Spring Convocation 2024

Members of the Saint Mary’s community celebrated for academic achievement and leadership

Hundreds of graduates, alongside their families, friends and SMU supporters, celebrated Spring Convocation from May 15-17, 2024. Proud new members of the SMU alumni community filled the sunny lawn of the McNally building after their ceremonies to enjoy their special day.

Among the graduates were numerous award and medal recipients recognized for their academic distinction. The convocation program lists the recipients of the Governor General’s Gold and Silver medals, along with a list of recipients of faculty, departmental and donated awards.

Meet the Valedictorians

Six valedictorians delivered heartfelt and inspiring speeches to packed auditoriums and online audiences. Read their full biographies in the convocation program and watch their speeches in the ceremony recordings.

Alexia Jo-Ann Bourgeois
Bachelor of Commerce

Born and raised in Dieppe, New Brunswick, Alexia is a proud French-Acadien. Before her time at Saint Mary’s where she majored in marketing, Alexia played varsity soccer, earned her private pilot’s license, and is a longtime member of the Rotary Club. At Saint Mary’s, Alexia founded a club called “GalPal” where a group of student innovators developed a solution to fight against gender-based violence and sexual assault on campuses.

Nyah Sahyoun
Bachelor of Commerce

Nyah was born and raised in Saint John, New Brunswick, by her Palestinian father and Saint John-native mother. After working hard in her studies and completing three co-op placements, Nyah graduated with a double major in Marketing and Human Resource Management.

Jonathan Cornelius Mansvelt
Bachelor of Science

Jonathan’s time at SMU was spent supporting students as a teaching assistant, chemistry lab demonstrator, tutor at the SNAP Centre and President of the Campus Medical Response Team. He graduated with Honours Psychology, summa cum laude, and was presented with the Governor General’s Silver Medal, given to the top undergraduate student who graduated between September 2023-May 2024. 

Itai Kuwodza
Master of Arts, Atlantic Canada Studies

Itai is a two-time Saint Mary’s graduate, having previously completed her Bachelor of Arts degree. Her graduate thesis, titled Performing Diversity: Black Bodies in Atlantic Canadian Post-Secondary Institutions, was driven by a desire to understand how race permeates higher education and racialized learning. As a former SMU Husky, teaching assistant and coach, she is ready to begin her PhD studies at Acadia University.

Holly Kanyamunyu
Bachelor of Arts

Born in London, England, Holly’s family relocated to Halifax when she was four years old, where they lived on campus while her mother pursued her MBA at the Sobey School of Business. Her love for SMU led her to work with the Recruitment team. She also researched in the Dean of Science lab and helped to lead the African Student Society as Creative Director. She graduates with a major in Psychology and a minor in General Business.

Madison Vanderlinden
Bachelor of Arts

From Cole Harbour, NS, Maddie graduated with a double major in French and Intercultural Studies, complemented by a minor in Asian Studies. With a passion for global learning and outreach, Maddie spent her time at Saint Mary’s supporting incoming international and exchage students, volunteering and working with Students Acting for Global Awareness (SAGA) and the Global Learning & Intercultural Support Office.

Teaching excellence

Dr. Margaret McKee

Faculty were among those recognized during Convocation for their service to the Saint Mary’s community and their innovations in teaching and learning. Dr. Margaret McKee, Associate Professor of Management and Associate Dean of Undergraduate and Professional Graduate Programs within the Sobey School of Business, was awarded the Geraldine Thomas Education Leadership Award for her sustained commitment to fostering transformative learning environments grounded in principles of inclusivity, sustainability, and ethical leadership.

Dr. Valerie Creelman

Members of the alumni community acknowledged Dr. Valerie Creelman, Professor of Communication within the Department of Marketing and Communication at the Sobey School of Business, with the Father William A. Stewart, S.J. Medal for Excellence in Teaching. Students consistently praised the active, experiential, and applied learning environment she creates in her classes and her deep respect for diverse student learning needs.

Dr. David Wicks, retired Professor of Management and former Dean of the Sobey School of Business, was awarded Professor Emeritus status at Spring Convocation.

Honorary Degrees

Four people were recognized for their commitment to advocacy, diplomacy, education and community engagement and were granted honorary degrees at Spring Convocation.

