StFX AlumniNewsSpring 2010 connecting alumni and friends of St. Francis Xavier University

X grad Dr. Colleen O’Connell ’90 on the ground in Haiti

Caroline Alexander ’85 Beyond Bubbles: outfits Dancing with A conversation with the Stars Mike Smith ’93 Carrying a Torch Anything is Possible: Ask Riiny Ngot NO ANNUAL FEE Reward yourself.

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CREATIVE NETWORK Contact: Pat Coull eMail: [email protected] Phone: 416.488.1033 x34 Contents

On the Cover

Bright Lights of the Olympics 12

As former StFX cross-country standout and Olympian Eric Gillis ran into the lower Bloomfield parking lot, pumping his hands in the air and proudly carrying the Olympic torch, the crowd gathered on the StFX campus went wild at the sight of the ancient Olympic flame. Gillis, an Antigonish native and StFX grad, made his way onto the stage to 10 symbolically lift the torch high in the air and then down to light the 1.3 metre high cauldron. The torch event – hosted by StFX, the Town of Antigonish and the Municipality of the County of Antigonish – was held on campus Nov. 17. Departments Features

President’s Message 5 X Grad on the Ground in Haiti 10 Six days after a devastating 7.0 earthquake hit News Flash 6 Haiti, Dr. Colleen O’Connell ’90, a Fredericton-based 14 Athletics 28 rehabilitation doctor who has done aid work in the country since 2003, was on a plane bound for Port- Alumni Association News 29 au-Prince.

The Word From Our Chapters 30 Dancing with the Stars 14 News Exchange 36 X Grad Caroline Alexander shares her thoughts on helping outfit Dancing with the Stars.

Anything is Possible 16 Riiny Ngot shares his amazing journey from ‘Lost Boy 20 of Sudan’ to StFX student

Beyond Bubbles 20 A conversation with Mike Smith ’93

Visit StFX’s online alumni community, The X-Ring: www.alumni.stfx.ca StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 1 From the editor l Helen murphy ‘08 letters

X-Rings Around the World As we continued to talk, I glanced at his hand Canada’s most-read alumni magazine and noticed the X-Ring. I couldn’t believe it! lumni support never ceases to be a source MANAGING EDITOR X-Grads in Tunisia Imagine the chance, among all the people in of great pride for the StFX community. You Helen Murphy ‘08 A Email: [email protected] “ the park that day, of me standing in line next may recall in the last issue of AlumniNews we wrote Phone: 902-867-2243 a little about an engagement survey conducted last to an X graduate. Assistant EDITOR spring. With comparisons to other universities across Shelley Cameron-McCarron Alexandra (Leger) Keedwell ‘92 Canada available, we found that StFX is untouch- Email: [email protected] able when it comes to alumni engagement (as we Writer suspected, of course!). Shelley Cameron-McCarron ” X-Rings Spark Conversation at Chicago Marathon PRODUCTION & DESIGN Dear AlumniNews, While the national average is 49 per Angela Sears Email: [email protected] i wanted to pass on an X-Ring story. I am a ‘92 graduate. I recently ran cent of university alumni who read the 2009 Chicago Marathon (a race of 34,000 participants). The race starts NEWS EXCHANGE EDITOR and ends in Chicago’s Grant Park. On that lovely October day, the park was their alumni magazine regularly, the Glenda Bond Email: [email protected] filled with thousands of runners and spectators. The amount of people rate for StFX alumni is an outstanding was overwhelming. While waiting in line to get a much-needed massage, PHOTOGRAPHy I started talking to a guy standing next to me. Our conversation was of the 79 per cent. John Bastin Email: [email protected] usual post-race stuff – our times, the course, the weather. As we continued The data gleaned from that survey is providing shelley Cameron-McCarron authors most of the to talk, I glanced at his hand and noticed the X-Ring. I couldn’t believe it! all sorts of interesting and impressive insights. One engaging stories on these pages. The striking layout COVER DESIGN Imagine the chance, among all the people in the park that day, of me Angela Sears we recently discovered is that StFX has the highest and design are courtesy of our graphic designer, An- standing in line next to an X graduate. Had I been just a second earlier or readership, on a per-capita basis, of any alumni gela Sears. And the beautiful photography is primarily ADVERTISING INQUIRIES later, I wouldn’t have chatted with Blaise Dobbin ‘90. I guess it proves that Glenda Bond L-r: Vanessa ‘07, Ellen ‘07 and Beth ‘77 magazine in Canada. the work of our photographer/videographer John Phone: (902) 867-2186 our world is really small and that the X-Ring brings us all together. While the national average is 49 per cent of Bastin. Fax: (902) 867-3659 I am sending along a picture of my daughter, her friend and myself when Who knows who I’ll meet at my next race? I’ll wear my X-Ring, for sure! university alumni who read their alumni magazine The other key to success for AlumniNews is you. Email: [email protected] we were on a holiday in Tunisia. We are all StFX grads. My daughter, Ellen – Alexandra (Leger) Keedwell ‘92 regularly, the rate for StFX alumni is an outstanding Our readers send us news items, photos, letters and deadlines McGinnis (BSc, Math ‘07) and her friend Vanessa Read (BSc Nutrition ‘07) 79 per cent. story ideas that keep our alumni magazine fresh and Fall Issue were both attending Rennes International School of Business in France. Attracted to the X-Ring? These figures and the feedback we often get from interesting. Please continue to share your news and copy deadline September 20 for I visited them in Spring 2009, and we decided to take a sun vacation to November mailing alumni about the magazine make it all worthwhile ideas with us. Djerba, Tunisia. It was a great adventure and needless to say we had a for the small team that puts this publication out And thanks for reading. Winter Issue wonderful trip! three times a year. It may surprise you that the bulk copy deadline January 20 for – Beth (Gormley) McGinnis ‘77 March mailing of the work on AlumniNews is carried out by only Hail and Health, three talented staff. And of course their work on Helen Murphy ‘08 Summer Issue Rankin Inlet the magazine is only one part of their far-reaching Director, Alumni Affairs copy deadline May 20 for X-Ring Day was celebrated in the July mailing contributions to StFX. Great White North, Rankin Inlet, Nunavut on a sunny but crisp af- AlumniNews is published by St. Francis Xavier ternoon, -32 with the wind chill to University Alumni Affairs and Communications three times annually for alumni and friends of be exact. In the picture, six alumni the university. Views expressed are those of gathered around the giant Inuk- the individual contributors or sources quoted. shuk for a photo op. We all stood Contents, copyright © 2010 by St. Francis Xavier University. Subscriptions to AlumniNews are around afterward and discussed available to the public for $21 a year, single copies our great experiences at StFX. In $7. Letters to the editor are welcome. Address correspondence to: the picture are from left to right, Brenna MacEachern BSc HNU ’06 AlumniNews and IDI ‘07 (regional nutritionist, St. Francis Xavier University PO Box 5000 Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5 Government of Nunavut), Da- Email: [email protected] mian MacInnis BA ’06 (community While reading the latest edition of AlumniNews, I found the section dealing Phone: 902-867-2186 economic development officer, with X-Rings around the world quite interesting. I thought this might be Personal Information: St. Francis Xavier University gathers and maintains records of Hamlet of Rankin Inlet), Heather expanded to include special pictures like the attached. My daughters Lisa personal information for the purposes of admission, registration, provision of educational services, ongoing contact with students and alumni, and soliciting support for these and Campbell B.Ed ‘02 (high school (BSc ‘94) and Lana (BSc ‘00 and BEd ‘02) have both suggested that I send 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 teacher, Government of Nunavut it in. The hand in the photo belongs to Anne-Marie Gillis (née Head - BBA Privacy Act, S.N.S. 1993, c.5. Information provided to the University from time to time and vice president of the Nunavut ‘70) while the photographer is Leo Gillis (BSc Phys Ed ‘72). The photo was 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 Teachers Association), Ryan Beaton BBA ’06 (accounts manager, Atuqtuarvik taken in Mapleton Park in Moncton, NB. by applicable legislation or in accordance with the purposes for which it is collected. If you wish to have your contact information removed for the purposes of any mailings to Corporation), Gavin Gee BBA ’05 (accounts manager, Royal Bank of Canada – Leo and Anne Gillis, Moncton, NB 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. Rankin Inlet Branch), and Don Payne M.Ed ‘94 (high school teacher, Govern- ment of Nunavut). – Damian MacInnis ‘06

2 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 3 President’s page l dr. sean e. riley ‘74 Introduce StFX Overcoming life’s challenges e all know how stressful the demands of university life can be on today’s W students. Mid-terms, exams, papers, trying to juggle school work with extra-curricular to the next generation activities and having a social life – these things cause a certain degree of stress. Dr. Sean E. Riley’74 For many students, the natural ebb and flow StFX President of stressful times during their university years is compounded by some very serious personal challenges. Sadly, some students lose a parent or other loved one during their four years on campus. Some have to deal with serious illnesses or other health challenges. Four years fly by, yet in some ways it’s a long time. It’s a time of heartbreaks and self-doubt, achievement and celebration – all the ups and downs of life squeezed into these four years of tremendous change. One of the strengths of the StFX community is our ability to support students during the tough times, as well as the good times. Some might say this comes naturally to us, because StFX has always been that kind of place. But we’ve also students experiencing personal or health- At Fall Convocation invested in the programs and services students related challenges receive support and we celebrated a need in order to achieve their potential. professional services through our expanded This issue of AlumniNews revisits the stories Health and Counselling Centre. And students special milestone There are so many great stories wrapped up in the X-Ring. of two members of the StFX community who with disabilities achieve success with the help when Louise Burley overcame significant obstacles in order to get of the Centre for Students with Disabilities. became the first It’s a touchstone, and so often a conversation starter. on the path to success. These are just a few of the ways in which the non-sighted person It’s a chance to talk fondly about opportunities, and to Olympian Eric Gillis ‘04 has battled his way to StFX community supports students throughout international success in cross country running. their university experience. Of course much of to graduate from introduce StFX to the next generation. These pages also tell the very moving story of the support students receive in overcoming the Diploma in Adult Riiny Ngot, a young man who is overcoming obstacles and achieving their potential Education program. unspeakable trauma on his journey to success comes directly from faculty. Professors invest If you know of a high school student or someone who is in education and basketball. considerable time and effort into working one- At Fall Convocation we celebrated a special on-one with students in supporting them along interested in learning more about StFX, please contact milestone when Louise Burley became the their academic journey. first non-sighted person to graduate from the it’s about giving students the right support the Admissions Office. Diploma in Adult Education program. at the right time, and that makes a lifetime of Eric, Rinny and Louise are not alone. Every difference. year hundreds of StFX students face serious Help share our story. challenges in their lives. And the StFX community is there to help. supporting students on the road to academic success is our Writing Centre. This is where students learn to raise the quality of their Admissions & Recruitment academic writing and learn strategies, including effective time management, for achieving Dr. Sean E. Riley’74 Toll-free: 1-877-867-StFX academic success. StFX President Email: [email protected] stfx.ca

4 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 5 newsflash l what’s new on campus and in the stfx community NewsFlash Apple Canada, StFX team up in national pilot project What’s New on Campus and in the StFX Community The next generation of manager of service and support. StFX teachers will be well Mr. Proctor says StFX’s relationship STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS T prepared for using Apple with Apple started over two years • StFX students have banded togeth- technology in the classroom, thanks ago when chief technology officer er to help Haiti. At press time, they to a partnership with nearly $100,000 Duncan MacPherson approached had raised $5,000 and counting. between Apple Canada and StFX the company to have StFX officially through its Faculty of Education support and bring Apple technology • In February, Dr. Steve Holloway and and the Technology Support Group to campus. “This partnership came 14 students took part in the Harvard (TSG). Apple selected StFX as one because of that relationship,” Dean National Model United Nations in of three Canadian universities (the of Education Dr. Jeff Orr says they are Boston. others are UBC and OISE-UofT) to very excited about the possibilities participate in this national pilot the partnership opens for faculty, • English student Adrianna Eyking’s project. Apple will provide each pre-service teachers, and teachers essay received a 2009 North Ameri- faculty of education with equipment and staff in schools. “This straddles can Conference on British Studies L-r, Colton White and James Stewart, Apple campus reps for StFX, Rob Policicchio, and training. At StFX, this means two the two worlds of the university and Undergraduate Prize. Apple Canada instruction technologist specialist, Faculty of Education Dean Dr. mobile laptop labs, 40 laptops, and school board worlds which we live Jeff Orr, Karen Ritcey, Apple marketing manager, Andrew Foran, chair of StFX’s 15 days of professional development. in. As we get better at using Apple Faculty HIGHLIGHTS B.Ed program, and Rob Proctor, manager of service and support with TSG. “The real opportunity is that it’s not technology, the pedagogy spills just equipment, it’s also professional both ways in what goes on in schools • In Earth Sciences, Dr. development,” says Rob Proctor, TSG’s and universities.” Grant Ferguson’s ex- The Rt. Hon. Joe Clark The Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney The Rt. Hon. Paul Martin pert commentary was quoted in Discovery Business school slated to open in September News; his paper in Geophysical t’s an exciting time for StFX’s about 800 students. Highlights Three Canadian Prime Ministers in 30 Days Research Letters was chosen as an Faculty of Business: the include seven large classrooms, American Geophysical Union high- hat does StFX have in Mr. Clark delivered the annual fourth national leader – the Rt. Hon. I $25 million renovation and two computer teaching labs, light, a rare honour. Dr. common with the Rt. Allan J. MacEachen Lecture in Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister construction project to establish four faculty research labs, 12 Alvaro Montenegro’s W Hon. Joe Clark, the Rt. Politics; Mr. Mulroney attended his of Antigua and Barbuda, who is a a new 75,000 square foot home breakout seminar rooms, a 300- afforestation article Hon. Brian Mulroney, and the Rt. 50th year reunion; and Mr. Martin Coady grad, was also a featured for the Gerald Schwartz School of seat auditorium, a focus group lab, was included in the Hon. Paul Martin? All three former was a featured speaker at the guest at that celebration – rounding Business and Information Systems lounges for faculty and students, European Commission’s environ- Canadian Prime Ministers were on Coady Institute’s gala opening and the total out to four prime ministers is nearing completion. The facility and about 40 offices. The new mental news services. In Dr. Dave campus in the same 30-day span. 50th anniversary celebrations. A in a month. is expected to open in August with building is built to LEED silver Risk’s Flux Lab, where StFX names Timothy Lang ‘87 classes to begin in September standard (new green building collaborations stretch Vice-President Advancement 2010. The building will provide technology), and is heated with from China to Havre enhanced space for faculty and geothermal energy. Boucher, five major tFX President Dr. Sean Riley is pleased to announce that Timothy projects dealing with reducing Lang ’87, has been appointed to the leadership position of Vice- Check us out! greenhouse gas emissions are SPresident, Advancement, following a national search. Mr. Lang StFX students regional champs New StFX website ready to take wing. has extensive senior executive experience with multinational corpora- launched tions, having served as Global Vice-President, Sales, & Marketing with • Dr. Ricardo Scrosati’s Energy Savings Income Fund, a $2 billion publicly traded company. prestigious $500,000 ecent visitors to stfx.ca, He also held leadership roles at Bell and Xerox. Canada Research Chair may have noticed some As Vice-President, he will lead fund development to help StFX of- R in Marine Ecology was striking new changes to the fer Canada’s premier university experience. He will also lead Alumni renewed for a second five-year website. In late December Relations, Communications & Marketing, and Records Management term. 2009, StFX launched the to help increase affinity to StFX. first phase of a multi-phased “I am excited about the opportunity to help StFX further build • The Aboriginal Nurses Association, web redesign project that our reputation as one of Canada’s pre-eminent universities,” says Mr. with the Canadian Association of is designed to offer users a Lang. Schools of Nursing, selected StFX cleaner structure, simplified He has a BA in political science from StFX, a Master’s Degree from one of six Canadian schools for imple- navigation and enhanced the University of Manitoba, and several management and executive menting nursing curriculum based StFX’s Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) team has been named the SIFE features that better reflect diploma courses from institutions including the Schulich School of on cultural safety competencies. Business. He served on boards for the Children’s Aid Society and Green Challenge Regional Champion by national charitable organization the StFX brand to a world- Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE). The StFX team stood out to wide audience. Enhanced Toujours Ensemble in Montreal. He was a candidate for Member of • Development Studies professor Dr. the judges because of their dedication to environmental issues on campus. features include a panoram- Parliament in the federal election of 2004. Other accomplishments Be sure to check us out at stfx.ca! Jonathan Langdon Accomplishments to date include supplying the 73 apartments in Somers ic 3-D virtual tour of campus include a stellar athletic career, playing varsity football with both the celebrated the launch and Power Halls, which house almost 300 students, with a kitchen compost and a frequently updated X-Men and the University of Manitoba Bisons where he was team of Indigenous Knowl- bin, and an informational sheet with the environmental and financial ben- news and events calendar. captain and was twice named Academic All-Canadian. He also played edges, Development semi-pro football in England. Mr. Lang and his wife Jennifer have two efits of composting. The next phase will be addressing the oil and electricity and Education. children, aged three and one. use in these two buildings.

