Fall 2009 - St. Francis Xavier University Alumni

StFX AlumniNews
Fall 2009
St. Francis Xavier University l Antigonish l Nova Scotia l Canada
Game On!
New track and turf project kicks
off athletics infrastructure renewal
project
Welcoming Frank
The Hon. Frank McKenna elected
chair of the StFX Board of Governors
An X-Man in the
White House
Kevin Concannon sworn into
Obama government
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StFX AlumniNews
St. Francis Xavier University l Antigonish l Nova Scotia l Canada
In This Issue
6 Welcoming Frank
The Hon. Frank McKenna
elected chair of the StFX Board
of Governors
6
10
25
10 Game On!
New track and field project
marks the start of an impressive
athletics infrastructure renewal
project
17 Homecoming One of
The Best Yet
Xaverians enjoy reunion
weekend back on campus
20 Global Leaders Toast
Coady Institute
Coady International Institute
celebrates 50 years, new home
23 An X-Man in the
White House
Kevin Concannon sworn into
Obama government
25 X and The City
Alumni road trip swings into
New York, New York
20
17
ON THE COVER:
Under The Lights – StFX varsity and intramural
athletes can now play night games under
high-powered stadium lighting, just one of
the significant benefits from the first phase
of StFX’s far-reaching athletics infrastructure
renewal project. Fundraising to complete the
project will be ongoing over the next year.
23
Regular Features
President’s Message 5 l Alumni Association News 31 l The Word From Our Chapters 32 l News Exchange 36
Visit StFX’s online alumni community, The X-Ring: www.alumni.stfx.ca
StFX Alumni News l fall 2009 1

From the editor l Helen murphy ‘08
Alumni pride in the Blue and White
I
t looked like Homecoming had come a little early
this year. On Sept. 12, the stands in Oland Centre
were packed with 5,000 fans of X-Men football for our
season opener against AUFC defending champions,
the Saint Mary’s Huskies. Every one of them got their
money’s worth.
In dramatic fashion, StFX emerged victorious 24-19
and put the league on notice that the X-Men were
going after the Atlantic title.
The thousands of alumni in the stands and watching
the television broadcast couldn’t have been more
proud. Many of them had driven down to campus from
Halifax and farther to see the X-Men make history with
their first game on our new athletic field.
The stunning artificial turf emblazoned with “StFX” is just
one part of a far-reaching renewal project for our athletic
facilities that alumni are helping make happen.
In this edition of AlumniNews, we take an in-depth
look at that project – what we’re doing, why, and the
important role alumni are playing in helping the vision
become reality.
The ‘Barn Girls’ reunite
F
riendships made in university last forever!
This was very evident in August 2009 when
10 former female students who lived in a
renovated barn their first year at Mount St. Bernard/
StFX came together after 48 years. The residence was
known as Georgian Hall, and 16 girls lived there. Initially
there were 17 girls but early in the first term Dorothy
MacDonald left to begin her career in nursing. They
were nicknamed “The Barn Girls.” Graduation years
varied for the girls depending on their program, but
the friendships continued. In a matter of months,
contact was made with 15 of the 16 alumni. Sadly
one of the girls (Rosemary Hagar) was now deceased.
On short notice, 10 were able to return to Antigonish,
coming from Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and
Nova Scotia. Now they were free to roam the campus,
eat in Morrison Hall, go to the theatre and sit all in a
row (for old time’s sake), free from curfews, permission
cards and the prayer schedule of the Notre Dame nuns
who strictly supervised them. Reliving memories of
student days and sharing their life experiences of the
past 48 years provided endless hours of fun, laughter
and good stories. The comfortable bond of friendship
started 48 years ago was still very strong. Plans are
already underway to meet in due time to celebrate the
50 th and fellow “Barn Girls” living in the USA and distant
places will hopefully be there.
– Mary O’Neil
The “Why” part is rather easy to answer. Our varsity
athletes and their coaches consistently give 110 per
cent – be it on field, ice, court or track – and they deserve
to be able to do so in the very best of facilities.
Hail and Health,
Helen Murphy ‘08
Director, Alumni Affairs
Visiting the Bauer Theatre (l-r): Jean Smith, Pearl MacDonald,
Elinor Sumarah, Joan MacDonald, Maureen Mullins, Delores
MacDonald, Bunny McKeough, Mary Chisholm, Barb O’Neill,
and Carolyn Martell.
AlumniNews
st. francis xavier university
MANAGING EDITOR
Helen Murphy ‘08
Email: hmurphy@stfx.ca
Phone: 902-867-2243
Assistant EDITOR
Shelley Cameron-McCarron
Email: sacamero@stfx.ca
Writers
Shelley Cameron-McCarron
Photo EDITOR
John Bastin
Email: jbastin@stfx.ca
PRODUCTION & DESIGN
Angela Sears
Email: asears@stfx.ca
NEWS EXCHANGE EDITOR
Glenda Bond
Email: gbond@stfx.ca
PHOTOGRAPHS
John Bastin
COVER DESIGN
Angela Sears
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
Glenda Bond
Phone: (902) 867-2186
Fax: (902) 867-3659
Email: alumni@stfx.ca
deadlines
Fall Issue
copy deadline September 20 for
November mailing
Winter Issue
copy deadline January 20 for
March mailing
Summer Issue
copy deadline May 20 for
July mailing
AlumniNews is published by St. Francis Xavier
University Alumni Affairs and Communications
three times annually for alumni and friends of
the university. Views expressed are those of
the individual contributors or sources quoted.
Contents, copyright © 2009 by St. Francis Xavier
University. Subscriptions to AlumniNews are
available to the public for $21 a year, single copies
$7. Letters to the editor are welcome. Address
correspondence to:
AlumniNews
St. Francis Xavier University
PO Box 5000, Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
Email: alumni@stfx.ca
Phone: 902-867-2186
The X-Ring: www.alumni.stfx.ca
Personal Information: St. Francis Xavier University gathers and maintains
records of personal information for the purposes of admission, registration,
provision of educational services, ongoing contact with students and alumni,
and soliciting support for these and other University activities. The collection,
use and disclosure of personal information by the University is governed by
the Nova Scotia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, S.N.S.
1993, c.5. Information provided to the University from time to time will be
maintained in the University’s records. The personal information provided may
be used by University personnel and disclosed to third parties as required or
permitted by applicable legislation or in accordance with the purposes for
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the purposes of any mailings to alumni from St. Francis Xavier University, the
Alumni Association or our Affinity Partners, please send us a note using the
contact information on this page.
WWW.STFX.CA
letters
X-Rings Around the World
Peter Yorston ’82 shows off his X-Ring at Edinburgh Castle
X-Ring in Scotland
Dear AlumniNews,
My name is Peter Yorston. I have seen these X-Ring photos in the Alumni
News and think it is a great idea. This is my X-Ring contribution taken at the
back of Edinburgh Castle. My wife Jessie is from Ireland and on one of our
trips back to visit we went to Scotland. All I can say is excellent. I am always
amazed in my travels in Canada and the world how often the X-Ring shows
up, and what an instant conversation starter it is. As my daughter joins the
X family in the fall, I know that she will enjoy her years there and the bond
that comes from wearing the X-Ring.
– Peter Yorston ’82
Connecting in New Zealand
Editor’s Note: This story comes to us via Alumni Association president Ed McHugh
’79 who received an email from a friend, a graduate of another Maritime university
who was excited to spot an X-Ring while travelling in New Zealand:
Dear AlumniNews,
Recently, on a bus in the middle of
New Zealand’s south island, I almost
fell off my seat when I noticed an
X-Ring on the guy in front of me.
Not only one X-Ring but two as
Andy Hirt (who is currently getting
his PhD in music at Otago University
in Dunedin) and his girlfriend
Margaret Cameron were travelling
on board. Margaret was on her way
back to Antigonish. We had a great
gab with all the “who’s yer father
talk” that Maritimers do. Took their
pic for the AlumniNews.
– Cheers, Joan (McD)
Margaret Cameron and Andy Hirt
A Guatemalan Adventure
Dear AlumniNews,
It would take pages to tell you about the things that captivated me in that
beautiful country of eternal spring, Guatemala. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity,
I had the privilege of meeting and working with people who lived on
the edge of dire poverty. The children of Guatemala were always our guests
and observers at the construction sites. They were the best audiences for
“Murray Mitchell’s Magic Shows.” Murray, our team leader, is a veteran of over
30 volunteer service trips with Habitat for Humanity. The best ‘magic show’
“I am always amazed in my travels in Canada
and the world how often the X-Ring shows
up, and what an instant conversation
starter it is.
Peter Yorston ’82”
of all was to see three new houses built by our crew with the great help of
the local people. I was thrilled to see holes in the ground transformed into
new homes for families who had lived in dirt-floored windowless hovels
without sanitation or electricity. The final celebration came as the house was
transferred to the new tenants. It was a party with songs, guitar, accordion
and keyboard, speeches, prayers of thanksgiving, followed by a fiesta. The
smiles of appreciation were worth so much. Above all I will remember the
friends I made and the hospitality of our Guatemalan hosts. Hasta Luego
amigos. Adios y Via Con Dios.
– Dr. Charlie O’Connell ’45
Our Judique grad from 1954
Dear AlumniNews,
The more distant our graduation day, the
more valuable our StFX yearbooks become.
We flip through them more often, remembering
old friends and wondering whatever
happened to former classmates with whom
we’ve lost touch.
But for various reasons, some grads’ photos
missed getting in their yearbook. For
grads from the early and mid-1950s, I want Stan MacEachern ‘54
to share with you an update on one of our
fellow grads whose picture does not appear in our yearbook from 1954.
The road from Judique to Antigonish is but a short distance, maybe 120
kilometres. In 1951 Stanley MacEachern left his home there and travelled
to StFX to begin his education. By 1954 Stan graduated with a Bachelor of
Science, major in geology. He headed to Upper Canada and was employed
at head office, Imperial Oil Limited, in Toronto.
Now retired, Stan and his wife Barb live in Toronto but spend a great deal
of time at their cottage in the Musquodoboit Valley area where golf and
boating are the all-consuming endeavours.
Now, with all these many years, 55 to be exact, and many miles travelled,
his classmates remember the boy from Judique who failed to get his graduation
picture in the 1954 Alumni Annals. Here it is!
– Irma Swales, Toronto and Antigonish
ADVENTURES IN AFRICA
Dear AlumniNews,
My name is Martha Knight. I graduated
in 2005 in biology. I am currently
in my fourth year of pharmacy at
Dalhousie University. This past summer
myself and my friend Jillian Mac-
Donald, biology ’06, who is entering
her second year of medicine at Dalhousie,
travelled to South Africa and
Tanzania. We were participating in a program organized by Dal’s International
Health Office, to learn more about HIV/AIDS in South Africa. We were fortunate
enough to skydive overlooking Cape Town and we had the opportunity to
climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Here is a picture of Jill and myself prior to jumping
out of the plane in Cape Town. You can see we are very proud X-GRADS!
– Martha Knight ‘05
The group in front of Georgian Hall, later known as the
“Carriage House” as it now stands (almost)!
CANADA’S PREMIER
2 StFX Alumni News l Fall 2009
UNDERGRADUAT E EXPERIENCE
StFX Alumni News l fall 2009 3

No one tells our story like you do Gary Waterman ‘92
President’s page l dr. sean e. riley ‘74
Coach Gary Waterman also delivers off the field.
You can too.
Name: Gary Waterman
Occupation: Head Coach, X-Men Football
StFX Degree: Class of ’92, B.Sc. in physical education
Hometown: Mississauga, ON
“I always tell people even if you never play a down of
football, coming to StFX will be the right choice. It will
impact you in positive ways,” says Gary Waterman ’92,
head coach of X-Men football. “You get a degree from
an excellent university and you meet friends that will
carry on for life.”
Waterman speaks from personal experience. “The
sense of pride I have in the school and the genuine
passion I have for StFX comes through. I wear the X-Ring
proudly.”
In conversations during his travels, he says people
want to know what the place is like, the atmosphere,
and about class sizes. “It’s pretty easy to answer those
questions once you’ve lived it. StFX impacted me in a
positive way. It’s part of a time of your life that you learn
so much about yourself.”
Waterman encourages other alumni to share their
experiences.
“The neat thing about StFX is that no matter what era
you’re from, we have that same experience. The energy
is still the same. Why not share that with other people,
and let them have the same opportunity”
Share your story with
the next generation.
Make the connection
with a future Xaverian!
Admissions & Recruitment
Toll-free: 1-877-867-StFX
Email: admit@stfx.ca
Canada’s attractive alternative
to large, urban schools
A
visit to campus makes all the difference. In
our recruitment efforts, we’re increasingly
focused on having prospective students,
their families, teachers and guidance counselors
visit the StFX campus.
The number of prospective students who visit
campus and decide to attend StFX is staggering,
as compared to interested students who don’t
come to visit us personally. That’s because as
soon as they step on campus they realize that
StFX is a very attractive alternative to the big
commuter schools in most Canadian cities.
Prospective students quickly embrace the
very high quality, residential undergraduate
experience that StFX offers. They walk across
campus and future friends say hello and ask how
they’re doing. They are immediately welcomed
into a warm, friendly community, and they want
to become part of it.
No one knows that experience better than our
alumni. During our recent Alumni Association
Council meetings on campus, recruitment
was the main topic of discussion. Our chapter
leaders across Canada and in the U.S. want to
play a meaningful role in helping StFX attract
the best students. Our teams in Alumni Affairs
and Recruitment are collaborating to help make
that happen. And thanks to new initiatives
on campus, our alumni have an increasingly
attractive product to promote.
In September we officially opened the new
Coady International Institute in the heart of
the historic campus. This new location is very
conducive to introducing our undergraduates
to community leaders from emerging countries
throughout the world.
Work was not yet completed on the Coady’s
new home when we broke ground for a $25
million construction and renovation project to
establish a new home for the Gerald Schwartz
School of Business and Information Systems.
Our strong and loyal alumni network is
definitely StFX’s competitive advantage when
it comes to recruitment. Sometimes a casual
conversation at the grocery store leads a
promising student on the path to StFX. And it
is not uncommon for alumni to accompany the
children of friends and associates, as prospective
students, on campus tours.
Every year hundreds of bright, ambitious
high school students are introduced to StFX
through alumni. That informal introduction
causes many to dig deeper, and eventually make
their way to the StFX campus. From the first day
they are welcomed by hundreds of boisterous
“Orientation Crew” students, the unforgettable
StFX experience is underway.
And for that casual introduction to StFX, they
are forever grateful.
Dr. Sean E. Riley’74
StFX President
4 StFX Alumni News l Fall 2009 StFX Alumni News l fall 2009 5

