Untitled - Search - St. Francis Xavier University
Transcription
Untitled - Search - St. Francis Xavier University
Window on StFX 10 AlumniNews St. Francis Xavier University • Antigonish • Nova Scotia • Canada 3 Features StFX #1 / page 3 Top undergraduate university in Canada Canada’s Best in Women’s Hockey / page 6 StFX to host CIS Nationals 6 Play Hard / page 10 Inside X-Women’s athletics Alumni #1 in Canada / page 13 Regular Features • President’s Message / page 4 • Alumni Association News / page 24 • The Word from Our Chapters / page 24 • Brag Page / page 35 Five years running Orientation 2005 / page 14 Caught on camera 13 16 Homecoming 2005 / page 16 In pictures • The Word from You (News Exchange) / page 36 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 1 WE HAD A FANTASTIC HOMECOMING weekend filled with fun, laughter and terrific weather. Check out some pictures of the weekend on the StFX website at www.stfx.ca. Read about our contest on the last page of this issue under the X-Ring story and you’ll have a chance to win a beautiful hand-made Xmas stocking filled with X memorabilia. As you will read in this issue, we are getting ready to host the women’s CIS national Hockey Championships in 2006. We’re excited about the opportunity to showcase our X-Women’s hockey team and our campus to visitors from across the country. You’ll also read the story of another of our female athletes whose courage in the face of cancer has rallied the entire campus community and beyond. Don’t miss Lindsay’s story and your chance to be a part of this athlete’s special quest. Your alumni chapters are busy preparing for StFX day. Make sure you contact the local chapter representatives in your area to find out how you can participate this year. If you don’t know who represents your area check out the list of chapter representatives on the website or contact Glenda Bond in the alumni office: phone (902) 8672186 or email [email protected] Hail & Health and have a great Christmas Holiday. E T I READ WITH INTEREST in the Summer 2005 Alumni News your article on Father Bernard Broderick ’35 receiving his X-Ring. My mother, Eileen (McQuaid) McMillan, is also a 1935 graduate of StFX. She doesn’t have an X-Ring but always comments when she sees one. She wears an “X” pendant around her neck and also has a stained glass “X” on her window. As someone who did not go to StFX (although my father, Dr. Joe McMillan, and two nephews, Ryan and Matthew Davies, did and a niece, Elizabeth McMillan, currently is a student at StFX), I am impressed with the loyalty that StFX graduates have to their university. My mother now lives at Beach Grove Home and her stained glass “X” is now on her window there. And recently, when my sister was cleaning out my mother’s desk, she came across a letter she had received in 1935 from one of the sisters at the Mount telling her how to apply for her dietetic internship. Although she always told us stories of how hard she had to work during the internship, she kept that letter all through the years. When I go to visit mother today, I will bring her a copy of the Alumni news. She is still interested in what is going on at StFX. She was last there when her grandson Ryan graduated and I believe that was her 60th anniversary of her own graduation. — Eileen (McMillan) Fulford 2 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 T E R AlumniNews MANAGING EDITOR Noreen Nunn ’92 Email: [email protected] Phone: 902-867-2243 STFX IS ASSISTANT EDITOR John Bastin Email: [email protected] CANADA’S BEST PRODUCTION & DESIGN Angela Penney Email: [email protected] FOUR YEARS RUNNING WRITER Cindy McInnes Noreen Nunn, StFX Alumni Affairs Officer Email: [email protected] Telephone: 902-867-2243 L U N I V E R S I T Y NEWS EXCHANGE EDITOR Glenda Bond Email: [email protected] S THANK YOU for the Spring 2005 Alumni News. When I read page 15, I was both surprised and pleased. Two of the featured people meant a great deal to me. As an engineering student, Father Vince MacLellan was my English 1 professor. At Nova Scotia Tech, Professor Doreen Heaps taught us Library Science, Presentation and Public Speaking. Both professors always stressed the importance of these subjects if we wanted to get ahead in the Engineering profession. I remember Fr. Vince complaining about my long sentences. On one occasion, he made four sentences from one of mine. When I didn’t comply he started to remove two points for each lengthy sentence in my essays. I got the message. I will also fondly remember the Public Speaking Classes at Tech. Professor Doreen helped break down our inhibitions by making the classes a fun event. I am now retired but I had a great and happy career. Thanks to my preparation at both StFX and Tech I always felt confident and rose rapidly in my profession. I have always contended that presentation skills played a large part and I thank both Professors Vince and Doreen for getting this shy student off to a great start. Both have left a large monetary legacy to StFX but in the hearts of some of us, their legacy was made long before. — Michael.G.Michaud ‘63, B.Eng., P.Eng. For more letters, see page 38... PHOTOGRAPHS John Bastin Bernice MacDonald Dan Callis COVER DESIGN Angela Penney ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Glenda Bond Phone: (902) 867-2186 Fax: (902) 867-3659 Email: [email protected] DEADLINES FALL ISSUE copy deadline September 20 for November mailing WINTER ISSUE copy deadline January 20 for March mailing SUMMER ISSUE copy deadline May 20 for July mailing AlumniNews is published by St. Francis Xavier University Alumni Affairs and Communications three times annually for alumni and friends of the university. Views expressed are those of the individual contributors or sources quoted. Contents, copyright © 2005 by St. Francis Xavier University. Subscriptions to AlumniNews are available to the public for $21 a year, single copies $7. Letters to the editor are welcome. Address correspondence to: AlumniNews St. Francis Xavier University PO Box 5000 Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5 Email: [email protected] Phone: 902-867-2186 #1 Primarily Undergraduate University SAY IT AGAIN, WE’RE SIMPLY THE BEST. Maclean’s magazine named StFX Canada’s best primarily undergraduate university for the fourth year running in their annual University Rankings report. For the fifth straight year, StFX was recognized for having the strongest alumni support. “The quality and commitment of our students, faculty and alumni is reflected in our number one ranking,” says StFX University President Dr. Sean Riley. “We continue to have strong momentum and each year we are attracting more of the best students from across Canada. Our alumni should take a strong measure of pride in the continuing national recognition of our university.” StFX was tops for students’ average entering grade, the proportion of students with an average of 75 per cent or higher and the proportion of students who graduate. Maclean’s also surveyed high school principals and guidance counselors, university officials, heads of organizations, CEOs and recruiters to find out which universities have the best reputations. Again StFX came out on top. The university was proclaimed as “Highest Quality” and “Best Overall.” Maclean’s noted that StFX is becoming recognized as a truly national university. “While StFX is small – with a student population of only 5,000 – it opens a wide window on the world. With its unique combination of a nurturing environment, a strong academic track record and roots steeped in social justice and community service, the university attracts some of Canada’s smartest undergrads, with fully 35 per cent coming from outside the province,” the magazine noted. StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 3 P R E S I D E N T ‘ S P A G E Dr. Sean E. Riley ’74 Dr. Sean Riley joins students, faculty and staff to celebrate Maclean’s #1 ranking. IT’S BEEN FOUR STRAIGHT YEARS AT THE TOP, but we’re not getting tired of it. Again this year, Maclean’s magazine named StFX as Canada’s top primarily undergraduate university. This national recognition is a reflection of the hard work of our faculty, students and staff, day in and day out. It’s also a testament to the unequalled support of our alumni. Our alumni don’t need to be told that StFX is a special place. But the Maclean’s ranking lets more people in on the secret. These rankings have become an important student recruitment tool, and one reason why a growing number of students from across Canada and, increasingly, around the world, are choosing StFX. Opportunities outside the classroom are a big part of the StFX recipe for success. This issue of Alumni News features the rapid growth of women’s university athletics. Female athletes at StFX are helping lead the charge. It’s something we will see on a national scale in March of next year when the best teams in women’s university hockey face off at StFX in the Canadian Interuniversity Sports (CIS) National Championship. We are excited to host this high-profile national championship at the Charles V. Keating Millennium Centre. Last year, the X-Women hockey team won the Atlantic University Sports (AUS) championship and put in a strong performance at the national finals. Athletics can play an important role in making university living a learning experience, particularly on a residential campus like ours. StFX offers a range of sport and recreational opportunities to its female students. From varsity teams to individual sports, from the weight room to the yoga studio to intramural soccer and ultimate frisbee, there is something for everyone. It is part of the fun, vibrant StFX experience, something our alumni know well. It’s an experience we work hard to continue improving for our students. Dr. Sean E. Riley’74 StFX President 4 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 X-STUDENT STRIKES BACK AT SICKNESS WITH CANCER RESEARCH FUNDRAISER STFX STUDENT LINDSAY BOLGER EMBODIES the true meaning of the Xaverian spirit. Lindsay has launched a cancer research fundraiser with her own design of B-Strong caps. Lindsay, a native of Unionville, ON, was diagnosed with a rare type of brain tumor last April after experiencing excruciating headaches while preparing for final exams. Within days, she underwent successful surgery to remove the tumor, although she still had to undergo radiation treatments for six weeks during the summer. “There are times in life when one is faced with unpredictable challenges,” says Lindsay. “In my case it was a brain tumor. Challenges like these test one’s strength and courage, but most of all they test how one accepts and deals with them. While undergoing radiation treatment, Lindsay and a friend had an idea for a fundraiser and together designed the BStrong cap. The caps are beige and feature a light blue ‘B’ on the front with a BStrong message on the back. Caps are being sold for $15 a piece and all funds raised support the Gerry & Nancy Pencer Brain Tumor Centre located