6 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 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 Frank McKenna awarded New film Order of Canada on the Antigonish Movement released

ou CAN Do It!, a new Ydocumentary of the inspiring story of the Antigonish Movement, was launched Nov. 26 at The Mother House of the Sisters of St. Martha Karen Wight ‘79 receives Governor at Bethany. Through the use of archival film and contemporary General’s Award for Excellence in video footage, the documentary tells the incredible story of the Antigonish Movement, its beginnings, its early successes and its Photos courtesy of Reuters Photos Teaching Canadian History enduring legacy. The project grew out of the education commit- Dr. Truis Smith-Palmer wins rank McKenna ’70, the tee of the Bergengren Credit Union in the lead up to the celebra- Karen Wight ’79 and Alison former premier of New tion of its 75th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the Coady Science Champion Award England roped in a national history F Brunswick, former Ca- International Institute. The committee was concerned that while award recently for a Grades 1, 5 nadian Ambassador to the the name of Dr. M.M. Coady would be known through the work of r. Truis Smith-Palmer is a devotion to the promotion of and 7 research project celebrating U.S. and current chair of the the institute, his accomplishments and the contributions of Rev. science champion. And science and technology to the the ranching history of Longview, StFX Board of Governors, was J.J. Tompkins and the many others in the Antigonish Movement D now she has an award public. The recipients of the award AB. The two teachers were among awarded the rank of Officer in are mostly lost on the youth of today. The general interest DVD is to recognize it. The long-time StFX are role models who make sci- seven receiving the 2009 Governor the Order of Canada by Gover- available at all branches of the Credit Union or online from Cathy chemistry professor was honoured ence fascinating and accessible. Dr. General’s Award for Excellence in nor General Michaëlle Jean at MacDonald ([email protected]). The educational DVD is avail- recently at the seventh annual Smith-Palmer’s award is in recogni- Teaching Canadian History. The Rideau Hall in Ottawa Novem- able for schools, libraries and universities from McNabb/Connolly, Discovery Awards for Science and tion of her efforts to bring exciting project focused on ranch brands ber 5, 2009. The award recognizes outstanding achievement and service 1-866-722-1522, (905) 278-0566, www.mcnabbconnolly.ca Technology, winning the presti- and engaging science education and the brand histories and helped in various fields of human endeavour and is the country’s highest honour gious Science Champion Award at activities to children and schools bring the community’s history to for lifetime achievement. the ceremony held November 26th all over northern Nova Scotia and life while also creating a significant Canadian Broadcasting Corporation news anchor Peter Mansbridge (2nd at The Westin Nova Scotian, Halifax. Cape Breton for over 25 years. “It is permanent documentation. The L) shares a laugh with Mr. McKenna (2nd R) during the Order of Canada cer- Bishop Brian Dunn The awards honour individuals and vital that young people see how awards, established by Canada’s emonies at Rideau Hall. Mansbridge was also awarded the rank of Officer. organizations whose exemplary important science is in our lives National Historic Society, recognize installed as ninth work in science and technology and how fascinating it is and how teachers who have helped students Bishop of the Diocese inspire. In particular, the Science many questions it can answer, and explore the nation’s history in a Champion Award recognizes the raise,” she says. unique and interactive way. of Antigonish

ishop Brian Dunn was in- Giller Prize for stalled as the ninth Bishop Linden MacIntrye B of the Diocese of Antigon- ish during a special mass held at tFX graduate Linden MacIntrye ’ 64, St. Ninian’s Cathedral on Monday, Shas taken home the Scotiabank Giller Jan. 25, 2010. Prize, which recognizes excellence in Bishop Brian Dunn Canadian fiction and is the country’s richest literary prize, coming with a cheque for $50,000, for his second novel, The Bishop’s Man. A panel of three judges T4G Limited, a company led by Saint Johner Geoff Flood ’76 (centre), won English prof long-listed had narrowed down a field of nearly 100 the Pacrim Hospitality Services Inc. Online Innovation Award for its My Trip books to a long list of 12 (StFX English Planner technology at the 2009 Tourism Industry Association of Canada for Giller professor Jeanette Lynes’ debut novel awards. Designed for the New Brunswick Department of Tourism and was included on this list), then down Parks, the technology allows prospective visitors to the province to plan alk about your breakout debut novel. English to a short list of five, before picking the their vacation online in just a few easy steps and then modify it as their Tprofessor Dr. Jeanette Lynes’s first work of eventual winner, announced at a gala Victor DeGagne ’03 (centre) was ordained to the diaconate in his plans change. The company, established in January 1996, has grown from fiction, The Factory Voice, was long-listed for in Toronto in November. home diocese of Thunder Bay, ON. Shown here with him at the just 26 employees to a staff of more than 200 with offices in Vancouver, the Scotiabank Giller prize, which recognizes event, held May 24, 2009 in Fort Frances, ON, are Fr. Paul MacNeil Toronto, Saint John, Moncton and Halifax. Here, Mr. Flood is pictured with excellence in Canadian fiction. Dr. Lynes is (StFX chaplain from 1996-2007) and Elisabeth Duggan ’03. company executives David Baxter (left) and John Ceccarelli. currently at work on a new novel.

8 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 9 feature

s rehabilitation specialist Dr. Colleen she says they must continue to work on training of O’Connell ’90 boarded a plane for earth- local health resources, and providing access to care for quake-ravaged Haiti to lend her expertise those persons with disabilities who survived the quake, A on the ground, she had one message: many of whom lost their equipment, homes, families. “Please don’t give up on Haiti, they have not given up “We will work in the intermediate term to rebuild on themselves.” our rehabilitation clinic and hospital, staff with volun- As the stunning devastation and shocking images of teers and Haitian health workers and therapists, and destruction captured the support and emotions of the continue to train local resources. We expect and are world, Dr. O’Connell says it must continue to be all hands planning that for the months to come, possibly years, on deck, that we can’t leave this country in crisis. there will be some shift back to hands-on provision of “The humanitarian outpouring of support, which care in addition to training, whereas prior to the quake includes money, equipment, human resources, se- we had essentially transitioned to entirely a teaching/ curity, and offers of refuge, cannot stop in the weeks training mandate due to the progress and skills and following as the search and rescue and emergency capacity of the local rehabilitation workers.” care ends, and the rebuilding begins. Dr. O’Connell first began working in international On The Ground “The country has lost near everything, and this development through a Red Cross program in 1986, Dr. Colleen O’Connell ’90 is now on the ground in country was not in abundance of resources it could and that experience in Kenya introduced her to both Haiti. Her husband Jeff Campbell ’94 updated us spare before the quake.” medicine and international aid/development. with this report: rebuilding, medical care, shelter, schools, jobs, food Early in her practice as a rehabilitation specialist in and water access are going to be issues for months and Fredericton, she was contacted by Healing Hands for “They have next to no Internet. I can years to come, and we cannot just pat ourselves on the Haiti, a rehabilitation medicine aid organization in the X grad on the ground sometimes get her on a phone, but back for a job well done for the emergency response, U.S. that works to both provide care and prosthetics/ Dr. Colleen nor shake our head and walk away in defeat, she says. orthotics to persons with disabilities in Haiti, while even that is tough. The conversa- At the end of every story, for every person one sees on working to develop and train local resources. O’Connell ’90 tions are short and mission-driven. in Haiti TV, it’s important to remember there’s an individual, a Dr. O’Connell agreed to coordinate the first Canadian real person who needs help. team, and 17 people went on Jan 2, 2003. “We have They are actually homeless and Dr. O’Connell and her husband, Jeff Campbell ’88, been going ever since, and Team Canada Healing- say it is incredible how large a net the Haitian com- Hands has been its own registered charity since 2005. staying at the lobby of Handicap In- munity has cast across North America and beyond. We continue to partner with HHH, and other closely ternational’s office. Colleen has seen They say they have found a great coming together of linked local-based organizations in Haiti and other hundreds of people from all walks of life, passing along countries working to develop and deliver sustainable thousands of new amputees (80-90 information, reports, stories, needs and updates. rehabilitation services.” per cent of surgeries) everywhere. “The messages we have gotten from our surviving When asked what spurs her humanitarian efforts, Dr. friends and colleagues, it is incredible. In this era of O’Connell says she believes it’s a basic human instinct. Today, she toured 6-7 hospitals email, text, Twitter, the individual stories of hurt, de- “I don’t think there is anything special about me; I was throughout Port-au-Prince. She saw spair, need, survival, joy, cooperation – this is so real, fortunate to have the opportunity to work internation- so now. “ ally at a young age, and that experience has shaped 10 new spinal cord injuries. Some of in Haiti, Dr. O’Connell is working with Handicap my career and volunteer work. The numbers of persons these patients will die in the coming International (HI), along with four other Canadian and who have offered in the wake of this disaster speaks American Healing Hands volunteers who have offered volumes to the goodness of people. I strongly believe days without a medical evacuation to join this international NGO to best put their skills that we do have a responsibility to all our neighbours, and knowledge to use. irrespective of geopolitical borders. I know it sounds to a centre that can treat their needs “Part of HI’s mission is to provide emergency medical totally cliché but we are all in this together.” surgically. On the bright side, she Six days after a devastating 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti, Dr. Colleen O’Connell care to those injured, with a focus on amputations and For those who want to help, she says there are many spinal cord injury. We will be based initially at one of the aid organizations providing emergency relief and care, has seen a lot of faces of friends ’90, a Fredericton-based rehabilitation doctor who has done aid work in UN tent compounds, and will be working in tent and and there are those who will be needed for the longer that have survived, some that were existing hospitals to begin treatment and longer-term term for rebuilding and ongoing care. the Caribbean country since 2003, was on a plane bound for Port-au- planning for the hundreds of persons with amputa- “They will need money, and we will need to hold in dire situations (trapped, another tions and potential spinal cord injuries,” she explains. our governments to their commitments of aid. There jumped from the 6th floor of his Prince. Dr. O’Connell graciously found time to speak with AlumniNews. For her personally and for her organization, Healing will also be needs for specialized volunteers in areas of Hands for Haiti (the clinic where they work is very close health, engineering, security, education….I would fol- school as it collapsed) and all of to where much of the damage was done), they will low needs on sites such as the UN, to learn about what whom have lost many friends and By Shelley Cameron-McCarron need to take direction from the overall mission of the each organization is doing, and on a local level, support UN in Haiti. those organizations with a good track record in Haiti.” family members.” Their expertise lies in rehabilitation care, which Haiti, for her, is truly a special place. includes fabrication of artificial limbs and braces (pros- “I admire strength, I admire soul. This country has theses and orthoses) as well as treating persons with so much of both, yet has been dealt blow after blow. amputations, major orthopedic injuries, and spinal Remember, these people are the descendants of the cord and brain injuries. first successful slave revolt in the modern western world, and they are our neighbours.” X

10 StFX Alumni News ll spring 2010 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 11 feature

My feet have not hit the ground yet as Who: I cannot believe that I am one of only Carrying a Torch Howard Evans ‘93 Where: “ 12,000 people in all of Canada to hold Banff, AB Alumni Reflect on their Olympic Experience “It was a surreal this torch. This is a very surreal mo- experience and didn’t ment…The faces of the people lining really hit me full on until I was running with the torch and really the route said it all; some were tearing felt the Olympic spirit. I also felt it even up with pride, some wanted to touch more later as I take the torch to different places for others to see and hold and the the torch and some were simply joyous expressions it invokes on people’s faces.” to be able to see the torch go by. I hold it high for all to see as we are all part of Who: this proudly Canadian moment. Amber Cooper ’99 Who: – Reflections from Olympic torch bearer Evelyn Kelly ‘05 Where: Rick Stephen ’74 Quesnel, BC Where: ” Saint John, NB “This experience allows you to meet “When my torch was people from across lit, it was an instant Who: the country who share a passion for Canada, flash of adrenalin… Robert Poirier ‘74 the experience of carrying the torch is a once the Olympic Games, and all they stand for.” Where: in a lifetime event – one that I will treasure Corner Brook, NL and remember always.” “Yes, tears were in my eyes as I carried this symbol of peace and if everyone in the world could feel what I felt, there would be no more wars or find out more conflicts. We would be as one.” To read more about the experiences of these and other X torch bearers, visit www.alumni.stfx.ca For more photos, see page 23. Who: Eryn Hessian ‘00, ‘03 Where: Asbestos, Quebec Who: “My roommate from X, Julie (Mackasey) Karen Madden was there Hancin ’90 too and she carried it two Who: Where: days later in Montreal.” Zack Fraser ‘09 Sudbury, ON Where: Julie’s sister Anik took Mabou, NS her later on the day “It was one of the run to the hospital where she works of the coolest in maternity. While there a woman went experiences of my into labour. “She begged Julie to wait until life and perfect down to every detail as I the baby was born so an Olympic torch actually carried the torch past the road to photo could be taken with the newborn.” my house.”