NewsFlash
What’s New on Campus and in the StFX Community
Frank McKenna elected chair
of StFX Board of Governors
S
tFX President Dr. Sean Riley
is pleased to announce that
Frank McKenna has been
elected chair of the StFX Board of
Governors. Mr. McKenna, a StFX
alumnus, is deputy chair of TD
Bank Financial Group, and has
served as Premier of New Brunswick
and Canadian Ambassador to the
United States. Dr. Riley made the announcement
during the President’s
Gala on campus June 13.
“St. Francis Xavier University is one
of Canada’s outstanding universities.
I am proud to serve in strengthening
its future,” Mr. McKenna says.
“Frank McKenna has a successful
track record in every facet of
his career. In public life, Canadian
diplomacy, and in business, Frank
McKenna ranks among Canada’s
leaders,” Dr. Riley says.
Mr. McKenna graduated from StFX
A salute to Guy Savard
Prominent Canadian businessman
Guy Savard’s exceptional leadership
as chair of the StFX Board of Governors
will long be remembered at
the university. As Mr. Savard ends
his over three-year term as chair, the
StFX community wishes to recognize
and thank him for his outstanding
contributions. The Montreal resident
and vice-chairman of Merrill Lynch
Canada not only brought a national
and international profile as a business
leader to his term, he also
demonstrated a tremendous commitment
to furthering the mission
of StFX, especially our national profile
and fundraising priorities.
in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts, completed
his post-graduate degree in
political science at Queen’s University
and graduated from the University of
New Brunswick Law School as a silver
medalist. He is the recipient of eight
honorary doctorates, including one
from StFX in 1994.
Since his StFX student days
where he served as Students’ Union
Frank McKenna waves to well-wishers
as his election is announced at the
2009 President’s Gala.
Frank McKenna at the President’s Gala on June 13.
president, Mr. McKenna has held
numerous leadership positions in
both the public and private sector.
For a decade (1987–1997) he
was Premier of New Brunswick,
earning three consecutive majority
governments, including the historic
victory in 1987 of all 58 seats in the
legislature.
From 2005-2006, he was posted
to Washington, D.C. and served as
the Canadian Ambassador to the
United States of America. Previously
he served as counsel to the Atlantic
Canada law firm of McInnes Cooper
and consulting counsel to Osler
Hoskin and Harcourt in Toronto.
Mr. McKenna has served as honorary
advisor to StFX’s Expanding
Futures capital campaign, honorary
chairman of the Coady International
Institute campaign, and distinguished
speaker for the keynote address
for the inaugural StFX National
Dinner.
Currently Mr. McKenna sits on
the boards of Canadian Natural
Resources and Brookfield Asset
Management, where he is the
lead director. He has also served as
Chairman of the Board of CanWest
Global and served on the boards of
Noranda, Shoppers Drug Mart and
General Motors.
In addition to his long standing
commitment to StFX, a number of
institutions and initiatives rely on
him for leadership and support. He
is currently the chairman of the Laureate
Selection Committee of the
Canadian Business Hall of Fame and
serves as chairman of ONEXONE,
a foundation dedicated to supporting,
preserving and improving
the lives of children in Canada and
around the world.
He and his wife Julie have three
grown children and seven grandchildren.
Julie and all their children
– Toby, Christine, and James – are
StFX graduates.
newsflash l what’s new on campus and in the stfx community
Dr. Keith De’Bell named StFX’s first
Associate Vice-President Research
D
r. Keith De’Bell has been
appointed StFX’s first
Associate Vice-President
Research, following an extensive
national search. He brings to this
new position a strong scholarly and
professional reputation built over a
25-year career.
“We are very pleased to announce
Keith De’Bell’s appointment,”
says StFX President Dr. Sean
Riley. “His previous administrative
experience at both Trent University
and University of New Brunswick
Saint John combined with his
impressive research profile will
undoubtedly prove of great value
to our university and province.”
Dr. De’Bell holds a Bachelor of
Science degree in physics from
Kings College, University of London,
a Master’s of Science in solid
state physics from Westfield College,
University of London, and
a Ph.D. in mathematics from the
University of London. He served a
five-year term as Associate Dean of
Arts and Science at Trent University
and since his arrival at University
of New Brunswick Saint John in
1999, has deepened his experience
as a university administrator,
serving as Dean of Science, and as
Special Advisor to the President
and Academic Vice-President (Saint
John) on health care education
Appointments at StFX
Dr. Jeff Orr appointed first Dean of newly
formed Faculty of Education
StFX is pleased to welcome
Dr. Jeff Orr as the first Dean
of the newly formed Faculty of
Education. Dr. Orr brings extensive
credentials to this new position a
strong scholarly and professional
reputation built over a 25-year
career that commenced with
his teaching service in northern
Saskatchewan in the mid-1980s.
StFX President Dr. Sean Riley, chair
of the national search committee,
says Dr. Orr’s knowledge of the
education system in Nova Scotia
and across Canada, coupled with his
Dr. Jeff Orr
extensive experience in university
administration, will prove of great value.
Dr. Orr holds bachelors degrees in arts and education from Mount
Allison University, a Master of Arts from Memorial, an M.Ed. in educational
administration from Acadia, and a Ph.D. in elementary education from
the University of Alberta. He has 10 years experience as a university
administrator, serving as both department chair and director of the School
of Education, since his arrival at StFX in 1995.
He has served on numerous university committees, and has a strong
research record including more than 30 refereed publications and has held
eight research grants and contracts totaling $300,000 supporting his main
research program in Aboriginal educational policy since 1999.
“I am excited about the positive momentum here at StFX, with the creation
of two new faculties of business and education, and an increased emphasis
upon supporting faculty research. I was also attracted to this position because
I deeply respect the work of our committed faculty,” he says.
and research. Dr. De’Bell also has
a strong research record including
over 76 refereed publications, and
has been continuously funded by
NSERC since 1985.
“The opportunity to work with
this outstanding university, as StFX
continues to build on its existing
successes in research, its commitment
to providing students with
opportunities to participate in hands
on research, and its tradition of
university-community interaction,
is very exciting,” says Dr. De’Bell.
“We are excited at the prospect
of having an Associate Vice President
Research who will enable us
to make even greater advances in
Dr. Robert van den Hoogen
named Dean of Science
Dr. Keith De’Bell
research success across the faculties
by identifying and enabling
new research opportunities for
our research community,” says
StFX Academic Vice-President and
Provost Dr. Mary McGillivray, who
chaired the search committee.
Dr. Robert van den Hoogen
has been appointed the new
interim Dean of Science for the
2009-10 academic year, Academic
Vice-President & Provost Dr. Mary
McGillivray has announced.
Dr. van den Hoogen, a mathematics
professor in the department
of Mathematics, Statistics
and Computer Science, has taught
at StFX since 1995. He was named
a full professor in 2008. Along with
his teaching and ongoing research,
he has a strong history of involvement
at StFX including serving
Dr. Robert van den Hoogen
currently as both a member of the
University Senate and the University Budget Committee. He was a former
president of the StFX Association of University Teachers, a former member
of the Faculty Development Committee and former secretary to the Faculty
of Science.
He is an active researcher in the area of mathematical physics with a
particular interest in analyzing and developing mathematical models of
the universe. He is supported by NSERC discovery grants as well as research
grants from StFX.
“As interim dean of science, I am looking forward to the year ahead,
working with my colleagues in administration, and further serving the
Xaverian community. I believe that my experience as an active researcher
and an educator will benefit both faculty and students.”
6 StFX Alumni News l Fall 2009 StFX Alumni News l fall 2009 7

newsflash l what’s new on campus and in the stfx community
newsflash l what’s new on campus and in the stfx community
The Hon. Graydon Nicholas
named Lieutenant-Governor
of New Brunswick
C
ongratulations to The Hon. Graydon Nicholas ‘64, ‘94 (Hon.), who
in September was appointed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper as
the next Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of New Brunswick.
“Judge Nicholas has an impressive record of public leadership both on
the bench and within the community,” the Prime Minister said in making
the appointment. “His long-time dedication to improving the lives of First
Nations peoples in New Brunswick is both impressive and inspiring. He is
a tremendous role model for any Aboriginal youth who dream of pursuing
a career in law or public service.”
Psychology professor, Service Learning pioneer,
Dr. Ann Bigelow wins
Instructional Leadership Award
T
he StFX professor who
brought Service Learning,
the university’s renowned,
pioneer academic experiential
learning program to campus,
has been recognized for her work,
winning an award of excellence for
instructional leadership.
In September, The Association
of Atlantic Universities (AAU) announced
that Dr. Ann Bigelow is
the 2009 recipient of the AAU Anne
Marie MacKinnon Instructional
Leadership Award for demonstrating
a commitment to the improvement
of university teaching within
her own institution and beyond.
The award is one of three given annually by the AAU for excellence in
teaching and instructional leadership.
“I’m totally delighted, and I’m pleased for Service Learning as that is what
this award is about,” says Dr. Bigelow. “We’ve got a real gem here at StFX
with that program.
“It’s very unique to us, and it fits so nicely into our historical context
of extension, in the way that the undergraduates get to go out into the
community, both locally and internationally. It’s important to stress it’s
an academic program. The students are learning to connect what they
are learning in class with what they’re doing in the community. Faculty
members are there to assist them in making that connection.”
Thanks to Dr. Bigelow’s efforts, StFX became in 1996 the first university
in Canada to offer this unique program that bridges classroom study with
real life experience. Dr. Bigelow brought the idea to campus, championed
it, and served as the program’s first coordinator from 1996-99. She resumed
that role again in 2003, and except for a one year sabbatical leave, continues
to hold it today. Since 1975, she
has also taught in the psychology
department, with an expertise in
the area of child development. Her
research is in infant cognition and
is supported by NSERC.
Leo Gallant named first
Dean of StFX’s newly-created
Faculty of Business
S
tFX has appointed its first
Dean in the newly-created
Faculty of Business. Leo
Gallant, MBA, CFP, FCA, has accepted
the appointment of Dean
of Business at the Gerald Schwartz
School of Business and Information
Systems, President Dr. Sean Riley
has announced.
“With our new building already
under construction, with our energized
faculty and our terrific
students, Professor Gallant’s appointment
comes at the perfect
time to help us drive growth and
innovation at the school,” says Dr.
Riley. “Leo is a well-known figure
in the academic and business communities,
with national connections.
He is well-placed to do great
things for and with the school.”
Prof. Gallant was most recently
director of the Schwartz School.
Prof. Gallant was born in New
Glasgow, NS, and is a graduate of
the StFX business administration
program. He holds an MBA from
Queen’s University, and has been
on the StFX faculty since 1973. He
has served four terms as chair of
the department. He has been on
numerous key university committees,
including Senate and
Academic Priorities and Planning.
He has recently completed his
third term on the StFX Board of
Governors.
A Fellow of the Institute of
Chartered Accountants of Nova
Scotia, he is a certified financial
planner. He has served as chair of
the Atlantic School of Chartered
Accountancy, president of the
Institute of Chartered Accountants
of Nova Scotia and serves on the
Canadian Institute of Chartered
Accountants International Qualifications
Appraisal Board. He is
also on the St. Martha’s Hospital
Foundation board of directors.
Prof. Gallant has been a visiting
faculty member internationally,
including terms at The Strathclyde
Business School in Glasgow, Scotland,
and at the University of
Florida. He is the author and coauthor
of numerous accounting
and finance textbooks, a history of
Chartered Accountancy in Nova
Scotia and is a current SSHRC grant
holder.
StFX honours its founder
StFX celebrated its founder, Bishop Colin Francis MacKinnon by unveiling
a statue in his honour in the courtyard outside Xavier Hall on
Sept. 20. StFX President Dr. Sean Riley joined other dignitaries taking
part in the ceremony. Bishop Colin F. MacKinnon can be described
as “the father of higher education in eastern Nova Scotia and Cape
Breton.” MacKinnon was born at William’s Point, Antigonish County,
NS on July 20, 1810. He established St. Francis Xavier’s College (later
St. Francis Xavier University) on July 20, 1853 in Arichat. Location in
Arichat was intended to be a temporary measure and two years later
the college was moved to Antigonish into a modern building. He
also opened a female school at StFX college in 1858 run by Catholic
lay women. In 1866, he successfully petitioned the Nova Scotia
legislature for a charter so StFX could grant degrees.
Do you want the Chinese translation
Lasting Legacy – Another honour for the late Charles V. Keating
StFX alumnus, the late Charles V. Keating, now has another building named in his honour. In May
2009, the official naming ceremony of the Charles V. Keating Trauma Centre took place at the Queen
Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax. Pictured here are Dr. Keating’s children, l-r, Ann Marie
Keating, Gregg Keating, Cathy Keating and Susan Bekkers. The Charles V. Keating Millennium Centre
on the StFX campus also stands as a testament to Mr. Keating’s legacy.
That’s a wrap!
StFX’s varsity bus is sporting a
new look these days thanks to
a new wrap designed by Angela
Sears, StFX’s graphic designer. Bus
wraps tend to last about a year.
T
he arrival of one of his books translated into Chinese, was the
third achievement of 2009 for retired StFX chemistry professor Dr.
Bernard Liengme. This year marked the publication of the fifth book
in the “Guide to Microsoft Excel” series, and his third successive time named
a Microsoft MVP in Excel, but his biggest surprise was receiving a copy of his
book in Chinese. “I was helping a colleague in Beijing with a difficult Excel
problem when he told me that he had purchased one of my books that had
been translated into Chinese. I had copies of editions in Spanish, Portuguese
and Polish, and had heard that my publisher was trying to get a Chinese
translation, but this was the first time I had found anyone who was using it.”
His colleague sent him copies.
8 StFX Alumni News l Fall 2009 StFX Alumni News l fall 2009 9

Feature
Investing in Excellence: Phase one of StFX’s far-reaching athletics
infrastructure renewal means it’s a whole new game …
“
There is a wow factor for all who
are able to see it in person.
– Leo MacPherson, Director of Athletics
”
Go X Go!
S
teve Snyder remembers the first nowhere else we would rather be than
time he saw the lights go on. at StFX. There were lots of other things
The X-Men football team had just the guys could have been doing, but
finished a pre-season practice when we realize how special it is. It was phenomenal.
the fifth-year quarterback and his teammates
gathered en masse to witness “I’m getting goose bumps thinking
the state-of-the-art stadium lighting of the 5,000 people in the crowd at
illuminate StFX’s new $3.4 million track night…it’s just a different feeling to play
and field project at Oland Stadium. football under the lights, on the fast turf.
Ninety student-athletes sat, mesmerized.
Excitement. It’s a term echoed often
It’ll be a new brand of football.”
“We sat there in the stands for about by those who have watched the first
20 minutes to a half an hour just staring phase of StFX’s far-reaching athletic
at the field and taking it all in. There is infrastructure renewal unfold.
By Shelley Cameron-McCarron
Thanks to new high-powered
lighting, the refurbished field
at Oland Stadium now offers
the option of playing and
practicing at night.
10 StFX Alumni News l Fall 2009 StFX Alumni News l fall 2009 11