at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. So far, Lindsay, her friends and family have sold more than 1,500 caps. For more information on how to purchase the caps, please contact John or Jo-Ann Bolger at [email protected] or at 905470-8219, or vist www.goxgo.ca The Keating family: (clockwise from top)Dr. Charles Keating ’58, Jon Bekkers’ 88 (son in law) Ann Marie Keating ’84, Cathy Keating ’88, Susan Keating Bekkers’89, Gregg Keating ’86. STFX MOURNS THE PASSING OF DR. CHARLES KEATING STFX LOST ONE OF ITS GREATEST FRIENDS in late November with the death of Dr. Charles V. Keating. “Everyone at StFX was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one the greatest supporters StFX has ever known,” said Dr. Sean Riley, President of StFX. “As a student, an active alumnus, a member of the Board of Governors and as the driving force behind the Charles V. Keating Millennium Centre, he made a mark upon StFX that will never be forgotten.” Charles Keating graduated from StFX in 1958 and received a Honourary Doctorate of Laws in 2000. Dr. Keating often remarked that his days at StFX were the most cherished moments of his life. “StFX gave me a chance, and my family is now the Xaverian family,” he once said. Dr. Keating’s family shared his close connection to the University. His four children – Anne Marie, Gregg, Catherine and Susan – all attended StFX. As a successful businessman, Dr. Keating shaped the growth and transformation of the cable television industry in Canada. He was an equally committed philanthropist, supporting not only StFX but also many other worthwhile causes including, most recently, serving as Chairman of the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax. “We are honoured to consider Dr. Charles Keating our friend,” said Dr. Riley. Charles Keating ‘58 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 5 When Canada’s best university women’s hockey teams arrive at StFX for the CIS National Championships in March, they will run into tough competition from the host X-Women. Fresh from last year’s Atlantic University Sports championship and a competitive showing at the 2005 CIS tournament at McGill University in Montreal, the XWomen have their eyes firmly fixed on the national championship trophy. They know it’s teamwork that will get them there. “There is no superstar… we form a super team.” That’s how rookie Lindsay Brown sums up the X-Women’s hockey team. “I came here for a recruit visit last year. While I was here I got to know the girls and coach. I kept in contact with everyone, even though I didn’t have a spot yet on the team and I was still in Grade 12 in Hamilton.” 6 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 7 That team spirit is a key part of the X-Women’s success. “We try to adopt new players so they feel a part of our family and our team,” says Ottawa native Katie Barrett, a third-year player. “It’s all about team chemistry, a healthy atmosphere and hearty school spirit.” “When I first came to StFX, I was nervous about making friends,” says Katie. She shared her fear with another team member who assured her, “Don’t worry, you have 23 best friends right here.” “She was right,” says Katie. “It meant that much more to me to come to StFX. I already felt a part of the team before I was even chosen,” notes Lindsay. “It’s definitely my family away from home.” Coach David Synishin, fondly known by his players as ‘Ticker,’ says that team chemistry is a particular strength of the X-Women. Lyndsay Brown agrees. “Team chemistry is paramount for success. We’re really close; we’re all like sisters.” STUDENT ATHLETES StFX is known for producing outstanding student athletes. Last year, a record number of more than 50 were named Academic All-Canadians, recognized for both their academic and athletic excellence. “It’s a lot of hard work and dedication,” says Katie. “You have to know how to maintain a healthy balance between school and hockey.” Each week, the team has four days of extensive on-and-off ice practice, one to two games and two evenings of study hall. The coaching staff is very positive and has a huge influence on players’ personal and athletic lives, adds Katie. “This year we’re starting out the season with the bar set high. Even in practice, expectations are high. Everyone on this team brings their own assets and their personal best, every time.” StFX’s reputation as one of Canada’s finest universities helps with recruiting from the top ranks of “We’re really close. We’re all like sisters.” 8 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 StFX PREPARES FOR HOCKEY NATIONALS CIS WOMEN’S HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP SLATED FOR MARCH 9-12 student athletes. “This university draws in a certain type of person,” says Coach Synishin. “They are outstanding individuals with personal qualities appreciated by this school and the surrounding community. StFX has always been able to attract high-level players academically and athletically.” TAKING ON THE BEST This year’s X-Women hockey team is young, but they play with the poise of veterans, says their Coach. “This has resonated from our experiences last year winning the AUS Championships and playing in the CIS championships.” Coach Synishin is looking forward to taking on the best women’s hockey teams in Canada at the CIS championships. “As a team we’re going to take advantage of hosting the CIS. We are implementing strategies based on last year’s experiences at the CIS Championships. We have a good mix of speed and size and these players are dedicated and determined.” The legendary StFX school spirit will be hard to miss as fans cheer on the X-Women in their home rink. “It’s an honour to represent StFX. Every time I put on the jersey I feel proud. I feel proud to go home to Ottawa and tell people I play for the X-Women Hockey team. The local alumni there share my spirit and enthusiasm and care so much about the team and the school,” says Katie Barrett with a broad smile. “We’re going to be hosting the nationals in our great facilities. I definitely think we’re up for the challenge. We want to be in the national finals.” StFX and the Charles V. Keating Millennium Centre are preparing to play host to the very best in women’s university hockey in Canada. StFX is bringing the national championship to its campus from March 9-12, 2006 as host of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Women’s Hockey Championship. The organizing committee has plans well underway to make it a championship to remember. “Hosting the 2006 CIS Women’s Hockey Championship will be a boost to our women’s program, and a boost to the development of women’s hockey in Nova Scotia. We look forward to providing a memorable student-athlete experience for all participants and great entertainment for fans,” says Leo MacPherson, Director of Athletics at StFX University. StFX will host a gala awards banquet in conjunction with the event, where the CIS national awards and All-Canadians will be announced. The championship has played host to many elite-level female hockey players in the past, including national team members, and the Keating Millennium Centre is the perfect facility for such an event. It features two ice surfaces with comfortable seating for more than 1,500 people in the main stadium. There are four viewing suites in the main stadium, including a VIP room with an overlooking balcony. Organizers of the CIS tournament are expecting the championship to be a sell-out and are encouraging fans to purchase their tickets early to avoid missing out on some of the most exciting women’s hockey action in the country. Ticket packages are $27 for adults and $17 for students, with the package prices increasing February 1, 2006. All tournament passes will be sold at the Keating Millennium Centre Box Office, which is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 1 pm and 2 to 5 pm. For more information contact the Keating Millennium Centre Box Office at 902-867-3304, toll-free 1-866-259-8169 or send email to [email protected] “Hosting the 2006 CIS Women’s Hockey Championship will be a boost to our women’s program, and a boost to the development of women’s hockey in Nova Scotia...” Leo MacPherson, Director of Athletics StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 9 SIMPLY WELLBEING Feeling inspired, not only mentally but physically, is a way of life for many women at StFX. Fitness and Recreation coordinator Jeff Vossen and his team of trainers are working on new programs that will encourage women to consider fitness regimens and techniques set up to complement a healthy lifestyle. 10 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 want,” says Vossen. “Our trainers are key in achieving these objectives and helping students, staff and the community-atlarge achieve their personal goals.” Vossen is particular in who he recruits as trainers. “We are always working towards getting the most qualified trainers, regardless of gender. But currently there is a good mix of male and female trainers.” The Fitness and Wellness Centre is located in the multi-million dollar Charles V. Keating Millennium Centre. State-ofthe-art equipment and a top-notch facility make it easier for students to enjoy a great workout. The centre is also housed next to the pool, two ice rinks and an indoor running track. “We want something for everyone.” “‘Women on Weights’ is one of many new programs we’re working on. It will help women feel empowered to lift weights safely and allow them to feel comfortable in doing so,” says Vossen. KMC Blades’ Creative Movements on Ice is another dynamic program in the works. “We want something for everyone. Offering numerous choices will get more females into the Fitness and Wellness Centre. Once they’re here they may see other ways of exercising that appeal to them,” adds Vossen. Staff members are also working towards offering a biathlon. “This will pull a variety of fitness techniques together and may introduce someone to a new type of exercise in a fun and exciting way.” Creating a running club at StFX is another avenue being explored by the Fitness and Wellness staff. “We’re working in conjunction with the students from the Human Kinetics department in organizing a great club,” adds Vossen. “We’re also working on establishing a nutrition program. Using the Canada Food Guide as a basis, we will offer advice on everything from what students should eat to acquire more energy to learning how to read food labels properly,” he says. “Not only are we creating new programs but we’re also looking at revamping typical women’s fitness programs such as aerobics and yoga and tailoring those to what people really StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 11 RUGBY’S RISING STARS WHEN YOU THINK RUGBY, you may envision a field of strong athletic men with determination and guts. That may be true but substitute the men for women and you’ll see the StFX Women’s Rugby team, many of whom are Academic All-Canadians tearing up the rugby field with force and passion. There is no stopping this group of rising stars on the women’s national rugby circuit. For the eighth year in a row the X-Women’s Rugby team has captured the AUS Championships. “Our success has been one of the best-kept secrets on campus,” says Coach Mike Cavanagh. “We have high-quality players from coast to coast that make up X-Women Rugby,” says Cavanagh. “As a coach I’m successful in getting great players here due to our university’s reputation and offering one of the best women’s rugby programs.” X-Women Rugby have played everywhere from Boston to Montreal to England and Wales. The team recently got back from Victoria, British Columbia where they played in the CIS National Championships in November. A heartbreaker for the team was losing against Guelph 7-5 in the final two minutes of the game. The X-Women were able to beat the University of Victoria for 5th place. “Our players are no strangers to intense competition. Currently there are four players who have played in the Canada Under 23s and six team members who played for Canada Under 19. Also, there have been three StFX rugby players who have qualified and played for the Women’s National team,” says Cavanagh. 