President
Emily LeBlanc
Saint Mary’s University announces Dr. Michael ...
Indigenous Community, Student Support, Alumni, SMU Community
Emily LeBlanc
Taking action to support Indigenous Students
Research, Student Success, Faculty/staff, Experiential Learning
Emily LeBlanc
Saint Mary’s named top undergraduate research ...
Faculty of Science, Research
Emily LeBlanc
SMU research supports right whale conservation
Black AfricanNS community, Student Support, Athletics and Recreation, SMU Community
Emily LeBlanc
African Heritage Month 2025: Celebrating our ...
African Heritage Month 2025: Celebrating our community with events, resources and more

Student Support

, ,

SMU community shows Pride love at Paint Your Pride event

, ,

On June 20, Student Affairs and Services (SAAS) hosted a Paint Your Pride event to kick off the 2023 Pride Season at SMU.

Taking place in the Quad, Paint Your Pride brought students, faculty, staff and even Halifax locals together to celebrate Pride Month and create a beautiful rainbow chalk mural. The event also boasted activities including a make-your-own Pride pin station, lawn games, cake and popcorn treats, an info table breaking down the various 2SLGBTQIA+ pride flags and highlighting community resources, and a pop-up Pride merch table from the SMU Bookstore.

During the event, Welcome Activities Coordinator, Toky Tajwar and Student Life Coordinator, Liv Brennan asked attendees what Pride means to them. Dee Dooley, Sexual Violence Advisor described Pride as “community and liberation” while Peer Success coach, Michael Rumsby felt Pride to mean “loving and accepting everybody for who they are.” Members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community and allies joined together with resounding messages of love, acceptance and community resounding in the beautiful artwork created.

Paint Your Pride was just one of several Pride initiatives that SMU is involved in this year. In addition to several Pride events, SAAS has undertaken a project to develop a 2SLGBTQIA+ Community webpage to be launched this summer. The initiative, prominently developed by members of the queer community, will create a digital hub of pan-campus resources, groups, committees and societies, as well as news and upcoming events.

Related:

,

Student experience: safe space and gay allyship at SMU

,
Genderfluid person stands in the Saint Mary’s Quad in front of a line of rainbow flags depicting the various 2SLGBTQIA+ identities with arm outreached grasping at the lesbian flag.

Ken Cornell stands in the Saint Mary’s Quad in front of a line of rainbow flags depicting the various 2SLGBTQIA+ identities.

When Ken Cornell began exploring universities, gay allyship and resources were not a factor of consideration. So, when Cornell arrived at Saint Mary’s, it was a welcome surprise to discover not only safe space and community but also resources that supported them, especially in the early days of their self-discovery and journey as a gay, genderfluid person.

Cornell sits in the Quad in front of a chalk heart depicting the genderfluid rainbow.

Cornell is a student in the Intercultural Studies Program, going into their fifth and final year at Saint Mary’s who currently works as the Training Module Developer for Residence Life. “When I first came to SMU I was just starting to come out as a lesbian and I hadn’t quite identified the gender issue yet,” explains Cornell. “I discovered SMU Q [newly established as the SMU Pride Society] at my first society expo and immediately found safe space and people that made me feel completely at home.”

Having such a positive and welcoming experience at SMU made Cornell want to get involved and help others. “I worked as a Residence Advisor (RA) and was able to support others in their self-discovery and journey in coming out,” highlights Cornell.

They also got involved in the RainBEAU committee in Residence Life and “was able to give a presentation on gender identity, and, specifically, genderfluidity, which isn’t as commonly discussed or understood.” Cornell elaborates that genderfluidity is a term under the trans umbrella, where a person does not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth.

“How I view my gender and how I express it varies and changes, similar to a colour slider. How I carry myself, style my hair, dress and even talk depends on where I am on my gender slider at that time.”

In reflecting on Pride season, Cornell describes it as a complex issue for them. “We’re starting to see the growing anti-LGBT hate from the States spreading into Canada,” asserts Cornell. “Pride will always have an element of push-back to it, so to have a recognized and respected institute like SMU acknowledge Pride, telling us there is safe space here is a huge deal for our community.”