Since work began in spring 2009, the project,
supported by all levels of government and
private funding, has attracted curious spectators
daily. Continued support from alumni and
friends is essential to complete the project. The
fundraising will be ongoing over the next year.
Gone is the old grass field, replaced with a
world-class artificial turf that has become the
surface of choice for sports facilities. The artificial
ecological-friendly turf field, which mimics
grass and allows for a more durable playing
surface, can be transformed for sports events,
conventions or concerts with no damage to
the surface. The all-weather surface and new
field lighting increases use of the field to 3,360
hours per year, extra hours that are necessary
to meet the expanding needs of StFX and the
regional community.
The track has been upgraded to an eightlane,
400-metre competitive track with a highperformance
rubberized surface. Additionally it
is more accessible for persons with disabilities.
Not only will the facilities be accessible to
competitive athletes, a key component of the
project is that the track and field is also available
to meet the needs of all StFX students for intramurals
and club sports, as well as community
members, seniors, families, and people from
across the region.
Quite simply, the time had come.
“In this day and age, you need to be on the
best possible facilities,” says Snyder, who toiled
for years on the hilly, rugged grass gridiron.
“The new turf is softer than grass and it will
be easier on the guys’ joints and health. The
new field will allow us to practice better, to see
the lines, all those details that make the difference.
We have so many great things going for
us already, this takes us up and above where we
were before.”
That’s a feeling Ghislaine Landry, two-time
reigning CIS national women’s rugby player-ofthe-year,
knows well. “Everyone is excited,” says
the standout athlete from Toronto, ON. “The first
day we got to train on it, we were all lined up,
anxiously like five-year-olds waiting at the top
of the stairs on Christmas morning.”
She says the project exemplifies the commitment
StFX has as a university to athletics.
“Not every school supports their athletes and
teams the way StFX does and the new field is
just another way we as athletes are supported.
“Something as big as the new field brings our
teams and our community even closer together.
I’m sure we will see many great victories come
from our field. It makes you proud to be a part
of the X family.”
StFX has been fortunate to have established a
tradition of excellence on the playing fields, on the
courts and on the ice. From a varsity standpoint,
the university has an envious record of achievement
over the years, says Director of Athletics and
Recreational Services Leo MacPherson.
This record includes 28 conference championships,
five national titles, seven national silver and
bronze medals – all since the year 2000. In the
last five years, StFX student-athletes have been
named national player of the year an impressive
three times.
On the other side of the coin, StFX has also
long enjoyed a vibrant intramural program that
is very much part of the social fabric of StFX,
providing physical and social benefits to participants.
(For more on intramurals, please see
sidebar, page 13.)
“The programs are very strong, but the facilities,
the Keating Millennium Centre aside, were
lagging behind the competition. The turf and
track in particular were tired and dated,” says
MacPherson.
On the heels of this work, MacPherson says
there are plans, once funding comes into place,
to replace the existing grandstands, install a long
jump pit, build a new athletic therapy room and
spruce up the existing locker rooms. Beyond this,
the Oland Centre is showing its age and will need
further renovations and expansion to ensure the
facility will meet StFX’s needs for the next couple
of decades.
He is understandably excited about the potential
these new facilities can unleash. MacPherson
has seen the tremendous impact that the
Charles V. Keating Millennium Centre has had
for StFX varsity hockey teams, intramurals and
community minor hockey teams.
“We fully expect the new artificial turf and
track project to provide similar benefits to our
outdoor sports programs, intramurals and minor
sports in our region. We will also be able to submit
bids to host CIS championships for women’s
rugby and our soccer programs. And we can host
provincial and regional championships, bringing
economic sport tourism dollars to our region.”
From a recruitment perspective, all students
and student-athletes have some interest in
athletic and recreational facilities, he says. “If we
want to attract the best and brightest studentathletes
to our campus, we need to invest in
our athletic and recreational facilities. We are
fortunate to have all three levels of government,
along with alumni and private donors, investing
in a strategic renewal of our athletics infrastructure.
Without their support, these projects
remain a dream and never come to fruition.”
The buzz around campus is palpable.
“The facilities are amazing,” says women’s
rugby coach Mike Cavanagh. “It gives a prolike
atmosphere to the players, and it’s nice to
know you don’t have to worry about what the
weather is or if you’re going to run out of light
when you’re planning your practice sessions.
These new facilities are really going to help with
recruiting…it will help attract the best student
athletes from across the country.”
As the new head coach of the football program,
Gary Waterman ‘92 says he can begin to
say how exciting it is to have the privilege to be
able to play on a first-class surface. “As a football
alumnus, the historical significance that this field
represents is not lost on me. We are moving
winning ways
Since 2000, StFX teams have won 28 conference
championships, five national titles, and seven
national silver and bronze medals. During the
last five years, StFX student-athletes have also
been named national players-of-the-year on
three separate occasions.
“
This takes us up and
above where we were
before.
”
– X-Men quarterback Steve Snyder
“
Everyone is excited. The first day we got to
train on it, we were all lined up, anxiously
like five-year-olds waiting at the top of the
stairs on Christmas morning.
”
– Two-time CIS national women’s rugby
player of the year Ghislaine Landry
forward and the facilities upgrade symbolizes a
new beginning.”
As a recruiter, Waterman says he always believes
that “StFX as a university can stand by itself,
however, to be able to showcase the new field to
both parents and athletes only adds to the allure
of the university experience. The new field puts
us on par with any university in Canada.”
The addition of an artificial turf surface in
Antigonish has been many years in the planning
and now that it is a reality, people are very
excited, says intramural and facility coordinator
Richie Connors. “From minor teams who will
hone their skills on that surface, to the university
students who represent StFX, to the seniors who
can enjoy a walk on the track, this facility means
great things for all in the local area.”
“I have never seen the excitement level so
high,” MacPherson says. “Our students, including
student-athletes, our coaches, administration,
faculty, alumni and community members have
been following the daily progress. It’s such a
highly visible project that it grabs your attention
immediately.
“For those of us who love StFX, it provides a
great branding opportunity. For instance, where
on campus can you put 30 foot high letters spelling
StFX, but in the end zones In the addition
to the school colours in the end zones, the field
incorporates some symbolism of the beloved
X-Ring. The track itself is gold and represents
the band of the ring, while the face of the X-Ring
appears at centre field. There is a wow factor for
all who are able to see it in person.”
Students’ Union president Sandy MacIntosh
agrees the field is a great addition to campus.
Itwill be open to students each night for intramurals
once varsity practices are done. The
turf will allow for more students to compete in
intramurals without having to worry about getting
muddy like they did in Memorial Field, while
the new lighting will make night games both
more fun and safer. “I think the track will entice
more students to become more active and go
for leisurely runs from time to time. All of this is
leaning towards the vision of a healthier campus,
one which the Students’ Union and the university
are both working very hard to promote.”
Of course, there’s the energy and excitement
athletics brings to campus life, where students
show their school spirit and alumni (please see
page 16) can come cheer on the Blue and White.
Intramurals:
“
for our program.
”
The new artificial
turf field will
greatly improve and
enhance the StFX
intramural program,
says Richie Connors,
intramural and facility
coordinator. “In the fall
of every year, despite
the valiant efforts
and hours spent by
Paul Chisholm and
his grounds crew,
Memorial Field by
the end of our fall
sports season was
often an unplayable,
muddy surface due
to the constant use
by varsity, club and
intramural programs.
As a result, intramurals
programming would
need to be relocated
indoors to complete
leagues. Now with the
state-of-the-art facility
that we have, we will
see StFX Intramurals
on Oland Field from
early September until
mid to late November,
every Monday to
Thursday from 9 p.m.
onward. Students who
choose to participate
in intramurals at StFX
will be playing nightly
on a top notch playing
field.”
feature
It will mean good things
• StFX intramurals
currently offers
over 20 different
sports leagues
(which may have
as many as 15
teams each), as
well as club sports
in rugby, baseball,
cheerleading,
field hockey and
lacrosse. Of these
leagues, the fall
sports of touch
football, soccer,
Ultimate Frisbee,
softball and the 5k
Homecoming Fun
Run will use the
new facility.
• In 2008-09,
more than1,500
different students
participated
in intramural
programming.
• StFX intramurals
has shown a
steady growth
over the past two
years and Connors
fully expects this
trend to continue.
“It will mean
awesome things
for intramurals,
it really will,” he
enthuses. “It will
mean good things
for our program.”
12 StFX Alumni News l Fall 2009 StFX Alumni News l fall 2009 13

feature
Our dedicated fans...
Members of the class of ‘59 give a
rousing rendition of Hail and Health
at the Homecoming football game.
Athletics:
“
of spirit.
”
It gives us a nucleus
– Bob Burchell ’50
Who Will Use The Facility:
• The turf will be used by the StFX football, rugby and soccer programs, and the track can be used by all programs for training and conditioning.
• The department of Human Kinetics will make great use of the turf and track for any of the skills programs.
• Intramurals under the lights will be a wonderful experience for StFX students.
• Community soccer and football programs will benefit through the use of the facility; other activity-based clubs may also use the facility.
Catching Kie MacIsaac ’58 at home isn’t
always easy. Though retired, the StFX
grad and avid sports fan has games to
play, games to watch, and this morning, a
Tuesday, a trip to a Halifax area coffee shop
for some serious discussion with a regular
group of fellow StFX grads and a similar
group from Acadia. “We analyze intercollegiate
activities,” laughs the Antigonish
native who has been as loyal a supporter
of the Blue and White as they come. “We
have a critique after each game.” As a grade
school student at Morrison High School
in Antigonish in the 1940s he remembers
watching many, many football, basketball
and hockey games. “StFX was the centre of
the universe. I’ve been watching studentathletes
at StFX since the early ’40s. I’ve seen
some wonderful people on the football
field, like Tink Kyte, who had five varsity
letters. I was inspired by their talents.” MacIsaac
himself played a year of StFX varsity
basketball, then played senior hockey for
the Antigonish Bulldogs – at times against
StFX. The retired government administrator
travels locally around Halifax to catch StFX
games, down to Acadia, and to StFX for all
the varsity action. “There’s always attachment
to StFX players. “It’s great to go back
and see so many people and to share some
good times.”
When it comes to athletics, Bob
Burchell ’50 ranks among the
most committed and loyal X fans ever.
“I’m one of those guys who goes on the
pre-season trips with Coach K (basketball
coach Steve Konchalski). I went to Duke,
to Boston,” says the retired Halifax teacher
and administrator, who thinks nothing of
getting in a car and driving two hours to
StFX, or to Acadia for that matter to catch
a StFX game. If the Blue and White are
playing in the Halifax area, it’s a “foregone
conclusion” he’ll be there. “We go down
to the games, basketball fairly regularly,
and sometimes we double team if there’s
a hockey game on. We try to catch both,”
says the Sydney Mines native who graduated
from StFX
59 years ago.
A star baseball
player in his
day, Burchell
says he’s had a
long and varied
interest in
sports all his
life. Over the years, he’s also made a lot
of friends through the athletics bond. He
travels regularly to StFX with a crew that
includes Kie MacIsaac, Diker Campbell
and John Ross. “There’s a lot to be said for
the camaraderie of the people,” he says.
“The X-Spirit that you have grows deeper
as you get older, I loved the place while
I was there, we’d go to games, it was the
big thing on campus. It’s great for the
university, it’s a nucleus for spirit.” His
thoughts on the new facility “I think it’s
wonderful, that it is ultra-modern.”
14 StFX Alumni News l Fall 2009 StFX Alumni News l fall 2009 15

Alumni Support
Makes a Difference
Deciding to donate to StFX’s athletic infrastructure
renewal was easy, says Archie ’79 and
Cindy ’78 Morrison. “It’s a great addition to the
university,” Mr. Morrison says. “It was really needed.
It brings StFX to the new era of these turfs. All the
other Atlantic universities have this. It means a
lot to be up to that current standard. It’s a good
modern track, which will be great for the strong
cross country team.” The Halifax couple has a long
history of being involved at StFX – academically,
socially and athletically. Archie played junior varsity
hockey and Cindy played varsity field hockey
and basketball. On the Labour Day weekend they
dropped off their sixth child, Daniel, to attend
StFX. Their five other children all graduated from
StFX; four of those played varsity athletics.
“For some reason everyone believes they’re a
part of the place, I’m not sure why it evolved that
way. It’s a feeling they belong and have a piece
of the place,” says Archie, celebrating his 30th
anniversary of graduating this year. Morrison
says he liked the way the university managed the
funding for the project, doing fundraising and
partnering with three levels of government.
feature homecoming 2009
“
If we want to attract the best and brightest
student-athletes to our campus, we need
to invest in our athletic and recreational
facilities. We are fortunate to have all three
levels of government, along with alumni
and private donors, investing in a strategic
renewal of our athletics infrastructure.
Without their support, these projects remain
a dream and never come to fruition.
”
– Leo MacPherson, StFX Athletics Director
“
We needed a new athletic
field. There’s no question
about that.
”
– Dr. Ormille Hayne ‘62
Dr. Ormille Hayne ’62 loves StFX, and for him,
giving back is a way to show his appreciation. “I’m
from Country Harbour, Guysborough County,
and the first in my family to graduate high school
and the first to go to university. I have a lot of
loyalty to StFX. They gave me a chance, and I
never forget that. I was a good student, to be
sure, but they encouraged me. The professors
were hard, but they were fair, and at the end of
the day I’ve got a lot of respect for that.”
After completing a science degree at StFX, Dr.
Hayne went on to medical school. He remained
close to alma mater. “The university has done a
lot of things over the years for a lot of people
including members of my family (three children
and two brothers also attended StFX).”
Dr. Hayne has also long enjoyed watching
athletics. “It’s a great way to spend an afternoon.
It’s very exhilarating, being around the students,
just the whole atmosphere, it’s a lot of fun.
“We needed a new athletic field. There’s no
question about that. I like to win. The drive back
to Halifax is more pleasant when you win,” he
says with a laugh. Then adds: “When you make
a contribution to something, when you go back
you feel more part of the place.” X
Homecoming a terrific success
F
rom the moment over 450 “The many StFX staff who worked
alumni walked – with some very hard and put in long hours to
almost dancing – into the Friday make Homecoming a success were
night Welcome Home Dinner at the really buoyed by seeing more than
Keating Millennium Centre, high-fiving 1,000 alumni and friends happy to be
members of the X-Men basketball who back home on campus and having so
acted as singing, dancing and cheering much fun all weekend,” says Alumni
doormen, the mood for Homecoming Affairs director Helen Murphy. “That’s
2009 was set. Jubilant.
the biggest thank-you of all.
Almost all events enjoyed capacity “Like so many of our reunion guests,
crowds, including the Welcome Home we’re all exhausted today, but it’s a very
Dinner, the Hall of Honour, the football good kind of exhaustion.”
game, Homecoming Mass in the Chapel
and the Farewell Brunch. Attendance
was once again a record breaker.
16 StFX Alumni News l Fall 2009
StFX Alumni News l fall 2009 17

homecoming 2009
Above: Dr. Sean Riley with Mila ‘04 (Hon.)
and the Rt. Hon. Brian ‘59 Mulroney.
Below: Class of ‘69 pals pose in front
of the giant X-Ring at the Welcome
Home Dinner.
Highlights from the weekend included
The Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney
’59, former Prime Minister of Canada,
back home at StFX to celebrate with
classmates their 50 th graduation anniversary.
Mr. Mulroney spoke at the
Golden Grads dinner on Saturday
night about his student days at StFX
and some of the most memorable
people he met during his tenure as
Prime Minister.
Above: Inviolata Mwali Mmbwavi is the recipient of the 10 th anniversary Katherine
(Katie) Fleming International Development Award, presented at the Coffee with
Coady gathering at Homecoming 2009.
The Welcome Home Dinner
Friday night proved inspirational
once again with presentations of
the Distinguished Alumnus Award to
Justice Jim Chadwick ’59, the Young
Alumnus Award to Gwynneth Wong
’99 and the Friend of StFX Award to
the Hon. Peter MacKay.
The next day a capacity crowd
filled the Hall of the Clans in the Angus
L. Macdonald Library to honour
four more deserving Xaverians.
Inducted into the Hall of Honour,
established by the Class of 1991 to
recognize those whose life reflects
the values and traditions of StFX,
were Mary Lonergan Eldridge ‘59;
Dr. J. William Gillis posthumously
‘56; Most Rev. Alexander MacDonald
posthumously 1879; and Irma
Bonner Swales ‘54.
The crowd also heard from
several incredibly talented and
intrepid current day students,
recipients of the Alumni Association
awards. Mariah Giberson of
Moncton, Jessica Fry of Castelgar
BC and Kwami Osei of Rexdale,
ON, the co-captain of the football
team who had special permission
from Coach Gary Waterman to slip
away from pre-game preparations
to speak at the Hall of Honour. Unable
to attend were recipients Mary
Cranmer-Byng of Mississauga, ON
and Lindsay Balson of BC.
The momentum continued that
afternoon when the X-Men football
team posted an incredible win
before a hometown crowd of 5,300
fans, crushing the Acadia Axemen
60-7.
Over the weekend, StFX President
Dr. Sean Riley made a special
presentation to Ed McHugh ‘79,
who is completing his thee-year
term as president of the alumni association
this fall, in appreciation for
his service to his alma mater. At the
association’s AGM on Friday, Andrea
MacLean-Holohan ‘59 was elected
as the incoming president. Shawn
Monahan of Halifax will join the executive
as vice-president and Drew
Smith of London, ON as secretary.
Alumni also enjoyed campus
walking tours, a Mount St. Bernard
tea, tours of the new home of the
Coady International Centre, class
reunions and dinners, and sporting
events held throughout the
weekend. X
Dr. Sean Riley (left) with Hall of Honour inductees (l-r) Irma Bonner Swales ‘54, Joan Gillis ‘72
on behalf of Dr. J. William Gillis ‘56 (posthumously), Mary Longergan Eldridge ‘59 and Father
John Barry ‘69 on behalf of Most Rev. Alexander MacDonald 1897 (posthumously).
Twenty-Five Years – class of ‘84
Overheard at
Homecoming
“I love this. I love this,” an alumnus
said as a bagpiper led guests into
the always-inspiring Hall of Honour
ceremony.
“Do you know who this is” a
Class of 1989 alumnus asked as
he held a class yearbook open
to a page that showed a picture
of a basketball player in action.
“It’s your athletic director, Leo
MacPherson ’89.”
“Isn’t it great to be back in
Antigonish, in the company of
friends I welcome you all back to
good old StFX.”
– Alumni Association president Ed
McHugh ’79
“It’s going to be a great weekend,”
StFX President Dr. Sean Riley ’74 at
the Welcome Home Dinner.
Rousing renditions of “Hail and
Health,” the school song, at the
close of the Welcome Home Dinner
and the start of the football
game.
“I would have never signed up
for this if it were not for StFX,” student
and alumni award recipient
Mariah Giberson of Moncton, on
her time with Free the Children
in Ecuador.
Morag Graham ‘68 and Ellen Cecchetto ‘81.
Above, l-r: Hon. Peter MacKay, Friend of StFX,
Gwynneth Wong ‘99, Young Alumnus, Dr.
Sean Riley and Hon. James B. Chadwick ‘59,
Distinguished Alumnus at the Alumni Awards of
Excellence Dinner.
Right: Mount St. Bernard tea.
fifty-five Years – class of ‘54
Members of the Class of 1984 gathered for the
Homecoming brunch on Sunday morning.
For more class photos, see page 35 and the
inside back cover of the magazine.
“StFX has allowed me to change
as a person,” student and alumni
award recipient Kwami Osei of
Rexdale, ON in his powerful essay
read during the Hall of Honour
ceremony.
Highlights from the President’s Gala
The annual President’s Gala for members of The President’s Club
proved to be a great success again this year when close to 300 people
gathered at the Charles V. Keating Millennium Centre on Saturday,
June 13 to celebrate both StFX’s continued success and to toast and
recognize the generous supporters who play such a key role in this
success. A highlight from the event was the announcement of the
Hon. Frank McKenna’s election as chair of the Board of Governors.
StFX President Dr. Sean Riley also paid tribute to the outstanding
efforts of outgoing board chair, Guy Savard.
18 StFX Alumni News l Fall 2009 StFX Alumni News l fall 2009 19