12 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 13 feature

n 2003, Caroline Alexander ’85 opened Rhythmic Rentals, Caroline an online ballroom dress rental company in Greensboro, Alexander’s I North Carolina. Since then, the StFX math and computer sciences graduate originally from Stephenville, NL, has been out- fitting amateur and professional dancers across the UnitedS tates, including dancers on the hit ABC series, Dancing with the Stars. We recently caught up with Ms. Alexander:

StFX: So, how did you get from StFX to running StFX: Is there a big demand for online ballroom StFX: How did StFX impact your life? Did it help your own online ballroom rental shop in the rental? prepare you for this career? United States? Caroline Alexander: Yes. These dresses are ex- Caroline Alexander: Of course. StFX had a huge Caroline Alexander: Originally I worked as an tremely expensive to purchase ($2,000-$5,000). impact on my life…both educationally and analyst and later as a corporate development We supply nationwide in the U.S. It kills me that socially. It’s a warm, friendly school and I never rep for DuPont Canada in Mississauga, ON. I left we haven’t been able to expand into Canada felt like a number. My faculty was accessible and after getting engaged and moved to Halifax. (that’s another story) but rest assured, that’s one always showed me any support I needed. I’m a Shortly after I was contacted by a company here of our goals. “people person” and StFX is a “people university” in Greensboro and accepted a position. I worked so it was a great fit for me. I married a graduate for six years at this company and decided to StFX: How did the partnership come about with so that’s obviously a huge factor in my life. I stay at home for a bit following the birth of my ABC’s Dancing with the Stars? have nothing but fond memories of my years fourth child. About nine years ago, we (husband Caroline Alexander: They contacted me via at X and love going back on campus when we Mark MacDonald ’82 and I) saw a salsa group phone. I was a little blown away! It was a very visit Antigonish. perform at a local family event and decided to exciting moment. take some lessons. I got hooked….Mark, not so StFX: Would you have advice for current stu- much! The interest in the ballroom attire grew StFX: The show has been hugely popular. How dents? from this as I began to get more actively involved do you feel to be associated with it? Caroline Alexander: My first and most impor- in the competitive side of ballroom dance. The Caroline Alexander: We’re quite proud that tant advice is always follow the Golden Rule. It’s business idea was planted when I first looked at our dresses met the criteria/quality they were so simple and has been said so many times….. the price tags of the dresses used in ballroom looking for. Of course seeing the dresses on TV but it’s amazing how often it’s not followed in the competitions. was awesome…my kids got the biggest thrill real world. My personal and company philoso- watching it. phy for Rhythmic Rentals is to “Follow the Golden Rule… and then do a little extra.” Remain humble and always put yourself in other people’s shoes – for any conflicts, be sensitive to the situation, but if you know you are right, stick to your guns. Caroline Alexander ’85 on Dancing with the Stars: If you are wrong, admit it and fix it –you’ll get a client for life (or the utmost respect from your “Our dresses were used for the title shots, profiles and the “pro how-to’s.” The title shots were fellow employees). My proudest moments in this business are the positive feedback I receive shown at the beginning of every show with the celebrity and pro partner in a pose. The profiles from clients. There’s nothing like it….even more were generally aired at the beginning of the season which included a blog on the celebrity and rewarding than to see our products on national TV (although that’s pretty close second!) X what they were known for. For example, Misty May-Treanor wore one of our gowns for her profile – they actually showed her in the dress, playing beach volleyball…She did a DIVE in it! This was pre-recorded so I didn’t know until the show aired that she actually dove in a $3,500 gown in the sand – the dress was fine when returned so we were none the wiser and no harm was done.

Right: Olympic beach volleyball gold The “how-to’s” were where the pros would show you a sample of what a professional cha-cha, medalist Misty May-Treanor with waltz, etc. would look like – these were pre-recorded and aired at different shows, depending her “Dancing with the Stars” partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy on what dances were being performed. I worked closely with Randall Designs (the costume designer for the show) and his assistants who are actually on the set of the show. “

14 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 15 feature

Author’s Note: I first met Riiny Ngot, one of a remarkable group of refugees known as The Lost Boys of Sudan, on Dec. 22, my middle daughter’s fifth birthday. He walked into my office on first floor Xavier Hall for an interview on the last day before Christmas break, sinking his towering 7’ 2” basketball frame into a blue office chair. I’d been anticipating family fun and lunch with my birthday girl when suddenly I was in Sudan with a terrified 11-year-old, separated from his parents (he believed them dead for years), a boy trying to be brave (“a man has got to be brave and do the hard stuff,” he heard his father’s voice in his head), making the long, dangerous walk with his eight-year-old sister from his burned-out family home to a refugee camp in Kenya; and finally four years later a chance to come to Calgary, to Canada, where new challenges waited. When I ask his age, Riiny says he will be 22 in two days. Christmas Eve. Far from family. I can’t help but think of the juxtapositions of our celebrations. But Riiny is neither sad nor self-indulgent. For as much adversity as he has experienced in life, there’s been hope. And if his message – an unwavering faith that anything Riiny Ngot: is possible (“five years ago I didn’t speak the language and now I’m a second year university student,” he says with pride) – connects with others, then it is worth it.

“ ope has been the key to my life,” them never to lose faith, that it’s up to them to At St. Mary’s High School in Calgary the long, Anything says the thoughtful, soft-spoken choose. lean kid who had never before played basketball Riiny, a sophomore student who He remembers the first time. discovered the game at age 15. As diligently as H enrolled at StFX in September to “As I talked about walking in the jungle, the he attacked learning a new language, so did he study sociology and play basketball with Steve refugee camps, it brought back a lot of emo- work tirelessly to develop the skills of the game. Konchalski’s X-Men. tions and I couldn’t finish it.I cried. I didn’t think Long hours in the library followed long hours on “Hope has been the thing I never lost.” I would be able to do it again until I opened up the court. He still marvels at how he was able to is Possible He has been sorely tested. Riiny has not seen my email later and found a letter from a young do it. By Shelley Cameron-McCarron his parents since he was 11 years old, and the girl that said, ‘Riiny, I want to be like you. You gave riiny left high school in Grade 11 to attend bloody civil war that rocked his native country, me hope. I feel like I have hope to make it.’ Notre Dame Prep in the U.S., but due to language taking two million lives in the process, savagely “That kind of woke me up,” he recalls. “I said, issues was unable to qualify for SATs to go on ripped his own family apart. you know what, I should not be crying. God to play. He went to junior college and played Born into a wealthy family (“with a silver spoon didn’t put me through this – there’s still a light NCAA Division II ball at Bridgeport University in in my mouth”), he was working at his grand- outside to go through the darkness, that’s why Connecticut. When his student visa expired, and parents farm when he came home to find his I can share my story with people. he wasn’t sure if it would be renewed in time family’s house in Wau burning, scores dead and “I’m lucky to survive, lucky to be happy. That’s to return to the U.S. school, he started thinking his parents missing. He found his eight-year-old the reason why I never give up.” about Canadian schools. Around this time he sister, and together, the two fled. For a month, After four years in a Kenya refugee camp, met Greg Dole at a social function in Ottawa at they travelled with other groups of children an uncle they had never met helped bring the an embassy event for Africans living in Canada. under darkness, under constant danger, finally brother and sister to Calgary. They didn’t speak As it turns out, Greg is a friend of Coach K’s and crossing the treacherous Gilo River – which swal- English. They didn’t know the customs, had to as Riiny’s says “talked to me about considering lowed many by drowning and crocodile attack get used to the food, to the weather, to every- StFX if my visa didn’t come. He said it offered – to reach relative safety in a refugee camp. thing. academics and athletics, plus the coach is a legend and is a good person at the same time.” After considering several Canadian universi- I think the sport has ties, Riiny in the end chose StFX. He recalls Coach helped me personally as K telling him ‘It would be good for you. You’ll find a home here.’ “ well. I’ve never been in “His consistency on the phone made me think counselling. he’s that kind of guy, he doesn’t treat you as a basketball player, but a person, to help you suc- – Riiny Ngot ceed. I found out later that that’s the truth. He looks after his players, and cares academically,” As he walked the war-ravaged” country, tall Riiny says. “The team chemistry is very much a even then at over six feet, the 11-year-old often family. Coach made that possible.” carried his little sister and heard his parents’ riiny says being accepted for who you are, that voices echoing in his head, telling him to keep people take him as a human being, not just a faith in God, to keep going. basketball player, has helped him adjust here. “The ones that didn’t make it, those are the riiny has lost no time in giving back. Already kids that gave up hope,” says Riiny. he volunteers with the Fit For Life afterschool His motto, he says, has always been that come program, with StFX’s anti-bullying program, and what may, he will be the last person to make it with X-Project. through. “If one person makes it, then that will And he has dreams for the future. He’d like be me.” to play professional basketball, and he’d like to riiny has slowly come around to sharing his work in human rights, possibly as an interpreter message with others, as a motivational speaker with the UN. He is studying political science and at churches and high schools, to inspire oth- sociology. ers to believe that anything is possible, to tell See page 27...

16 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 17 X-Ring 2009 Fall Convocation 2009

he loud joyous cheer that atmosphere of the room, festively filled the Keating Millennium decked with a cascade of sparkling TCentre moments after the lights. “The true source of electric- Class of 2010 received their X-Rings ity in the room comes from our said it all. Wow. X-Ring students today, to each of On Thursday, Dec. 3, the Feast the thousand unique and personal Day of patron saint St. Francis Xavi- journeys coming together in a er, senior students gazed down at spectacular and unforgettable mo- their fingers in awe, took pictures ment.” holding up their rings, smiled and While the Class of 2010 cannot hugged friends, and when the know how the future will unfold, 976th ring was presented, sponta- he urged those gathered to help neously erupted in joy. others and foster good in the Rt. Hon. Dr. Baldwin Spencer “Each year the importance of world. this event seems to grow,” StFX it was a theme echoed by guest President Dr. Sean Riley told those speaker Geoff Flood ’76, former gathered to watch the 2009 X-Ring StFX Students’ Union president, ceremony. who is co-founder and president Countdowns – including the of T4G, a project-based technology one on the Students’ Union web- services organization. site – were ticking down to the Fall Convocation 1,000th second. After 1,190 days, Meanwhile, several thousand a day of celebration X-Ring 2009: proud parents, family and friends we made it! gathered in overflow rooms on “ Kevin Klin, 2010 senior class president the StFX campus, as more tuned Prime Minister, philanthropist receive honorary degrees Dr. Allan Markin The countdown in worldwide via the web, to watch ” the Class of 2010 proudly receive Mr. Flood’s company has several s friends and family waited with flowers “Convocation is one of those great moments strategy to prepare teachers for two new band their X-Rings. times appeared on the Globe and and proud words of congratulations, in university life. I can sense in the air the im- operated schools in We’koqma’q and Indian is over As Dr. Riley welcomed all to Mail’s best workplaces in Canada A a celebratory atmosphere once again minent transition to new phases of life,” StFX Brook. They will make “a monumental difference Can we say best school ring ever? the much-awaited ceremony, he list. filled the Charles V. Keating Millennium Centre on President Dr. Sean Riley said in his opening as leaders in shaping their communities,” Dr. Riley made mention of the charged “Citizenship is our responsibility. Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, as StFX graduated 178 stu- remarks as he offered his warmest welcome to noted. What I encourage you to be is bet- dents in degrees and diplomas and conferred 46 all those gathered. Celebrating a special milestone too was Louise ter citizens. …I encourage you to diplomas to graduates of the Coady International The day was truly one of celebration. Burley, the first non-sighted person to graduate voice your opinions and to be pas- Institute during Fall Convocation 2009. Among the graduates were 10 Mi’kmaw from the Diploma in Adult Education program. sionate about what you believe. During the ceremony, StFX also honoured two teachers who have been part of StFX’s off- William Goggin, the director of the Diploma in “You don’t hear love and busi- outstanding individuals, bestowing the degree campus teacher education program offered in Adult Education program, perhaps summed it ness in the same phrase often, I Doctor of Laws honoris causa upon the Rt. Hon. Indian Brook First Nation. As the StFX Faculty of best when during the year he remarked, “I have think the power of that is some- Winston Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister of An- Education celebrates 60 years since graduating never seen a person with sight challenges not thing we need to hear more of. “ tigua and Barbuda and a graduate of the Coady its first B. Ed. students, these graduates join the only present, but work as a team member of Mr. Flood, whose history with International Institute, and Canadian businessman 80 StFX B.Ed. alumni of Aboriginal ancestry, who three. I think that everyone better bookmark this StFX is deep (his father is a gradu- and philanthropist Allan P. Markin of Calgary. have taken on the professional role of teachers in their mental log and say wow, I saw something ate and two children are currently Dr. Nancy Forestell of the Department of His- in the past decade. The Indian Brook program today that was unique.” enrolled), talked about how he tory was honoured with the university’s annual was a joint partnership between the StFX Faculty Another special joy of Fall Convocation is the helped build a company on a foun- Outreach Award. of Education and Mi’kmaw Kina’matewey, as a graduates of the Coady International Institute, Mitch Hudson, dation based in the humanity and world-renowned for its professional education Honorary X-Ring recipient social conscience he learned while programming for community leaders working at StFX. worldwide to build better lives for all people. Loud applause and a standing “Thank you for bringing your experience and Louise Burley, ovation greeted the news from vision to enrich our community, and congratula- Dean of Business Leo Gallant, that the first non- tions,” Dr. Riley told the graduates in this historic former mailroom supervisor Mitch 50th anniversary year class. sighted person Hudson, a loyal member of the Both honorary degree candidates expressed Xaverian community for nearly to graduate from their thanks for the honour bestowed upon 40 years, was this year’s honorary them, and urged graduates to go forward with X-Ring recipient. the Diploma in respect and communication with others, and to “After 1,190 days, we made it,” Adult Education be conscious citizens. said senior class president Kevin “I’m proud and humbled. Never in my wild- Klin. “To the Class of 2010, it has program. est dreams did I expect this honour,” said Mr. been a joyful 1,190 days. May the Spencer, who has long been a champion of the journey continue, but from now interests of developing countries. Geoff Flood ‘76, guest speaker on in, with your X-Ring.” X continued on page 27