Kevin Murphy BComm’92
A self-described “serial entrepreneur,” Kevin Murphy boasts extensive business experience alongside his important work in disability advocacy As the Senior Parliamentary Speaker in Canada, Murphy founded and served as the first Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities Network in 2019. Read more.

Donica Pottie BA’85
Her remarkable journey from a Saint Mary’s graduate to a Canadian ambassador exemplifies resilience, dedication and global citizenship. Pottie’s advocacy as a diplomat extends beyond borders in her support of human security, women’s rights and the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, which she has publicly defended in countries where these rights are restricted. Read more.

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Lawrence (Larry) Freeman, K.C.
As a partner at Stewart McKelvey law firm, Larry Freeman has provided counsel to clients for over 40 years. He has been deeply involved in several community organizations, notably serving as a member of the Saint Mary’s University Board of Governors in 2008 and Board Chair from 2019-2022. Read more.

Karen Hudson
Local educator and community leader Karen Hudson brings an innovative approach to her role as Principal of Auburn Drive High School. In 2018, she pioneered the first Africentric Cohort in math and literacy within a public school. This groundbreaking initiative aimed to empower students by infusing Afrocentric concepts into the curriculum. Read more.

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Congratulations graduates! Visit smu.ca/graduation for more information, links to the convocation program and recorded ceremonies. Browse the full convocation photo album here.

Kevin Murphy, trailblazer in advocacy and inclusion, to receive honorary degree

Kevin Murphy BComm’92

Kevin Murphy BComm’92, a distinguished advocate for people with disabilities, will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Saint Mary’s University during the upcoming Spring Convocation. His significant contributions to public policy and community development have left a lasting impact.

Murphy describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur,” having ventured into diverse fields such as entertainment, publishing, advertising, restaurants, junior hockey, motor coach operations, and disability consulting. His time at Saint Mary’s University opened his eyes to a world of possibilities, inspiring him to become an advocate for accessibility improvements on campus, ensuring that the needs of students with disabilities were met.

Beyond business ventures, Murphy has held management positions with the Canadian Paraplegic Association and the Rick Hansen Foundation. His commitment extends to volunteer work, including executive board positions with organizations like the HRM Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities, Metro Transit Access-A-Bus Advisory Committee and Independent Living Nova Scotia. In 2012, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal in recognition of his dedicated community service.

Murphy’s impact reached new heights when he became the elected Member of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly for Eastern Shore from 2013 to 2021. Serving eight consecutive years as the Speaker, he made history as the first Speaker in the Commonwealth to have a significant disability. His tenure was marked by a commitment to ensuring that the voices of persons with disabilities were heard and represented in elected parliaments.

His gravitas, combined with a delightful sense of humour, allowed him to excel in his role. As the Senior Parliamentary Speaker in Canada, Murphy founded and served as the first Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities Network in 2019. This network aims to support and inspire people with disabilities worldwide to seek elected office.

Advocacy on a Global Scale

Since 2022, Murphy has been the Senior Policy Advisor to Canada’s Federal Minister responsible for persons with disabilities. His work spans critical files such as the Accessible Canada Act, the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, the Canada Disability Benefit and Medical Assistance in Dying. Through these roles, he amplifies the voices of persons with disabilities globally, advocating for policies that empower and uplift. Murphy’s commitment extends beyond political office—in 2003, he co-founded The James McGregor Stewart Society, a beacon of advocacy for public policy respecting people with disabilities. The society’s impactful work has touched countless lives, advocating for equal rights, accessibility, and inclusion.

Murphy will receive a Doctor of Civil Law, honoris causa, on Wednesday, May 15. See the convocation program for full details.

President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary’s University, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, commends Murphy’s work: “Kevin Murphy’s journey inspires us all. His leadership, advocacy and dedication to disability rights transcend borders, making our world more inclusive and compassionate.”

Currently, Murphy serves as the Federal Director of Disability and Inclusion, where he continues to champion positive change. His legacy reminds us that barriers can be overcome and that every voice matters.

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Spring Convocation takes place May 15-17, 2024. Ceremonies will be live-streamed via www.smu.ca/graduation.

Saint Mary’s University appoints new Dean of the Sobey School of Business

Dr. Michel Delorme

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Michel Delorme to the position of Dean of the Sobey School of Business, effective July 1, 2024.