Celebrating milestones at StFX
“
May our foundations support us, may our
dedication sustain us, and may our hopes
continue to inspire us all to work together
for a better world.
”
Coady director Mary Coyle in a toast opening the new home of the Coady International Institute
Coady Institute’s grand
opening a huge success
Exceptional day marks new home;
50 years of igniting leadership
StFX President Dr. Sean Riley (right) showcases the
new home of the Coady Institute to, l-r, Ambassador
Anthony Liverpool, the Rt. Hon. Baldwin Spencer,
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, and a
Coady alumnus, and Harry Bloomfield.
W
orld leaders and community members
came out in full force – an
amazing crowd of over 1,000 people
– to toast the Coady International Institute as it
celebrated its 50th anniversary and the grand
opening of its new $17 million home in the heart
of the StFX campus.
Distinguished guests, in what can only be described
as an exceptional day-long celebration,
included former Canadian Prime Minister, the
Rt. Hon. Paul Martin; Coady alumni, the Rt. Hon.
W. Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister of Antigua
and Barbuda, and Ann Meekitjuk Hanson, Commissioner
of Nunavut; as well as the Hon. Frank
McKenna, chair of the StFX Board of Governors
and former New Brunswick premier.
In the crowd stood global leaders, former
Coady graduates – who came from as far away
as Palestine – faculty, staff and students, all who
came not only to celebrate the Coady’s rich past,
but the potential that now exists from the 4,645
square metres of modern classrooms, offices,
conference and meeting rooms.
Many of those gathered remarked on the
community pride permeating the air and the
sense of accomplishment with all that has been
done over the last 50 years and with the new
building.
The official opening ceremonies began when
local campaign co-chairs Steve Smith and John
“Nova” Chisholm began walking respectively
from the facility’s east and west wings towards
the Moses Coady monument. Each carried a
ribbon of flags unfurling behind them, which
they tied together upon meeting.
Then, StFX President Dr. Sean Riley, Coady director
and StFX VP Mary Coyle and Mr. McKenna
slowly walked through the festive crowd towards
the Coady statue. Ms. Coyle took the ceremonial
scissors and with a cut of the ribbon officially proclaimed
the Coady International Institute open.
Glasses were raised in a champagne toast
An open house in the new facilities followed
the ribbon cutting. Guests had an opportunity
to meet Coady participants, taste international
refreshments and learn about the education
programs that make the Coady Institute a resource
unique in the world. The day included
self-guided tours, with displays and activities set
up thoughout the building.
That evening, over 500 people attended the
gala dinner.
The event was marked by powerful and emotional
speeches including those by former Prime
Minister Martin, Prime Minister Spencer and current
Coady participant Inviolata Mwali Mmbwavi
who visibly moved people with her speech.
Another highlight from the day included a choir
of current Coady diploma participants performing
a song entitled Leaders Live On, composed by
Coady diploma participant Katrina Collins, with
music direction by Dimgonglung Rongmei.
“We are opening our doors and inviting community
members and our many leaders, friends
and supporters from around the world to come
see our new facilities,” Ms. Coyle said. “This is a momentous
time for the Coady, and it is fitting that
we mark this occasion with a day of memorable
events that honour the impacts this remarkable
Canadian institute is making around the world.”
Since 1959, the Coady Institute has provided
professional education to over 5,000 leaders from
more than 130 countries, who are committed to
improving the well-being of their communities,
societies and countries. The Coady is unique in
the world, having emerged from a movement
for social and economic justice that began in
Nova Scotia during the 1920s and spread across
Canada and then around the globe.
Encompassing four restored historic campus
buildings, the new home for the Coady Institute
will provide the platform to make a huge step
forward for the cause of justice, human dignity,
and self-reliance. X
Above: An amazing crowd of over 1,000
people – from world leaders to community
members – came out to toast the Coady
International Institute as it celebrated
both its new home and 50 years of igniting
leadership.
Above left, l-r, Coady director and StFX VP
Mary Coyle, the Rt. Hon. Paul Martin, former
Prime Minister of Canada, and the Hon.
Frank McKenna, chair of the StFX Board of
Governors, were among those taking part
in the official opening ceremonies.
20 StFX Alumni News l Fall 2009 StFX Alumni News l fall 2009 21

alumni profile
And now,
our funny man
Gerry Dee
Sr. Brendalee
answers her next call
Editor’s Note: On her second last day in the associate chaplain office at StFX, Sr. Brendalee Boisvert took a
moment to reflect on the last four years serving as a pastoral presence at StFX, and how she will next use
those skills within her congregation for the next five years. On July 29, she answered the call from the members
of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Martha, who elected her the assistant congregation leader in April
2009. She will be based in Antigonish and travel across the country visiting the sisters and visioning with
them as to how they will respond to the needs in the areas where they serve.
I
“ loved the connections with
students,” says Sr. Brendalee,
who came to StFX Chaplaincy in
2005. She previously served as
assistant chaplain from 1986-88.
“I loved journeying with them and
how open and honest they were.
They let me inside and I think I was
able to help some of them grow.”
Often, she says, she learned
much from them too. “They have
such energy and enthusiasm and
they’re not afraid to risk.” We need
to take appropriate risks as Sisters
of St. Martha and as a Church if we
want to continue to be relevant in
our society, she says.
During the past four years, Sr.
Brendalee has been a constant
and comforting presence around
campus. She helped students
develop self-esteem, was available
for pastoral counseling, for spiritual
guidance, and fostered the faith
S
tFX alumnus and comedian
Gerard Donoghue (Gerry Dee)
returns to alma mater Nov. 21 to play
the Keating Millennium Centre as
part of his 2009 Canadian tour. It’s
been heady times for Dee. Gerry,
the Canadian Comedy Awards’ 2008
‘Best Comic in Canada’ finished third
on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and
his character “Gerry Dee-Sports Reporter”
on The Score has taken the
sports world by storm. Recent segments
on CBC’s “The Hour” upped
his demand. He has been in numerous
commercials, on HGTV’s “Divine
Design,” had a DVD released in the
U.S., spoke at the NHL awards in Las
Vegas, and appeared in both the
CBC mini-series “Canada Russia 72”
and “Trailer Park Boys: The Movie.”
We recently caught-up with our very
own funny man.
Q: You’re a physical education
teacher turned comedian. How
does that happen
A: It was just something I always
thought I could do, but was afraid
to pursue it. Finally, one of my
students suggested it. I tried it
at an amateur night and never
looked back.
Q: What was the reaction of your
StFX contemporaries when you
first told them you were taking up
comedy
A: Well, most of my friends were the
life of the Xaverian community
encouraging the living out of their
various faith traditions.
She says it’s been a privilege to
be available to students, faculty and
staff, and to be a bridge when they
had questions or needed someone
to listen. “It’s been a great gift to
walk with someone when they’re
searching for what they believe.
“I express gratitude to all,
especially (chaplain) Father Danny
MacLellan and (former chaplain)
Father Paul MacNeil, to Sr. Millie
MacNeil who passed on such good
advise to me and all who helped
to welcome me and worked with
me, and a special thanks to the
students, who even for a minute,
let me into their lives.
“I am also grateful to Dr. Sean
Riley for his support and interest
in Chaplaincy and I look forward
to continuing to stay connected
to StFX in the future.” X
hockey players and I don’t think I
told them for a few years. I didn’t feel
like getting “chirped” by them.
Q: What’s the first time you remember
being funny
A: In my last year of high school
where we had a talent competition.
I did an Al Jolson impression and
everyone laughed. It was certainly
my first time on stage alone, hearing
people laugh.
Q: Is it hard to be funny Are there
any stand-up moments you’d like
to forget
A: I think being funny is something
that you either have or you don’t.
It can be hard. I had a gig in about
my second year of doing stand-up
where I was hired for a party of
all men. There were about 300 of
them. My act is not dirty so I was
a little nervous about performing
for these blue collar guys. When I
got there, I was told that after my
45 minute set, there were three
strippers coming up after me.
So, for 45 minutes, people would
yell periodically, “Bring on the
strippers!” It was horrible!
Q: Any advice for today’s students
considering their career paths
A: We all have something we are
meant to do. If you really feel there
is that something then pursue it
before it is too late. X
alumni profile
Meet Kevin
Concannon
Under Secretary of
Food, Nutrition, and
Consumer Services
By Shelley Cameron-McCarron
I
n 1964, Kevin Concannon stood at his StFX
graduation, equipped with a liberal arts
degree, a desire to become a social worker, and
a firm grounding in the values of social justice.
“In those days at StFX we were required to
study The Antigonish Movement. That certainly
reinforced our sense of obligation to help other
people,” the Portland, ME native recalls.
This concern for others has marked his long,
distinguished career in public service. Now,
Concannon is taking on his biggest challenge
yet, to feed millions of Americans and to help
improve the American diet.
In April 2009 he was nominated by U.S. President
Barack Obama and Secretary Tom Vilsack and later
confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as Under
Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer
Services in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Concannon runs all federal food and nutrition
programs. These programs help feed an estimated
20 per cent of the U.S. population. As well, the
office is charged with the massive responsibility
of promoting a healthful diet through the Centre
for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.
“It’s exciting and it’s busy,” says a congenial
Concannon from his office in Washington, D.C.,
where just this morning he has already met with
a representative of 1,200 food banks in New
York City, and a delegation from the State of
California representing a similar number of food
and emergency food providers.
“The biggest challenge is getting help to the
people who need it and taking steps to reduce
the food insecurities that low income people
find themselves in,” Concannon says. “Those are
big, big challenges.”
The sheer numbers are staggering.
Over 35 million Americans each month
depend on the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP), and thanks to the
school lunch program, an average of 32 million
school children are able to have a decent and
healthy lunch. President Obama has publicly
declared his administration’s goal of ending
childhood hunger by the year 2015.
Concannon also oversees the Women, Infants
and Children (WIC) program.
Kevin Concannon ‘64 kneels amongst Sardis-Gerard-Alexander Elementary school children in Sardis, Georgia,
after presenting their school with a Gold Award from the HealthierUS School Challenge on Sept.10, 2009.
““As more Americans struggle to put food
on the table, Concannon ensures children
get school lunches, new mothers receive
healthy food for their babies and Americans
who can’t afford to eat have help buying
groceries.”
”
The Washington Post
He is no stranger to the issues. In the past 25
years, he has served as director of health and
human services departments in three states:
Maine, Oregon and Iowa. His time in these offices
is remembered for his tremendous work around
outreach and eligibility. He led state efforts
to make food stamps and emergency food
assistance more accessible to those in need.
When he learned of his nomination to the
federal position, he says he was excited. “I
thought there was a possibility I would be called
to do something. I had been state director in
three states. But I didn’t think it would be as large
as this to be honest. This represents the national
responsibility.
“I’ve always felt very fortunate to be able to
help people. It’s why I went into the field of social
work,” he says. (He graduated with his master’s
degree in social work from StFX in 1966.)
Concannon first heard of StFX while attending
Cheverus High School, a Jesuit school in Portland.
Several lay teachers were StFX grads and they
encouraged their students to consider the
university. About a dozen students in his graduating
class of 75 students enrolled that fall.
“StFX had a great impact on me,” he recalls. “I had
some great teachers. It was a great community
to live in, and very good preparation.”
Around the same time, he read a number of
books including The Other America, an influential
study of povery in the United States by Michael
Harrington, and one by John F. Kennedy, then
U.S. President, which greatly influenced his
thinking. On a personal note he had also seen
how social services helped an older brother
who had shown signs of bipolar disorder and
schizophrenia.
“I had taken a number of sociology courses (at
StFX) and it was clear in my mind what I wanted
to do. I had seen the good things that could be
accomplished through social work.
“I was fortunate to meet my future wife, Eileen,
while at StFX while she was studying to be a
registered nurse at Saint Martha’s Hospital. She has
been my stalwart supporter and has been equally
passionate about helping people in need.” X
22 StFX Alumni News l Fall 2009 StFX Alumni News l fall 2009 23