18 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 19 around with the Bubbles glasses during that it in the U.S. in conjunction with an appearance on “I had never really considered it, but in hindsight Alumni Profile time, and it caught Mike’s eye. He brought me Jimmy Kimmel Live. it feels like it was a pretty smooth transition. I went over to his house one night to shoot a couple The new live show for Canada is called ‘The Ricky, from being on the crew, to being on the crew and of little interview clips with the character and I Julian and Bubbles Drunk, High and Unemployed acting in a few scenes, to having a smaller role on didn’t even realize at the time that I was kind of Tour’ which, as of press time, they were scheduled the crew and acting in more scenes to being a full On Campus doing an audition. to start performing in March. fledged cast member so it was actually kind of a “When the series was greenlit Mike wrote me Also in March, Smith had plans to rejoin the natural transition.” into the show. I was in a few scenes in season Guns N Roses tour in South America after recently Looking back at his university days, Smith has 1, partly because I was still the sound mixer finishing the Canadian leg. A few years ago, Smith good memories of StFX. Sam Mason, and trying to do both jobs simultaneously, but became friends with Axl Rose “and he’s taken me all “StFX had a very positive influence on me actually. Alia Hack elected I definitely became a more integral part as the over the world where I get to do a duet with him I remember when I was going there I thought I knew series went on and the character became more on a Bubbles song called “Liquor and Whores.” everything about how the world worked and how Students’ Union popular.” Before Trailer Park Boys, Smith enjoyed a promising to deal with people, and I realize now I really didn’t From the beginning, Bubbles struck a chord. music career himself. He played guitar and was one know sh--. But that’s partly what university is for. president and “People can relate to him. He’s really just trying of the principal songwriters in the band Sandbox, It’s not just about academics and the degree you to get by and just trying to do it with the least which signed a record deal with EMI in Canada and earn on paper but also about being thrust into this vice-president amount of bullshit in his life. Trailer Park Boys Nettwerk in the U.S. The band was nominated for a microcosm of humanity where you very rapidly is really a show about family and love. Behind Juno, East Coast Music awards and a Casby Award. need to adapt to the social and political elements all the craziness there is a family. Bubbles has In 1999, Smith started composing music for film and bombarding you on a daily basis. I lived at MacIsaac cats as his family and he has (Trailer Park Boys television and doing location sound recording for before it was co-ed and seemingly before there were characters) Ricky and Julian as his family, and he film. any ‘rules’ too so I may have had to ‘adapt’ to more loves them despite the fact they are constantly With Wells and Tremblay, he has appeared in than the average person today does.” ...... f----ing up and going to jail. No matter where you The Tragically Hip’s music video, The Darkest One, Unlike his ne’er-do-well counterpart, Smith is are on the planet, or what culture you’re born featuring Don Cherry, and took part in a cross- a successful businessman. Along with his other into, wanting to keep your family together is Canada tour with Our Lady Peace. Smith, as Bubbles, involvements, he has four businesses in Halifax, two something anyone can relate to,” says Smith, who has also played guitar and sang with Rush for a restaurants and two night clubs. He’s hoping to open graduated from StFX with an English degree. tsunami benefit concert. a chain of pizza shops in the near future. “When you strip away the craziness of Trailer Making the transition from music to acting And, of course, to continue writing and acting for Park Boys and you look past all of the swearing happened relatively seamlessly. TV and film. X and dope etc., the characters have a lot of universal human qualities that people either Beyond Bubbles consciously or unconsciously identify with. It’s am Mason, a third-year envi- actually a show about family and love. A lot of ronmental science student By Shelley Cameron-McCarron people don’t realize that when they first watch Sfrom Mermaid, PEI, and Alia it, but it really is.” StFX Profile Hack, a third-year psychology student from Stellarton, NS, have SO WHAT’S NEXT? been elected StFX’s 2010-11 Stu- Now that Trailer Park Boys has wrapped, Smith dents’ Union president and vice- president, respectively. They were Photo credit: www.stevesmithphotographic.com says he and cast mates Robb Wells and John Paul Tremblay (who played Ricky and Julian) are the successful candidates in the February 2010 election, garnering hile the Trailer Park Boys has wrapped its final sea- writing and starring in a brand new half-hour comedy series called “The Drunk And On Drugs 932 votes to the 541 cast for the son, Mike Smith, the Gemini award-winning StFX Happy Funtime Hour.” slate of Kyle MacDonald and Jamie “It’s quite a departure from Trailer Park Boys in Roberts. grad behind the loveable Bubbles, continues full- that we each play around 10 characters with very “We are very pleased with the W intricate prosthetic make-up. We begin shooting election results,” Mr. Mason and tilt ahead with a new TV show and several tours in the works. He six episodes in May of this year and it should air Ms. Hack said. “Elections are great sometime in the fall on Showcase.” experiences, though stressful at took time from his busy schedule to look back at his years with smith says he will definitely miss playing the times, especially on top of our Trailer Park Boys and to look ahead. character Bubbles and making the show the way studies. We’re enjoying moving they did. “It was a great team and we had a lot forward, and working towards a of fun doing it.” smooth transition in May to ensure You can thank Mike Smith ’93, dime- native who has gone on to win several Gemini But he hasn’t left his alter-ego entirely a successful 2010-2011 year for the store coke-bottle glasses, and a little improv Awards for his work, including the 2003 Viewer’s behind. Students’ Union and the student for helping create one of Canadian TV’s most Choice Award for Favorite Comedian. smith, Wells and Tremblay do a live version of body as a whole.” lovable characters. He’s also helped accept a 2009 Gemini the show a couple of times a year, in a completely Sean Boyd Named One Of The Other results from the Students’ Back in 1999, when Mike Clattenburg started awarded to the series for its outstanding different kind of way. The first one was called Union general election include: putting together an indie film that would go and enduring contributions to the Canadian “The Ricky, Julian and Bubbles Community • Sandy MacIntosh and Thomas on to become the pop culture phenomenon television industry, and Gemini’s for Best Comedy Service Variety Show” under the premise that the Best-Performing CEOs In The World Lattimer elected to the Board and Showcase ratings hit, the Trailer Park Boys, Series (2004) and Best Ensemble Performance in trio had been sentenced to community service, ongratulations to StFX Board of Governors member Sean Boyd, Chairman and CEO of Agnico-Eagle of Governors Bubbles – the cussing, cat-loving “heart and a Comedy Series (2005). but if they did a court ordered variety show CMines Ltd., who has been selected as one of the 100 Best-Performing CEOs in the World by the • Brianna Hunter and Katie soul” of Sunnyvale Trailer Park – wasn’t even in “Mike Clattenburg hired me to mix the indie illustrating the dangers of drugs and alcohol, Harvard Business Review. To compile the results for this prestigious honour, the Harvard Business Review Archibald elected as Senior the script. feature he was doing for the Atlantic Film the show would count towards their hours. They collected data on close to an amazing 2,000 CEOs worldwide. The group represented 48 nationalities Class President “I was actually the sound mixer on the show Festival, which was the original black and white performed this show to sold-out theaters all over and came from companies based in 33 countries. The top leaders came from a diverse background, but • Mariah Giberson and Patrick in the beginning,” recalls Smith, a Thorburn, NS Trailer Park Boys movie. I had been goofing Canada, and in February were starting to perform they all had one thing in common: they’ve delivered excellent results over the long term. Phillips elected to Senate. X

20 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 21 Alumni Carrying the Torch Happenings 20th Annual Fr. Kehoe Dinner and Auction l Classics for Classics back by popular demand l President’s Receptions l and more!

Clinton Keay ‘86 Wayne Francis Richard McKillop ‘68, ‘75 Sydney, NS MacDonald ‘66, ‘67 Campbellton, NB Mabou, NS

John Young ’54 was a participant in True Patriot Love’s Artists for Families program, which saw 50 Canadian artists transform military helmets resembling those worn in combat into works of art. The helmets, designed and donated by the artists, were part of a silent auction at the True Patriot Love Tribute Dinner last November. All helmets were auctioned off at this inaugural dinner in support of the Military Families Fund established by General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier, which Jane (Baird) Barry ‘65 and Beatrice (Toner) Long ‘69 Richard Niedermayer ‘91 provides assistance to military families when the need is great. Kate Whitters ‘11 Grand Falls, NB Enfield, NS Saint John, NB

Harris Fricker ‘85 Ke y n o t e Back by Popular Demand: Your Invitation to Raylene Rankin ‘82 Ma s t e r o f Ce re m o n i e s Return to the Classroom, Without Examinations!

The Name? Residence and Meals? Trina (MacLeod) Paula Delorey ‘99 Wendy Kraglund- We call this program “Classics for Classics”, Upon request from course participants, Doucette ‘93 Antigonish, NS Gauthier ‘91, ‘94, ‘06 because we study those great works that rooms will be reserved in beautiful Dominion, NS Antigonish, NS only improve with age, and we’re teaching Governors’ Hall at a (reasonable) price to be them to those great alumni who have some determined. Information on meal options on similar characteristics! campus will be provided, and, of course, you are free to make meal or accommodation Tuition? arrangements off campus. Fun and friendship is the order of the night when alumni and friends of StFX gather for the annual Fr. Kehoe We will charge a modest fee of $100, but Dinner in Halifax. this fee is waived for all alumni. This is our Date? chance to do something for you! July 5 - 9, 2010. This is the week before Highland Games in Antigonish. We expect Colleen MacDougall ‘89 Mary Delorey ‘75, ‘76 Katherine MacLeod ‘04 that you would arrive on Sunday the 4th, X Spirit in Halifax Bible Hill, NS New Glasgow, NS because the first class will meet at 9:30 Annual Kehoe Dinner a rich tradition in capital a.m. on Monday the 5th.

hen 400 alumni and friends of this event each year,” says Limits? StFX get together, it’s guaranteed Kehoe Dinner Chair Shawn WHO: You are invited! We may have to limit enrolment to keep to be a lot of fun. That’s what Monahan. “They span the the class size optimal for discussions. It W happens in late winter every year decades of graduation from WHAT: StFX’s Annual Fr. Kehoe Dinner would be advisable to reserve a place in Halifax when X-Rings come together for the the 1950s to the 2000s, and and Auction early. annual StFX Fr. Kehoe Dinner and Auction. they bring such a wonder- good friends – old and new – an inspiring ful mix of perspectives and WHERE: The Westin Nova Scotia Reserve a Place? Helena Fiore ‘11 Mary Lou (MacPherson) Margaret (Karr) Boyd ‘76, speaker, animated auction, great food and a few insight into planning this Fr. Kehoe Please contact Alumni Affairs to reserve a New Glasgow, NS Andrea ‘83, ‘07 ‘77, ‘82 surprises are part of the organizing committee’s special event; the quality of WHEN: Saturday, March 27, 2010, 5:30 place in Classics for Classics, 2010: alumni@ Cape Breton, NS Sydney, NS recipe for success. And that success has been our volunteers makes all the difference.” reception and auction viewing stfx.ca, 902-867-2186 (tuition deposit going on for the past 20 years. The Kehoe Dinner has grown into the largest of $100 to reserve a place is refunded to started in support of athletics at X, the Kehoe gathering of StFX alumni outside of homecom- WHY: Because the X-Spirit is alive and alumni after completing the course.) Dinner now raises more than $20,000 a year for ing and it’s the university’s premier event in well in Halifax! And you’re supporting a For stories from these and other alumni both athletics and bursaries for Halifax-area stu- Halifax. great cause. involved with the torch relay, visit dents attending StFX. And behind that level of This year’s event on March 27 features guest success is of course a dedicated team of alumni speaker Harris Fricker ’85, GMP Securities L.P., a HOW: Tickets are $100 each, discounted www.alumni.stfx.ca who bring their talents to the table. leading, publicly traded Canadian investment tickets for recent grads and seniors. Get “We have an incredible team working on dealer. more information and purchase your More Information? Dr. Steve Baldner, 902-867-2165, [email protected]. tickets online at www.stfx.alumni.ca Nicole Johnston ‘00 New Glasgow, NS 22 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 23 mark your Alumni Happenings calendar President’s Receptions