“Under Dr. Delorme’s leadership, the Sobey School of Business will build on its position as one of Canada’s most established and respected business schools and the business school of choice for students aspiring to lead with purpose,” said Saint Mary’s University President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray.   

Dr. Delorme brings more than 12 years of experience in leadership positions in business schools, nationally and internationally, and over 25 years of experience in higher education. He has extensive knowledge of accreditation processes, developing international partnerships and facilitating university teaching, research and leadership. Currently serving as Dean of the Faculty of Management at Laurentian University, Dr. Delorme has also served as Director of Simmons University School of Business, USA (AACSB accredited); Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Burgundy School of Business, France (AACSB and EQUIS accredited); Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at ESDES, the Business School of the Catholic University of Lyon, France (AACSB accredited); and Vice Dean for Knowledge Development and Research at Rennes School of Business, France (AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS accredited). 

“This distinctive leadership position represents an excellent opportunity to help develop students’ potential, guide their personal and professional lives, and prepare them to become authentic and conscientious leaders of tomorrow,” said Dr. Delorme. “I am honoured to take up this position as Dean of the Sobey School, one of Canada’s most accredited and highly regarded business schools.” 

Dr. Delorme looks forward to getting to know the Saint Mary’s community and is impressed by the university's strong reputation, supportive student experience, excellent resources and quality of life in Halifax. He sees opportunities to contribute to the institution's growth, appreciates the support from the Sobey family and values the dynamism of the people at Saint Mary’s. 

The Sobey School of Business is one of Canada’s oldest, most respected and comprehensive business schools, with undergraduate, graduate and executive professional development programming.

Distinguished Delegation Award for Model UN group

SMU’s team represented The Bahamas at Model UN in NYC

SMU delegates at the National Model UN Conference

Saint Mary’s team received the Distinguished Delegation Award

Model UN team in the airport heading to New York

Team dinner at Benihana

Wesley Brouse had been to New York City twice before, but the third time was a charm, as a member of the Saint Mary’s University team at the National Model United Nations conference.

“Going to the UN General Assembly for the NMUN closing ceremony was truly a dream come true,” says Brouse, a finance major who will graduate with his Bachelor of Commerce degree in May. “Getting to sit in the same seats that UN ambassadors from all around the world sit in, surrounded by students from all over the world, felt surreal.”

Saint Mary’s delegation of 10 students represented The Bahamas in the annual UN simulation, coming home with a Distinguished Delegation Award, the equivalent of a silver medal. The team from Dr. Marc Doucet’s Model UN course included students in the Faculty of Arts and the Sobey School of Business, with five political science majors, two finance majors and students from the management and marketing programs.

“Few other delegations were as well prepared as our team was, and that was all thanks to Dr. Doucet,” says Brouse. “Although no one on our team had ever done Model UN before, he ensured we were all experts at it by the time we got to New York. We could not have won the award without him.”

Other highlights of the week in New York included a seminar about the various paths to UN employment and a team dinner at Benihana in Midtown Manhattan.   

“This year’s delegation should be very proud of their award,” says Dr. Doucet, a professor in the Department of Political Science. “Representing a small nation is always a challenge at NMUN. The Bahamas is known to ‘punch above its weight’ at the UN, but our delegates had to compete against larger delegations, with some having considerable past Model UN experience.” 

Brouse learned about the Model UN opportunity from a friend and jumped at the chance to be a part of it this year. With a keen interest in international politics and international law, he figured the Model UN course would be a great way to enhance his knowledge in these areas.

While at the NMUN conference, students from Saint Mary’s participated in a number of committees, simulating the work of the General Assembly’s First, Second and Third Committees, the UN Environmental Assembly (UNEA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The topics they tackled ranged from the “Relationship between Disarmament and Development” to “Preventing Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity” and “Environmental Sustainability in the Textile and Fashion Industries.”

The conference was attended by thousands of students from more than 175 universities and colleges worldwide. In the Distinguished Delegation category, only four other Canadian universities were recognized this year: the University of Ottawa and McGill, McEwan and Brock universities.