Alumni
Happenings
Classics for Classics l Alumni Engagement l X and the City l Busting it for Bolger l and more!
Back by Popular Demand:
Your Invitation to Return
to the Classroom, Without
Examinations!
The Name
We call this program “Classics for Classics”,
because we study those great works that only
improve with age, and we’re teaching them
to those great alumni who have some similar
characteristics!
T
his may come as no surprise
to the 30,000 alumni
who proudly wear their X-Ring,
but a new independent study
shows that StFX is in a class of
its own when it comes to alumni
engagement.
In measuring alumni engagement,
the study by Engagement
Analysis Inc. of Ontario looked at
StFX untouchable in alumni engagement
a number of key responses to determine
if an alumnus/a was either
“engaged,” “somewhat engaged,” or
“non engaged.” Fully 98 per cent of
StFX alumni fell into the categories of
either being engaged or somewhat
engaged with their alma mater.
The survey was conducted during
April and May, 2009, through
an online survey. Close to 4,000
alumni took part, for an overall
response rate of 34.2 per cent of
the mailing, or 13.7 per cent of the
overall alumni population.
The results are most impressive
when StFX’s figures are compared
to the national average. Among
our alumni, 30.3 per cent were
found to be “engaged” with the
university, while the Canadian
average is 11.4 per cent.
“StFX’s results were literally
off the chart in this company’s
findings for universities across
Canada,” says Director of Alumni
Affairs, Helen Murphy. “Their existing
scale for benchmarking
engagement has the top 10 per
cent of universities in the “high
performers” category, with an
engagement average of 17.3 per
cent. So StFX is now charted off
that scale with more than 30 per
cent of alumni engaged.”
Alumni ranked StFX very high
for academic experience, facilities,
faculty, extra-curricular opportunities
and other factors. Ninety-two
Alumni Happenings
percent of StFX alumni said their
university has good school spirit,
compared with the national average
of 54.3 per cent.
Ninety-two per cent of respondents
also said they are proud of
their association with StFX and 90
per cent said they would highly
recommend their alma mater to
family and friends. The responses
also showed that 79 per cent of StFX
grads regularly read AlumniNews,
while the national average of grads
reading their alumni publication is
49.7 per cent.
More than 60 per cent of alumni
said the leadership of their StFX is
strong, while the national average
on this question is 27.3 per cent.
Dean of Arts, Dr. Steve Baldner, leads a discussion of Plato’s Republic during the inaugural Classics for
Classics alumni course in July.
Classics for Classics – Year Two
L
ast summer an extraordinary thing happened
on campus. Thirty alumni and
friends of StFX came to campus for a
week of studying Plato’s Republic. The ages of
the participants ranged from 22 to 77, and the
group that included physicians, lawyers, teachers,
business people, homemakers, and nurses
had a delightful week of discussion, questions,
Socratic dialectic, and bad puns. Dr. Steven Baldner,
Dean of Arts, was liberated from his office for
that week to lead the discussion of the Republic,
and five professors from the Faculty of Arts gave
supplementary lectures.
This year, the plan is to read a different classical
work of philosophy: René Descartes’ Meditations
on First Philosophy. Otherwise the schedule will
be like that of last year. In the morning, Dr. Baldner
will lead a discussion of the text, for two hours
(with a break). Lunch will be available in Morrison
Hall, or off campus if you prefer; after lunch there
will be a lecture from a member of the Faculty of
Arts on a related topic such as: The Reformation
and Counter Reformation; the Scientific Revolution;
What Does it Mean to be Modern Descartes
and Pascal; and, Baroque Art and Music.
Like last year, the goal is to provide you with
the opportunity to enjoy one of the classics of
our civilization, and to do so in a way that is
serious, but friendly and relaxed. No essays, no
examinations, and no grades, but you will be assigned
a portion of the text to prepare for each
morning’s discussion.
Tuition
We will charge a modest fee of $100, but this
fee is waived for all alumni. This is our chance
to do something for you!
Residence and Meals
Upon request from course participants, rooms
will be reserved in beautiful Governors’ Hall
at a (reasonable) price to be determined.
Information on meal options on campus will
be provided, and, of course, you are free to
make meal or accommodation arrangements
off campus.
Date
July 5 - 9, 2010. This is the week before Highland
Games in Antigonish. We expect that you
would arrive on Sunday the 4th, because the
first class will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Monday
the 5th.
Limits
We may have to limit enrolment to keep the
class size optimal for discussions. It would be
advisable to reserve a place early.
Reserve a Place
Please contact Alumni Affairs to reserve a
place in Classics for Classics, 2010: alumni@
stfx.ca, 902-867-2186 (tuition deposit of $100
to reserve a place is refunded to alumni after
completing the course.)
More Information
If you want information about the course, get
in touch with Dr. Steve Baldner, 902-867-2165,
sbaldner@stfx.ca. X
Putting a face to Annual Giving
Hello AlumniNews,
My name is Catherine MacLellan and I graduated
this past May with a Bachelor of Arts with a
major in French. My sister Vicky also graduated
this May (in the morning ceremony) with her
Bachelor of Education in French elementary.
Our parents and sister bravely sat through both
ceremonies and never complained once!
I am submitting this photo of us outside
Alumni House prior to graduation. We both
worked at Annual Giving - me for two school
years, Vicky for three. I wanted to send this in
to give a face to the people who contact you, the alumni, each year. We
hear stories about time spent at StFX, give updates on athletic teams and
renovations around campus and often get asked about our future plans. We
make sure you’re getting the famous AlumniNews and graciously accept
monetary gifts to help with the day-to-day needs of the university.
Vicky is finished here at StFX and I’ll be returning in the fall to start my
B.Ed. I will be back at Annual Giving come September and will be chatting
with some of you soon!
– Catherine MacLellan ‘09
Your one-stop Christmas shop for X-Gear!
Great gift ideas for all the StFX grads on your list!
www.alumni.stfx.ca/xgear
24 StFX Alumni News l Fall 2009 StFX Alumni News l fall 2009 25

Alumni Happenings
DR. TRUDY EAGAN WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARDS
Above: The group in
Ottawa during the race
weekend, May 22-24, 2009.
Left: Lindsay (centre) with
her family.
StFX legacy circle – planned giving profile
B-Strong Fund Run–
Busting It For Bolger
T
he Xaverian family once
again turned out in full
force to help support one of
its own. On the May 22-24 weekend,
over 120 friends, family, StFX alumni
and current faculty met in Ottawa
to participate in a race weekend,
raising funds to help Lindsay Bolger,
who was diagnosed with a rare
brain tumor in 2005 while a StFX
human kinetics student.
“In the time since, Lindsay’s
strength and courage has continued
to be tested as the tumor has
spread and created a number of
concerns in recent months,” says
Sarah MacLaughlin ’06, who along
with Ashley Cuthbert ’06 and Jill
Payne ’05 organized the “B-Strong
Fund Run- Busting it for Bolger” to
show Lindsay and her family how
much her friends support them
during this difficult time.
Four years ago, Lindsay founded
Giving Back To the University
That Has Given So Much to Me
the B-Strong fund (www.bstrong.
ca). She designed the B-Strong
hats and organizes the hugely
successful annual B-Strong Bash.
Last year the bash raised close to
$100,000 with all proceeds being
donated to Sunnybrook, Montreal
Neurological Institute, Sick Kids and
Princess Margaret Hospital.
MacLaughlin says they set up
an independent fundraising event
through the Canadian Cancer
Society with all proceeds going
towards brain cancer research. “We
raised over $20,000 and would like
to thank everyone for their generous
donations. Donations can still
be made. Close to 60 X-alumni
participated in the various events
that we planned for the weekend.
Ross Screenprint in Antigonish
supported our cause and kindly
donated all the t-shirts for the
event.” X
10
A Year
Retrospective
I
n 2000, to support young
women studying business
at StFX, Dr. Trudy Eagan, the
former executive vice-president
and chief administrative officer of
Sun Media Corporation (Canada’s
largest newspaper publisher),
established the annual Dr. Trudy
Eagan Awards.
Concurrently, she launched the
Women in Business Speakers’ Series
which bears her name. It brings
successful women to campus each
year to interact with students and
provide personal advice on how to
succeed in business. In recent years,
the addition of panel discussions
further maximized the chance for
networking.
This year is the 10 th anniversary
of the speakers’ series and is an
opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments
and generosity
of Dr. Eagan, the series’ speakers,
past award recipients and, perhaps
most importantly, the female students
in StFX’s Faculty of Business
who exhibit tremendous promise
and potential.
Elizabeth DeCoste
2001 winner
I started at StFX at age 50 and never expected to
win any award. However, much to my surprise,
disbelief, and delight, I received a call from Trudy
Eagan. Winning the award was a tremendous
experience for me and a great boost to my selfesteem
and a big financial help at a time when
funds were low. I went on to finish my degree and
began working as a family support worker at the
Children’s Aid Society.
Lise Roy
2002 winner
Winning the award was
a life-changing event.
It validated my decision
to return to StFX as a
mature student and renewed my optimism. The
added pleasure of getting to know Trudy over the
last number of years has been the real reward.
She inspires and encourages; proving that taking
risks and accepting challenges results in success.
Winning the award led me to pursue a long time
dream of owning a restaurant in which Trudy has
dined on many occasions.
my friend on the 10 year anniversary – I feel
honoured to be at StFX with you participating in
the celebrations.
Susan Cooke
2006 winner
After graduation I accepted
a position articling
with KPMG LLP, Calgary,
while working through
the CA program, and will write the CA exam
in fall 2009. I have worked, almost exclusively,
within the oil and gas industry. Having the Trudy
Eagan award hanging above my kitchen table
(currently my office), has provided me with the
strength to work through the toughest of days in
this industry. Getting to know Trudy and the values
that she stands for has been able to make me a
better “business woman.” I would like to extend
my thanks to Trudy, and the entire business faculty,
as I would not be where I am today without your
patience, encouragement and guidance.
“It is indeed an honour to present
these scholarships each year to
outstanding young women in
their final year of business or
information systems. It is a crucial
time in a student’s life when a
$3,000 scholarship can help launch
one’s job search. In addition to
the personal satisfaction I receive
from giving back and mentoring
students, the scholarships and
speakers’ series have allowed me to
reconnect with the professors and
students at this special university;
and to introduce several Canadian
business leaders to StFX.”
– Dr. Trudy Eagan, LLD ’99
Twenty-five years ago, I
love all of them completely and get older and my children grow
graduated from StFX and I totally when I die I want to be less dependent on me I hope
Kimberly Hartlin
wear my X-Ring with pride. buried with my X-Ring on! If they to increase the amount I have
DR. TRUDY EAGAN
2008 winner
The ring has become a large want the ring they have to earn it designated to StFX.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPEAKERS’ SERIES
Winning this award was
symbol of who I am. I am a proud themselves. While joking at these As my children were growing
very motivating for me as
Year Speaker
graduate of one of the best universities
in the country! My years will and my wishes to leave StFX a campaigns at StFX – this wasn’t
2004 winner
I had the opportunity to
times I started thinking about my up I was asked to contribute to
Brownyn Burke
a female business student.
2008 Kelly Whitelock, Publisher, Glow and Pure
2007 Denise Donlon, Executive Director, Canadian
at StFX taught me many things: planned gift.
always possible when raising
Trudy Eagan is an extraordinary
human being. women, who were an inspiration in their ability
meet some extremely influential and successful
Broadcasting Corporation
social conscience, giving back,
As a professional fundraiser a young family. However, I feel
Year Award Recipients
2006 Maureen Shaughnessy Kitts, Shaughnessy
and global understanding. These with a hospital foundation, I good knowing that at some ring opened a career door for
2008 Kimberly Hartlin and Katie McIntyre
It isn’t simply that she to balance their thriving careers with their family
Kitts Communications, former Director of
are things I learned outside of the understand the value of leaving point I will be making a donation
to the best university in the at X, maybe you have children
you, maybe you met your spouse
2007 Ranran Ju and Julia Russell
changes your life, but lives. Their experiences and messages stressed the
Communications and Public Affairs, McDonald’s
classroom.
a gift in my will. It was for that
2006 Katie Aucoin and Susan Cooke
more that she encourages you to change your important contribution that women in business
Restaurants of Canada
I have raised three amazing reason that when I was updating
my will I decided to leave X a a minute to think about where ever your reason, a legacy gift is a
2005 Leigh Ann Arab and Leah Pierce
country. I urge all alumni to take who will be attending X – what-
own life, encouraging you to reach higher, go have and have yet to make, and increased my
2005 Dianne Schwalm, Senior Vice President, Theatrical
children (one plans to attend
longer, perform better. Trudy has become one of excitement for making my own contribution to the
Advertising and Publicity, Warner Bros. Canada Inc.
StFX in 2010). It has become a legacy gift. My current bequest they would be if they didn’t have great way to say “thank you”.
2004 Bronwyn Burke and Shanna Strong
my dearest friends, a friend of my family, and an business community. This past June, I went right
2004 Jody Steinhauer, President & Chief Visionary
running joke that although I is not a huge amount but as I connections to StFX. Maybe your – Bernadette (O’Hagan) Jordan ‘84
2003 Adele England and Trish Sims
on-going mentor. Now, I am in the midst of my back to school at the Atlantic School of Chartered
Officer, The Bargains Group Ltd.
master’s in public administration and working Accountancy. I began working full-time in the fall
2003 Margaret Franklin CFA, KJ Harrison & Partners
Please direct any inquiries you may have about the StFX Legacy Circle or Planned Giving to:
2002 Lindsay Brown and Lise Roy
in the Office of the Provincial Medical Director as an accountant with Deloitte in Halifax while still
2002 Judy Bullis, Senior Group Publisher, Niagara
Maria Hartery, Planned Giving Officer St. Francis Xavier University, PO Box 5000, Antigonish, Nova Scotia Canada B2G 2W5
2001 Elizabeth DeCoste and Vanessa Purcell for Emergency Health Services. Congratulations pursuing the CA designation. X
Region, Sun Media Corporation
Phone: (902) 867-3380 l Fax: (902) 867-3236 l Email: mhartery@stfx.ca l www.stfx.ca
2001 Ellen Goldhar, Life Coach, Motivational Speaker
2000 Leigh Anne Sturmy and Donalda Trenholm
and Teacher
26 StFX Alumni News l Fall 2009 As we went to press, Bonnie Brownlee, Senior Vice President Corporate Communications with
StFX 2000 Alumni Dr. Trudy News Eagan, President l fall & 2009 CEO, Take 27 II
CTVglobemedia, delivered the 2009 lecture on Oct. 7, 2009.
Communications

on campus
In Business!
Construction started on $25 million
home for the Faculty of Business
C
onstruction crews moved
onto lower campus in earnest
this August to start work on a
$25 million renovation and construction
project that when finished will
see a new 70,000 square foot home
for StFX’s Faculty of Business.
The new facility will provide for
about 35 offices, two large computer
labs, 10 state-of-the-art classrooms,
a 250-seat auditorium, student
work and study spaces, and faculty
research areas. Construction is expected
to be complete late in 2010.
“I’m very pleased that construction
has started,” says Leo Gallant,
dean of the Faculty of Business. “It
looks very much like we will be in
the building in a year. It will provide
us with new and much needed
classroom and office space.”
The faculty is home to about
800 students enrolled in the Gerald
Schwartz School of Business and
Information Systems.
Funding for the project comes
from StFX alumni and friends,
and an $11.2 million government
investment.
“We would like to thank the
federal government for its initiative
Thank you Mary Lillian
After 37 years of service, Mary Lillian MacDonald retired
from StFX on July 1, 2009. Mary Lillian worked 28 years
at the Angus L. Macdonald Library as bookkeeper, and
the past nine years as Sacristan in the University Chapel.
Due to ill health she says she had to give up the chapel,
but is able to remain involved doing the priests’ mail
and oratories. Mary Lillian thanks the late Rev. Charles
Brewer, Rev. Paul MacNeil and Rev. Daniel MacLennan,
and Marcie MacDonald during her illness. She has many
happy memories of StFX but two stand out. She received
the honorary X-Ring in 2002, and her years at the chapel
were special as she was able to attend daily mass, which
she says is the most important part of her life. X
in supporting business innovation
research, and the province of Nova
Scotia for its timely movement to
support the economy by investing
simultaneously in education and
in job creation,” StFX President Dr.
Sean Riley had said at the time of
the government announcement.
“Everyone at StFX is excited at
the opportunities this wonderful
allocation of infrastructure monies
will provide for our students,” says
Academic Vice-President and Provost
Dr. Mary McGillivray. “The renovations
this money makes possible
will result in vastly improved classrooms
and presentation rooms, as
well as seminar spaces all designed
to be conducive to newer modes
of learning and teaching. Of even
greater significance is the fact that
this enhanced space will provide
support for markedly enhanced
research activity in an interactive,
open learning environment that
will enable our students to prepare
for their roles as future leaders in
the new economy.”
Bird-Rideau Construction is the
project’s contractors. The architects
are Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners. X
Upcoming Events
Check out www.alumni.stfx.ca for a complete listing of upcoming events
and up-to-date event details.
Newfoundland & Labrador
StFX Day Celebration. We will be
having a pub night, date to be
announced. If not on the local
mailing list please contact Jacqui
Janes to be included jkjanes@
yahoo.com or 709-726-2126
Sydney, NS
• Dec. 2, Mass at 7 p.m., reception to
follow, St Anthony Daniel Parish,
Alexandra Street, Sydney. Contact
902-564-5674 or (johnshaw@
alumni.stfx.ca)
• Jan 17, 2010, Mass for Shut Ins
• March 12-14, 2010, Men’s AUS
Basketball Championships
Halifax, NS
Dec. 3 – details TBA. Watch
website for details as they become
available.
Moncton, NB
Dec. 3 at Molson’s Brewery. Further
details TBA. Contact Claudia MacLean
‘92, 2maclean@nb.sympatico.ca
or Jack Lamey ’95 ’99, j_lamey@
hotmail.com
Saint John, NB
StFX Day Celebration, O’Leary’s Pub,
Saint John, NB, Dec. 3, 6:30 - 8:30 pm.
RSVP: Claire Ryan cryan@mtlpr.ca or
506-672-1860 ext.1
Toronto, ON
StFX Day event, Fri., Nov. 27, The
Newman Centre, 89 Saint George
St., Toronto, 6 pm – Annual General
Meeting, 7 pm – Mass. Reception to
follow. Wheel Pizza, refreshments,
raffle prizes. Please respond to
stfxtoronto@gmail.com. There is
no fee to attend. Family and friends
are welcome.
StFX Toronto Golf Classic
Mon., May 31, 2010, The Carrying
Place Golf & Country Club, 16750
Weston Rd., Kettleby, ON. Contact:
Trudy Young, jtyoung@rogers.com
London, ON
Fri., Nov. 27, 7 – 9 pm, President’s
Reception/StFX Day event, London
Club, 177 Queen’s Ave., London.
Contact: Drew Smith at drdrew@
drewsmithortho.com
Calgary, AB
Thurs., Dec. 3, Mass at 7 pm, FCJ
Christian Life Centre, 219 – 19 th
Ave. SW. Reception to follow. If
you would like to be involved as
a reader, bearer of gifts, musician
or singer, Eucharistic Minister, altar
server, or need other info, please
contact: calgarychapter@stfx.ca
Edmonton, AB
StFX Day celebrations, please
watch your emails and the Alumni
website (www.alumni.stfx.ca) for
details.
Prince George, BC
StFX Day, Thurs., Dec. 3 at Moxie’s
Classic Bar and Grill, 7pm. For
more information contact Brent
Arsenault at coachbrent@shaw.ca
Vancouver, BC
Thurs., Dec. 3, Mass at Holy Rosary
Cathedral. Hoping to have a 4 pm
Mass (unconfirmed), 646 Richards St.,
Vancouver BC. Pub night at Smiley’s
Public House, 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm,
911 West Pender St., Vancouver, BC
Xaverians@Olympics Social
Fri., Feb. 19. All alumni and friends
are invited to share their Olympic
spirit at a social hosted by the
Vancouver Alumni Chapter. Details
TBA (www.alumni.stfx.ca)
Northern California
X Day Gathering, Thurs., Dec. 3,
6:30 pm, Betelnut Restaurant,
2030 Union St., San Francisco.
RSVP to C.J. Healy 415-699-2670,
norcalchapter@stfx.ca
London, England
StFX Day event, please watch your
emails and the alumni website
(www.alumni.stfx.ca) for details.
Class of 1996 Phys. Ed Reunion
Aug. 14-16, 2010 in Antigonish. Please
contact the reunion organizers for
details: Dale Brown – daleinlondon@
hotmail.com, Melanie Cantrell –
melaniecantrell@googlemail.com,
or Paul MacDonald – paulmac12@
mac.com
Other StFX Day events:
Details at www.alumni.stfx.ca
DIPLOMA IN
ADULT EDUCATION
National Program of Excellence
Canadian Association University Continuing Education
Excellence is what St. Francis Xavier University’s Diploma in
Adult Education is all about. It is the #1 choice among adult
educators and HRD professionals. Now in our 28 th year.
It is available to you in major centres across Canada or
ask about our in-house programs.
Our 2009/10 schedule includes St. John’s, Halifax, Ottawa,
Toronto, London, Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary and Fort
McMurray.
Limited enrollment – 30 seats per module
www.stfx.ca/academic/adulted-diploma
Email: dipaded@stfx.ca
Toll-free: 1-800-563-7839
Fax: (902)867-2486
Business hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm Atlantic
INTERNATIONAL TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES
THROUGH SEARCH ASSOCIATES
Plan to attend the 14 th annual SEARCH Associates
International Teacher Recruitment fair Friday,
Jan. 29 - Sunday, Jan. 31, Delta Chelsea Hotel,
Toronto. This is the only SEARCH international
job fair in Canada during the recruiting season.
Hundreds of jobs. Sixty (60) recruiters representing
over 80 schools in over 30 countries will be in
attendance. Please go to the SEARCH Associates
website www.searchassociates.com click on
2010 FAIR SCHEDULE and Toronto fair for more
information.
Information sessions will be held in
Canada in November. Please check
www.searchassociates.com under
Latest NEWS for updates.
Contact Ray Sparks ’77
at raysparks@eastlink.ca
for additional information.
28 StFX Alumni News l Fall 2009 StFX Alumni News l fall 2009 29