12 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 StFX ANNUAL GIVING — #1 IN ALUMNI SUPPORT F or the past five years StFX has been ranked #1 in Alumni support by the MacLean’s rankings of Canadian universities. This is a wonderful testament to the thousands of StFX alumni who say YES to this university when asked to contribute to their alma mater. Alumni are approached in several ways. Some meet personally with university staff to discuss their giving options and others are called by students working in the Annual Giving office. Since September an army of 40 StFX students has taken to the phones from Sunday to Thursday calling alumni throughout North America. By the time the dust settles next April close to 19,000 alumni will have been reached. To make that connection, our students will make more than 50,000 phone calls. Most alumni can probably recall speaking with a student caller at some time over the past few years. These student calls are more than just a STFX UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI OFFICE invites nominations for awards to recognize individuals who have brought honour to their university through their accomplishments and service to the community. fundraising call. They give StFX an opportunity to touch base with alumni wherever they may be. During the call we confirm that we have each individual’s correct mailing address and that they receive their Alumni News. Callers use the opportunity to inform alumni of events taking place in their area and to offer an opportunity to pass along a message to a son or daughter on campus. Annual Giving donations are intended to support the day-to-day operations of the university. Unrestricted gifts are requested because they give StFX the flexibility to use the donation in an area of greatest need. Alumni may also choose to support the work of the Coady International Institute or give to other causes such as financial aid for needy students, athletics, library acquisitions or academic departments. Each and every gift is vitally important. StFX has been going through a tremendous period of renewal. New facilities have strengthened our academic programs and enhanced the quality of life for students. Support of the Expanding Futures Campaign and bequests received through Planned Giving have supported the expansion. However, these projects are not fully funded and money is still being raised for the StFX Sciences Centre, the Keating Millennium Centre and the Coady International Centre. Please say YES when you receive your appeal from StFX. AWARD CATEGORIES: HALL OF HONOR Individuals whose lives are an example of the Xaverian commitment to social justice and service to the community FOR INFORMATION on the criteria and a nomination form contact the StFX Alumni Office: Phone (902) 867-2186 or email [email protected] AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE Distinguished Alumnus/a Friend of StFX University Young Alumnus/a Chapter of the Year Winners will receive their awards at ceremonies on campus during Homecoming weekend. StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 13 ORIENTATION 2005 14 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 15 16 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 17 c o a d yKrista u pdate Hall C A M P U S H A P P E N I N G S Communications Officer, Coady International Institute Gen. Roméo Dallaire Captivates Crowd at Coady Celebrates G StFX Creates the Roméo Dallaire African Leadership Awards To reflect the spirit of Coady Celebrates, director of Coady Institute and University Vice President Mary Coyle and President Dr. Sean Riley announced the creation of three new student awards, to be named the Roméo Dallaire African Leadership Awards. One will be awarded annually to a deserving African leader attending the Coady Institute and two will be granted to students from needy circumstances who will be attending StFX. eneral Roméo Dallaire’s message to the almost 400 guests attending the 3rd annual Coady Celebrates benefit dinner was loud and clear – every human life counts! General Dallaire, recently appointed a Senator, was the guest speaker at the Coady Institute’s annual fundraiser held at the Westin Nova Scotian on October 12, 2005. He spoke poignantly about Canada’s moral responsibility to prevent crimes against humanity like the 1994 Rwandan genocide, and our potential to be a leader “in the movement of capabilities to assist nations, who are imploding and self-destructing, out of that continuum of poverty and self-destruction.” “[Canada] must, in a coalition of capabilities, commit resources to attempting in not only resolving crises but working at the prevention thereof,” said Gen. Dallaire. “Humanity needs nations like ours, and ours in particular, to assist in moving the yardsticks towards serenity, which is the ultimate aim of all human beings – for all humans are human and there isn’t one more human than the other.” Coady participant Joseph Nyemah from Liberia also spoke about the need for a global commitment to prevent crises, alleviate poverty and promote good governance in developing nations. “Today the task of poverty alleviation is becom- Idah Mukuka Presented with Katherine Fleming Award D uring the 2005 StFX Homecoming, over 100 Coady participants, faculty, staff and friends came together for the 6th annual Katherine Fleming International Development Award, presented to Idah Nambeya Mukuka of Zambia. Dave Bernatchez, award committee member and a close friend of Katie’s, presented the bursary to Idah in her memory. Mukuka works as a community coordinator for the Center for Infectious Diseases in Zambia, an organization committed to eradicating HIV/AIDS through prevention education and testing programs. “I feel humbled because this award is an honour and yet at the same time a challenge to me,” said Mukuka in her acceptance speech. “It is an honour to receive this award because Katie’s commitments to fighting child poverty in Africa has touched and inspired me to immeasurable proportions, even though we come from different conti18 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 ing more challenging in the third world,” said Nyemah, who told his personal story of living as a refugee in Côte d’Ivoire. “The challenge is naturally for me and my colleagues from developing countries to fight poverty. But together for you, me, and my colleagues it is a moral obligation to act.” The many friends and supporters of Coady Celebrates made the event a great success. The Institute extends its thanks to presenting sponsors Fraser and Hoyt and American Eagle/American Airlines; gold sponsors, Scotiabank and O’Regan’s; silver sponsors, Nova Scotia Teachers’ Union, Rogers Wireless, Altimax, Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline, John Dobbs & Associates and Shore Tilbe Irwin and Partners, Sodexho and The Chronicle Herald; and bronze sponsors MICHELIN, Mac, Mac & Mac Law Offices, halifax film, abridean Inc, Advanced Systems and The Cooperators. Angie Somerville was the lucky winner of the trip for two to Brazil donated by Fraser and Hoyt and American Eagle/American Airlines. Over $50,000 was raised at this year’s event. All funds raised go towards providing bursaries for participants from southern organizations who attend the Coady International Institute’s educational programs in community-based development. nents, cultures and traditions. [It is] a challenge because HIV/AIDS in Africa continues to be one of the biggest contributors to child poverty, with 15 million orphans and Zambia alone has one million.” Idah’s passion to prevent the further spread of HIV began five years ago when she lost her brother to the disease. Having watched him suffer from stigmatism and without medication or support, Idah knew she had to help others who were infected or affected by this disease. She now coordinates more than 27 clinics and has started a number of support groups for HIV-positive people. It was both a commemorative and celebratory day for Katie’s parents, George and Doreen Fleming, as well as Bernatchez and other members of Katie’s graduating class. This year was Mr. Fleming’s 50th class reunion and the 20-year reunion of Katie’s graduating class. To mark this special occasion, Bernatchez announced the committee’s commitment to expand the endowment fund to $150,000. MARGARET MACDONALD APPOINTED AS NEW INTERIM DEAN OF ARTS DR. MARGARET MACDONALD has been appointed as the university’s acting Dean of Arts for a one-year interim term. Dr. MacDonald is currently a professor in the Department of Religious Studies and a faculty representative on the Board of Governors. In addition to teaching experience, Dr. MacDonald is well-published in her field, having a number of books and articles to her credit. Her research is also currently supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Dr. MacDonald has served the university as Chair of the Department of Religious Studies and as a member of the Rank and Tenure Committee. The Angus L. Macdonald symposium’s high-profile panel consisted of StFX President Dr. Sean Riley, left, Sr. Margaret MacDonell, C.N.D., provincial Minister of Health and local MLA Angus MacIsaac, Alex MacKinnon, Senator John Stewart and former Deputy Prime Minister Allan J. MacEachen. ANGUS L. MACDONALD SYMPOSIUM PAYS TRIBUTE TO A GREAT STATESMAN IT WAS A TIME FOR REFLECTION and to show appreciation for one of Canada’s most prominent statesmen. About 200 people gathered in the Hall of Clans on August 11th to honour former Premier Angus L. Macdonald and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the StFX Library that bears his name. A StFX graduate of 1914, Macdonald was a lifelong supporter of the university and received an honorary degree in 1946. The Dunvegan, Cape Breton native was a long- time provincial Premier and Leader of the Liberal Party of Nova Scotia. The event was held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Canso Causeway. StFX NAMES NEW DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING PETER FARDY, VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT, HAS NAMED a Halifax communications specialist to the newly created position of Director of Communications and Marketing. Allan Gates, formerly Vice President with Extreme Group, a communications agency, will oversee the university’s seven-person communications team. Gates assumed his new position at StFX on Sept. 6th. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! The StFX community salutes Mary McNair-MacIsaac who celebrates her 112th birthday on December 28th. StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 19 C A M P U S H A P P E N I N G S C A M P U S H A P P E N I N G S RETHINKING DEVELOPMENT Simple, but complex… Happiness. Political leaders, industrial CEOs and a variety of people from all spectrums of society and areas of the world converged on the StFX campus last week for the second International Conference on Gross National Happiness. Keynote speakers filled the MacKay Room at the Bloomfield Centre. It was standing room only as Lyonpo Jigmi Thinley addressed the question ‘What does Gross National Happiness mean?’ The Bhutan government measures development not only by economic indicators such as the gross national product (GNP), but by gross national happiness (GNH). The prime minister frames his annual report to the National Assembly in terms of progress toward the ‘four pillars’ of GNH: the promotion of equitable and sustainable socio-economic development, preservation and promotion of cultural values, conservation of the environment, and establishment of good governance, says Thinley. What separates Bhutan from other countries is that the government aspires to be a GNH state and Bhutan does not dismiss GNH as a utopian quest, he adds. Media and academia have been taking an interest in GNH, says Thinley, who believes this is not a passing trend. The week-long conference, sponsored in part by the Coady International Institute, offered numerous events and conferences for youth, environmentalists, economists, politicians and those who genuinely care about a better tomorrow. His Excellency John Ralston Saul and Lyonpo Jigmi Thinley, Minister of Home and Cultural Affairs and former Prime Minister of Bhutan, enjoy a few words by Mary Coyle, director of the Coady International Institute and StFX Vice President. JAZZ FEST HOSTED BIG TALENT Musicians rehearse before opening ceremonies. BEACH BOYS ROCK STFX Bill MacFarlane, left, committee member of The Bishop Colin Francis MacKinnon Memorial Project, Bishop Raymond Lahey and StFX President Dr. Sean Riley took part in the historic unveiling of the The Bishop Colin Francis MacKinnon cairn at William’s Point on Sunday, Sept. 25. StFX FOUNDER REMEMBERED AT BIRTHPLACE WITH CAIRN The very best of fall weather contributed to a beautiful Sunday afternoon on Sept. 25th in William’s Point for the unveiling of a cairn in memory of StFX founder, Bishop Colin F. MacKinnon. The impressive cairn, built using stone from the same quarry used for St. Ninian’s Cathedral, is located on a grassy hill at MacKinnon’s birthplace, overlooking Antigonish Harbour. Close to 50 people gathered for the unveiling ceremony, which was opened by members of the Antigonish Highland Society Pipe Band. The cairn was blessed by StFX Chancellor Bishop Raymond Lahey and remarks were given by President Dr. Sean Riley. Appreciation was expressed to Allan Macdonald, chairperson of the Colin F. MacKinnon Memorial Project Committee. In addition to the cairn, the committee is fundraising to later erect a bronze statue of Bishop MacKinnon on the StFX campus. It was the ultimate jazz eXperience and an opportunity to see Oliver Jones performing in a special ‘unretirement’ concert. StFX Music Department faculty and students worked tirelessly from Sept. 23 to Sept. 26 to showcase Jazz X-Fest. The first-of-its-kind event kicked off at Piper’s Pub on Friday. The weekend drew jazz lovers from across the province to see award-winning jazz musicians perform at numerous locations. The lecture theatre was packed with jazz lovers as this StFX honorary doctorate delivered a world-class performance. COULD IT BE A WORLD RECORD? Thousands packed the Oland Field Sunday, August 7 as the Beach Boys rocked Antigonish. The concert raised money for the X-Men football team. Local fiddler Anna Ludlow also graced the stage with her own local flavour. 20 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 A sea of highland dancers graced StFX’s Oland Stadium field July 13th in an attempt by hundreds of dancers to break a Guinness World Record. Unofficially 684 highland dancers performed the Highland Fling for six minutes. Hundreds of people in the grandstands cheered them on. The record to beat — 505 highland dancers — was set last year in Maxwell, Ont. The event was organized by the Antigonish Highland Dance Association with support from the Antigonish Regional Development Authority and held during the Antigonish Highland Games. StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 21 OPPORTUNITY ABOUNDS AT ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH FORUM THE LIFE AND TIMES of Major Margaret C. Macdonald, R.R.C. was brought to life during an inspiring public lecture at Immaculata Hall on Oct. 18th. Historian and president emeritus of York University Susan Mann presented “War and the Making of Margaret Macdonald.” Mann talked about this extraordinary woman, who was born and raised in Bailey’s Brook, Pictou County. After much perseverance Margaret Macdonald became Matron-In-Chief of Canada’s overseas nursing service during the First World War. She was the first woman to hold the rank of major in the British Empire. Macdonald also served as a military nurse during the Spanish-American and Boer Wars and in Panama during the construction of the Panama Canal. In 1920 she had the distinction of being the second woman to receive an honorary degree from StFX. Mann touched on these achievements and other aspects of Macdonald’s 22 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 Numerous issues were discussed by researchers Michel Mitchell, left, Ocean Physics, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Richard Eisner, Innovation Office Manager, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Ozeas Costa, StFX Earth Sciences. Dr. John P. Smol, right. NEW IDEAS AND RESEARCH WERE FLOWING during the Environmental Research Forum held Oct. 6 in StFX’s Bloomfield Centre. The forum provided a venue for scientists and environmentalists from across the country to network. Researchers and students were able to establish a good awareness of local research initiatives and outside researchers had the opportunity to see the facilities StFX offers to the science community. The keynote speaker was John Smol, the 2004 recipient of the Herzberg Medal (NSERC’s most prestigious research award). Dr. Smol is a biology professor with A gift of a lifetime Queen’s University. His that will last for address was called eternity! ‘Lessons learned from the Acid Rain debates: The For 150 years StFX has proCollision between Scientists, vided the highest quality of Industry, Policy Makers and education for generations of students. You can ensure this the Public.’ He focused on legacy continues by including the importance of StFX in your estate planning. communication between Leaving a gift in your will researchers and the public. provides StFX with financial fascinating life. Mann is a member of the Order of Canada and the author of Macdonald’s biography. The presentation was cosponsored by the StFX Dean of Arts Office, the History Department, the Women’s Studies Program and the School of Nursing. support for years to come. Legacy gifts can be made in many ways, through bequests, gifts of stock, real estate or life insurance. If you wish to discuss leaving a gift to StFX in your will or for information about planned giving please contact: Iain Boyd, Director of Advancement Relations St. Francis Xavier University Telephone: (902) 867-5182 Email: [email protected] DISTINGUISHED ARTIST JOHN YOUNG COMMISSIONED BY FLOOD FAMILY THE FAMILY OF THE LATE ANN FLOOD commissioned the distinguished artist John Young, LL.D to compose a painting of ‘Our Blessed Lady’ to complement the reconstruction of the high altar in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Rothesay, New Brunswick in August. Many of the Flood Family attended StFX, along with Young, who received an honorary doctorate from StFX this past May. John Young’s work is part of a permanent collection at StFX and is exhibited in more than 60 private and corporate collections in Canada, the U.S. and Europe. Anyone interested in Young’s work can log on to www.youngart.ca Photo Credit: Daryl Jones, OSC, MUN LOCAL WAR HERO REMEMBERED ’93 GRAD TURNS ENTREPRENEUR WITH BOARD GAME SUCCESS StFX HAS LOST A DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS Dr. Joe Brown, of Memorial University Ocean Sciences Centre, was a leading world expert on the survival strategies of larval marine fish. His expertise and study were rare due to the difficulty of culturing and experimenting on the small, delicate larvae in marine fish. Dr. Brown was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in Grey, Maine. He graduated from StFX in1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He went on to Memorial University to receive his Masters followed by Queen’s University where he acquired his Ph.D. He returned to Newfoundland in 1983. Dr. Brown was indeed a man of the fishes. He was President of the Aquaculture Association of Canada, Chair of the Ecological and Behaviour Section, Canadian Society of Zoology, and participated on numerous review boards, panels and committees. He and his colleagues had more than 50 funded research projects and he authored and coauthored more than 130 papers, book chapters, refereed and non-refereed proceedings. A tribute to Dr. Brown states: An American by birth, a true Newfoundlander at heart, and encouraged by George W. Bush, Joe became a Canadian citizen on February 15, 2005. Dr. Brown passed away suddenly on Sept. 3. BLAISE MATTIE, A CAREER FIREFIGHTER with Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency, has created a new board game called Fire Call. His company, Mattie Games Incorporated, has receiving backing for his new game from more than 16 fire service and related companies throughout Canada and the U.S. Duracell was excited to be part of this great opportunity and came on board as the official sponsor of the Fire Safety Tips displayed on the back of the box and instruction booklet. The company was also the first to purchase 300 games. Mattie originally came up with the idea while helping instruct a live fire scenario at the NS Firefighters School 3 years ago. “It was like God reached down and tucked a note in my back pocket and I knew exactly what I was going to