2024 Canadian Venture Capital Competition hosted at Saint Mary's

The 2024 winners in the graduate category from the University of Waterloo MBA: Zia Baig, Leo Zhang, Hisham Ismail, Hufsah Khan, Vireshaar Ragavan and Ryan Trainor.

The team from the University of Waterloo secured first place in the undergraduate category: Harry Soo, Leo Chen, Mischa Hinds, Rachel Butler, Tony Cao and Shilp Shah.

The team from the University of Toronto won second place in the MBA competition.

Team from University of New Brunswick (MBA)

VCIC judges

Team from Wilfrid Laurier University (Undergraduate)

Team from Dalhousie University (MBA)

Over 80 business students from leading universities across Canada, including the University of Alberta, University of Toronto, Queen's University and Wilfrid Laurier University, came together in Halifax recently for the Canadian Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC). The day-long competition held on March 1, 2024, allowed students to immerse themselves in the role of venture capitalists and demonstrate their abilities in planning and execution while gaining valuable real-world insights.

“Hosting this divisional VCIC provides Canadian university students with the opportunities to participate in the world of venture capital, connecting with entrepreneurs and venture capitalists within the ecosystem. We are thrilled to nurture a supportive environment for entrepreneurial talents poised to make contributions to the evolving landscape of venture capital and innovation,” says Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

This year marked the fourth iteration of the Canadian competition, a staple event held annually at the Sobey School of Business. The competition evaluates participants based on their thorough preparation and strategic implementation and offers a dynamic platform for students to delve into the nuances of venture capital investment. By engaging in simulated investment scenarios, students are challenged to make crucial decisions under pressure, replicating the scenarios faced by actual venture capitalists.

The 2024 winners in the graduate category are the team from the University of Waterloo MBA program, who secured the top spot and $1,000. A group of undergraduate students from the University of Waterloo secured first place in the undergraduate category with a prize of $500.

The two winning teams will compete at the 2024 VCIC Global Finals on April 12-13 at Chapel Hill, NC, USA.

Saint Mary’s University continues to solidify itself as a dominant force in the realm of university venture capital. While SMU students are excluded from competition in the Canadian division, they compete in the Northeastern Division of the Venture Capital Investment Competition against U.S. universities, frequently placing in the top ranks in both graduate and undergraduate categories.

Read more about SMU’s recent success in Boston: Students excel in Venture Capital Investment Competition.

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

Madeline (Maddie) Bristol

Sobey School of Business student Madeline (Maddie) Bristol has been named one of only eight undergraduate students from across Atlantic Canada to win this year's  Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies.  

Maddie is in her final year of studying for a Bachelor of Commerce at the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary's. In addition to her studies, Maddie actively seeks opportunities to gain practical, real-world experience. 

Maddie served two consecutive year-long terms as president of Enactus Saint Mary's. During her presidency, she managed projects aimed at reducing food waste at the farm level, eliminating food insecurity, teaching at-risk youth financial literacy, and clearing oceans of plastic waste. Under her leadership, the team was named national champions in both the Scotiabank Climate Action Challenge and the TD Entrepreneurship Challenge. 

Plastarch Packaging team at the 2023 Innovation Cup

As her passion for entrepreneurship and sustainability grew, Maddie launched Plastarch Packaging. The business provides a bioplastic solution to single-use cutlery and packaging for environmentally conscious business owners without compromising durability and affordability. Plastarch Packaging was the recipient of a $10,000 award at December’s Innovation Cup, hosted by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

Maddie's commitment to entrepreneurship and sustainability, as demonstrated through her leadership of Enactus Saint Mary's and the founding of Plastarch Packaging, played a significant role in her selection for the Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies. Her innovative approach to addressing environmental challenges and her dedication to making a positive impact on the community exemplify the qualities that the award aims to recognize and celebrate. 

“I extend my warmest congratulations to Maddie Bristol,” says Mark Raymond, Interim Dean, Sobey School of Business. “Maddie embodies the SMU experience. Our students develop an entrepreneurial mindset and are equipped with the knowledge, insights, real work experiences and network to lead and make a positive impact on business and on the community.” 

About the Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies

All full-time business students attending Atlantic Canadian universities are eligible for consideration for the award. Deans at each university nominate candidates who have demonstrated a high level of entrepreneurship, a commitment to supporting the communities in which they live and work and relevant employment experience. Each award winner receives $45,000 in recognition of their achievements and gains access to mentorship support from members of the business community across the Atlantic region.  