To members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, especially newcomers to SMU, Cornell suggests getting involved as much as possible to help find support and make friends in the community. “We have lots of events coming up this year,” details Cornell. “Pride season kicked off with Paint Your Pride, where the SMU community gathered to create a Pride chalk mural in the Quad. In July, Residence Life will be hosting a Dye-versity night where we’ll be tie-dying shirts and there will be a SMU float in the Halifax Pride Parade during Halifax Pride Festival.”

Visit Celebrating Pride at SMU to learn about 2SLGBTQI+ resources and upcoming events.

, ,

Student perspective: experiencing Pride at Saint Mary’s

, ,

June is the kick-off month for Pride Season, a time to honour the celebration of love and acceptance dedicated to celebration and commemoration of two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or sometimes questioning), intersexual, asexual (2SLGBTQI+) pride.

At Saint Mary’s, we strive to create a welcoming, respectful and supportive environment for our entire community. For many, SMU has become a home away from home, and we endeavour to ensure there is safe space for self-discovery and to experience joy in community. 

Liv Brennan

Liv Brennan (she/her) is a third-year Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Geology, who is currently working as the Student Life Coordinator for the Student Success Centre (SSC). SMU’s initiatives in allyship and creating safe space were an important factor in Brennan’s decision to work in the SSC.

“Previously I worked in Residence Life and have been involved in the RainBEAU Committee as well as the Pride Society, so I knew there would be support for me as an LGBTQI+ person,” says Brennan. “My experience at SMU has always been positive and my colleagues have always been supportive—it makes me proud to work here.” 

Being involved with 2SLGBTQI+ initiatives on campus has been an empowering part of Brennan’s experience at Saint Mary’s University. “It means a lot to me to see SMU acknowledging Pride Month,” explains Brennan. “It’s a great opportunity for our community to feel a sense of belonging and it enhances our sense of pride in who we are.” 

Within her role as Student Life Coordinator, Brennan is supporting initiatives to celebrate Pride Season. Alongside her team, Brennan is excited to host a SAAS pride event on June 20, called Paint Your Pride, inviting the entire SMU community to create a large chalk mural in the Quad. She is also helping to develop a 2SLGBTQ+ community resource hub for SMU.ca.

“For me, it’s about community and making the world a better place for 2SLGBTQIA+ people.”

“There are all kinds of resources available at SMU for our community,” notes Brennan. “In addition to the RainBeau Committee and the Pride Society, we have the SMUSA Pride Centre and the SMUSA Women’s Centre, both on the 5th floor of the Student Centre. There are also health and wellness resources through the Student Health Clinic, Counselling Centre and the Sexual Violence Support Centre.” 

When asked what World Pride Month means to Brennan, she highlighted how her journey as a bisexual woman has strengthened her passion for helping create a sense of belonging. “For me, it’s about community and making the world a better place for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Pride Season gives us a chance to amplify our messages of love and tolerance and acknowledge those who helped pave the way for us and those who carry on the important work for our community.” 

Brennan is thrilled to be a part of this year’s Pride initiatives at SMU. “It’s so important to give our voices a platform,” she notes. “Hearing from people at SMU who are going about their lives, whether they’re working or studying here, really enhances that sense of community on campus. Knowing that SMU wants to share our stories reinforces that we belong here and that we don’t stand alone.” 

Visit Celebrating Pride at Saint Mary’s to learn more about initiatives and resources at SMU. 

, ,

Celebrating Pride at Saint Mary's

, ,

Photo credit: Brian Webb, HomoCulture | www.TheHomoCulture.com.

Pride Month in June acknowledges the 2SLGBTQI+ community (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex all other gender identities such as asexual, pansexual, and polyamorous). It spotlights the resilience, celebrates the talent and recognizes the contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

In Halifax, Pride is celebrated with a festival, happening July 20-30. Throughout June and July, the Saint Mary’s community will celebrate pride with events and learning opportunities.

Follow @smuhalifax, @smu_studentlife and @SMUalumnihfx to see posts and alumni profiles shared throughout the month.