Schedule of Events Life Officers Friday, October 1 9:30 am Class reunions are also planned ‘50 J. Harold Martell 10 am – 9 pm Coffee with Coady for the classes of If you are interested in helping to organize a [email protected], 506-738-4254 th Homecoming Registration An event to celebrate the 1950, 1955, 1965, 1970, 60 reunion, please contact Jessica Smith at 902-867-3760 or [email protected]. ‘80 & Information alumni-Coady connection, 1975, 1980, 1985,1990, Shelly McHugh Hospitality Suites, Keating featuring the Katherine 1995, 2000, & 2005. For de- ‘55 [email protected] Sydney President’s Reception Sydney President’s Reception Millennium Centre. Fleming award presenta- tails visit: www.alumni.stfx. John “Smiley” Marcinov 902-835-8610 tion, and breakfast refresh- ca/homecoming2010. [email protected], 613-820-7198 1:30 pm ments. Coady International Cathy Campbell r. Sean Riley brought news from campus to alumni in Cape Breton Campus walking tour Institute. 9 pm ‘60 [email protected] and London, ON in November with President’s Receptions that Paul McGrattan 902-835-3806 D Meet at Homecoming reg- Homecoming Inn Pub Night [email protected], 506-365-7671 coincided with StFX Day celebrations. These gatherings are an op- istration at 1:15 pm. 11 am A gathering place for all Anne-Marie Doherty portunity for StFX’s President to hear from alumni in various parts of Canada Hall of Honour alumni and friends! Featur- Julie Chadwick [email protected], 905-338-6987 and the U.S. and for our grads to reconnect with friends old and new. 3 pm Induction of Hall of Honour ing Big Fish, $10, MacKay [email protected], 613-730-3408 This spring President’s Receptions/Dinners are planned for Corner Brook, StFX Alumni Association candidates and Student Room & Lounge, Bloom- ‘85 Ron “DD” MacDonald, 902-863-2863 Dave Bernatchez St. John’s, New York, Edmonton, Calgary, Fredericton and Moncton. Visit Annual General Meeting Alumni Recognition essays. field Centre. [email protected], 403-283-8261 www.alumni.stfx.ca for details. X All alumni are encouraged to Gus Mazzuca attend. Conference Rooms, 1:15 pm Sunday, October 3 [email protected], 506-455-5746 Eileen MacIsaac Keating Millennium Centre. Campus Walking tour 11 am [email protected], 902-485-5932 Meet at Homecoming reg- Alumni Mass Bob Walsh 6 pm reception, istration at 1 pm. Class reserved seating. [email protected], 239-793-4856 ‘90 John Simon 7 pm dinner University Chapel. Fred Currie, 902-539-3060 [email protected], 506-645-1448 Welcome Home Dinner 1:45 pm Presentation of Alumni Ceremonial Football Kick-Off 10:30 am – 1 pm Bill and Laura (Ryan) Shea Sharon Kenny-Blanchard The London, ON President’s Reception on Nov. 28 brought a large group of Awards of Excellence, Main Farewell Brunch [email protected], 617-699-4618 [email protected], 902-477-1880 alumni together, including this group, to hear news from campus and celebrate Stadium, Keating Millen- 2 pm – 5 pm Main Stadium, Keating Cen- StFX Day. Homecoming Football Game tre. Advance ticket sales Bill Tobin Robert “Baby K” Kyte nium Centre. Advance ticket [email protected], 613-224-7113 [email protected], 613-729-9981 sales only – $50 each. To re- StFX X-Men vs. TBA. Half only – $20 each. To reserve, serve, please contact Alumni price tickets will be available please contact Alumni Af- ‘65 Kathleen O’Brien Affairs at 902-867-2186. at the Homecoming Regis- fairs at 902-867-2186. Janet Stark [email protected], 905-455-0751 Display with pride tration desk. Intermission & [email protected], 902-863-5095 9 pm post-game receptions, Main 1:15 pm ‘95 StFX Degree and photo frames Carson Duncan Jim Curry Homecoming Kitchen Party Gym, Oland Centre. Campus Walking tour [email protected], 902-285-2602 [email protected], 902-446-9989 A gathering place for Meet in the main foyer of all alumni and friends 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm the Keating Millennium Fran (Lindley) Haley Dave Reid, [email protected] with musicians Rodney Mount St. Bernard College Tea Centre at 1 pm. [email protected], 902-863-1992 MacDonald and Glenn Everyone welcome – Melinda Lee, [email protected] Graham, MacKay Room & refreshments served. For more information or to ‘70 Karen (O’Hara) Zappia `00 Lounge, Bloomfield Centre, register, visit www.alumni. [email protected], 613-727-5251 Crystal Ormond $10. 5:45 pm reception, stfx.ca/homecoming2010 [email protected], 403-541-0512 7 pm dinner or call 902-867-2186 Teri Brean-Arsenault Saturday, October 2 President’s Reception and [email protected], 902-863-6926 Charlene (Anderson) Kennedy 8 am Golden Grads Dinner [email protected] A dinner hosted by Dr. Sean ‘75 613-692-5429 5K Fun Run registraton Mike Cahill Race begins at 9 am, Oland Riley, University President, [email protected], 506-854-0291 Mary Rankin Centre. to honour the Golden [email protected], 226-979-2920 Grads from the Class of ‘60, George Lyons 9 am – 6 pm Main Stadium, Keating Mil- [email protected], 506-383-8353 Aaron “Lue” Sullivan For a detailed view of the frames or to order online, visit Homecoming Registration con- lennium Centre. Advance [email protected], 902-483-2252 Jeff Kelly www.alumni.stfx.ca or contact the Alumni Affairs Office at tinues, Hospitality Suites, tickets only. To reserve, [email protected], 506-855-8037 ‘05 902-867-2186 or email [email protected] Keating Millennium Centre. please contact Alumni Af- MK Feeney, fairs at 902-867-2186. [email protected] 508-733-3153

24 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 25 Check www.alumni.stfx.ca for updates. Looking for top quality X-Gear? Visit our new online store at www.alumni.stfx.ca/xgear Fall Convocation 2009

Up and continued from page 19 he announced his government’s Day of celebration annual scholarship for an Antigua Comers and Barbuda citizen to attend the Coady. Norway Scholarship l Young Scientists off to San Francisco l 2010 Student Entrepreneur Nova Scotia Champion in his address, Mr. Markin, a distinguished humanitarian, suc- cessful businessman in the energy industry in Canada, and co-owner StFX student named 2010 Student of the Calgary Flames, urged the Entrepreneur Nova Scotia Champion graduates to combine intelligence and compassion, to listen to oth- Jeremy Flynn, a full-time ers, to build times of silence into StFX business student from their lives, to be ethical and to be Dr. Nancy Forestell, Outreach Award the Halifax area and owner of life-long learners. “To fill your mind Flynnweb, has been named the with everything that is true is not 2010 Student Entrepreneur Nova always a smooth ride,” he said. Scotia Champion by national “Remember to listen first.” charitable organization, Advancing “Thank you again for this honor- Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE) ary degree. Know that it means a and program supporter, CIBC. Since great deal to me.” 2008, Jeremy, a marketing major Coady graduate Ann Kargbo of Samantha Marshall with a minor in history, has owned Sierra Leone, who delivered the ac- and operated Flynnweb, a web and knowledgement, said she and her graphic design firm, specializing He was elected Prime Minister of Coady Institute that he discovered classmates have that good feeling StFX student receives fully funded in building brands and affordable Antigua and Barbuda in 2004, and the value of humility and social that comes from within. “We have Norway scholarship marketing material for the small re-elected again in 2009. leadership for the good of all. “The done our best. Congrats to my fel- business owner. As a provincial in his remarks, Mr. Spencer said principles have stayed with me, and low graduates. It is the beginning Samantha Marshall of Tottenham, ON, a StFX honours biology and champion, Jeremy moves on that it was during his time at the fashioned my thinking,” he said as of a new journey.” Ann Kargbo, Sierra Leone aquatic resources student, is one of only two Canadian students awarded to represent Nova Scotia in the a fully funded scholarship to study in Norway this term. She received the regional round of competition Fellowship for Studies in the High North, scholarships for Canadian students where two people will advance to DIPLOMA IN ...page 17 to study from January to June, 2010 at Bodø University College (BUC) along the finals at the 2010 ACEN ational Jeremy Flynn the western coast of Norway. The fellowship is offered by the Norwegian Exposition in Calgary May 12, 2010. government, through the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture at BUC. The national champion receives ADULT EDUCATION It covers the cost of travel to and from Bodø, fees for attending BUC, and a $10,000 prize and represents Anything is Possible student housing while in Norway. Marshall will take courses that will go Canada at the international level. National Program of Excellence toward her StFX degree. “Basketball has always been “My mom can’t believe I’m Canadian Association University Continuing Education key to my education. Educa- the same person as before. tion means a lot to me. I kind She says I’ve turned into such Excellence is what St. Francis Xavier University’s Diploma in of learned basketball is a tem- a gentleman,” he says. Adult Education is all about. It is the #1 choice among adult porary job that can be taken “Every human being has StFX undergraduates present research at educators and HRD professionals. Now in our 28th year. away at any time; use it as your a rough time. My roughness largest earth sciences international meeting in San Francisco It is available to you in major centres across Canada or key to education. If I’m able to may have been more,” he says ask about our in-house programs. continue after I get a degree, I “but my mom taught me from Our 2009/10 schedule includes St. John’s, Halifax, Ottawa, call that a bonus.” a young age that home is in He says he thinks the sport your heart, where people love Toronto, London, Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary and Fort Marielle Lesperance of Ottawa, ON and Sara Klapstein of Antigonish, has helped him personally as you, where you get accepted. StFX BSc honours students in Physics and Environmental Sciences, were McMurray. well. “I’ve never been in coun- “If I chose to cry and dwell among the 12 Environmental Sciences Research Centre (ESRC) researchers, seling.” on it, then I may not make it graduate and undergraduate students from StFX presenting their research at Limited enrollment – 30 seats per module One “amazing day” about five through. I know there is still the annual American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting in San Francisco www.stfx.ca/academic/adulted-diploma years ago, while in Calgary, he a lot of life ahead. I start from from Dec. 14-18. The AGU, a preeminent scientific society, is dedicated to the learned from a member of the nothing to something. Being furtherance of research in the earth and space sciences by providing forums Email: [email protected] Sudanese community that his one of the Lost Boys, (it’s impor- for scientific meetings and publications. “It is very unusual for undergraduate Toll-free: 1-800-563-7839 parents were alive. His mom tant) my kids will not be a lost students to have the opportunity to present their work at an AGU meeting,” says is in Uganda and his dad in boy, they will have their father, Dr. Hugo Beltrami, ESRC researcher. “Generally, presenters at the AGU are top Fax: (902)867-2486 Sudan. There have been phone that’s my dream. That’s the goal professional scientists and students at graduate or post-doctoral levels and that Business hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm Atlantic calls and email but not yet a that drives me every day. One is why this is a special honour for these two undergraduates. This is becoming visit. “I can’t wait to see them,” day I can be somebody people a regular occurrence for undergraduates in our centre as we have sent several he says. “I hope this summer to talk about. undergraduates to international conferences during the past three years.” be able to see them. “I look forward to the future.” X

26 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 27 Athletics alumni association update l Andrea MacLean-Holohan ‘59, President A year of promise in 2010

ello alumni & friends. What a privilege it is for H me to be the StFX Alumni Association’s national president in 2010. permit me to tell you some of my background. I grew up in Moncton, NB. As a result of my Dad’s connec- Fabulous Fall tion with the Antigonish area, and he being a StFX grad, it was a given that my three brothers and I would attend StFX. Since graduation, I have lived and worked in Toronto, he tradition of athletic X-cellence continued as The X-Women and X-Men cross country teams continued to Boston, New Jersey and Montreal. I StFX teams captured the first four Atlantic Uni- tear up the trails again this season. The X-Women won their fifth returned to New Brunswick with my T versity Sport (AUS) championship banners this consecutive AUS title, with six StFX runners placing in the top 10. In husband, Brendan, and have lived in fall. AUS titles were won by X-Women rugby, X-Women and Kingston, ON the X-Women placed eighth at the CIS championship Quispamsis for the past 30 years. My X-Men cross country and X-Women soccer. meet. classmates and I celebrated our 50th "Winning four of a possible six AUS championships marks The X-Men cross country team dominated in AUS team competi- reunion in October 2009. It was an the most successful fall on record for StFX Athletics," comments tion in 2009, winning every meet they ran, including the AUS cham- amazing Homecoming; all of us felt StFX Director of Athletics & Recreational Services Leo MacPher- pionship. The X-Men placed five runners in the top 10 and despite at home and truly special. A memo- Andrea MacLean-Holohan ‘59 son. "Our student-athletes and coaches deserve a great deal battling the flu, managed to post their second consecutive podium rable four days on campus. of credit for this most impressive accomplishment." finish at the CIS national championship with a bronze medal. As I assume the role of president bers and activity level. We are making The X-Women rugby team captured their 12th consecu- Continuing the AUS winning ways was the X-Women soccer of our national association, I would a special effort to engage our recent tive AUS title, making them the only team to be crowned team who won three tough games in cold, windy conditions in be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge graduates. This year promises to be AUS champions since women’s rugby became an AUS Newfoundland to claim the school’s second-ever AUS banner and and say a special thank you to Ed a year full of opportunities to get varsity sport. The team advanced to the CIS championship first since 1986. At the CIS championship in Toronto, the X-Women McHugh, outgoing president, and together with old and new friends in Vancouver, BC where they earned their second consecu- dropped a heartbreaking overtime decision to Queen’s in the his team for their commitment, from StFX and to keep up-to-date Cornerback Dylan Hollohan played on World Team for game tive silver medal. quarterfinals. expertise and selfless leadership of against USA during NFL Pro Bowl week in Florida on what is happening on campus. our association during the past three We are indeed fortunate to have years. Ed has shepherded us through three extremely capable and dedi- X-Men Gridiron News: the transition to our updated consti- cated staff working with us in the tution and the new structure of the • X-Men football had a record number five CIS All-Canadians in 2009: Akeem Foster, Henoc Alumni Affairs Office. Special thanks council. This is in addition to continu- Muamba, Tom Lynch, Dylan Hollohan and Dave Skillen go to Alumni Affairs Director Helen Coach K sets national coaching milestone ing the growth and development Murphy and co-workers Glenda • Cornerback Dylan Hollohan played on World Team for game against USA during NFL Pro of our alumni chapters and related Bond and Jessica Smith. They do a Bowl week in Florida activities, all done on a volunteer eteran X-Men basketball head coach Steve ‘Coach Publicover, StFX Alumni Association President Ed phenomenal job for the university • Offensive lineman Gordon Sawler inked pro contract with the Toronto Argonauts basis. and all of us. It is worthwhile to point K’ Konchalski was honoured in November for his McHugh, StFX Students’ Union President Sandy Our alumni association now has a • Wide receiver Akeem Foster currently ranked in top 10 in CFL draft prospects out that in a 2009 survey of Canadian record-breaking milestone of becoming the CIS MacIntosh, X-Men Booster Club President Rob council of 17 chapter representatives university alumni, our AlumniNews V • Running back James Green became the StFX all-time career leading rusher with 2304 total (including two international reps), all-time career leader in wins. Wolf and Past President of Basketball Nova Scotia had the highest percentage of read- yards four executive members and two Coach K earned his national record-breaking 735th career Mike Brien. ership by alumni in Canada at 79 per members-at-large. It is important win on November 6 in a 94-83 victory at UPEI, and in do- Coach Konchalski is currently in his 35th season cent as compared to the national av- to recognize and acknowledge the erage of 50 per cent. We can attribute ing so passed the previous record holder from Brandon as head coach of the StFX X-Men. His X-Men Varsity Alumni Tidbits: alumni who are advancing our alma • Garry Gallimore signed with the Halifax Rainmen of the Premier Basketball League much of this success to our alumni University, Jerry Hemmings. At the first home game since have made 33 consecutive AUS appearances, mater at the national and local level. office staff and a number of staff in • Sam Roberts and Danny Battochio participated in ECHL and CHL all-star games the record-breaking event, Coach K was honoured during won nine AUS championship titles and three My hope is that each of you becomes the Advancement department. We • Will Colbert playing with the AHL Wochester Sharks, San Jose Sharks affiliate engaged in the strengthening of a pre-game ceremony at 7:35 p.m. He received a framed, CIS national championship titles. He has been are indeed grateful for their creativity • Rebecca Davies, Amanda Church and Lindsay Brown playing with Mississauga Chiefs (CWHL) one of Canada’s finest universities. and expertise. commemorative print, the same graphic that appeared on named AUS Coach of the Year on six occasions and was L-r: Coach Steve Konchalski, It is essential that each of us help to and competed against Chinese Olympic team posters distributed to the first 735 fans at the game. the 2001 CIS Coach of the Year. Coach K was the Canadian StFX Vice President participate in the recruitment of our Recruitment & Student Hail and Health!! Congratulatory messages were passed along by StFX men’s basketball national team head coach for four years “Leaders of Tomorrow.” Andrea MacLean-Holohan, Experience Keith Publicover International X-Women: As we look to the year ahead, it is Director of Athletics & Recreation Leo MacPherson, StFX and assistant coach for 16 years and he currently is a mem- and StFX Director of Athletics Alumni Association • Amanda Thornborough and Jessica Jacobs went on tour with Canadian Rugby U20 Team vs important to recognize the continu- Vice President Recruitment & Student Experience Keith ber of the Basketball Canada Council of Excellence. & Recreation Leo MacPherson. National President USA in Florida ing growth of our chapters in num- • Ghislaine Landry and Lisa Gauthier named to Team Canada for 2010 World University Rugby 7’s Championship in Spain