David Sobey Retailing Centre awards three research grants to Sobey School of Business researchers

The David Sobey Retailing Centre is very pleased to award funding of $10,000 each to Sobey School of Business researchers Hadi Eslami, Bahareh Mansouri and Ethan Pancer.

Founded in 2014, thanks to a visionary and generous gift by the late Dr. David F. Sobey, CM, DComm’91, Chair Emeritus of Sobeys Inc., the David Sobey Retailing Centre is a leading expert and partner in the retail sector, shaping the future of retail through research, innovation and education. 

“Funding research in areas that are vital to the future of retail is a key priority for the David Sobey Retailing Centre” says Dr. Ramesh Venkat, Director of the David Sobey Retailing Centre, “Canada’s retail sector accounts for 15.6 per cent of Canada’s GDP and employs the most people of all sectors in our economy. An innovative, thriving and competitive retail sector is a vital contributor to Canada’s economy”.

Highlights of this new research are:

Hadi Eslami

Title: Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) Adoption and Shareholder Value of Retailers

Description: While retailers have been at the forefront of adopting the Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) payment method/system, we have limited knowledge regarding the performance effects of this adoption. In this research, we will examine how the adoption of BNPL influences retailers’ shareholder value performance across multiple consumer segments.

More about Hadi Eslami

Bahareh Mansouri

Title: Towards sustainable urban freight planning: the integration of micro-distribution centers into the urban transportation network

Description: This research project addresses the pressing challenges faced by the retail and service sectors in the context of urban freight transportation. It focuses on strategically integrating the Urban Micro-distribution Centers (UMCs), fed by the Urban Distribution Centers (UDCs), into the urban logistics network planning. This study employs optimization models, drawing from the Hub Location Problem (HLP) and the Location-Routing Problem (LRP) to minimize operational costs, reduce carbon footprints, and enhance customer satisfaction. 

More about Bahareh Mansouri

Ethan Pancer

Title: Consumer Responses to Product Innovation from Generative AI

Description: This project investigates how people perceive products created by generative AI compared to those made by humans, exploring the impact of a product's origin on its perceived value, trustworthiness, and acceptability. The findings aim to guide retailers in industries at the crossroads of technology and creativity in developing strategies that align with consumer attitudes in an increasingly AI-integrated market.

More about Ethan Pancer

Sobey School of Business Alumni in Residence: Wendy Luther EMBA'08

The Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University prides itself as a national leader in community-focused business education. Building foundations for an equitable, prosperous and progressive community through active learning is at the heart of what we do. Our success as a leading business school is inextricably linked with the success of our students, our stakeholders and our broader communities.

The Alumni in Residence program aims to bridge the gap between academic life and the professional world by creating meaningful connections between our alumni and current students. Through this program, students have the opportunity to build relationships, receive advice and gain insights from successful alumni. The Alumni in Residence Program hosts various speaking events where students can seek advice, learn about industry trends, and expand their professional networks.

Wendy Luther EMBA’08

We are delighted to share that Wendy Luther EMBA’08, President and CEO of Halifax Partnership, is our Alumni in Residence for 2024. Wendy is one of our distinguished Alumni—in March 2023, Wendy was named one of Atlantic Canada's 25 Most Powerful Women in Business.

Wendy is a leader in economic and export development, with vast experience promoting Nova Scotia and its assets globally. Wendy joined Halifax Partnership as President & CEO in 2019. In 2023, Halifax Partnership was honoured with four Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) including Gold for Economic Development Organization of the Year.

Before joining Halifax Partnership, Wendy was President & CEO of EduNova, a co-operative association of public and private-sector education providers committed to promoting Nova Scotia’s knowledge economy internationally. Under her leadership, EduNova was honoured with the prestigious international PIEoneer Association of the Year Award in 2017.

Learn more about Wendy Luther and explore her remarkable professional journey.

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Join us for our upcoming event with Wendy Luther on March 25, 2024

Ask Wendy Luther: Moving From Successful Student to a Stellar Professional and Entrepreneur

• Monday, March 25, 2024

• 1:30-3:30 p.m.

• Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

  Sign up!