SMUSA Pride Centre

Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Located on the 5th floor of the O’Donnell-Hennessey Student Centre

The Pride Centre offers a safe space for all members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. SMUSA strives to create more events and resources for students within this community on campus and wants to create a welcoming and accepting environment for all. If you are looking for a hang-out spot, or place to study, check out our pride centre!


New Pride collection at the SMU Bookstore

The Saint Mary’s Campus Store has brand new Pride merch to help you celebrate in style! Available at the store in person from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday to Friday,
or order online.

DEI stories of success: 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion

Thursday, June 8
2–3 p.m.

This webinar for faculty and staff will discuss how organizations can demonstrate allyship towards individuals identifying as 2SLGBTQI+. DEI leaders discuss Canada's first Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action plan and share success stories of initiatives that lead to creating an inclusive and psychologically safe space for individuals identifying as 2SLGBTQI+.

Presented by the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. Faculty and staff can register here (select Employer Partner to register for free).

Paint Your Pride!

Tuesday, June 20
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
The Quad outside the O’Donnell-Hennessey Student Centre

Join Student Affairs and Services in the Quad to Paint Your Pride with chalk, play fun lawn games and enjoy snacks to celebrate Pride Month alongside your peers, staff and faculty!

Email studentsuccess@smu.ca for more information.

…and more!

More events taking in place in June and July will be announced. Check the Student Life events calendar for all upcoming events!

Related Content

 

, ,

National Indigenous History Month

, ,

National Indigenous History Month is an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. It's a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples. June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day.

This year, different themes will highlight specific aspects of Indigenous history, cultures and perspectives. These themes include Women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people; Environment, traditional knowledge and territory; Children and youth; Languages, cultures and arts; and Reconciliation.

Saint Mary’s University acknowledges it is in Mi’kma’ki, on the traditional land of the Mi’kmaq Nation. The Mi’kmaq flag flies proudly on Saint Mary’s campus.

Follow @smuhalifax, @smu_studentlife and @SMUalumnihfx to see posts and alumni profiles shared throughout the month.

Announcing the Interim Indigenous Student Advisor 

The Indigenous Student Advisor provides support to Saint Mary’s students.

Kyle Cook BA'23 (he/him) is the Interim Indigenous Student Advisor at Saint Mary's University. Originally from Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland), Kyle is a proud Mi'kmaw man and an active community member of Qalipu First Nation. He is a graduate of Saint Mary's University, BA'23, with a double major in Criminology and Social Justice/Community Studies.

Kyle can be contacted via email at indigenous.advisor@smu.ca or in person at Burke 114.

Indigenous Student Ambassador

New students coming to Saint Mary’s can meet with Kaylee Denny, Indigenous Student Ambassador with Recruitment and Marketing.

Kaylee (she/her) is a second-year Indigenous student at Saint Mary’s, pursuing a degree in Bachelor of Science majoring in Biology. She grew up on the beautiful island of Unama’ki and lives in a Mi’kmaw community called Eskasoni.

Contact Kaylee isa@smu.ca or book a virtual meeting.

Learn more about Indigenous Student Supports at Saint Mary’s

Visit the Patrick Power Library to browse the National Indigenous History Month collection

Patrick Power Library

The Patrick Power Library is featuring a collection of library resources for National Indigenous History Month, on display on the ground floor of the library. Book recommendations will be shared online throughout the month on our social channels (@smuhfxlibrary). All books can be borrowed with your SMU ID card, or accessed online using your SMU email and password.  

Browse the full National Indigenous History Month collection online.

Also, check out the library’s Indigenous Studies guide, with more book recommendations, suggested journals, databases, government information, and other resources.

Reconciliation: Sisters on the path

Thursday, June 15
2–3 p.m.

This webinar for faculty and staff brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous voices to reflect on what reconciliation means to them on a personal, organizational, community, and national level and how to best forge a path forward together.

Presented by the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. Faculty and staff can register here (select Employer Partner to register for free).

Back to Breath

Friday, June 30
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
CLARI, Atrium 340

Join Kyle Cook, Interim Indigenous Student Advisor, for a guided breathwork session open to the Indigenous community and non-Indigenous allies alike.