28 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 29 chapter news Yukon

London, ON musicians and gift bearers, and a special thanks The London, Ontario alumni chapter welcomed StFX to Fr. Bill Stephenson ’57, who again presided President Dr. Sean Riley on Friday, November 28, 2009. Dr. over the Mass. Also, thank you to all who helped Riley’s President’s Reception was a hit, drawing alumni organize the reception. from all corners of southwestern Ontario. Xaverians as- The chapter is also putting the finishing touch- London, ON sembled at the London Club for a StFX Day celebration es on a new scholarship, in honour of the late that for our group was finally clear of foul weather. Friends Leone Campbell ’63. Leone was an active alumna a lobster boil! It all happens Thursday, May 27 ing ’09, from the StFX Recruiting Office gave the from Windsor to Burlington and parts in between, recited who was a foremost ambassador for StFX in the with a venue to be announced soon. E-mail students and parents some additional tips and the Xaverian Prayer led by London chapter treasurer Pe- Calgary area. She was a driving force in putting the chapter ([email protected]) for more offers of help. Joan Chiasson, ’52, one of the tra Brown-MacDonald ’90. Dr. Riley addressed alumni StFX on the map for a lot of Calgary-area students, information and for tickets! hardest workers in the local group, asked to have and friends present, speaking to recent changes on our and her contributions were recognized with her Jay Donlevy ‘92, a minute to say a few words. Joan then gave a campus including the new Coady International Institute induction into the Hall of Honour in 1999. Calgary Chapter President heartfelt talk encouraging the new students to building and the new Schwartz School of Business. Dr As for upcoming events, be sure to keep Satur- [email protected] love and cherish their time at StFX. Riley emphasized the fact that our beloved alma mater, days in March and April free. The next big event October and November saw support for re- St. Francis Xavier, maintains its strength through a special is the Annual Alumni Pub Night. The chapter is Cape Breton County cruiting and publicity for StFX student athletes bond linking alumni, students, faculty and staff. It was currently nailing down a date and will be spread- The new student send-off on August 18th saw from this area. On November 26, StFX President wonderful to have alumni of all different ages together ing the word via e-mail so if you’re not getting 46 attending, enjoying jambalaya, hot dogs Dr. Sean Riley was here for a President’s Recep- to reconnect, rekindle old memories and start new friend- e-mail from the chapter – or you’re not sure if your and strawberries, courtesy of Barbara Shaw, ’61. tion, lunch with alumni assisting with recruiting ships. Gerry Lowe, chapter vice president, thanked Dr. Riley information is current – drop us a line at calgary- Recent grads Ashley Heffernan, ’09, Mark Inglis, and a speaking tour of local high schools. for his presentation to our chapter. [email protected]. We can always use a helping hand ’09 and Erin Neary ’06, spoke to the students on On December 2nd the chapter held the annual Drew Smith ‘90, too, so if you can volunteer, let us know! what to expect as a new student at X and gave Mass at St. Anthony Daniel in Sydney, concel- London Chapter President And finally, the chapter is thrilled to welcome them tips from their experiences to successfully ebrated by Fr. Donald MacGillivray ’79 and Fr. [email protected] StFX President Dr. Sean Riley where he’ll host balance the many aspects of life at X. Jean Keat- Jake Andrea ‘59. After mass there was a short annual meeting followed by a Meet & Greet for Pictou county, NS local alumni. L-r: Scott Westberg ‘06, Ryan MacIntyre ‘08, Graham Webb `07, Joshua Paddon ‘07, Rob Warner The Pictou County chapter welcomed Dr. Sean Riley at Fredericton The new executive, with representation from ‘11, Steve Roddick `07, Currie Dixon ‘08, Elizabeth Mackay ‘10 and Megan Brady ‘08. the President’s Reception held Feb. 10. Close to 100 local all areas of the county and classes from ’49 to alumni enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with friends ’09, met on January 3rd for a relaxing evening from StFX and to hear news from campus. The chapter also aimed at getting to know each other. hosted its 6th annual information session for high school Fr. Jake Andrea was the celebrant for the Janu- students (and parents) wishing to attend university on ary 17th TV Mass for Shut Ins. Local alumni formed Feb. 23,2010. The next event will be a student send-off to the congregation, read, and sang in the choir. be held in August (date TBD) at the Museum of Industry. plans are underway to show support for StFX Local alumni wishing to help out should contact Paul teams in both the men’s and women’s basketball Fraser at (902) 695-5231. championships to be held here. The women’s Chapter th Paul Fraser ‘82, Pictou County tournament will be at CBU from February 26 to Chapter President 28th. The men’s will be at Centre 200 March 12th [email protected] to 14th. Details will be posted on the StFX Alumni website events page: www.alumni.stfx.ca news Calgary, AB Pictured above (l-r): Father Gerry White ’ 74, Dale Chisholm ‘00, Hon. Dr. Ed Doherty ‘71, Honourable Graydon Nicho- John Shaw ‘62, Happy New Year, fellow Xaverians! Despite the chal- las ‘68, ‘94 and Sara Rothman ‘92 at the X-day event held at the Lieutenant Governor’s mansion on Dec 3. Cape Breton County Chapter President lenges of our oil-heavy economy, Calgary continues to [email protected] The weather might not be perfect, but that doesn’t stop the be a popular destination, especially to find work. To that Pictured below are, back row: Nike Flugge ’09, Corrine Chisholm, Dean MacPherson ’94, Kelley Webb-Page, Dan- end, the chapter started a Fall Pub Night that is designed ielle O’Keefe, Paul Marsh ’94. Front row: Krista MacEachern ’09, Kate Crossland-Page, Chelsea MacKenzie ‘05, Lisa X-Ring Day in London, England biggest gathering of StFX alumni from taking place during the to welcome Xaverians to Calgary. While attendance was Alexandra ‘09, Heather Marshall, Dale Brown ’96 and future X-grads Dylan Buzugbe ‘24 and Daryl Buzugbe ‘27. Kelley Webb-Page hosted an X-style house party first week of December each year. The Feast Day of St. Francis relatively light, the hope is that it will continue to attract in London, England with Moosehead beer. Four- Xaverians who relocate to Calgary, so that they can net- teen X grads made an appearance at the event. Xavier on Dec. 3 continues to be a significant reason for our work with established alumni and meet others who are in London, England Some brought their partners and families. The grads to gather together in celebration of the StFX spirit. The the same boat. And besides, do X alums really need to have gathering lasted well into the evening. an excuse to get together for a pint or two? To help with Dale Brown ‘96 events come in all shapes and sizes, from a few alumni gathered this new venture, the chapter executive is busily updating England Chapter President at someone’s home for good food and friendship, to masses its alumni database to make it current, especially among [email protected] newer grads. If you or someone you know has moved to and dinners for larger gatherings and everything in between. the Calgary area recently, e-mail the chapter your details Halifax, NS The celebrations stretch across Canada and around the world, at its new, permanent e-mail address: calgarychapter@stfx. The 20th annual Father Kehoe Dinner and ca. The chapter also has a home on Facebook! Auction will be held Saturday, March 27th at connecting alumni in a special way to the 1000 seniors back on Local alumni and friends came together on December 3, the Westin Nova Scotian with two celebrated campus who are getting their X-Rings that day. the Feast Day of St. Francis Xavier, for the annual Mass and alumni, Raylene Rankin of the Rankin Family as reception, organized by Leona Whitburn ’62. The Calgary MC and Harris Fricker of GMP Investment Bank- chapter welcomed a lot of new alumni to the area, espe- ing as guest speaker. This dinner is the largest Contact your chapter presidents for upcoming X-events in your area. cially more recent graduates! Many thanks to the readers, gathering of X-Rings outside of Homecoming

30 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 31 chapter news chapter news

our annual Charity-Event (Ride for Heart) on June Northern California Truro, NS 6th. Please check in with us at stfxtoronto@gmail. com for more details, we look forward to hearing from you. On behalf of the StFX Toronto chapter execu- tive and alumni, our warmest regards, Andrew Howlett, Toronto Chapter President [email protected]

saint john, nb On Wednesday, December 3rd, the Saint John alumni chapter braved the snow to gather at O’Leary’s Pub to celebrate StFX Day. This annual event gains in popularity each year, and contin- sudbury, ON ues to draw alumni of all ages from the greater Saint John region. Party-goers caught up over and we invite all those looking for additional visiting priest from Benin, West Africa with a StFX contests to keep the evening flowing. drinks and appetizers, and took part in raffles for details will be available on our chapter website as 2009 to celebrate StFX Day. This was the third information and tickets to visit www.stfxalumni. golf shirt. It was to celebrate his December 3rd Our annual Golf and Dinner Day will be held StFX gear. Once again this year, we were joined they are confirmed. The Saint John chapter can event held this year for the South Shore. The ca for more details. Come as a company, come as birthday. A Sudbury Pub Night is being planned Friday June 4, 2010 at the Candiac Golf Club. If by recent grads celebrating their first StFX Day also be reached at: [email protected]. South Shore has not celebrated StFX Day in a a few friends or come on your own...you are guar- for some time in the spring. you wish to attend or if you need more infor- as alumni. The Saint John chapter would like to Claire Ryan ‘06, long time. The event was successful in having anteed to meet up with Xaverians you haven’t William Mackasey ‘59 mation please email Kevin MacSween at kevin. thank all who helped organize another great Saint John Chapter President over 36 guests in attendance. Organizers re- seen in a while and have a great evening while Sudbury Chapter President [email protected]. event - especially our host Kevin Ferguson, of [email protected] ceived many positive comments from those in helping to raise funds for StFX student athletics email: [email protected] Kevin MacSween ‘89, O’Leary’s. attendance who hope to see this as an annual and bursaries. Montreal Chapter President Our next alumni gathering will be our Golf South Shore, NS event. The night was very positive with great The Halifax alumni chapter will be hosting a Ottawa, ON [email protected] Tournament and Student Send-off, scheduled The Nova Scotia South Shore chapter gathered energy, great conversation, music, food and pub night at Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub on Friday The Ottawa chapter celebrated the Feast of St. for August 2010 at the Hampton Golf Club. Event at the Cranberry Inn in Bridgewater on Dec. 3, camaraderie. We had StFX alumni musicians May 7th. Come out and meet up with fellow Francis a day later on Dec 4th with a mass at St. Toronto, ON Xaverians for an evening of music and munchies. Patrick Basilica, followed by a wine and cheese The year 2009 ended with a bang and Wheel Pizza Additional details will be available on the chapter reception at the church hall. With over 70 alumni in Toronto, as the chapter executive hosted anoth- website closer to the event day. in attendance, we were pleased to have with er wonderful reception to celebrate the Feast of Carla O’Brien Alderson ‘00, us Leo MacPherson, StFX’s Director of Athletics St. Francis Xavier. Over 130 alumni joined us at the Halifax Chapter President and Recreational Services who gave us the latest Newman Centre, in the heart of the University of [email protected] word from campus, in particular the accomplish- Toronto campus for our annual event supported ments of the student athletes at StFX. A great by some very generous alumni and friends includ- Truro, NS and varied turn-out this year with graduates from ing Agnico-Eagle Mines, GMP Capital Inc, and Close to 50 Truro & Area chapter members gath- the late 30s through to recent grads of 2009. Ot- John and Trudy Young. A special thank-you goes ered to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis Xavier tawa alumni - thank you!! You continually make out to Helen Murphy for sharing this day with us. on December 3rd. Justin Fox, the university’s our chapter events a success. A number of alumni also gathered for our Annual Director of Admissions and Recruitment, was Karri Cameron ’92, General Meeting where the executive members this year’s guest speaker and brought an update Ottawa Chapter President (Andrew Howlett, Heather Shillington and John of what’s been happening across campus in the [email protected] Ratchford) were re-elected and a number of other last year. alumni including Sarah Rieksts, Alessandro Lupo, Jeff Bishop ‘98 MONTREAL, QC Brian Cauley, Marc Rodrigue, Richard Chiasson, StFX Alumni London Chapter President On December 1st, 2009 the Montreal chapter cel- Leona Hancharek and Jacqueline de Verteuil [email protected] ebrated StFX Day with a roast beef dinner buffet joined as members-at-large. Discover the difference at Molson Brewery. Molson Brewery was a new On that very same day, StFX lost one of its a student can make! Sudbury, ON venue for the annual celebration and everyone most extraordinary young alumni, Lindsay The second annual StFX Day celebration was seemed pleased with the change. It was noted Bolger of Ontario. Lindsay founded the B-Strong Become a Co-op Employer Today! again held at St. Patrick’s parish in Sudbury, that plenty of young new faces were present. Campaign to raise money for brain cancer re- Bachelor of Business Administration Ontario on Thursday, December 3, 2009. Over 30 Guest speaker Iain Boyd, StFX’s Director of Ad- search. The Toronto chapter will be supporting Accounting, Enterprise Development, Finance, alumni, special guests and some future alumni vancement Relations, updated the chapter with this foundation through the purchase of the Information Systems, Leadership Studies, Marketing attended the event; almost double that from last news from StFX and spoke about challenges B-Strong “Lindsay” Bears which will be donated Bachelor of Information Systems year. Five priests concelebrated Mass presided for today’s students and the potential students to children in Christmas 2010. Enterprise Systems, IT Management by Fr. Tony Man-Son-Hing. Fr. Tony is the StFX of tomorrow. Sixty alumni and friends came to 2010 looks like another promising year be- Bachelor of Arts Ministries program coordinator for Sudbury enjoy a great meal while catching up with old ginning with our annual Golf Tournament and Computer Science region. Following Mass the group was led by a friends and new Xaverians to the Montreal area. Dinner on May 31st; followed by our Student Bachelor of Science piper to the church hall for a wine and cheese Emily McKenna thanked Iain for his participation Send Off Garden Party on June 19th. Don’t miss Biology, Computer Science, Human Nutrition reception. One of the highlights of the evening with the event. Meg McKenna welcomed guests out on the annual Family-Day (free Blue Jays [email protected] l 902-867-5359 was to present Fr. Francis Xavier Gnonhossou, a as they arrived and organized some door prize game hopefully against the Yankees) as well as