Students excel in Venture Capital Investment Competition

Students from the Sobey School of Business gained valuable real-world experience and excelled in the recent Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC) New England Regional Final held in Boston.

The graduate team, composed of students from the MTEI (Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation) and MBA programs, took home a top award. “Entrepreneurs and start-ups participate at these events and they determine the winners for Entrepreneurs Choice. Our team won due to their ability to communicate and connect,” says the team’s advisor, Brennan Daley of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

Gurprit Singh, MBA student

“Being part of VCIC in Boston was a truly transformative experience for me, giving me a real-world view of venture capital, pushing my critical thinking ability and exposing me to the vibrant Boston entrepreneurial ecosystem,” says MBA student Gurprit Singh. “The experience is not just a competition, but a stepping stone into the dynamic world of venture capital, shaping my skills and expanding my network in venture capital.”

Saint Mary’s participates annually in the Global Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC), the world’s largest venture capital competition with over 120 university and graduate school teams competing. VCIC is the only place where students get to be VCs for the day, and startups get an immersion in the fundraising process. The SMU teams compete against U.S. universities in the Northeast region and are judged by their preparation and thoughtful execution as a VC firm.

Top (L-R): Sorav Sogy, Ankit Mittal. Bottom (L-R): Shakkharatul Haque Mehad, Jacky Chiu, Shri Subramanian, Gurprit Singh, Sruthi Ganesapandian, Jack Poirier, Sidney Nuwahereza, Oscar Lu, Brennan Daley.

Sorav Sogy, BComm student

Bachelor of Commerce student Sorav Sogy says, “It's not studying; you're actively managing a Venture Capital (VC) fund as an associate. This involves making investment decisions, raising funds, attending conferences and building crucial relationships with entrepreneurs and VCs. You're making a real impact by working alongside industry leaders, facilitating co-investment deals, and learning directly from senior partners and associates at local VC firms. It’s as real as it gets.”

The university’s excellence in venture capital is well established through consistent winning performances in global competitions, expert faculty dedicated to mentoring students, and successful graduates who often pursue careers in this exciting field.

Mark Raymond, Interim Dean of the Sobey School of Business, notes that the teams from Saint Mary’s are the only Canadian teams competing at this elevated level against teams from prominent U.S. universities including Babson, Dartmouth and Notre Dame. “We are known for giving our students amazing opportunities. This is an example of how SMU students gain an entrepreneurial mindset and are equipped with the knowledge, insights, real work experiences and network to lead and make a positive impact.”

Saint Mary’s students, staff and faculty are paying it forward by hosting a national competition in Halifax in March for other Canadian teams who would otherwise not gain these lessons in entrepreneurship and innovation. "Hosting the Canadian regionals provides an opportunity for students from other schools to compete and engage with our vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem," notes Daley.

David Sobey Retailing Centre attracts retail industry veterans to Advisory Council

The David Sobey Retailing Centre (formerly David Sobey Centre for Innovation in Retailing & Services) at the Sobey School of Business is delighted to welcome retail industry veterans Joe Jackman, Julia Knox, Dave S. Sobey and Wanda Walkden to its Advisory Council.

“The David Sobey Retailing Centre is extremely fortunate to have retail veterans and innovators of this calibre join our experienced Advisory Council,” says Vivek Sood, Executive Vice President, Related Business, Empire Company Limited and Chair, David Sobey Retailing Center Advisory Board. “The Advisory Council directly connects the centre with the retail sector, providing insights into industry issues and trends, and guiding the centre in its mission to shape the future of retail.”

Canada’s retail sector accounts for 15.6 per cent of Canada’s GDP and employs the most people of all sectors in our economy. “The David Sobey Retailing Centre is an integrated player in Canada’s retail community,” says Dr. Ramesh Venkat, Director, David Sobey Retailing Centre. “We are engaged in real-world retail innovation and training, world-class executive education and events, and research in areas vital to the future of retail including technology, AI, consumer psychology and behaviour, e-commerce and retail competition.”

New Advisory Council members:

Joe Jackman, Founder and Executive Chair, Jackman Reinvents

Joe Jackman is the Founder and Chairman of Jackman Reinvents, a management consulting firm specializing in transformative growth, and the CEO of Catapult Capital Partners, a venture capital and advisory firm focused on accelerating the growth of early-stage businesses.