The session will be centred in reflection, incorporating meditation strategies, and exploring the connection and consciousness of place and language. In furthering our commitment to truth and reconciliation, we will be unpacking words like Pjila'si and how they resonate with our lived experiences.

, , ,

Student perspective: experiencing disability and enhancing accessibility

, , ,

Madison (Maddy) Brophy is a fourth-year student majoring in English and minoring in Psychology at Saint Mary’s. She also lives with an invisible disability—epilepsy—which presents in the form of grand mal or tonic-clonic seizures.

Maddy Brophy, fourth-year student

As someone who experiences disability, Brophy has the right to certain academic accommodations, but she almost didn’t register with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility after starting at Saint Mary’s due to the invisible nature of her disability.

“I had to get over my own misconceptions and barriers of what disability means,” explains Brophy. “I was diminishing my own experience because I didn’t feel like my disability was enough to warrant accommodation.”

Brophy’s academic experience became unpredictable due to her epilepsy. Seizure flare-ups and recovery medication can often leave her forgetful, disoriented and extremely fatigued, making it difficult to maintain academic consistency at times. Eventually, Brophy registered with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (FSCSA) and was immediately put at ease.

“There were so many aspects of experiencing disability and suffering in silence that I had never considered,” notes Brophy. “The FSCSA team helped me feel validated in my experience and not only taught me about my rights but also taught me how to advocate for myself and my needs.”

“Accessing the accommodations available as a student with a disability has been of paramount importance to my university career,” describes Brophy, whose academic experience greatly improved with the support of the FSCSA. “It has made me realize how crucial institutional accessibility is to so many.”

With an ignited passion for student accessibility, Brophy recently secured a role with Student Affairs and Services (SAAS) as a Communications Assistant, supporting the development of student-centric communications with an emphasis on enhancing the digital accessibility of content. Working jointly with Communications and the Fred Smithers Centre, Brophy will spend the summer auditing SAAS web pages, updating content and making recommendations to raise the level of accessibility to meet or surpass Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

“There are so many barriers faced by people who experience disability,” shares Brophy. “I’m excited to be on a team that works to reduce those barriers and make our little corner of higher education more accessible to all.”

In reflecting on her own journey as a student with a disability, Brophy has an important message to share for current and future students. “The supports are here for YOU. Your experience is valid and there is no shame in asking for the support that SMU has made available for students who experience disability.”

To learn more about student accessibility and accommodations, visit The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility. 

, ,

Ramadan in Unity brings SMU Muslim community together

, ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To learn more about Ramadan, visit Islamic Relief Canada.

, ,

International student experience comes full circle for Shanshan Luo BComm‘07

, ,

This year marks the 21st Asian Heritage Month in Canada. This month-long celebration honours Canadians of Asian Heritage, recognizing their contributions to building a dynamic and prosperous country. Here at Saint Mary’s, diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is notable throughout our vibrant community.

Shanshan Luo BComm’07

Shanshan Luo came to Saint Mary’s in 2002 as an international student from China to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce. Throughout her time as a student, Luo received guidance and support through the International Student Centre and The Language Centre. “Saint Mary's has been very unique to me,” claims Luo. “It’s like my first point in Canada and it made me never want to leave.”

Shortly after Luo graduated in 2007, she secured a position with The Co-operative Education office as an Office Coordinator. She then moved to the International Student Centre as Office Coordinator, before transitioning to her current position as International Student Advisor. Luo has been in that role for 13 years now and is extremely passionate about supporting international students in their transition to Saint Mary’s and Halifax.

“I deal with everything from immigration guidance to student engagement,” explains Luo. “I consider myself a bit of an in-house mother for our international students, supporting them through challenges in relationships and with roommates, financial struggles, diaspora and more.”

Having spent the first half of her life growing up in Yunnan, China, and the second half of her life in Canada, Luo credits her diverse blend of cultural upbringings in forming a worldview that has been paramount in her role within the International Student Centre.

Shanshan with students at Peggy’s Cove, NS

“My identity is mixed in diverse ways which gives me an advantage when dealing with international students,” notes Luo. “My duality allows me to relate with students and assist them in more personalized ways in transitioning and accessing supports.”