32 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 33 chapter news Upcoming Events We’d like you to keep in touch! Check out www.alumni.stfx.ca for a complete listing of upcoming events and up-to-date event details. ow important is it to keep in touch with your alma mater? HPlenty! At StFX, there’s so much going on – from an alumni Halifax, NS Montreal, QC road trip on the StFX bus to New York this spring to student send- March 27, 2010 June 4, 2010 offs each summer in cities and towns across the country and Annual Fr. Kehoe Dinner, Annual Montreal Golf beyond. If we don’t have your current contacts, we’re not able The Westin Hotel Tournament to send out event notices, alumni mailouts or the AlumniNews Tickets $100 each Contact: Kevin MacSween magazine, mailed free of charge three times a year to StFX alumni Contact Shawn Monahan [email protected] and friends. If you’re plugged into the StFX network, you can stay [email protected] in touch with friends, find mentors, visit the online community, the Ottawa, ON Ottawa, ON X-Ring, and keep up to date with all the details of Homecoming, Toronto, ON June 11, 2010 and chapter events in your area. We’d like to reconnect with some March 2010 (exact date TBA) Ottawa Golf Tournament those with whom we’ve lost touch. If you have a current contact Prince George, BC Toronto St. Paddy’s Day event Contact Karri Cameron of or information on any of the following alumni, listed by decade, [email protected] please contact: Halifax, NS May 7, 2010 Vancouver, BC Ann Arsenault, Records Researcher Pub Night July 11, 2010 St Francis Xavier University Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub Vancouver Sent-off Picnic, 1-888-739-0031 • [email protected] Prospect Point picnic site, Corner Brook, NL Stanley Park May 12, 2010 President’s Reception Class of 1996 Phys. Ed. 1960s Donald Wilfred MacDonald BSC’80 share their talent, which certainly added to the celebration. Betty-Jean reunion Cyril Jobe Abbass BA’63 Anita Charlene MacIver BA’88 Lennox Michael Aqui DIPE’67 John Jeffery MacPherson DIPJ‘86 Aucoin spoke to update alumni of the chapter’s student send-off and that St. John’s, NL August 14-16, 2010 in May 13, 2010 Antigonish. Please contact the Judith Mary (MacKenzie) Ballah BA’69 & BED’70 Ita Marie McKenna BA’83 & BED’84 hopes that the chapter will be able to support three events a year in the Shirley Juliette (Roche) Beal BA’67 & BED’68 Karen Louise Murphy BSCN’83 South Shore area. President’s Reception reunion organizers for details: Edward Wesley Bearss Senior Dip Ed’69 Anthony Bruce Parker BAMUS’87 Betty-Jean Aucoin Dale Brown: Beverley Glennis (Gardner) Benjamin BSCN’69 Melvin Bernard Rankin BA’80 Bridgewater Chapter President Alumni bus trip [email protected], John A Caldwell BED’68 [email protected] to New York City Melanie Cantrell: Gary Richard Ceppetelli BA’66 May 19-24, 2010 [email protected] or Guy H Cyr BSC’66 1990s Prince George, BC Paul MacDonald: Catherine Deniverville BA’67 Bassum Abu BBA’92 Edmonton, AB [email protected] Steven Alexander Deri DIPE’67 Maureen Jane (Bennett)Angen BA’91 The Prince George Chapter got together on a snowy day on Thursday, David T Frontin BA’69 Tracey Lynn Banfield Hillier BSCN’90 rd May 26, 2010 December 3 . Thirteen StFX grads and some friends came out for some Florence M (Gaudet) Gross HEC’66 Anthony Barclay Cameron BBA’90 drinks and food at Moxie’s Classic Grill. It was great to see some new faces Maritime Lobster Dinner Halifax, NS David Wright Hylton BBA’68 Jennifer Marie Coyle BSC’91 as well as some old friends. August 25, 2010 Lizzie Jay MSC’66 Barbara Ann Fratesi MADED’93 Brent Arsenault ‘91, ‘92 Calgary, AB Halifax student send-off, Brian Keeler BA’92 Prince George Chapter President May 27, 2010 Brightwood Golf Course 1970s Robert Maynard Kyte BBA’90 [email protected] Maritime Lobster Dinner Naaman Nihman Abou-Mourad BBA’78 Charles C MacIntyre BA’91 & BED’91 Antigonish, NS Danielle Allard BSC’74 Wendy Ann MacKay BA’97 Adelaide Allotey BSA’74 Kimberlea Frances Messenger BSCN’99 MONCTON, NB Toronto, ON Oct 1 – 3, 2010 May 31, 2010 Homecoming Pius Joseph Burke BA’76 & BED’77 Brian Alexander Mills DIPE’90 StFX’s Facilities Management director Leon MacLellan and his wife came John Charles Cameron BA’78 Andrew Thomas Smith BSC’91 & BED’92 from StFX to Moncton on Dec 3rd to celebrate StFX Day with over 20 Monc- StFX Toronto Golf Classic Sr Brenda Jean Chandler BED’77 Marjorie Taylor DIPADE’92 tonians at the Molson Brewery. The refreshments were good and this year’s The Carrying Place Golf & William Douglas Cook BSC’72 Michelle Sara Vandereep BA’93 & BED’94 turnout was great. We got an update of the changes happening at StFX. Country Club. Contact: Trudy Helen (Coard) Davis BSC’74 Our next event will be the President’s Reception taking place on June 3rd. Young Arthur R Funke DIPE’74 2000s We look forward to seeing you at any of our events. It’s a good place to [email protected] M Susan Hay BA’70 Conny Barbara Amlung-Manson BSCN’04 re-connect with fellow alumni. Danielle Mary (MacAulay)Ives BSA’72 Emily Alaine Asbell BBA’07 Mary Agnes Kilfoil BBA’78 Sharon Ann Barron BSCN’01 Claudia MacLean, Dalhousie, NB May 2010 (exact date TBA) Norman Landry BA’72 & BED’74 Christina Dawn Campbell BA’02 Moncton Chapter Co-President Bernard MacAdam BA’74 & BED’75 Carrie Frances Duggan BA’00 & BED’04 [email protected] Alumni gathering John Bernard MacDonald BA’71 Dana Maureen Fidgen BSCN’00 Fredericton, NB Jean-Guy Gauthier DIPM’00 June 2, 2010 1980s Leslie Raymond Gorham BIS’00 President’s Reception Jemal Hussein Abba-Wajy BSC’87 George Timothy Hunter BSCHK’00 Roberta Carol Baker BED’84 Jana Nicole Jackson BED’06 Moncton, NB Judith Ann Burdge BA’81 Andrew Joseph Kane BSC’02 June 3, 2010 Allison J Cameron BA’87 Nadia Louise Landry BA’03 President’s Reception Robert Kyle Ferguson BBA’85 Aime Helen MacDonald BA’04 Loretta Mary Hasey BBA’80 Jeff Young MacDonald BIS’01 Joseph Harry Jellow BA’81 & BED’81 Scott Bradley McManus BSC’00 Mona Darlene Landry BA’83 & MED ‘90

34 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 35 Moncton, NB Mairin Jeannie, July 23/09 July 11/09 Rowen Sylvester-Sangster, Jan. 10/08 X-Family Gathering L-r: Annika Joussaume, Benjamin Whitehead, Paul Toth, Beckett and Charlotte Steeves news exchange

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: [email protected]

Back l-r: Craig Gerrior ‘99, Michelle (Boyle) Drysdale ‘91, Krista Hynes ‘97 and Darryl Cross. Kevin Murphy ‘69, George Vickers ‘71, Erin (Murphy) Bridesmaids (X Volleyball teammates) Hingley ‘03, Brian Murphy ‘71 ‘73 ‘84, Danielle (Vickers) Children of Maryse Tetrault Joussaume and Ed Carolyn (Spidell) Gudmundseth ‘97, Pitts ‘03, Shane Pitts ‘00. Front l-r: Helen (MacInnis) Joussaume ‘97, Susan Down ’98 and Steven with his wife Pat. They sum- Reg Jerrett ‘73 – After they have one daughter, Murphy ‘84, Krista Gerrior ‘04, Carmella (Campbell) Thea (Gillis)’96 Nicole (Street) Laplant ‘97 and Wanda Jennifer Sylvester BBA’98 Murphy ‘60, Melanie Gerrior ‘00, Aileen (Murphy) Pitts Whitehead ‘97, Hayley Lueke Toth and Mark 40s mer at Melmerby Beach, retiring from his second ca- Kathleen. Bernie completed and Mark Campbell (Griffin) Brenton and Wayne Sangster ‘75 ‘93, Patricia (Murphy) Muyzk ‘78. Toth ’96, Kara Kilfoil ‘98 and Oliver Steeves. ’ spend time in N. Reding- reer, Reg and his wife have his MEd from Dal in 1993 X-Gal “Right on Track” at 90 ton, FL in the winter and moved back to Regina, SK and has been teaching in X-Recruitment Booth in Toronto years young! Committed travel whenever possible. to be closer to children and the Halifax Regional School and Gwyn, 4 1/2 months, George Palmer was involved workplace in a nutshell. New Dennis both work at a non- July 25, 2009 to staying active, winter grandchildren. Enjoying Board for 25 years. Bernie where Kelly Ann works for in the Battle of Hong Kong York: Springer. governmental organization weather doesn’t slow her Dr. Joseph Petrie ‘65 and life and all the prairies have taught at many schools and the Eastern School Dis- (around the time Pearl Har- in Botswana that provides down. Margaret Brown his lifelong companion to offer. currently he is principal of trict as a music specialist bour was bombed), where Kathryn Danielle Turner care and support to orphans ‘48 regularly laces up and Mark, have left Ottawa to Auburn Drive High. (though currently on ma- he was shot and captured. ‘05 married Shawn John- and vulnerable children. does her ‘mile a day’ at the personally manage and Mike O’Leary ‘76 – After ternity leave) and Andrew While imprisoned, he had son in Gray, ME on August 8, indoor fitness track. Happy operate their 40 room c. 32 years with the Halifax Stuart Sankey ‘87 would is completing his Resi- plans to break out and es- 2009. Katie is the youngest Brian Cauley ‘08 is cur- Birthday Margaret! 1860 mansion guest house Regional School Board, love to connect with old dency in Psychiatry. cape across China toward of 10 children of Peter J. rently pursuing a masters “The Coral Tree Inn” in Key has retired, moved to the friends – email is stu@stu- friendly lines, but before (‘64) and Marion E. Turner. degree in media produc- Happy 90th Birthday West, Florida. Middle East and has taken sells.ca or check out his web James Buchan ‘94 finished long he was sent to Ja- Katie and Shawn will reside tion at Ryerson University. Joan(MacDonald) ‘48, ‘50 a position as principal of page, www.stusells.ca . his second masters degree pan on a POW hellship. He in Naples, ME. Katie is a Continuing from one lead- Anna-Marie Roper ‘99 and Fraser Muir ‘52 Qatar Canadian School in in education and became endured brutalities, slave managed disability analyst ing school to another, Brian and Kebede Ebrahim ’70s Doha, Qatar. director of coaching/phys labour and starvations over at Disability RMS in West- is using his time to become 50th wedding anniversary, Sept. 27 ’90s ed for Lake Erie College, the next few years. He and brook, ME and Shawn is an a visionary in the podcast- Bo Anthony, March 17/07 and Jean Nicol ‘70 is look- Clifford J. Shaw, Q.C., and saved one of his play- his comrades were close architectural engineer with ing and media world. Check Jonah Miller, Sept. 30/09 ing for former members ’78, LLB, LLM, is teaching Chris Hamilton ‘92 and ers performing CPR after to death by the time the Monaghan Commercial out the podcast he started of X-Project from 1965 - business law in the Bis- Tiffany Young were mar- he had a heart attack! Americans rescued them. and Residential Construc- at StFX on CFXU at www. 2008. Please contact her sett School of Business at ried on October 3, 2009 in One interesting note: It’s tion, Portland, ME. wellversed.org at [email protected] or check Mount Royal University. Victoria. Chris is currently Paul McGinn ‘94 has been the only published book Margaret Brown ‘48 out this link http://www. He continues to practice working for the Province appointed executive direc- in existence containing in- Kyla (Kennedy) Abraham Janet McMordie ‘08 – “Right on Track” facebook.com/group. banking and insolvency of BC and is director of tor of the Hants Regional depth information on that ‘07 graduated from the Many of you participated php?gid=214251841231# law with Faber Bickman the Environmental Assess- Development Authority. particular POW camp (called University of Calgary in June in my undergraduate the- Leon in Calgary. ment Office. He welcomes Omine Camp). The book is 2009 with a Bachelor of sis “Pump Up the Volume” 60s Judge John Creaghan Fri- a hello from any of his X Thea (Gillis)’96 and Mark available at Chapters/Indi- Education with a concentra- where I tested how your Congratulations to Anne and ’ el ‘70 has been appointed buddies at cj_hamilton@ Campbell were happy to go’s/Coles stores in Canada, tion in secondary physical exercise intensity was af- Dale Chisholm ‘00 Diker Campbell ’58 ’59 and James Schiesz Dr. Alistair MacLeod ’60, to the position of provincial ’80s shaw.ca. welcome their baby girl, and is for sale online at the education. Kyla married Blair fected by the volume of Three generations of X-grads HON ’87 was one of two court judge. He was sworn Mairin Jeannie, on July 23, publisher’s web site (www. Abraham on July 18, 2009 in your exercise music. The Kai Xavier Arnold, August 9/09 recipients of the 2009 in on Oct. 2009 at the Mira- Teena Dawson ‘83 ac- Cliff McGann ’92 and 2009. Thea and Mark are borealispress.com). Main-A-Dieu, NS. study has been mentioned PEN/Malamud Award for michi Law Courts building cepted the position of his Celtic music group Tri living in Yellowknife where on MSNBC.com and is writ- excellence as a writer of in Miramichi, NB. Judge Friel education advisor, Group recently released their new she is a high school teacher Joanna Kirton ’07 and ten up in the January / Feb- short stories presented in was called to the bar in 1974 Retirement Savings, at Des- CD “A-measg Cháirdean” with Yellowknife Catholic ’00s Dennis Maplazi were mar- ruary 2010 issue of Women’s December 2009 in Wash- and worked in Grand Falls for jardins Financial Security (Among Friends). www. Schools and Mark works for ried on July 25, 2009 in Vic- Health magazine (page 27). I ington, DC. Previous win- 20 years. He spent the last 12 in Toronto in August 2009. triceol.com BHP Billiton Corporation. Barbara Fry ‘03 says thanks toria Falls, Zimbabwe. Three am completing my master’s ners include Alice Munro, years in agricultural litigation Her personal email address to the excellent guidance Xaverians, Joy Dawkins degree at the University of Joyce Carol Oates and John but has acted as agent for is [email protected] . Kelly Ann Marshall ‘93 Michael Palmer ‘99 has received in the M. Ad.Ed pro- ’07, Anna Beth Campbell Western Ontario (and un- Updike. the federal government for and Dr. Andrew Latus recently published a book, gram she has written and ’07, and Kirsty Whelton fortunately that is the institu- Edward Russell ‘59, granddaughter prosecutions under federal Bernie MacEachern ‘92 ‘93 are living in St. Dark Side of the Sun (non- published: Fry, B. (2010). Fast ’07, made the trip to Af- tion that gets mentioned in st Marieke Brouwer, 1 year, and John McDonald ‘62 has statutes, and did criminal ‘83 is married to Sheila John’s, Newfoundland with fiction) about his grandfa- facts for clinical nurse manag- rica to be bridesmaids in the article, not StFX where Kris Arnold ‘00 daughter Denise Russell-Brouwer ‘84 retired and lives in Bedford defence work. (MacDonald) ‘83 and their two children, Rhys, 5, ther’s exploits during WWII. ers: Managing a changing the wedding. Joanna and the study took place.) and Nanda MacNeil-Arnold