For over 35 years, Jackman has helped leaders of retail, consumer packaged goods and B2B companies strengthen their strategic positions and accelerate value creation. An inductee into the Hall of Legends by the American Marketing Association, he is the author of the book The Reinventionist Mindset and is widely considered to be a leading expert on change and rapid business reinvention.

Julia Knox, Chief Technology and Analytics Officer and Chief Privacy Officer, Empire Company Limited

Responsible for technology, enterprise data and advanced analytics, Knox joined Empire in 2021 bringing with her extensive experience as a highly accomplished executive at Giant Tiger, where she was SVP, E-Commerce & Chief Merchandising Officer.

Knox’s leadership extends to community service; she serves as the Chair of the Board of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and is a founding activator of ShEO, a non-profit venture capital fund supporting women entrepreneurs. She is also a member of the Grocery Board for GS1 Canada.

Dave S. Sobey, Vice President, Operations, Atlantic, Sobeys Inc.

In his role, Sobey is accountable for Atlantic Operations of full-service and community banner stores. These include Sobeys, Foodland, and participating Co-ops within the four Atlantic provinces.

Sobey serves as the 2022-24 Chair of the Grocery Foundation Atlantic to benefit Atlantic Canada’s children’s hospital foundations and as Co-chair of the ‘Charting Our Course’ capital campaign for the Ship Hector Society to restore and relaunch the iconic ship in Pictou County.

Wanda Walkden, Chief Human Resources & Communications Officer, Staples Canada

Walkden leads Human Resources, Internal Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility, ensuring the alignment of these critical areas supports the engagement and retention of Staples’ 11,000 associates.

Prior to joining Staples, Walkden was the VP, Human Resources for Lowe’s Canada. She has over twenty-five years of human resources experience gained in a variety of industries including telecommunications, global outsourcing and retail, and has led the Human Resources function for multi-site teams based in Canada, U.S, Europe and Asia Pacific

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The David Sobey Retailing Centre, founded in 2014, was made possible thanks to a generous and visionary gift by the late Dr. David F. Sobey, CM, DComm’91, Chair Emeritus of Sobeys Inc.

To view the full list of David Sobey Retailing Centre Advisory Council members and find out more about the centre, please visit davidsobeycentre.ca

Finance students excel in global competition

The Saint Mary’s team earned eighth place for Canada in the 2023 Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge

Saint Mary’s University students gained valuable real-world experience that will help propel them into careers in capital markets and investment banking, by participating in the 2023 Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge. The Saint Mary’s team, comprised of students in the Sobey School of Business, finished eighth in Canada, 42nd in North America and 113th in the world out of 2,007 teams.

Teams from 309 universities and business schools faced the same challenge: use Bloomberg Terminals to invest $1 million virtual USD and be ranked on the profit/loss margin. “We were nervous,” says Master of Finance student Ifrahim Iftikhar. “We did not want to lose the $1 million (virtual) in the first two or three weeks.”

Team Captain Rehan Habib and the team members Nancy Naadei Kotei-Sass, Ryan Macalalad, Suja R.J. Vikas and Ifrahim Iftikhar are all from the prestigious Master of Finance program. They taught themselves how to use the Bloomberg Terminals from online videos and other resources provided by Bloomberg Education.

Influenced by world events, the students initially took a defensive position and followed a safe 60/40 diversification strategy focused on U.S. stocks, but soon found they were only matching the WLS index (Bloomberg World Large, Mid & Small Cap Price Return Index) which was underperforming at the time. They needed a change in direction to maximize returns over the short, six-week span of the competition.

“Our diversity was a distinct advantage, says Rehan Habib. “ With team members from several countries including India and Pakistan, we had multiple perspectives and important sector insights.”

“We identified that the Indian stock market was doing extremely well, and the Pakistan market was at a historic high,” explains Suja Vikas. “We analysed the market and decided collectively how much risk we could take.” The strategy succeeded and the team secured a $65,000 lead by the competition's end.

Faculty mentor, Dr. Florian Muenkel, says that the competition is particularly valuable for the students studying in the Sobey School of Business. “It’s practical experience. Students learn how to take a large set of assets and identify which ones have the best potential.  They learn that we are all exposed to behavioural biases, and they learn how to overcome them. At the same time, they browse the news and consider macroeconomics and political risk.”