In the midst of Asian Heritage Month, Luo takes time to reflect on her experience as an Asian international student and immigrant. “I have been fortunate to experience an incredibly welcoming environment at Saint Mary’s,” describes Luo. She describes her colleagues as open-minded and very inclusive, giving her a strong sense of belonging at SMU. Luo notes that it can be challenging transitioning to a new cultural norm and finding space for yourself, and she commends Saint Mary’s for acknowledging observances like Asian Heritage Month.

“Saint Mary’s University is really a number of cultures mixing and combining, and when all sides are being respectful and open-minded, we are able to be successful.”

To learn more about resources for international students visit The International Centre.

,

Survivor Love Letters: A show of support in honour of Sexual Assault Awareness Month

,

Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative team (Left to right, top to bottom): Dee Dooley, Sally Oppong, Jordyn Monaghan, Krystal Lowe, Olivia Landy

April was Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time for communities to come together to talk openly about sexual assault, increase knowledge and awareness, and help to make survivors feel acknowledged and supported.

As part of the annual awareness campaign, the Saint Mary’s Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative (SVPI) participated in a movement called “Survivor Love Letters”.

The initiative was started by artist and survivor, Tani Ikeda, who has become a well-known spokesperson for the survivor community. In 2012, Ikeda penned a letter to her younger self that closed with the words, “This is my survivor love letter.” From there, a letter-writing campaign rippled through survivor and ally communities.

This year, the SVPI encouraged members of the SMU community to pen similar letters to survivors sharing their heartfelt messages of support and validation. Faculty, staff and students submitted anonymous messages which were then posted around campus to demonstrate support and help start open conversations.

“We wanted to engage in the Survivor Love Letters movement at SMU to foster a sense of community while letting survivors know that they are not alone and that they are believed,” explains Krystal Lowe, Coordinator, Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative. “By sharing these letters and talking openly about sexual violence, we help create survivor-centered resources and reinforce messages of resilience, resistance and hope that can be accessed all throughout the year”

The Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative, under the Sexual Violence Support Centre (SVSC) is a team of students who are passionate about the education and prevention of sexual violence at Saint Mary’s and beyond. “Creating awareness at an institutional level is crucial,” explains Dee Dooley, Sexual Violence Advisor, SVSC. “Campaigns like Sexual Assault Awareness Month and support initiatives like Survivor Love Letters help bring these issues to light and improve perceptions that can lead to a shift in cultural attitudes towards sexual violence.”

The SVPI received overwhelming support in the Survivor Love Letters movement. “The community engagement throughout this initiative has highlighted how much power there is in our collective voice,” states Lowe. “It honours survivors in the community and emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences in a way that lets survivors empathize with one another and realize that they are not alone.”

The letters resounded with expressions of affirmation that survivors are valid, loved, worthy and believed. “Regardless of what happened, your experience, emotions, and trauma are valid,” shares one anonymous author. “Our experiences do not define us,” writes another author. “Our voices matter.” The letters will be made available for viewing through the Sexual Violence Support Centre.

The Sexual Violence Support Centre at Saint Mary’s provides support, learning resources and events for students.

, ,

Fulfilment through research: Bernice Perry’s journey at Saint Mary's University

, ,

Bernice Perry

In 2021, Bernice Perry applied for a summer research assistantship to learn more about a topic of keen interest to her—the history of Northern Canada. Working alongside SMU History professor Dr. Heather Green, Bernice researched the High Arctic relocations of the 1950s, a Government of Canada effort to establish sovereignty in the Far North through the relocation of Inuit families from northern Quebec to the region.

The outcome of her research is a story map detailing the 1953 relocation as part of a teaching module created by the Northern Borders Project. Bernice’s project focuses on the experience of Markoosie Patsauq, who survived the relocation at the age of twelve and went on to become a pilot, novelist and activist lobbying for government reparations.

For Bernice, this research opportunity reaffirmed her decision to pursue post-secondary education as a mature student at the age of 56.

Growing up in a rural community on the East Coast, pursuing academic research was not presented to Bernice as a realistic or sustainable option. Instead, she spent much of her adult life caring for her family, volunteering in her community and working at flexible, low-wage jobs around her husband’s unpredictable schedule as a truck driver. Through those years, she always knew she had more to offer, but lack of education and financial means limited her opportunities.