Reward Yourself.
alumni association update l ed mchugh ‘79, President
Thanks...and a few parting comments
Get the St. Francis Xavier University
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Get a 5.9% introductory interest rate on cash advances
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Apply today by calling 1-800-263-2263 or visiting
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LoyaltyOne, Inc. and Bank of Montreal.
step down as the president
of the StFX Alumni Association
in a few short weeks.
This role has been one of the
most fulfilling experiences of my
volunteer life.
Whenever you assume any
leadership role, you want to leave
the organization in better shape
than when you started. I inherited
an association that has been functioning
at a very successful level for
years. As I leave I feel that we have
strengthened that legacy.
X is currently flying on an extremely
successful flight path in
the fall of 2009. The year started
with the always exciting arrival
of the new students. The O-Crew
(the student orientation crew) and
the university administration did
another marvelous job of ensuring
that Frosh Week is an unforgettable
experience for our first year
students.
This was followed by a glorious
weekend as the new artificial turf
field was unveiled and our men’s
football and women’s rugby teams
hosted exciting matches each
afternoon. The stands were full for
both events and the mood was
fabulous.
The official opening of the new
Coady Institute was a world class
event as people from all over the
globe participated. The presence
of new Board Chair Frank McKenna
and guest speaker Paul Martin
added significance to this event
marking Coady’s 50th anniversary.
Homecoming was a terrific
weekend, led by the class of 1959.
We had record numbers return
home for a weekend of energetic
conversations and events.
Finally, we have just seen the
results of an independent survey
completed by our alumni. According
to the firm that does this work,
our results are staggering. Our
alumni pride in X is higher than any
other school in the country. It was
exhilarating to see the results.
What makes X work Why do
people continue to choose it and
why do over 99 per cent of our
graduates wear the famed ring
The bottom line is that we had
a great experience while we were
students. X has provided a first class
campus experience for decades.
Most of the credit goes to the StFX
staff and the people of Antigonish
who have worked hard and cared
deeply through the years.
Most StFX graduates are people
who want to make a positive difference
in the world.
Thank you to Helen Murphy,
Glenda Bond and Jessica Smith
in Alumni Affairs. They run the
most dynamic alumni association
in Canada as a very small team.
Thanks to all of the staff at X who
always keep the communication
lines open for us.
A special thank you is extended
to all alumni everywhere who hold
X in such a special place in their
hearts.
For a small school in a small
community in a small Canadian
province, StFX is a world giant
when it comes to the development
of great citizens.
Hail and Health
Ed J. McHugh ’79
30 StFX Alumni News l Fall 2009 StFX Alumni News l fall 2009 31
I
A few parting comments:
The university will need our help
in the coming years. Demographic
changes in Canada are leading
towards increased competition
among post secondary players.
I urge you pass along the magic
about X to any young person considering
post secondary education.
Word of mouth is still the most
powerful form of endorsement.
Be available to recent X grads
as they commence the path of
life. That X-Ring has created many
strong networks throughout the
world. Recent graduates have
tested our network and it has generated
very positive outcomes.
Support the school, if you can.
There are a variety of ways to do
so.
Continue to follow the school’s
progress. There are many new and
renovated facilities on campus.
If you have not seen X in awhile,
drop by. It is an exciting place to be,
especially during the school year.
I would like to thank my dear
spouse Shelly (Class of ’80) who has
done so much for me and StFX. I
am fortunate to share my days with
her. Also, I express great gratitude
to my children, Kate ’08 and Colin
’10, who have come along with me
for this alumni adventure.
Alumni Association Board Members
Front row (l-r): Ed McHugh ‘79 (kneeling),
Shawn Monahan ‘87, Janet
Lynn MacNeil ‘95, Andrea MacLean-
Holohan ‘59
Middle row (l-r): Jessica Smith ‘97,
Morag Graham ‘68, Patrick Fraser ’98,
Michael Mitchell ‘78, Jeff Bishop ‘98,
John Shaw ‘62, Bill Kiely ‘67, Austin
Hawley ‘67, Troy Stanley ‘95, Matt
Johnston ‘03, John Fleming ‘81, Helen
Murphy ‘08
Back row (l-r): Kevin MacSween ‘89,
Andrew Howlett ‘02, Paul McDonald
‘96, Jay Donlevy ‘92, Jacqui Janes ‘91,
Jack Lamey ‘95, ‘99, Claudia MacLean
‘92, Paul Fraser ‘82, Drew Smith ‘90
Missing: Karri Cameron ‘92, David
Case ‘70, Heather MacAulay ‘07,
Carla O’Brien Alderson ‘00, and Claire
Ryan ‘06

Vancouver, BC
Calgary, AB
chapter news
The Vancouver chapter alumni association hosted its 8 th annual student send-off BBQ at Prospect
Point picnic site at Stanley Park in Vancouver in July.
Chapter
news
Summer was a busy time for our chapters, as golf tournaments
and student send-offs brought alumni together in
communities across Canada. Many chapters are looking at
adding new family-friendly events to their offerings, such
as Toronto did this past summer with their free Family Day
at a Blue Jays game. Currently plans are well underway for
StFX Day gatherings across Canada and around the world.
Check out our events listings in AlumniNews and online at
www.alumni.stfx.ca to see what’s happening in your area.
Vancouver, BC
The St. Francis Xavier University Vancouver chapter alumni
association hosted its 8 th annual student send-off BBQ at
Prospect Point picnic site at Stanley Park in Vancouver in
July. The purpose of the event is for all new and returning
students to feel welcome in the Xaverian community
before heading to Antigonish. The event was a success
as over 65 current students, alumni and family attended.
The day included the BBQ, a raffle of a number of prizes
donated to support the annual scholarship fund and of
course some fun in the sun in true Xaverian spirit.
We would like to thank Ed McHugh ’79 (president, StFX
Alumni Assoc.) for his contribution to the event. Ed put in
a great effort ensuring all of the new students and parents
felt welcome. We would also like to thank the alumni office
as the day also included a visit for the second straight year
from Neil Stephen, networking officer with StFX Admissions
and Recruitment. Neil added a lot to the event as well, giving
a great talk on what new students can expect at X.
A special thanks goes to our vice-president Candace
Mackenzie, Suzanne Anderson, coordinator of the annual
scholarship fund, AJ Beaton, Paul Richards, Meg Ternes,
Liane Tobin, The Sequoia Group of Restaurants, Alexander
Keith’s, The BC Lions and Geoff Wiltshire.
We will be hosting an X-Ring event Thursday, December
3rd, 2009 in Vancouver.
– Matty Johnston, Vancouver chapter president
Calgary, AB
The summer of 2009 in Calgary kicked off in June with
the chapter’s annual Student Send-off. The send-off has
become an anchor event in the chapter’s calendar because
the Calgary area continues to send students in growing
numbers. More than 20 new students and their families
met local alumni and current students to learn more about
their new home. The families also met Neil Stephen ’06 who,
on behalf of the Admissions Office, helped prepare them
for what to expect for their first few days at StFX, including
how to register for programs and courses. Thank you Neil for
making the trip from Antigonish! The chapter is also proud
to recognize the newest recipients of the Dr. Ed O’Connor
Scholarship. The scholarship commemorates the work of
Dr. Ed O’Connor who in 1974 received an honorary doctorate
from StFX. The scholarship is given to Alberta-based
students attending StFX based on academic proficiency,
athletic achievement, citizenship and need. Congratulations
to Kyle Morrow and Sean Tyler who each receive $5,000 per
year toward their studies. The chapter is also busily planning
its annual Feast Day of St. Francis Xavier festivities on
December 3rd. If you can’t make it for the Mass, drop in for
the reception and reconnect with local alumni. Check the
chapter’s Facebook site or e-mail the chapter at
calgarychapter@stfx.ca for the latest information
on these and other events.
On a sadder note, the chapter wishes to recognize
the life of Leone (Graham) Campbell ’63.
Leone was a stalwart of the Calgary chapter. She
was an active alumnus who readily contributed
her time and energy toward planning and executing
alumni events over the years, and was a
foremost ambassador of StFX. Furthermore, as a
teacher and guidance counselor with the Calgary
Catholic School District, Leone was instrumental
in placing StFX on the radar for graduating high
school students. The StFX Alumni Association
inducted Leone into its Hall of Honour in 1999.
The chapter would like to extend its heartfelt
sympathies to the Campbell and Graham families,
and pray that they take great comfort knowing
that Leone remains a truly loved matriarch of
Calgary’s Xaverian family.
– Oliver Munar ‘98
Ottawa, ON
On Saturday, June 20 th , Ottawa area golfers gathered
at the Canadian Golf & Country Club for a
great round of golf with family and friends. The
weather held off for a nice day on the course,
followed by a dinner in the clubhouse and a few
awards and prizes afterwards. Congratulations
(again!) to the winning foursome: Connor Rossiter
‘01, Kevin O’Connell ‘01, Kris O’Connell and
Jamie Coady. The men’s longest drive: Jim Pendergast
‘85, women’s longest drive: Karri Cameron
‘92. The men’s closest to the pin: Lloyd Chubbs
‘88, women’s closest to the pin: Amanda Paul.
Thanks to those who donated prizes and, in
particular, those who sponsored golf holes. Many
thanks to everyone who participated this year,
we will see everyone again next year!
– Karri Cameron ‘92
LONDON, ON
On Saturday, June 13 th , the London chapter
gathered for our annual golf day and student
send-off. A very relaxing round of golf was
enjoyed under excellent playing conditions at
Hickory Ridge Golf and Country Club. This was
followed by a social gathering and barbeque at
south shore, NS
London, ON
London, ON
the home of Drew and Tracy Smith. A wonderful
mix of alumni, both seasoned and recent, was
on hand to welcome incoming and current
students along with their parents to the Xaverian
family. The Xaverian Prayer was recited, and many
stories and memories were recounted. Darby Van
Tassel, our StFX Ontario admissions advisor was
on hand to review the university’s initiatives in
recruitment in our area as well as giving an update
on X. Steve Snyder, current quarterback of
the X-Men football team provided an overview
of the team and the upcoming season, while
Gilles Arpin, our own athletic liaison, gave us a
“walk through” of the new football field/facility.
A special thanks to Pat Lowe and Tracy Smith
for their continued contributions to our chapter
functions. As a reminder to all X alumni in southwestern
Ontario, if you have not already done so,
please update us with your contact information,
including your email address to ensure you are
informed of all future chapter events. I can be
contacted at: londonchapter@stfx.ca.
– Drew Smith ‘90
Ottawa, ON
Halifax, NS
As always, the Halifax alumni chapter has been
busy since our last AlumniNews check in. The
18th Annual Father George Kehoe Dinner and
Auction was held on April 18, with Kevin Francis
as our guest speaker and more than 350 alumni
and friends in attendance. This year over $24,000
was raised for StFX student bursaries and athletics.
Father Lloyd O’Neill was honoured as the
distinguished alumnus and Seamus O’Regan
was back at the helm as our emcee. Thank you
to all the volunteers who help to make this annual
event possible.
We were fortunate as a chapter this spring
that the President’s Reception came to Halifax.
On June 4, StFX President Dr. Sean Riley played
host to more than 100 local alumni who came
to meet and hear him bring us up to date on the
happenings at the university. Not only was the
event well attended but it was an opportunity
for alumni who have not been involved in our
other chapter events to come out for an evening
of socializing with old friends and rejuvenate
their activity within the chapter.
On August 22, national alumni president Ed
McHugh and his wife Shelly McHugh once again
played hosts to our Halifax student send-off. This
year more than 120 students and parents attended
and took the opportunity to meet fellow first years
and ask questions of representatives from the
university and current students. The Halifax chapter
would like to thank Ed and Shelly for another job
well done, as well as thank those who assisted them
in the preparation and planning.
Our next alumni gathering will be for StFX Day
on December 3. Please keep an eye out on our
chapter website for details regarding the time
and place for our annual church service and
reception. www.stfxalumni.ca
– Carla O’Brien Alderson ’00
MONCTON, NB
In Moncton, we have been busy with student
send-offs. The first one we went to was in Saint
John for their annual golf tournament. Jack
Lamey, Randy Gould ’87 and Claudia MacLean
’92 from Moncton went to Hampton. The
32 StFX Alumni News l Fall 2009 StFX Alumni News l fall 2009 33