do,” he said. Mattie says Fire Call was brought to life by his love for the fire service, an innovative approach and huge family backing. The interest from Canada and especially the U.S. has been overwhelming, he added. Blaise is looking forward to upcoming Toy and Game shows in Canada and the States. Look out Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit — Fire Call has arrived. For more information, contact Blaise Mattie at 4891034 or send email to firecall@ firecall.ca StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 23 A S S O C I A T I O N OVER THE YEARS we’ve had our varsity teams participating in CIAU (CIS) National Championships in places such as Calgary, Regina, Kitchener-Waterloo, Toronto, Sudbury, Montreal, Fredericton and Halifax, always playing away from home. Not in 2006. Our women’s hockey team will host the best women’s teams in the country in the CIS Championships right here on our campus, in the beautiful Charles V. Keating Millennium Centre. The only other occasion when a national championship was held at StFX was in 1968 when the men’s basketball team hosted the CIAU finals. Our alumni are justifiably proud of our women’s record, but moreso in the rise in profile of women’s athletics, both here and at the national level. Our association has been supportive, as has our alumni, watching our women’s team compete across the country and in New England. Gender equality is a priority of the athletic department and strongly supported by our alumni. C H A P LONDON, ON — The London Chapter held its 3rd annual Golf Day at the Oxbow Glen Golf & Country Club on June 11. Participants played nine holes of fun, sociable, best-ball golfing on a very hot, yet beautiful, sunny day. Several prizes were given away throughout the day courtesy of StFX and Alexander Keith’s. Longest drive honors went to Dana Hawley ’94 for the females and Aaron Pickup ’00 for the males. Gerry Lowe ’80 received the prize for closest to the hole. Top team for the day consisted of Ellen Handley ’92, Dan MacDonald, Patsy Boyle ‘75 and Debbie Gilpin ’75. For those not interested in golf, or who couldn’t stand the heat, the party continued into the evening hours at the Palasad South, where alumni gathered for food, refreshments, pool, games and of course lots of fun. The London Chapter also held a student send-off picnic on August 27 for new and current StFX students, as well as alumni, families and friends. There was plenty of food 24 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 U P D A T E Bill Kiely ’67, President StFX Alumni Association By hosting the 2006 women’s hockey championships, the women are providing a vehicle to promote the university, its facilities and our town. It will also display our ability to host a national intercollegiate championship. It will highlight the number and the expertise of the volunteers, the alumni and friends of StFX, as well as the close relationship between the wider community and the university. T E R and refreshments available, compliments of the StFX Admissions office, as well as prizes donated by the StFX Alumni office. Don’t forget to visit our website for LONDON H A P MONCTON — The Moncton Alumni Chapter held its second annual Student SendOff BBQ. It was a beautiful day with a great turnout. There were more than 50 freshmen, parents, alumni and university representatives. Steve and Karen Campbell (’60 & ’61) hosted the event at their waterfront home in Grand Barachois, NB. There was lots of food and a good time was had by all. We extended the invitation to include not only Greater Moncton students but Sackville, Salisbury and other neighbouring communities. The students really enjoyed themselves and the parents left feeling more informed about what to expect. If you are looking to become involved in the Moncton Alumni Chapter, or receive information by email, contact [email protected] There is a continuum of StFX athletic tradition on this year’s women’s team. The tradition brings together a blending of the genders. Head coach David Synishin was a five-year member of the X-Men in the late 80’s and the early 90’s. His assistant, his father Wayne Synishin, is a member of the StFX Sports Hall of Fame, as well as a former player and coach. On behalf of our association we wish the team, coaching staff and their support staff all the best as they prepare for their season and the tournament March 9–12, 2005. C T E R Directors and coordinator of the SAINT mentoring program at X, was our Special Guest and made a brief but well-placed presentation to everyone. It was extremely well received by students. The afternoon was spent listening to great Downeast music, meeting old friends, making new ones, and soaking in the X spirit in BC. AJ Beaton’s family once again took masterful charge of the ‘BBQing’ even though AJ was in Uganda. The food and refreshments were delicious. Thanks to the continuing support of our corporate friends, including Alexander Keith’s Beer, Allegiant Air, Glenora Inn and Distillery, EMI Music Canada, The Cape Bretoner Magazine and Storyeum, we were able to raise hundreds of dollars for our scholarship Program. Each year, two students from BC Congratulations to StFX Alumni for making us #1 in alumni support for the 5th year in a row and to our alma mater for its #1 showing for the 4th year in a row! N E W S information on upcoming events, local chapter news, as well as pictures of past events. — Troy Stanley ‘95 www.stfxalumni.com MONCTON VANCOUVER — The Greater Vancouver Chapter held its Annual Student /Alumni Send-Off Picnic on Sunday, July 24th at beautiful Jericho Beach in Vancouver. The conditions were absolutely fabulous with bright skies, warm breezes, Downeast music and the X family to celebrate. The 5th Annual picnic attracted a crowd of 80-90 new and returning students, their families and alumni. Every student attending StFX from anywhere in BC receives an invitation to the Vancouver event. It brings them together to meet and greet and share information about X and the area, in the hope of increasing the value of the X experience. Many of the students in attendance were, indeed, from outside greater Vancouver. Austin Hawley, VP of the Alumni Board of N E W S attending X receive $500 to assist with their expenses. It was a wonderful day and, thanks to the diligent work of the planning committee, it was a rousing success. We look forward to next year. Hail and Health — Jim Bowne PICTOU COUNTY — The Pictou County Summer Send-Off was a great success. We had 65 students and approximately 85 parents. The weather forecast called for rain and rain it did. Those who did turn out in the bad weather enjoyed themselves and the door prizes really created some excitement for the new students. There were many questions from both students and parents. There was also considerable mingling of students as they reacquainted themselves or met fellow classmates. I spoke with several parents the days after our event and came away with many positive comments. We actually had an alumnus, Donnie Morris ’83, vacationing in the area from Ontario who heard about the event and brought his daughter to our barbeque. I would say we have the makings of an exciting annual event in the county. — Paul Fraser ’82 SAINT JOHN — The New Brunswick 4th Annual Golf Tournament and 1st Student Send-Off was held August 12 at the Hampton Golf and Country Club. This was a very successful event with 58 golfers enjoying a great day of golf and the sunny weather was outstanding. We had 22 additional students, parents and alumni join us for our BBQ and VANCOVER StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 25 C H A P T E N R PICTOU L-r: George Manos, Stacey White, Tara Howie, Bill Kiely, Stephanie Curtis ‘86 and Paul Fraser ‘82 at the Pictou County student send-off. student send-off. Alumni participated from several areas of the province including Fredericton, Boiestown, Bathurst, Doaktown, Moncton, Saint John, Rothesay and StFX. We were delighted to have Bill Kiely speak to us and share with us university news. We welcomed Leo MacPherson, Athletic Director, who spoke of the years he lived in Saint John and of his new position at the university. Prizes were awarded for the first three high score teams for golf and the most honest golfers. We had special draws for the students in attendance and several door prize draws. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed themselves. The presence of new and returning students was an added bonus for all of us. The committee, chaired by Randy McLellan, was really pleased with the event and looking forward to planning the 5th Tournament/Student Send-Off in the summer of 2006. — Andrea MacLean-Holohan ’59 TORONTO — Alumni from the Toronto area gathered at the Carrying Place Golf Course for the annual StFX golf tournament on May 17. The StFX spirit, marked by a sea of blue and white, dominated the course as approximately 144 alumni and friends enjoyed each other’s company as well as an early season golf game. Thank you to all the participants and volunteers for your enthusiasm and for making the day possible! In addition, special thanks to Trudy and John Young ’54, as well as Lorraine Nelson, for coordinating the tournament! In mid-August, StFX Toronto alumni hosted a brunch for first-year students in the E W S Toronto area heading to StFX in the fall. On Sunday, August 21st approximately 20 new students as well as parents and guests gathered at the Devil’s Advocate Pub for a send-off celebration. Excitement and anticipation was in the air as Mark Kolanko and Mary Rankin spoke to new students, parents and friends. The new students impressed all of the alumni with their quick responses to the StFX trivia, organized by Martha Black ’01. Special thanks to Carl Beaudoin, Martha Black, Nikki Doucet, Mary Jamieson, Kelsey MacAulay, Matt McHenry, Megan Noah and Mary Rankin for the help and warm and welcoming presence at the brunch! Continuing to build on recent events in Toronto, we are building a sustainable Toronto Chapter. Contact [email protected] if you are interested in getting involved. The Toronto Chapter’s next event will be the second annual X-Ring event on December 3rd! Please check out the StFX website for further details: www.stfx.ca/alumni chapterevents.html Looking forward to seeing you there! — Becky Doyle ’99 FLORIDA — It was the best ever 2005 gathering for the in-Florida X Alumni. The 2006 Day is already being planned and is one not to be missed on Saturday, March 4. It was a day of ‘firsts’….. a record number of 72 braved perfect weather to enjoy Heritage Oaks Golf and Country Club located in the Sarasota area. It included the midday social hour, memorial mass and outstanding luncheon, as well as high-tech slide presentations with a personal touch. For the first time financial support in the form of two cheques was made possible and targeted special programs on campus – X Project and an X-Ring funding. These were C H A P sent in the names of Florida founding members Sarah Walker and Jim Kenney. At