He notes that the Saint Mary’s team was successful due to teamwork—they were able to divide up the tasks and make decisions. “You have to rely on your team; they worked well together.”

Nancy Naadei Kotei-Sass says, “I learned a great deal—how to handle the Bloomberg Terminal and how to trade. Trading in a short period requires a lot of strategies because the market can be your friend today and an enemy tomorrow.” Ifrahim Iftikhar expressed a similar sentiment. “We found that good news such as strong company performance did not necessarily translate into a stock price increase. There were other factors at play. It was an eye-opener.”

Ryan Macalalad says, “The mentorship of faculty members, Dr. Florian Muenkel and Dr. Rahman Khokhar, extended far beyond the four walls of the classroom, inspiring us to explore our potentials as traders, face challenges and strive for excellence. Their encouragement and advice throughout the trading challenge was instrumental in the team’s success."

8,400 students across 38 countries competed in the 2023 Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge, testing their skills in investing $1 million virtual USD. The global event is supported by the research and analytics team at Bloomberg for Education.

The Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge tests students annually on generating the highest relative profit and loss return (P&L) via Bloomberg Terminals. Each team is accompanied by a faculty advisor.

Saint Mary's partners with KW Legacy to promote Sobey National Innovator Scholarships

Students in the Sobeys Inspiration Hub

Saint Mary's University and KW Legacy are pleased to announce a unique enterprise to promote an exceptional scholarship opportunity. Under this partnership, KW Legacy will publicize the Sobey National Innovator Scholarships to students in the Waterloo region who want to pursue their post-secondary education at the Sobey School of Business in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  

“We believe that by working together, we can make a true difference in the lives of those in our region and support students in their post-secondary dreams. We are proud to partner with Saint Mary's University and support the unique opportunities they provide for so many students. Adding more students from the KW region to the Atlantic Canada mix is a great opportunity to learn, share, and grow between provinces and regions,” says Peter Kalbfleisch, KW Legacy. “Thank you to Saint Mary's and the Sobey School of Business for helping us support students in our region, helping develop our future leaders and making a significant impact in the lives of our youth and community.”  

“We appreciate and are grateful for the support of KW Legacy and the Sobey National Innovator Scholarships to provide a student within the Waterloo Region with a scholarship to Saint Mary’s University,” said Jeewan Chanicka, Director of Education for the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB). “This financial support represents the type of partnership that can provide opportunities for students to continue their academic journey and provide more equitable access to a university education as they work towards achieving their full potential in learning and in life.” 

“These scholarships represent a significant opportunity for personal and professional growth for the recipients, embodying the transformative power of education. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of Saint Mary’s University, KW Legacy, and Sobeys, which reflects our commitment to nurturing young minds. This scholarship will make a profound difference in the lives of its recipients, and we are honored to be part of this exciting announcement,” said Lema Salaymeh, Senior Manager of Communications, Waterloo Catholic District School Board. 

The Sobey National Innovator Scholarships are exclusive to Saint Mary’s University and the Sobey School of Business. There are ten renewable entrance awards valued at $50,000 over four years awarded annually. These scholarships are presented to ten exceptional Canadian students each year in recognition of their accomplishments and as encouragement and support for their success in the Sobey School of Business. The initial scholarship in academic year one is $20,000. The renewal value in academic years two–four is $10,000 per year. The total value of each scholarship over four years is $50,000.  

The Sobey National Innovator Scholarship recipients also become members of the Sobey Scholars Network, a special cohort that includes all current and past students, alumni, Chair holders, named Professors and Post-Doctoral Fellows who have been the recipients of philanthropic financial support from the Sobey Family, The Sobey Foundation, Sobeys Inc., and Empire Company Limited.   

“The Bachelor of Commerce program at the Sobey School of Business is one of Canada’s most respected programs at one of Canada's top three undergraduate universities," says Mark Raymond, Interim Dean of the Sobey School of Business. "We teach our Bachelor of Commerce students more than how a good business runs. We show them how to run a business for good—for the long-term and for a better, more sustainable, more responsible world. We equip our students with the knowledge and insights to lead with purpose, and they graduate prepared to make a positive impact on business, organizations and on society."