chapter news
chapter news
Saint John, NB
Halifax
student
send-off
Golden Horseshoe
Moncton Student Send-off
Pictured, l-r, Andrea MacLean-Holohan with golf
tournament and student send-off committee
members Doug MacDonald and Dalyce Keeling.
weather was warm and we had a lot of fun.
Congratulations to the Saint John chapter for
putting on a great tournament. We also had our
student send-off here in Moncton. A dozen new
and returning students shared stories, a meal
and parents got a chance to talk with someone
from the alumni office on how to calm the first
year jitters. Thank you Jessica! Be sure to mark
your calendar for Dec 3 rd at Molson’s Brewery.
We look forward to seeing you out at one of our
events. It’s a good place to re-connect with fellow
alumni. For more information, please contact
Claudia MacLean ‘92 2maclean@nb.sympatico.ca
or Jack Lamey ’95 ’99 j_lamey@hotmail.com
– Claudia MacLean ’92
Toronto, ON
The Toronto alumni chapter executive (Andrew
Howlett ‘02, president; Heather Shillington ‘01,
secretary and John Ratchford ‘91, treasurer) have
been busy over the past 10 months organizing
the annual as well as new events for our alumni.
What has been most rewarding is seeing old
friends re-connect, meeting alumni who have
been “out-of-the-loop” since they left StFX
many years ago, and having so many people
participating in our events. A “Cheers” goes out
to Lloyd Kehoe ‘59, Carmen Mombourquette
‘81, John Young ‘54 and Darby Van Tassel in
particular. Highlights from our 2009 activities
to date include:
1. Another successful Toronto alumni chapter
golf tournament in May 2009, thanks of course
to Bill McDonnell ‘77.
2. StFX alumni and friends raised over $1,000
for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and their
annual Ride for Heart Event in Toronto. A special
thank-you to Leona Hancharek ‘08 who raised the
most money in our chapter’s first charity event.
3. Many alumni attended President Sean
Riley’s reception hosted at the Bier Market,
downtown Toronto in June, and to no surprise,
were greeted with wonderful hospitality. Thankyou
Sean.
4. Current students from the Greater Toronto
Area connected with each other and some of
our local alumni before heading back to StFX this
August. Thank-you to Heather Shillington ‘01 for
organizing our annual “Student Send-Off.”
4. Our first Toronto alumni chapter “Family
Day” was a tremendous success with nearly 50
alumni and family attending the Toronto Blue
Jays game in August; tickets and food vouchers
courtesy of our alumni chapter.
5. Thank you to Mr. John Rooney who donated
money to our recently established endowment
and annual bursary for an incoming student
from the Greater Toronto Area. Thank-you to Kate
Zed ‘02 and her committee
for their efforts in this
matter.
On behalf of the StFX
Toronto chapter executive
and alumni, our
warmest regards,
– Andrew Howlett
Saint john, nb
The Saint John alumni
chapter hosted its annual
golf tournament
and student send-off
at the Hampton Golf &
Country Club on August
14. Golfers spent a sunny
afternoon on the links, followed
by a cocktail hour
on the patio, dinner and a
prize raffle. We were joined
by Alumni Affairs director
Helen Murphy, Alumni
Association president Ed
McHugh and a number of
current and new students
and their families, who
brought with them the
latest news from campus.
The crowd also recognized
Andrea MacLean-Holohan for her hard work and
dedication to the Saint John chapter and university
over the years. The Saint John Chapter is now
busy planning for the StFX day celebrations on
December 3. Stay tuned for details!
– Claire Ryan
Truro, NS
On August 11 th , about 30 freshmen, students,
parents and alumni gathered at the home of
Chantel ‘97 and Jeff ‘98 Bishop for the inaugural
Truro chapter student send-off. The evening
was full of lots of questions from the freshmen
and their parents - and of course stories from
South Shore Nova Scotia
Northern New Brunswick
the returning students and alumni. Thanks to
all who helped put on this event, and here’s to
bigger and better next year.
– Jeff Bishop
Sudbury, ON
A total of 18 people enjoyed an evening of tasting
the offerings of Grumblers English Pub in Sudbury
on Friday, April 24. The event opened with socializing
over a brew, followed by supper and more
socializing and reminiscing. Alumni attending covered
classes from 1957 through to 2008. We were
able to catch up on news of former classmates
through the amazing Xaverian family network.
The next scheduled Sudbury Chapter event will
celebrate the feast of St. Francis Xavier on Thursday,
December 3, 2009 at Saint Patrick’s Parish. Mass is at
7:00 PM followed by a reception and hors d’oeuvres
in the church hall at 8:00 p.m.
Florida
Our March 2009 reunion was the best that we’ve
had in quite some time. This year, beside the
three guests (Mary Coyle and Ed McHugh and
our “permanent” chaplain, Father Tony MacDonald),
there were 89 who replied to our invitation
to attend our March 7 Reunion.
Our thanks go to the work of the President,
John T MacDonald, Owen Granville, the keeper
of the funds, J. J. MacDonald who headed up
the telephone committee of Bernie Gillis, Harry
Keenan & Duke MacIsaac, and the work of F.
Marie MacDonald our contact “man” with the
university. And we can’t forget Kathy Achorn,
More from Homecoming 2009...
class of 1949
the keeper of our lists, and Janet Kennedy who
took care of the 50/50.
Mark your calendars for Sat., March 6, 2010.
– Owen Granville
class of 1964
class of 1969 class of 1974
class of 1979 class of 1989
class of 1994
34 StFX Alumni News l Fall 2009 StFX Alumni News l fall 2009 35

news exchange
Meredith (3), Anderson William
Edward, June 16/08 & Leland (4 ½)
Cameron Darryl, March 20/09
June 26, 2009
Cate, September 18/08
Haley Jane, December 30/08
Send News Exchange items to Glenda Bond, Alumni Affairs Office
St. Francis Xavier University, PO Box 5000, Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
Phone: (902) 867-2186 • Fax: (902) 867-3659 • Email: alumni@stfx.ca
60 th anniversary, August 31/09
Agnes (McGovern)
and Fabian McDougall ‘49
50 th wedding anniversary
Archie ‘55
and Sylvia DeGaust
August 8/09
Bob ’63 and Ursula ’66 Riendeau,
X-Alumni at their family gathering
Fred Noseworthy ‘70
Happy 100 th birthday Agnes
Agnes MacLellan ’29, ’93 celebrated
her 100 th birthday with her children,
l-r, Louise ’66 and Malcolm MacLellan
’60, Rosemary Scanlon ’59, and
Donalda Dineen ’63.
‘40s
Charlie O’Connell ‘45
and his wife Bonnie have
worked in Guatemala and
Uganda in 2005 and also
did similar work in 2007.
Fabian ‘49 and beautiful
bride, Agnes (McGovern)
McDougall celebrated
their 60 th wedding anniversary
on August 31, 2009.
A large gathering of family
which includes 5 children,
13 grandchildren, and 8
great grandchildren and
friends was held in Dartmouth,
NS hosted by their
eldest daughter, Patricia
McDougall ‘70.
‘50s
Archie ‘55 and Sylvia
DeGaust just celebrated
their 50th wedding anniversary.
Archie has been
retired for 20 years after a
35-year career of secondary
school teaching.
‘60s
Ron MacDonald ‘64
has been appointed to a
two-year term as a senior
goodwill ambassador for
the province of New Brunswick
in Carleton County
by the Minister of State
for Seniors. This volunteer
position involves promoting
a positive image of
the province and specifically
Carleton County as
a good place to live, raise
a family, start a business,
visit and to retire. Since his
appointment in May 2009,
Ron says it has been a rewarding
experience.
Robert G. Haley ‘60, ‘65
would love to hear from
old friends from X at bobhaley@ns.sympatico.ca
Sr. Anne T. Gillis ‘67 just
celebrated her 50th anniversary
as a member
of the Congregation of
Notre Dame. As part of the
Golden Jubilee celebrations,
several gathering
were held in Charlottetown.
These had been
Lou Monahan ’79 and Barb Elsasser, August 2, 2008
preceded by a weeklong
celebration at the CND
motherhouse in Montreal.
On each occasion,
she shared memories of
her years at StFX as a student,
lecturer in nutrition
and consumer studies,
director of Lane Hall and
Residence Coordinator
of Mount St. Bernard and
a member of both the
Campus Ministry Team
and Residence Staff.
On August 8 th , Bob ’63 and
Ursula ’66 Riendeau hosted
a family get-together at
their home in Wellington,
ON. Of the approximately
50 adults in attendance, almost
a quarter were alumni
and one a current student
(see photo).
David Gibeault ‘69 has
been living and practicing
orthopedic hand surgery
in Tucson, Arizona since
1982. He had not seen StFX
since about 1972, but he
and his wife Sandra were
here for Homecoming and
had a great time!
‘70s
Frederick Noseworthy ‘70
is enjoying “life in the slow
lane” sailing the Owl’s Nest
off the eastern shore of
Nova Scotia.
Katherine, 4, and John (Jed) 2
Sheilagh (Norris) Ross ‘73
says hi to all ‘73 grads! She
is still in Camrose, AB and
has been blessed with
three weddings and two
granddaughters since she
last wrote in 2006. She’s
wondering if the 1970-71
3 rd Marg residents would
like to connect for an
alumni weekend You can
let her know at sross2@
telus.net
Robert Dawson ‘73 is
currently living in New
Brunswick and teaching
in Moncton at Harrison
Trimble High School.
Jean Nicol ‘74 is enjoying
retirement from teaching
and working at two businesses.
She is a Univera
Associate and loving the
business and the new lease
on life the products have
given her! She also has
her own home business,
EYECAN Creations Publications.
Doug MacMaster ‘74 is
principal at Jean Baptiste
Sewepagaham School in
Fox Lake, AB.
Alan Ulrich ‘76 was inspired
by his old friend
Yves Rossignol ‘74 to
write and says he continues
to live in the Boston
area and is now serving
Sophie Bronwyn, August 4/08
Anne (MacMillan) ’93
and Jim Morgan
as a Justice of the Peace
for the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts and expects
to solemnise over
125 marriages in 2009. Alan
also serves as a Constable
for the Town of Reading
and has recently joined
the Archdiocese of Boston’s
Catholic Cemetery
Association as a family
counselor. “Adventures yet
lie ahead.”
Bob ‘76 and Eileen (Foley)
‘74 ‘75 MacDonald moved
to Norway in May for an assignment
expected to last
three to five years. They
would love to hear from
any X grads living in Norway
at bmacdonald76@
hotmail.com
‘80s
Michael Murphy ‘82 would
love to hear from old friends
from the late 70’s to the
early 80’s. Drop him a line
at krazykop99@yahoo.com.
Little Murph.
Maurice “Wildman” AuCoin
‘85 is currently in Brussels,
Belgium, where he
has been serving as the
senior defence counsellor
l-r: Lauchie, Apr. 2009; Cameron,
Mar. 2004; Mary Kate, Apr. 2007
and Beaton, Feb. 2006
Nancy Kawaja Kalil ‘95, ‘97
and Peter Kalil
to Canadian Ambassador
to NATO since 2007. Along
with his wife Chantal and
two children, Jonathan (8
years old) and Gabrielle
(6 years old), the family is
thoroughly enjoying their
European experience. He
would love to hear from
friends and is very much
looking forward to Homecoming
2010. mcaucoin@
hotmail.com
Susan Rodgers ‘87 is producing
her first feature
documentary film, Drummerboyz,
about ‘two old
buddies, the elite world
of Highland Games drumming,
and growing up’.
Film will be available in
February 2010.
Jeff Schust ‘89 is presently
living in Mississauga,
ON, after finishing
up a teacher exchange
program in the United
States. While there he
was awarded Cultural
Educator of the Year for
the U.S. He is presently a
vice-principal at Central
Peel Secondary School
in Brampton. It would be
great to hear from friends.
Jeff can be reached at:
jeff.schust@peelsb.com
June 27, 2009
Jolene Mahody ’89 has
recently been named COO
of Jazz Air. LP.
‘90s
Leah MacLean ‘95
and Ron Penley
Tony Hashem ‘91 is still living
in Lynchburg, Virginia
with his wife JoAnn Yurchesyn
and two children Katherine,
4, and John (Jed) 2.
He is still employed with
Genworth Financial and
they still get up to Cape
Breton every summer. If
any “X” friends are ‘Down
South,” look him up. You
can find him on Facebook,
email him at tonyhashem@
gmail.com or just look for
his STFXU Virginia license
plate! Would love to hear
from El Duan & Doobie.
Karen ‘92 ‘93 Nancarrow
and Bruce Lyne are happy
to announce the addition
of their newest family
member, Sophie Bronwyn
born on August 4 th , 2008.
She is a beautiful little sister
for Bella (age 14), Blaise
(age 12), Anneke (age 11)
and Molly (age 8).
Kevin Gauthier ‘92 has
graduated from Holland
College in PEI with a busi-
Kamilla Dominik, December 16/08
Sharon Carter ‘96
and Marc Munroe
ness managers diploma.
Pat Reilly ‘94 is enjoying life
sailing in Turks and Caicos.
Sandy Marsh ‘94 and her
husband Peter and son,
Ryan moved to Lethbridge,
AB in May, 2009.
Kendra MacGillivray ‘95
was appointed to the position
of executive director
of The College of Piping
and Celtic Performing Arts
of Canada in Summerside,
PEI in July, 2009.
Leah MacLean ‘95 married
Ron Penley in July, 2009 at
CFB Kingston and is presently
living in Brussels,
Belgium for three years
while her husband works
at NATO.
Dean Simon ‘95 is currently
working at the YMCA
in St. John’s, NL.
Sharon (Carter) ‘96 and
Marc Munroe were married
on May 19, 2007 and welcomed
a baby girl Cate on
September 18, 2008.
Stacy Wilson ‘96 married
Antony Kinini on July 3,
2009 and is currently living
in Toronto.
September 20/03
Lisa Colton ‘96
and Mark van de Wiel ‘97
Hayley Grace, August 29/08
Anne (Mason) ‘97
and Mark Farrell ‘92
July 28, 2007
Sharlene Chiasson-Bessey ‘98, ‘00
and Bruce Bessey
Lauren Elizabeth, November 20/08
Sharlene Chiasson-Bessey ‘98, ‘00
and Bruce Bessey
Emma Eileen, Dec. 1/04 & Alexandre
Daniel Maurice Xavier, Feb. 19/09
“Life in the slow lane”
...sailing the “Owl’s Nest” off
the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia
Xaverians (l-r): Barry Monaghan ’79, Pete Thornton ’79, Karen (Van Tiggelen)
Monaghan, Mike Martin ‘80, Lou and Barb, Dolores MacNeil ’79, Mark Childs
‘78, Mary Murphy-Fauteux ’82, Jules Fauteux ’81 and Shawn Monahan ’87.
JoAnn Yurchesyn
and Tony Hashem ‘91
Karen ‘92, ‘93
and Bruce Nancarrow
Shannon (Boyle) ‘97, ‘02, ‘08
and Michael MacIsaac
36 StFX Alumni News l Fall 2009 StFX Alumni News l fall 2009 37
Vickie (Brophy) ‘98
and Norbert Srutek
Vickie (Brophy) ‘98
and Norbert Srutek
Carla (Grajczyk) ‘99
and Serge R. Ethier
Carla (Grajczyk) ‘99
and Serge R. Ethier