the helm for the day were Dick and Rosemary Dumais aided by a happy crew. Kathy Achorn became auctioneer of popular X items. Together with a 50/50 draw the tremendous generosity of Xaverians was again evidenced. Rev. Howard Shea was the mass celebrant. Iain and Margaret Boyd loaned their special presence from campus as speaker and photographer. With Kathy Achorn developing Florida computerized data, Owen and Carol Granville once again on registration, JJ and Kathleen MacDonald heading the telephone committee, John T. and Janet MacDonald, local arrangements, Dave and Barbara Parker and Marie MacDonald all shared the successes. All attendees for March 4, 2006 are urged to block their calendars and plan a vacation around the date. Overnighters need to book early and a block of ‘X rated’ rooms is being planned for the Hampton Inn. Any Xaverians who plan to be in Florida and wish to come for the first time should email Kathy Achorn at [email protected] so your name is added to the invitation/ registration list. While passing the word to potential new attendees – check out the alumni events info on the website www.stfx.ca Committee members will also welcome your questions: John T. MacDonald (941) 9661574; Owen Granville (941) 794-1222; Marie MacDonald (561) 391-8577. FORT MCMURRAY — More than 60 alumni enjoyed an Alumni and Friends of StFX evening at The Sawridge Inn and T E R 26 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 Pictured l-r are: Dr. John Young; Bill Kiely, National Alumni President; George Halecen and Doug Lunau, both Friends of StFX. E W S FLORIDA FORT MCMURRAY Some of the great people who came out to the Alumni and Friends of StFX evening at The Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre in Fort McMurray are StFX President Dr. Sean Riley; Lisa Hill, alumna; Brad Wassilaskus, alumnus; Kim Little, alumna; StFX Vice President of Advancement Peter Fardy; alumni event organizers Paul McKenna and Kathy McKenna; and Advancement Relations Director Iain Boyd. Conference Centre in Fort McMurray on Sept. 20. Four decades of Xaverians came out to hear Dr. Sean Riley address the crowd on the numerous activities and the growth FREDERICTON TORONTO Pictured l-r are: Matthew Roddy, StFX student; Jim Coleman, alumnus; Gary Newell; Dr. Sean Riley, StFX University President; Martha Black, alumna; and Meghan Noah, alumna. N A successful send-off BBQ was held for students entering StFX this September by Fredericton Alumni at O’Dell Park Lodge. taking place at StFX. Peter Fardy, Advancement Vice President, introduced Dr. Riley and spoke on the role of Advancement and Alumni support. A special thank you to Paul and Cathy McKenna for coordinating the alumni gathering. ROME — Our traveling ambassadors Father Vernon Boutlier ’58 and Father Joe A. MacNeil ’56 have recently visited Rome and Italy and we now have an X Alumni Chapter in the eternal city. The new chapter will be under the leadership of Mary Janet MacIsaac Munari ’60. Mary Janet has lived in Italy for the past 43 years, where she is now utilizing her Home Economics Degree by operating a small bed and breakfast in her home called Twin Tree-Alberto Genello. Currently the new chapter has only six members but we all know small is beautiful. We welcome them all and hope they have a great StFX Day and StFX dinner. Contact Mary Janet MacIsaac Munari at [email protected] StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 27 C H A P T E R N E W S FR. KEHOE GOLF CLASSIC ROME Some members of the new X Alumni Chapter in Rome pose for a photo in front of the door of the papal summer residence in Castel Gondolfo. Pictured are Father Joe A. MacNeil ’56, left, Mary Janet MacIsaac Munari ’60 and Father Vernon Boutlier ’58. 28 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 2004 FALL CONVOCATION DOCTOR OF LAWS HONORIS CAUSA HALIFAX PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY StFX University respects your right to privacy. Your personal information is collected for the purposes of delivering our alumni relations and development programming. We may contact you to inform you of university programs, alumni events and reunions. Our annual giving student program and development staff may contact you to offer you the opportunity to support StFX. Your personal information is protected however and is not sold traded or rented to other organizations or companies. For purposes of mail distribution, we may work with a third party mail house that signs a confidentiality form ensuring that your personal contact information is protected. If you do not wish to receive information from the university or information about our affinity programs, please contact us. Phone (902) 8672186 or email [email protected] Fr. Kehoe Golf Classic in Antigonish, July 29,2005: Athletic Director Leo MacPherson presents the MacDonald-Chisholm trophy to Berkeley Cameron ‘72 and other members of his team, Maurice Gouthro ‘73, Jeck Guthro ‘73, Robert Cameron ‘98 and Rollie Cameron ‘90. StFX honoured three individuals who dedicated their lives to social advocacy during Fall Convocation 2004 ceremonies Dec. 4, 2004. Former federal NDP leader Alexa McDonough; Nabil Abadir, a pioneer in community development in Egypt; and Irene Lefort, an exemplary community-minded citizen who has given of her talents from the local to the national stage, received degrees of Doctor of Laws honoris causa. StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 29 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ PEI Zone, Sandy Sweet Moncton and area, Jeff Kelly New Brunswick, Andrea MacLean-Holohan Montréal and PQ, David Ronan Halifax and mainland NS, Paul McDonald Halifax (observer), Laird Wilton Metropolitan Cape Breton, Fr. Donald MacGillivray Rural Cape Breton, Morag Graham London, Ontario, Troy Stanley Ottawa, Ontario, Janet Lynn MacNeil Toronto, Ontario (observer), Becky Doyle Calgary, Alberta, Kelly Benson Edmonton, Alberta, Phil Markovich Vancouver, BC, Jim Bowne Maine, David Case California, International, Ray MacDonald Meaghan McKenna, Student Alumni President THE MEETING TOOK PLACE ON September 30th, at 3 o’clock at the Millennium Centre, President Bill Kiely presiding with a total of approximately 38 alumni attending. The meeting opened with the Xaverian prayer. The Agenda was approved. Minutes from 2004 were adopted as read, Valerie Bobyk moving adoption and Austin Hawley seconding. Business arising: largely addressed in the various Committee reports which were adopted as circulated and read. The reports form part of the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting for 2005. President Kiely submitted a written report and highlighted some aspects of it. Under business arising, he addressed the issue of a fitting memorial to the war veterans after whom the Memorial Rink had been named. A cairn will be erected in a parklike setting in front of the Science Building and a plaque will be placed on the building designating it as the former site of Memorial Rink. As well, the Hall of Fame will find a new home in the Millennium Centre. StFX President Dr. Sean Riley spoke to the details. There was a review of what has been a very active year for alumni involvement both at the university and at the chapter levels. Special thanks to Father Vernon Boutilier ’58, who has been actively recruiting alumni on an international level. Alumni Affairs Officer Noreen Nunn presented a very detailed annual report. She touched on the many achievements and activities of the alumni over the year and as well provided a summary of the role of the Alumni Office, budgeting and planned activities for the upcoming year. The success of the celebratory ‘Golden X Road Show’ was highlighted. A significant undertaking this coming year is to continue with research in order to obtain more and better information on our alumni so that planning and affinity building can continue and be enhanced. The Board members were introduced and the new Board members were welcomed. The Nominating Committee Chair Valerie Bobyk presented Ex-officio: John McFarland, AEF chair Sean Fraser, SU Pres Kristen Shea, Sr. Class Pres Noreen Nunn, Alumni Affairs Officer Peter Fardy, VP Advancement Iain Boyd, Director Advancement Relations Allan Gates, Director Communications & Marketing the slate (see above). Motion to accept the Nominating Committee’s report was moved by Valerie and seconded by Ed McHugh. No additional nominations forthcoming, the motion passed unanimously. Chapter and other committee reports were adopted as read. StFX President Sean Riley provided the meeting with an overview of the year gone by and talked of plans for the coming year. Capital projects continue and funding for these projects continues to be a preoccupation. President Riley spoke on the Hall of Fame, indicating it will be housed in the Millennium Centre and is being designed to be an extensive visual representation of athletics and recreation at StFX. It will be a historical record and ongoing visual account of the integral role sports and recreation play in the life of the university. In relation to the Memorial Park, he noted that he is pleased with the park setting which will be the centerpiece of the memorial. President Riley made note of the two large mature trees which, during construction of the residences, were moved to the Science Building. They are now thriving and a fitting memorial in themselves. Austin Hawley moved to adjourn the meeting and David Ronan seconded. Meeting adjourned. Copies of committee and chapter reports are available on request by contacting the StFX Alumni Office: Phone: (902) 867-2186 Email: [email protected] Mail: Alumni Office, StFX University, PO Box 5000, Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5 ○ ○ ○ Present: Bill Kiely David Ronan Noreen Nunn Sheilagh (Norris) Ross David Case Ed J. McHugh Iain Boyd Dave Bernatchez Valerie Bobyk Greg MacEachern Troy Stanley Anne & Ted Turcotte Laird Wilton Paul McDonald Becky Doyle Phil Markovich Jim Power Mike “Dyker” Campbell Paul McFarland John “Packy” McFarland Bernadette Brooks Fr. Bernie MacAdam Peter Fardy Janet Lynn MacNeil Morag Graham Ray MacDonald Andrea MacLean-Holohan Kelly Benson Austin Hawley Jim Bowne Anne Malick Sean Riley Allan Gates David Beman Leo and Mary Anne Doyle ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ September 30th, 2005 StFX Alumni Association ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Bill Kiely, President Ed McHugh, 1st Vice President Austin Hawley, 2nd Vice President Anne Malick, Secretary/Treasurer Valerie Bobyk, Past President ○ EXECUTIVE • BOARD MEMBERS 30 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 31 S t F X DAY E V E N T S ST. JOHN’S, NL Date: Friday, November 25, 2005 Location: DJango’s Restaurant, 190 Duckworth St. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SYDNEY Date: Thursday, December 1, 2005 Location: Mass St. Anthony Daniel Church, Alexander St., Sydney. Reception to follow at the Sydney Garrison Officers Mess, Victoria Park Esplanade, Sydney. Date: Friday, December 2, 2005 Location: Mass St. John the Baptist Church, High Street, New Glasgow. Reception Roseland Cabaret, Provost Street, New Glasgow. UPCOMING EVENTS AMHERST, NS FREDERICTON Date: Saturday, December 3, 2005 Location: Mass St. Dunstan’s – reception to follow at the rectory. SAINT JOHN, NB Excellence is what St. Francis Xavier University’s Diploma in Adult Education is all about. It is the #1 choice among adult educators and HRD professionals. Now in our 24th year. It is available to you in major centres across Canada or ask about our in-house programs. Our 2004/05 schedule includes Halifax, Moncton, Ottawa, Toronto, Hamilton, London, Winnipeg and Regina. Limited enrollment – 30 seats per module www.stfx.ca/academic/adulted-diploma Email: [email protected] • Toll-free: 1-800-563-7839 Fax: (902)867-2486 Business hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm Atlantic Event: Golden X Inn Roadshow Date: January 27, 2006 Contact: Alumni Office for details — (902)867-2186 [email protected] CALGARY Event: Pub night Date: February 25, 2006 Location: Royal Duke Pub in Bow Valley Square (downtown) Details: Watch the website for further details. OTTAWA MONTRÉAL www.xalumni.com Date: Friday, December 2, 2005 Location: St. Patrick’s Basilica, reception to follow. LONDON, ON www.stfxalumni.com Date: Saturday, December 3, 2005 Location: St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 515 Cheapside St. Gathering at Molly Bloom’s Irish Pub, 700 Richmond St. to follow. TORONTO www.stfx.ca/alumni/chapterevents.html Date: Saturday December 3, 2005 Time & Location: X-Ring Mass at St Basil’s Church, 50 St. Joseph St. Reception at St Basil’s Hall, 50 St Joseph St. Pub gathering to follow. MONTRÉAL Date: Thursday, December 1 , 2005 Location: Le Biftheque Steakhouse, 6705 Cote de Liesse Blvd. CALGARY Date: Friday, December 2, 2005 Location: FCJ Christian Life Centre, 219 – 19th Ave. SW EDMONTON [email protected] Date: Sunday, December 4 , 2005 Location: St. Edmund’s Parish/School PEACE RIVER, AB VICTORIA, BC Date: November 18, 2005 Location: Macaroni Grill, 3195 Douglas Street, Victoria VANCOUVER Date: Friday, December 2, 2005 Location: Vancouver Library Square/Public House StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 www.stfxalumni.ca Date: Sunday, December 4, 2005 Location: Villa Madonna, Renforth, NB with special guest : Mary Coyle, VP & Director, Coady International Institute Date: Saturday, December 3, 2005 Location: The Pub in the Peace Valley Inn 32 HALIFAX Event: StFX Kehoe Dinner & Auction Date: March 25, 2006 (tentative) Location: World Trade & Convention Centre Contact: Laird Wilton ’99 — (902) 440-6575 [email protected] Date: Sunday, December 4, 2005 Location: Duncan’s Pub National Program of Excellence Canadian Association University Continuing Education BERMUDA PICTOU COUNTY Date: Saturday, December 3, 2005 Location: St. Pius Church, pub night to follow. ADULT EDUCATION Date: Thursday, December 1, 2005 Location: Mass – St. Francis Xavier Parish, 3810 Scott Rd., Burbank, CA. Dinner – Elephant Bar and Restaurant, 110 North 1st St., Burbank, CA. Date: Saturday, December 3, 2005 Location: M.R. Onions at 6 pm HALIFAX DIPLOMA IN BOSTON Date: Saturday, December 3, 2005 Location: Mass – Boston College High School Chapel followed by buffet dinner at the Farragut House Restaurant Event: Golf Day Date: June 2, 2006 Location: Golf des Isles Club, Boucherville Islands Contact: David Ronan ’59 — (514) 694-3387 [email protected] TORONTO Event: Golf Day Date: Friday, May 19, 2006 Location: Carrying Place Golf and Country Club Contact: Trudy or John Young at (416) 481-6905 MAINE Event: 2nd Biannual Packy McFarland Open Golf Tournament Date: May 20, 2006 Location: Penobscot Valley Country Club, Orono, Maine Details: All proceeds to go to the StFX Athletic Endowment Fund Contact: David Case ’70 — (207) 947-5930 [email protected] SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Event: San Diego StFX Alumni Gathering Date: March, 2006 Contact: Ray MacDonald ’81 — (562) 485-3082 [email protected] Event: StFX Alumni Gathering in San Diego Date: Thursday, January 26, 2006 Details: Watch website for details FLORIDA Event: Annual Florida Alumni Dinner Date: Saturday, March 4, 2006 Time: 11 am – 3 pm Location: Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club, 4800 Chase Oaks Drive, Sarasota, FL Telephone: (941) 926-7602 Contact: John T. MacDonald (941) 966-1574 or J. Owen Granville (941) 794-1222 or Kathy Achorn [email protected] StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 33 B UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY MOURNS DR. J.J. MACDONALD K nown as one of StFX’s top administrators, Dr. John James MacDonald passed away peacefully July 7, 2005. Fondly known as Dr. J.J., he was a dedicated Xaverian whose career and contributions have been principal in the continuing development of the university. Dr. MacDonald was born in New Glasgow. He graduated from StFX in 1945, and received an M.Sc. and PhD in Chemistry from the University of Toronto. He joined the StFX faculty in 1949. Ten years later, he became the first Dean of Science and first lay administrator. He was a central figure in the planning for the major campus expansion that occurred during the 1960s, including Nicholson Hall, the Angus L. Macdonald Library, the Oland Centre and the Bloomfield Centre. He nurtured science programs through his encouragement of research and supported faculty, laying the foundation for the university’s premier position among small institutions in Canada. He became Academic Vice President in 1970 and served as the university’s senior academic officer for two decades until retirement in 1991. During this period, he undertook a number of funding initiatives to encourage peer-evaluated research in both the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Arts. He presided over a further enlargement of teaching and research, while remaining active as a promoter of the art gallery, the theatre and cultural life within the university. StFX recognized his contributions through the awarding of a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa in 2001. He served higher education beyond StFX. Governments municipal, provincial and federal called on his talents, especially in the fields of transportation, communications and military affairs. He served a long season with the educational arm of the United Nations. His worldwide travels, even to Siberia, involved study of higher education patterns in both developed and developing countries. In the world of Canadian philately, he is renowned as an author of more than 20 philatelic articles and a definitive book on Nova Scotia postal history. He was an avid gardener and had an interest in StFX athletics. Dr. J.J. MacDonald is survived by his wife, Jane Gordon; sons John James (Jeanne), California; Ronald (Margie), Alan, Antigonish; daughters, Nancy Rose (Wayne), Bedford; Anne Louise (Frank), Antigonish; Jana, Vancouver; Margaret (John McKee), California; stepchild Jeremy Keyes, Virginia; Rachel Crowther (Stephen), Oshawa; and eight grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary Lou. 34 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 R A G P A G E Send your photos to . . Cindy McInnes, Assistant Editor, AlumniNews, St. Francis Xavier University, PO Box 5000, Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5 • Phone: (902) 867-5114 Email: [email protected] JOIN US IN CELEBRATING MILESTONES AT STFX 40 YEARS Angus L. Macdonald Library & X-Project 35 25 YEARS The Antigonish Review YEARS 10 YEARS Diploma in Adult Education The Writing Centre Major Paul J. MacKenzie B.Sc ’87, MSCIT and Margaret (nee Mulcair) B.B.A ’85, C.A.Ed, C.V.S.M. have returned to Canada after four years in Colorado Springs. Paul (brother of Dr. Michael MacKenzie of Antigonish) was assigned to NORAD and U.S. Space Command as Command, Control, Communications and Computer Systems Engineer. Margaret was employed as an elementary school teacher. While in Colorado, Paul was promoted to Major and earned the degree of Master of Science, Computer Systems Engineering and Margaret was awarded the prestigious Community Service Award. Paul, Margaret and their children Angela (12) and Ian (10) now reside in Winnipeg and welcome emails from friends ([email protected]). Janet Lynn F. MacNeil ’95, a Federal Department of Justice lawyer in Ottawa, has won the 2005 Legal Writing Competition for the Commonwealth Lawyers Association on the given topic: ‘Is International Law Really Law?’ The prize was an all-expenses paid trip to London, England to attend the Golden Jubilee of the Commonwealth Lawyers Conference where the theme was ‘Developing Law and Justice.’ Her article is featured in the Special Conference Issue of the ‘Commonwealth Lawyer’ (Journal of the Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association). Janet Lynn, President of the Ottawa Alumni Chapter, was also named StFX’s Young Alumna 2005 in October. ’89 ALUMNUS LEADS LAKELAND COLLEGE Dr. Larson has agreed to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of Lakeland College in Vermilion, Alberta until June 30, 2006. He was appointed Interim President and CEO on June 1 following the resignation of the previous president, Dr. Mark Lee. Colin ’81and Nancy ’83 (Alexander) Pearson of St. Marys, ON visited with relatives in Bayfield. The couple’s two children were able to attend the StFX X-Men Hockey School. They were delighted to have the boys take part in the camp. Coach Brad Peddle’s instructors were knowledgeable and great role models, said the Pearsons. Pictured l-r are Nike Tuomi, Jameson Pearson, Nolan Pearson and Sean Flinn. Dr. Larson completed his Master of Education at St. Francis Xavier University in 1989. He holds degrees in education at the doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s levels and has been at Lakeland College since 2000. His previous position was Executive Vice President, Academic and Student Services. StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 35 N E Jia Li Chang, born Apr 7/04 adopted March 21/05 W S 50’s Class of ‘56 gathering Thurs., Sept. 28/06 — class meeting at the home of Packy McFarland, 65 MacDonald St., Antigonish. Contact Bob Higgins, class president ‘56 (506) 652-2408 or Packy McFarland (902) 863-3661 Karen and Joseph Rennie ‘83 Coreana Youmin, June 11/04 Mike Chisholm ‘84 and Jina You Cameron (6), Andrew and Isaac, Dec 24/04 36 Bob ‘53 and Dolores (Doyle) ‘55 Murray – Surrounded by their 7 children (3 of whom are X grads), together with their spouses, 18 grandchildren and many friends, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a special mass at which they renewed their vows. This was followed by a fun-filled reception. They would appreciate hearing from fellow Xaverians at [email protected] Peter Berry ‘59 has just returned from two years of teaching English as a second language in Shanghai, China. Unfortunately, my absence caused me to miss the 45th anniversary reunion of the class of ‘59. However, I certainly intend to participate in our 50th in 2009 and I look forward to resuming participation in the events organized by the Montreal X alumni. 