Retired October 3, 2009 Gwyn Annie Tallulah, July 25/09 Alli (6 wks) and Nate (2) Gillis with Reed (15 months), Jack (4 years) Xavier Winston Donald, Aug. 25/09 Lily Rebecca (3) & Elliott James (4 mos) Climbing a glacier in Iceland August 8, 2009 Lowen Brock, March 22/09 cousin Mairin Campbell (5 mos.) and Lex (15 months)

John McDonald ‘62, with grand- Chris Hamilton ‘92 Kelly Ann Marshall ‘93 Children of Sean ‘93 and Carla Gillis & Nadine Day Boutilier ‘95 Donna Best ‘01 Melissa (MacDonald) ‘01 Shannon Bonenfant ‘01, ‘03 Erika (Robinson) ‘02 Katherine ‘02 daughter, Makayla McDonald and Tiffany Young and Dr. Andrew Latus ‘92 ‘93 Thea (Gillis) ‘96 and Mark Campbell and Ian Boutilier and Brian Warner and James ‘03 LeBlanc and Todd Nauss and Jason Orlik ‘02

36 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 37 Andrew Ernest David (4) and Krystian Gregory, May 15/09 Burke Alexander, Jan. 19/09 Olivia Mia Ana Lee, April 19/09 deceased

Msgr. Conrad Polycarp Girroir ‘39 John D. McCormick ‘40 Margaret “Peggy” (Landry) Brean ‘44, wife of former Director of Development and Alumni Affairs, Berkley Brean. Dr. George Battcock ‘46 Mary (Campbell) Cameron ‘46 Robert Hugh Lynch ‘46 Mariana (Capbert) Thibaudeau ‘02 Joanna (Gulayets) ‘03 Patricia (Burke) ‘03 Léonide H. Cyr ‘47 Athletic Renewal and Andy Thibaudeau ‘97 and Greg Altimas and Robert Aucoin ‘00 Ronald A. J. Tompkins ‘48 Ouida Ann (MacLellan) Touche ‘48 We need your generous support Helen Katherine (Davidson) Tracey ‘48 Renewed athletic and recreational facilities will be a valuable asset August 23, 2008 Brody Robert, August 3/09 Doctorate in Medicine (M.D.), to the university community and an impressive recruitment tool May 2009, University of Ottawa Alexander A. Knickle ‘49 Rev. Wilfred Borden ‘49 ‘52 in today’s increasingly competitive post-secondary climate. Most Luigi Lawrence Centa ‘50 ‘51 importantly, your support for StFX’s athletic facility renewal plan Remo Gatto ‘50 ‘54 will give you the lifelong satisfaction of having invested in the Margaret “Peggy” (Power) Kontak ‘50 ‘78 future of StFX, its students and the local community. Your support William “Bill” F. Curry ‘51 will make this ambitious vision a reality and touch the lives of every Angus Anthony MacDonald ‘51 ‘53 ‘63 Rev. Richard A. McGarrity ‘52 member of the Xaverian community. Rev. James MacDonnell ‘53 When completed, renovated athletic facilities will include: Myles Dunn MacKinnon ‘54 For information or to donate by phone Jen (Kellock) ‘04 Jen (Kellock) ‘04 Sarah Lesperance ‘05 John J. Nicholson ‘54 please call 902-867-5144 or toll free • New artificial turf playing surface and Leigh MacLennan and Leigh MacLennan and Raylene Sauve ’05 Agnes “Claire” (Purcell) O’Keefe ‘54 ‘55 1-888-222-0227 • New eight-lane, all-purpose track Edmond J. Burns ‘56 • New lighting and fencing for the outdoor stadium Adrienne Michele, May 2/08 August 8, 2009 BScN grads in Grande Cache, AB Eugene Edward Gillespie ‘56 • New grandstands for the outdoor stadium Jean Marie (Kiely) Lineger ‘58 ‘80 • New sports medicine and rehabilitation centre Elward DeVine ‘59 • New and renovated locker rooms for home and visiting teams Col. Douglas Fraser ‘59 • New high-performance strength and conditioning room Robert “Bob” MacNaughton Lennox ‘65 • Additional gymnasium space James Patrick Collins ‘66 ‘69 • New basketball floor and stands Sr. Mary Agnes Nash ‘66 • New Sports Hall of Fame area Andre Desjardins ‘67 • National championship display area Joanells M. Corbett ‘68 Wilma Buchanan ‘06, Yolanda Thomas Murrin ‘68 Diana (MacDonald) Kathryn Danielle Turner ‘05 Baker ‘06, Naomi Perry ‘04 and Wallace Bernard Gillis ‘69 and Jamie Hayne ’05 and Shawn Thomas Johnson Lisa Burke-Edwards ‘04 Roberta (Stephenson) Hughes ‘69 James “Jim” Arthur Benton ‘71 Madonna (Howell) Gallant ‘71 Jacobus Charles, May 16/09 August 7, 2009 October 4/08 William Q. Harper ‘73 Howard Meechan ‘73 Sr. Marilyn Curry ‘75 Arlene Marie (Melanson) Clarke ‘77 Deborah Ann McRobie ‘78 Colleen Anne (Gillis) Siller ‘79 ‘80 Wendy Hazel (MacEwen) Hughes ‘80 Douglas D. MacDonald ‘80 Lorraine D. (Bagnell) Duchesneau ‘81 Josie (Swinkels) MacLellan-Drake ‘82 It will help future students benefit from the same Lindsay Richmond ‘ 06, Vanita (Hoar)’06 and Jennifer (Boudreau) ‘06 Gregory Charles Nearing ‘82 learning experience that I enjoyed. and Gregory Ross ‘06 Jason “Flex” Svenningsen ‘06 and Ryan Fougère ‘05, ‘07 Deborah Lynn (Boudreau) Parsons ‘86 Mary Helen (Duggan) Barkhouse ‘91 “ Mark Bowler ‘80 July 18, 2009 July 25, 2009 Masters degree in Media Production Raymond “Ray” Perry Foote ‘91 Phillip Hughes ‘91 ‘92 ” Muriel Helena Duckworth, Hon. Deg. ‘97 Time and time again, Have you considered including Robert William Hearn ‘97 StFX in your estate planning? Lindsay Mary Catherine Bolger ‘06 alumni describe their Sharon S. Hogan ‘07 Margaret Violet (Ratchford) Vickers, MSB grad as one of the For information about Planned Giving Ronald Keith Berry, former staff days at StFX and the StFX Legacy Circle, contact: Jerome Archibald Chisholm, former staff Maria Hartery, Planned Giving Officer Joanna Kirton ’07 and Dennis Aloma Hawley (keeper of the X-Ring, Cameron’s Jewellery most important St. Francis Xavier University, Maplazi with bridesmaids Joy Note: the following death was inadvertently missed from our listing Kyla Abraham ‘07 (902) 867-3380 Dawkins ’07, Anna Beth Campbell Brian Cauley ‘08 in previous issues: David Forbes ‘71 and transformational and Blair Abraham studying at Ryerson University [email protected] ’07 and Kirsty Whelton ’07 experiences of their lives. 38 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 39 Update X-ring story l Alumni Office Have you moved, changed careers, been promoted? We’d like to hear about it. Update online at www.alumni.stfx.ca/updateinfo Kelvin’s X-Ring Full Name: ______Detective work pays off with missing ring Class Year: ______Spouse’s Name: ______Is spouse an ‘X’ alum? ______Year: ______

Address Street: ______City: ______Province/State: ______Postal/Zip Code: ______Phone: (______) ______Fax: (______) ______Email: ______Homepage: ______

Employment Information Company: ______Position: ______Street: ______City: ______Province/State: ______Postal/Zip Code: ______Phone: (______) ______Fax: (______) ______Email: ______Kelvin MacPhee Homepage: ______

Employment Information for Spouse round the end of August or first of it. The girl who found the ring was the front Company: ______A September, Kelly noticed his X-Ring end manager at Sobeys on Mumford Road Position: ______was missing. We searched the house high in Halifax. She found it on her way into work Street: ______and low and went through every bit of that Monday at the entrance of the store. It City: ______garbage and compost before we let it go was in perfect condition. Province/State: ______Postal/Zip Code: ______for pick up. I put a report in to the police as We figure he had put the ring in his gym Phone: (______) ______a lost ring. I also put a notice on Kijiji and pants pocket at exercise that day. As usual I Fax: (______) ______Email: ______offered a $100 reward. We heard nothing had asked him to go to a grocery store on Homepage: ______and the police department had called and his way home. The pockets are not deep so said they were closing the file. it could easily fall out. Who can always reach you? We had given up. My husband would it was so much fun to go over to the Name: ______not think of a new ring; he said it was not store to meet this wonderful lady and to Position: ______the same. Then, in mid-October I get this get the ring back that he worked so hard Street: ______call from StFX to say someone in the Halifax for. We offered her the reward and she did City: ______Province/State: ______Postal/Zip Code: ______area had picked up an X-Ring and Kelly’s not want to take anything as she was as Phone: (______) ______initials and class year matched. Thank you happy as we were. Her mom had done the Fax: (______) ______so much (Alumni Affairs Assistant) Glenda detective work for her so we asked her to Email: ______(Bond) for taking your time to track us use the money to do something nice for her Homepage: ______down. There was not a current address on mom. It was so worth it to us, her honesty file as we had moved from Cape Breton to meant everything to us. Information you would like to have published in the ‘News Exchange’ Halifax in 1998. Some detective work was Kelly said he will never take the ring off section of our Alumni News. done on your part for sure. again. ______When my husband Kelly came home I ______told him the story and he could not believe – Anne and Kelvin (Kelly) MacPhee ’62 ______

Return your X-Update to: Lost Woman’s ‘00 Found St. Francis Xavier University, Advancement Records Man’s ‘60 Woman’s ‘04 Woman’s ‘72 PO Box 5000, Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5 Lost Man’s ‘71 Woman’s ‘07 Man’s ‘81 Phone: (902) 867-5327 • Fax: (902) 867-3659 Man’s ‘95 Man’s ‘08 Toll-free: 1-888-739-0031 & Email: [email protected] Found Man’s ‘98 Man’s ‘09 Man’s ‘00 Date: ______

40 StFX Alumni News l spring 2010 There is a timeless quality to this award-winning photo of a StFX student studying by candlelight. It was taken by the late Jacques Juneau of Drummondville QC, a grad of 1950. This image reflects the firm lights-out policy of the day, when options for illumination of books and notes were limited late at night. Three decades later, a similar depiction graced the cover of AlumniNews, but at that time electric lamps made the job a little easier. Group home and auto insurance Insurance as simple as

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TD Insurance Meloche Monnex is the trade-name of SECURITY NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY who also underwrites the home and auto insurance program. The program is distributed by Meloche Monnex Insurance and Financial Services Inc. in Quebec and by Meloche Monnex Financial Services Inc. in the rest of Canada. Due to provincial legislation, our auto insurance program is not offered in British Columbia, Manitoba or Saskatchewan. 1Certain conditions and restrictions may apply. *No purchase required. Contest ends on January 14, 2011. Total value of each prize is $30,000 which includes the Honda Insight EX and a $3,000 gas voucher. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Skill-testing question required. Contest organized jointly with Primmum Insurance Company and open to members, employees and other eligible people of all employer and professional and alumni groups entitled to group rates from the organizers. Complete contest rules and eligibility information available at www.melochemonnex.com. Actual prize may differ from picture shown. Honda is a trade-mark of Honda Canada Inc., who is not a participant in or a sponsor of this promotion. Meloche Monnex is a trade-mark of Meloche Monnex Inc., used under license. TD Insurance is a trade-mark of The Toronto-Dominion Bank, used under license.

BBB-MM8019-09 MMI.EN•stfx (8.5x9.125).indd 1 1/21/10 2:25:34 PM

Projet : Annonce MMI 2009 Province : Nova Scotia Épreuve # :1 Client : Meloche Monnex Publication : St-Francis Xavier Mag. Date de tombée : 16/12/09 No de dossier : Format : 8.5x9.125 BBB-MM8019-09 MMI.EN•stfx (8.5x9.125) Couleur : couleur Graphiste : Yannick Decosse

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 attentivement cette épreuve afin d’éviter toute erreur.