Edward Franklin, March 10/09
Beth (McCarthy) ‘99, ‘01
and Frank Mah ‘00
Brennan (4), Euan Scott, Jan. 14/09
and Allison (6)
Amy ‘00
and David Hood
Cousins Nolan Alexander Stoqua
(Feb. 15/09) & Shane Charles
Tierney (July 12/08)
Sheena (McBean) ‘03 & Scott Stoqua
‘01, ‘03 / Erin (Stoqua) ‘98 & Steve
Tierney ‘93, ‘98
Canadian Association of Food
Service Professionals National
Conference, Calgary, AB
Jensen Lutes ‘07, Andrea Holohan
and Brenda Hanlon
Gathering of ‘08 grads at
Tennille Bowen’s bridal shower
Back (l-r): Emily Osmond, Mandy
Banfield, Candice Piercey, Julia
MacDonald, Ellen Carter. Front
(l-r): Tennille Bowen, Kaelin
Gillis, Marlo Longobardi
Jackson Ty Daniel, January 26/09
Paula Penticost ‘00
and Shayn Scott
November 29/08
BJ Corkum ‘02
and Corey Oickle
May 16/09
X-Alumni at the wedding of
Sarah(Kennedy) ‘05
and Joey Deveau
in Cheticamp, NS
July 31, 2009
X-Alumni at the wedding of
Emily Schafflik ‘05, ‘07
and Jonathan Bell ‘07
‘09 Alumni – July 18/09
Photo by Jill MacDonald, Middleton, NS
At the wedding of Michelle
(Peters) and Scott Matheson –
Megan Barclay, Pat Connors, Matt
Bernard & Jeremy Bishop.
Rachel Madden ‘00
Conquering the mighty North
by canoe!
September 5/08
Jennifer (Stamp) ’02
and Dwayne Noonan
X-Alumni at wedding in Jasper
Ashley Young ‘07
and Scott Kimball ‘06
Physical and Health Education
Canada Nat’l Conference, Banff, AB
Amanda Stanec ‘98, Kaelin Gillis
‘08 and Justin Oliver ‘08
The Coopers - StFX Family
(l-r): Laureen ‘85, Andrea ‘09,
Danielle ‘07 and Ron Cooper ‘85
at Spring Convocation 2009
Shawn Walsh ‘97 and Birgit
are excited to be back
home in Canada after six
great years in Bermuda!
They would love to hear
from you at walsh.sa@
gmail.com
Stewart “Gazzoo” Askew
‘97 is in his 12th year of service
with the air force. He is
stationed in Ottawa with
his wife Catherine, who is
a military chaplain.
Beth (McCarthy) ‘99, ‘01
and Frank Mah ‘00 are
currently living in Brooklin,
Ontario with their two
sons, Elliott (3) and Edward
(6 months). They would
like to send out a big hello
to all of their X friends! They
can be reached at beth.
mah@gmail.com
‘00s
Amy ‘00 (Hines) and David
Hood would like to
introduce their newest
addition, a son, Euan Scott.
Euan arrived on January 14,
deceased
J. Joseph Jamieson `33
Mary Monica “Mona” (Gallagher)
Robertson `34
Harvey Veniot `37
Lt. Cmdr. Robert J. Donovan `41
Fr. Francis E. Dolhanty `42
Mary Monica Bowlin `43
Fr. James Alexander Gillis, SFM `44
Dr. J. Donald Vautour `44
Joan Clarke Barry `46
Dr. Charles E. McInnis `46
Tobias Kavanaugh English `47
John Francis “Frank” Glasgow `47
`50 `53
Simon Aloysius Fougere `48
Dr. Milton O’Brien `48
Stephen “Stillman” Smith `48 `64
Ian “Colin” MacLeod `50
Gerry O’Sullivan `50
Francis D. “Buddy” McLean `50
Dr. Ronald C. Hurley `52
Rita Marie (Clair) Mooney `52
Walter Eugene Nolan `52
Ronald Gerard MacArthur `53
Charles “Dooley” Stitham `54
Sr. Maria Loyola MacIsaac `56
Sr. Stephanie MacNeil `56
2009 and joins big sister,
Allison (6) and big brother,
Brennan (4), who can’t
seem to get enough of
their little brother!
Fred Delorey ‘02 has been
hired as the Conservative
party’s new chief spokesman.
Shawn Langlois ‘05 is currently
living in Yarmouth
and is teaching elementary
phys ed at Drumlin Heights
Consolidated School.
Brett Roberts ‘08 is very
happy with his life; presently
travelling, meeting
new people and experiencing
new culture while
paying off some student
loans. Brett is teaching
English at Banghak Middle
School in Seoul, South
Korea.
Michelle (Peters) ‘09 and
Scott Matheson ‘09 were
married on July 18, 2009
in Greenwood, NS. They
had many X-grads in attendance.
William Edward Taylor `56
Fr. Desmond T. McGrath `57 `91
William “Bill” Devine `58
Ronald Gerard MacNeil `59
Roberta “Bobbie” M. Gallagher `61
Paul A. Marcinov `63
Isabel Norrie MacLeod 60’s
James A. Box `64
Leone (Graham) Campbell `64
Janet Sobol `64
Wilson J. “Bill” Thomas, Jr. `65
Adrian Bates `66 `67
Eileen M. Fardy `69
Mary Elizabeth Kyte `69 `71
David Richard Cormier `70 `74
Estelle Marie Mason `70
Carroll Kenneth “Kenny” Purcell `71
Jodie (Flynn) King `72 `73 `82
Mitchell Burton King
Francis “Rocky” MacDougall `74
Iromi Christine Amit `76
Joan Chisholm `77
Keith Blair MacDonald `78
Charles William “Bill” Forbes `80
Augustine J. R. Kang, Hon Deg `84
Gordon Raymond Ryan 90’s
Jolene Ann Mury `97 `99
obituaries
Rev. Vincent James MacLellan
The Xaverian family lost a valued member June 24, 2009
with the passing of Rev. Vincent James MacLellan, 87. Father
Vince was a member of the English department for 32 years.
From 1975 – 77, he served as administrative assistant to
then university president, Father Malcolm MacDonell. Fr.
Vince joined the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve
in 1942 and was discharged from military service in 1945,
when he entered his beloved StFX. He graduated with a BA,
and entered priestly formation at St. Basil’s Seminary, was
ordained in 1953. Later he immersed himself in graduate
studies at the University of Toronto, the University of Notre
Dame and at Stratford-on-Avon, England. He received a
Masters of Arts from Notre Dame. In 1954 he returned to
StFX and served as an associate professor of English until his
1986 retirement. After a very generous teaching career, he
continued to engage himself at StFX serving as a mentor,
often assisting students having difficulty learning English.
For several years he taught a “technical” English course to
engineering students. In the wider community, he served
as Chaplain to the Knights of Columbus, the Antigonish
Highland Society, the Royal Canadian Legion and to the
residents of The Orchard Villa and The JJ Carroll House.
Connor Timmons
Sympathy goes out to the family and friends of StFX student
Connor Allan Timmons, 20, a first-year human kinetics
student from New Waterford, NS. Connor was killed in
a car accident on May 9, 2009. Connor was following in
the footsteps of his father and uncles who played for the
X-Men soccer team. Described as a humble young man of
exceptional character, he will be missed at StFX by faculty,
fellow students and all who knew him.
John Francis “Frank” Glasgow
The StFX community was saddened by the passing of
Frank Glasgow, former assistant director of the Coady
International Institute, July 2, 2009. He was a three-time
StFX graduate (a BA, B.Ed, MS Economics and later a
diploma of regional economic development). As a student
he worked as a stoker on the Merchant Marine ship, Lord
Strathcona and stoked the fires at CJFX Radio. Later he
taught high school at Sydney Academy and became
assistant inspector of schools, Cape Breton Industrial
Region, served on the Sydney Co-operative Society and
the NSTU board. While at the Coady, a delegation of
German Bishops financed him to develop a school in the
Philippines to train rural community leaders. This resulted
in the creation of SEAROLIN University (South East Asia
Rural and Social Training Institute). Approached by the
Dept. of External Affairs, under the Canadian International
Development Association, he became the director of the
extension department, UBBS, Southern Africa in Basutoland,
later named Lesotho. Returning to StFX for a year, he then
became the director of community development, Atlantic
Region, with the department of secretary of state in Halifax.
He was also a regional director of educational services with
Correction Services Canada.
Dr. John William “Bill” Gillis
StFX is mourning the loss of Dr. John William “Bill” Gillis, a
former faculty member, on August 15, 2009 in Antigonish,
NS, after a courageous and faith-filled battle with cancer.
Bill grew up in Lanark, Antigonish Co., obtained his BSc. in
geology from StFX and a PhD at The Pennsylvania State
University. He was employed at The National Geological
Survey of Canada and at StFX as a geology professor.
Leaving his teaching career at StFX, he ran for public office
in the 1970 provincial election. Thus began a career of 28
years as the Liberal standard bearer, and Member of the
Nova Scotia House of Assembly, for the constituency of
Antigonish. He won seven consecutive elections in his
hometown, including in 1984 when the Liberals were
reduced, by Conservative John Buchanan’s 42-seat landslide
victory. He served in the cabinets of three different Liberal
premiers, including as deputy premier and minister of
mines and energy, justice and finance. He was well known
for his insistence on spending taxpayers’ money wisely.
Even after he decided not to reoffer in the 1998 election, he
stayed very active in the party, offering advice to candidates
and helping where he could.
Dr. William (Bill) S. Shaw
The university community was saddened to learn of
the death of Dr. William (Bill) S. Shaw, retired professor
and former chair of the geology (now earth sciences)
department, on Aug. 27, 2009. Born in Glace Bay, NS, Dr.
Shaw graduated from StFX in 1945 with an engineering
diploma and a B.Sc. in physics after interrupting his studies
and serving in the Canadian Forces in 1944. He earned a
PhD in geology from M.I.T. in 1951 and worked for the
Geological Survey of Canada. He worked later in the private
sector as a petroleum geoscientist in Trinidad, Latin America
and Louisiana. He returned to StFX in 1968, serving as chair
of the department, and in 1979, on a leave of absence,
as senior Deputy Minister of Mines for Nova Scotia. He
served as a consultant on many government commissions
and was active right to the end with his own consulting
firm. A calm and genial man, he was loved by his students
and well respected by his colleagues in the profession.
Contributions to the Dr. William S. Shaw scholarship being
created by the family for earth science students at StFX will
be gratefully accepted.
Dr. Annette Ahern
The StFX community sends its deepest condolences to
the family of the late Dr. Annette Ahern, a dedicated and
popular professor in the Department of Religious Studies,
who passed away Oct. 22, 2009. A graduate of Wheaton
College and McMaster University, Dr. Ahern began teaching
at StFX in 1991, and was known as a dedicated professor,
writer and researcher. She was also a loving wife and
mother, an active member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church,
Antigonish, and a friend to many. The memorial service
took place at the StFX chapel Oct. 28.
Lost
&
Found
Lost
Man’s ‘32
Man’s ‘55
Woman’s ‘69
Woman’s ‘78
Woman’s ‘79
Woman’s ‘92
Woman’s ‘01
Woman’s ‘03
Man’s ‘07
Woman’s ‘07
Woman’s ‘08
Woman’s ‘09
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Convocation
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now available,
morning or
afternoon
cermony.
Preserve your
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38 StFX Alumni News l Fall 2009 StFX Alumni News l fall 2009 39

Update
Have you moved, changed careers, been promoted
We’d like to hear about it.
Update online at www.alumni.stfx.ca/updateinfo
X-ring story l Alumni Office
Full Name: _______________________________________________
Class Year: ______________________________________________
Spouse’s Name: __________________________________________
Is spouse an ‘X’ alum ____________ Year: _______________________
Address
Street: __________________________________________________
City: ___________________________________________________
Province/State: _____________ Postal/Zip Code: ________________
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Information you would like to have published in the ‘News Exchange’
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Return your X-Update to:
St. Francis Xavier University, Advancement Records
PO Box 5000, Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
Phone: (902) 867-5327 • Fax: (902) 867-3659
Toll-free: 1-888-739-0031
Email: alumni@stfx.ca
Date: ___________________________________________________
The pride of StFX in the Himalayas
I
have had the opportunity and privilege
to attend a month’s course to
complete two modules as part of my
master’s program in school leadership and
management at StFX in the winter of 2002.
I completed my master’s in the winter of
2006 and although I had not the opportunity
to attend the X-Ring ceremony at the
university, we had a small ceremony here
in Paro, Bhutan.
To this day, I proudly wear my X-Ring, and
more importantly I continue to get myself
inspired and motivated to work being an
alumnus of StFX. The skills and the knowledge
I gained as a student and the exemplary
teaching of my professors has always been
rewarding as I work today as a principal.
Moreover, the alumni StFX magazine I
continue to receive is also refreshing and
encouraging too and I feel proud to be a
member of the university. I am sending my
photo with my 10-month-old son with the
ring displayed.
Though my stay there was short, memories
are still fresh of the place; treading along
the snow-covered streets from the hotel to
the classroom; loitering in the streets and
malls. The moment there is snow here I feel
nostalgic. By the time we boarded the plane
back home, it was like a dream because time
was too short to learn many things.
There were firsts for many of us. We were
all first timers on the plane and first timers
to Canada. We still remember finding it difficult
to cross the roads and not knowing
what to buy from the marts because we
could not identify foods on the shelves as
it had different brand names. The fact that
we came to know after almost 20 days that
the huge building near our hotel was a
shopping mall was the funniest thing that
ever happened to us. We had wasted 20
precious days where we could have visited
the mall.
Apart from the academic learning, learning
from outside the classroom proved very
helpful particularly the working culture of
the people, the civic sense and the sense
of duty and punctuality. The few schools
we visited were also a great contrast with
ours in terms of learning facilities. But
despite meager resources, I continue to
use the vast knowledge, skills and values I
learned from StFX to bring about a change
in the working culture and to meaningfully
engage children to learn so they grow up
to be productive citizens.
Thanks
Sonam Tenzin
Jakar Higher Secondary School,
Bumthang Bhutan
40 StFX Alumni News l Fall 2009

Class
of ’59
Albert Allong Rev. Jake Andrea Maurice Aucoin Aimé Beauchesne Paul Beauchesne Harold Breen Thomas Brideau
Michael “Diker” Campbell Mary A.(MacLellan) Campbell Rosanne Cashin-Nichol Jim Chadwick Frank J. Corcoran George Doucet Herb Doucet Leo A. Doyle
Mary (Lonergan) Eldridge Frank G. Fitzpatrick Bill Gardenier Matthew J. Hamilton Jack Haney Harry Hodge Maura (McGloan) Keenan Lloyd Kehoe
Estelle (Dalton) Kelly Marcel A. LaFrenier Helen (MacDonald) Lagan Rev. Bernard MacAdam Marie MacDonald Robert M. MacDonald Ronald J. MacDonald Vincent B. MacDonald
Howard MacDonald C. Thomas MacDonald Rosemary (Gillis) MacDonald Angus Lawrence MacDonell Marilyn (Ward) MacIsaac Ron MacKinnon Bill Mackasey Andrea Maclean-Holohan
George Manos Terry McCann John McCormick Don McCormick John McCurnin Frances (Pendergast) McSwiggan J. Thomas Morrisey Ed Mroz
Florence (French) Mullen Brian Mulroney T. John “Jock” Murray Donna M. (Pistone) O’Leary Oliver P. O’Rourke Maureen E. (Dunphy) Oxner Louise (Comeau) Pooler Brian Power
Regina (Jeanie) Revell David Ronan Ed Russell Rosemary (MacLellan) Scanlon Jim Sears Joseph (Joe) Shaheen Michael Sheflin Carolyn (Punch) Smedley
Virgil Smith Carl Smyth Ronald Southcott Lester Stewart Thelma (Power) Sullivan Hugh Sweeney Fr. Ray Vickers Ed Wdowiak
D. Robert (Bob) Weir Gail (Nyman) Williamson Jack Madden - class of ‘32
Congratulations to our Golden Grads!

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K-MM7689-09_MMI (8.75x11.5)•stfx_EN.indd 1
1/19/09 3:58:15 PM
Projet : Annonce MMI 2009
Client : Meloche Monnex
No de dossier :
K-MM7689-09_MMI (8.75x11.5)•stfx_EN
Province : NS
Publication : St-Francis Xavier Magazine
Format : 8.75 x 11.5
Couleur : 4 couleurs
Épreuve # : 3
Date de tombée : 9/01/09
Graphiste : MJ Bisaillon
Hamelin Martineau • 505, boul. de Maisonneuve O. Bureau 300 • Montréal (Québec) H3A 3C2 • T : 514 842 4416 F : 514 844 9343
ATTENTION : Merci de vérifier a ttentivement cette épreuve afin d’éviter toute erreur.