary’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2019 for her great contribution to SMU sports and Huskies Women’s Hockey. Although she loves her job at TMU and has grown to enjoy Ontario, she misses Nova Scotia and still cheers for the Huskies. “Except when they’re playing TMU,” she laughs.

By Renée Hartleib