It wasn’t until she was an empty nester and had faced and beaten cancer—twice!—that she was able to explore what was next for her. Those experiences, she says, led her to question her purpose in life.

Bernice’s daughter, a Saint Mary’s graduate, inspired her to attend university. With trepidation about being a mature student, Bernice applied to Saint Mary’s, was accepted, and proudly entered the classroom in January 2020.

Spurred on by her love of learning, her passion for history and the thrill of research, Bernice works hard to balance the demands of a full course load. She proudly holds a 4.22 GPA, which she says is the result of “long days and late nights of studying.”

But it hasn’t been easy. Along with the rigorous demands of her studies in the Bachelor of Arts program, Bernice has keenly felt the financial challenges of being a full-time student.

“Scholarships and awards have played a crucial role in my academic achievements, reducing my financial stress and anxiety while navigating through my education,” she says.

This support has also given her greater freedom to focus on her research, and in turn, contribute to the awareness and understanding of the Indigenous experience in Northern Canada.

“The injustices and lack of knowledge of the High Arctic relocations have led me to broaden my research to unveil other Northern narratives lacking attention,” she says. “I have been educated beyond my imagination, conversing and sharing information with those who are willing to listen.”

, ,

New award aims to help solve wicked problems

, ,

Diego Rodrigues and Douglas Coll BComm’89

As one of the first recipients of the LeaderVision Atlantic Wicked Problems Award, Diego Rodrigues has a unique opportunity. The award provides financial support to students pursuing projects related to tackling some of society’s most pressing—and most challenging—problems. For Diego, this means finding a solution to the issue of young men joining the drug trade in the slums of his home country of Brazil.

Douglas Coll BComm’89 was inspired to establish the award when he read about Saint Mary’s University’s Wicked Problems Lab in the summer of 2021. As President of LeaderVision Atlantic Ltd., Douglas works with clients around the world to develop their skills in issue-framing and divergent thinking—skills that students develop at the Lab. 

“It’s my absolute pleasure to support these incredible students at Saint Mary’s,” says Coll. “I am blown away by their intellect and the creativity of their ideas. The skills they are building through the Wicked Problems Lab will set them up for huge success in whatever career they pursue – and I’m honoured to have played a small part in their endeavours.”

The recipients of the awards will continue their work throughout the school year, and will share their findings publicly through the Wicked Problems Lab website.

For his part, Diego is grateful for the opportunity the award provides.

“Alumni and donors like Mr. Coll have a significant impact on the lives of us students,” he says, “because of their generosity in investing their time, money and, most importantly, knowledge with future generations.

“In my case, as an international student, this award allowed me to continue my studies and gain some breathing room in my tuition fees. It was a true miracle for which I will be eternally grateful.”

,

Student Success Week: March 27-31

,

Student Success Week schedule

The Student Success Centre (SSC) at Saint Mary’s University is excited to announce the first annual Student Success Week!

From March 27-31, 2023, the Student Success Centre will host a variety of engaging, informative and fun events to introduce students to the team and the vast array of resources available to help set students up for success throughout their time at Saint Mary’s and beyond.

“The Student Success Centre reflects the university’s commitment to excellence in student support,” says Amy McEvoy, Manager, SSC. “Our goal for the Centre is to become a hub for students to connect, get involved, learn new skills and strategies and make the most of their university experience.”

Join the SSC for a meet and greet Monday morning, visit the info booths in the Student Centre lobby from Tuesday through Thursday, check out the workshops to help prepare for the end of term and sing your exam stresses away at the Karaoke and Games Night!

“As a graduating Peer Success Coach, I am so excited for Student Success Week,” says Maria Donovan, soon-to-be BComm’23. “There are so many resources under the Student Success Centre that I wish I knew about back in my first years at Saint Mary’s. The week’s events have everything from informative sessions to help you prepare for the end of term, to opportunities for just plain fun!”   

Check out the full Student Success Week schedule here and find more information on the Student Success Events Calendar. Follow @SMU_StudentLife channels for daily updates.