60’s E X C H A N G James Leland, Nov 23/04 Clarke Simon Levon, Mar 27/05 Rowan James Stephen, June 12/04 Kendra, Dec 4/02 and Macy, May 19/05 Stella Johanna, Oct 13/04 Anne (MacMillan) ’93 and Jim Morgan Lorraine (Boyd) ’93,’95 and Ken MacKenzie ’95 Lorena (Sullivan) ’93 and Brendan Brothers ’94 Michelle (Rose) ‘94 and Ian McDonell ‘94 Tracy Mackenzie-Murphy ’95 and Charles Murphy ’89 working in the Maritime region. He was one of only three in Atlantic Canada out of a total of 30 and the only StFX grad for the 05/06 year. their story ideas to [email protected]. Friends and former Comm Bloc types can reach her at [email protected] practice in the City of Guelph, ON. She can be reached at [email protected] Aug 7/04 90’s Ken ‘95 and Lorraine (Boyd) ‘93 ‘95 MacKenzie – on April 1, 2005 proudly adopted a son, Clarke Simon Levon, born March 27, 2005. E 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] semester at the University of Iowa where he is Adjunct Professor of Social Work. Brent Austin ‘65 retired from EnCana Corportation in 2004. He has relocated to Calgary and continues to serve out his second term on the Board of Governors of Cape Breton University and his remaining term as ministerial appointee on the Foundation Board of CBU. Tim O’Neill ‘69 has been appointed as the first H. Ian MacDonald visiting economist in the Ministry of Finance. In his new role, Dr. O’Neill will provide objective advice to the ministry on emerging economic challenges and will contribute to economic and fiscal policy development at the most senior level. 70’s Russell MacDonald ‘70 has recently completed his assignment as Chef de Mission for the 2005 Nova Scotia Canada Games. Since his retirement in 2002 as curriculum coordinator at the Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board, Russell has been very busy volunteering for a number of community organizations. Russell looks forward to using his ‘extra’ time to follow new pursuits. He and his wife Anne (MacNeil) ‘67 spend March in Myrtle Beach, SC and would love to hear from other alumni in the area at [email protected] Dr Dr.. Rose Anne (T ubetti) Goo dine (Tubetti) Goodine ‘78 ‘78,, daughter of Cecile Tubetti-MacKenzie ‘58, ‘71 and the late George Tubetti ‘58 has been named President of the New Brunswick Medical Society for 2005-2006. Rose Anne and her husband Bill live in Woodstock, NB with their four children. Willard Cavicchi ‘73 retired in June, 2005 after 32 years as a teacher and administrator. He will be doing some work with the University of Maine this fall as well as tending to his wife’s horses. 80’s Anne Emery ‘74 has recently signed a threebook publishing contract with ECW Press for the first three books in her series of mystery novels. The first book, Sign of the Cross, will be coming out this spring. Danny (T ex) ‘77 (Tex) Haight, along with his wife Linda, are proud to announce the marriage of their daughter, Krista, to Jeremy Sherry on May 28, 2005. Derrick Rowe ‘81 and Sandra Janosik – a daughter, Danielle, born August 21, 1999 and a son, Michael, born May 17, 2002. Terri (Spears) Middlemiss ‘88 and her huband Rob have moved to Colorado Springs with their two children Kirkland, 10, and Trent, 6, on a fouryear military posting. Tony W atson ‘88 was Watson promoted to Executive Director by Morgan Stanley earlier this year. He works in Hong Kong as a bond analyst, focusing on the utility, basic material and transport sectors. Stacey (Chapman) Gillis ‘93 has relocated to Edmonton with her husband Kevin and their two children, Ryan, 4, and Claire, 2, after 10 years in Oromocto, NB. She is looking forward to meeting other X alumni in the area. Charles MacDonald ‘94, ‘07 and Kimberly (Fraser) ‘00, ‘02 are both teachers with the Strait Regional School Board. They would love to hear from friends at charles.macdonald@ strait.ednet.ns.ca and kimberlydawn630@ hotmail.com Clifford J. Shaw ‘78 has joined the law firm of Faber Gurevitch Bickman in Calgary and will be continuing his practice in the areas of banking and insolvency. David Boyd ‘89 has recently been promoted as an Advisory Service partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers Rhonda Whittaker ‘94 is host of Information Morning on CBC Radio One in Moncton. The show broadcasts to listeners across eastern and northern New Brunswick. Fellow NBers are welcome to email Lisa Cameron ‘95 has received a Masters of Education in teaching French as a second language. Lisa currently teaches with the Halifax Regional School Board. Craig Thomson ‘96 and Wendy Wasson were married in 2003. Craig is employed as a pilot with Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong. Craig Thomson ‘96 and Wendy Wasson – a son, James Frank, born January 27, 2005 in Hong Kong. campus in the Adult Learning Program. Krista (Chisholm) ‘97 Ronberg is currently living in Ottawa with her husband Rob. Krista is employed by the Catholic School Board and Rob is employed with Xerox. Warren Burrell ‘97 and his wife, Asami, have relocated to Canada after teaching for 8 years throughout Asia. He is currently teaching Grade 1 French immersion in the Pas, Manitoba. He can be reached at [email protected] Shelley (Constantin) ‘97 and Greg Barthel currently reside in Edmonton, AB and look forward to seeing the ‘97 BSc PE class at Homecoming 2007. She can be reached at [email protected] Natasha (MacDonald) ‘96 and Chris Phillips have moved to Truro. She just finished a teaching term at NSCC, Pictou Nicole Rozier ‘99 has been living in Halifax for the past few years. In September, with her Law Degree in hand, she is transferring to Ontario to pursue the practice of Criminal Law. She will be opening her own 00’s Andrea (T rites) ‘00 (Trites) and Joe Rector are now residing in Charlottetown, PE and would love to hear from any fellow X grads at andrea2678@ msn.com Sean Cavicchi ‘03 would like to say hello to all his friends. He is enjoying Southeast Asia, travelling to Guam, China, Phillipines and South Korea. Thailand and Vietnam are next on his agenda. He can be reached at scavicchi@ hotmail.com and hopes to see many of you in 2006. Cheryl Cummings ‘95, ‘97 and Corey Arsenault Chole Rose, Apr 28/05 and Jesse Cage, June 28/03 Dawn (Arseneau) ’96 and Ray Blanchard Lauren (4), Jack William, March 5/05 and Jensen (6) Debbie Farrell ‘90 and Bruce Martin Kevin Concannon ‘64, ‘66 is teaching this Gavin Luke, June 28/04 Nov 25/04 Simon Daniel, Apr 1/05 and Liam Benjamin, 5 ½ Mason Kyte Lange, Sept 3/05 Jack, Mar 23/05 Katherine Aine, March/05 Jacob (4) Matthew (2) Evan Grace Patricia, Jan 26/05 Audrey Lorraine, Oct 11/04 Liam Brendan, Jan 13/05 Cora Lee Joudry ‘91 and Glen Coolidge Neeta Kumar-Britten ‘92 and Andrew Britten, son Liam Neeta Kumar-Britten ‘92 and Andrew Britten Cherie Kyte ’92 and Stephen Lange Chantal Raymond ’92 and Roe J. McFarlane ’93 Natasha (MacDonald) ‘96 and Chris Phillips Gordon ‘96 and Tracey Sargent Linda (MacNeil) ’96, ’98 and Paul Snyder Leroy ’96 and Twyla ’97 (Pelly) McKinnon France Roy ‘97 and Paul ‘Woody’ Campbell ’93, ‘95 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 Tina (Allain) ’96 and John Rooney StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 37 Anna (4), Hayden (2 ½), Fayth (3 mos) Liam Gillis, July 10/05 June 25/05 L E T T E R S Cont’d from page 2... Carmen (Fullerton) ‘97 and Troy Payson ‘97 Jeff ‘98 and Kelly ‘94 Sylvester Adelle Marchand ‘01 and Kirk Mills Jenna Lynn, June 29/04 July 29/05 Douglas Burton, Apr 15/05 Janis (Reynolds) ‘97 and Mike Bonneville Andrea (Trites) ’00 and Joe Rector Amanda (Burton) ‘01 and Stephen Tate ‘01 July 30/04 July 9/05 Aug 23/05 Krista (Chisholm) ‘97 and Robert Ronberg Kimberly (Fraser) ’00, ’02 and Charles J. MacDonald ’94, ’07 Amanda (Burton) ‘01 and Stephen Tate ‘01 April 24 /04 July 10 /04 July 9/05 Shelley (Constantin) ’97 and Greg Barthel Mary-Beth MacDonald ‘01 and Stefan Atzema Barb MacInnis ’03 and Jamie MacNeil ’02 Lily Kenzie, Aug 31/04 John Patrick, April 23/05 Patrick Francis, May 10/05 Shelley (Maldre) ‘98 and Chris Sullivan ‘97 38 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 Jill (Smith) ‘99 and John-Paul Leon Martine Gallien ‘05 and John Hathazi ‘05 CORRECTION — Our summer edition of the StFX Alumni News contained an error as to how long Sr. Brendalee previously held the position of Chaplain at StFX. We’d like to correct that at this time and add a few additional items of interest. Sr. Brendalee previously held the position from 19861988. Following that period she attended Boston College and received a Masters Degree with a concentration in Spirituality. She served as Pastoral Assistant on the Island of St. Kitts, in the Caribbean, and continued to attend Boston College in the summers in order to complete a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Religious Education. This would assist her in the training program she offered to catechists on seven islands of the Diocese of Basseterre West Indies. Sister Brendalee is training as a Spiritual Director/ Companion and will be offering this service as an intern as part of her ministry outreach. She is delighted to join the Xaverian family, as the Sisters of St. Martha have a significant relationship with StFX, often referring to it as the cradle of their congregation. In the year 2000 they celebrated 100 years of history and commitment to the StFX Community. MANY THANKS to you and your staff for the lovely tributes in the latest issue of the Alumni News. I was especially touched by the accolade. The whole issue was a great honor to all of the unsung heroes at StFX who continue to give service to students, other staff and faculty. Well done! — Janet Stark, StFX Registrar IN READING THE MOST RECENT EDITION of the Alumni News, I noted several articles concerning the Spring 2005 Convocation. Deservedly so, this event is perhaps the highlight of the year on campus. However, it reminded me that in the previous edition of the Alumni News there was next to no mention about the Fall Convocation. In particular, there was zero mention of the honorary degree recipients. This was particularly disappointing for me since my mother Irene Lefort was one of the very distinguished recipients. Although the Spring Convocation is much larger than Fall and normally is much higher profile, I thought the Alumni News dropped the ball by almost ignoring the Fall Convocation events. In fact, a topic that often comes up in conversation with fellow X alumni is who were the honorary degree recipients the year they graduated. As time goes on, it gets a bit more difficult to recall this information. Thus, here is a suggestion, why not tabulate all the honorary degree recipients with a brief biography and display all on the StFX website, searchable by year or name. I think that would be a fascinating databank of persons to look through and would be a further inspiration to other Alumni to reach greater heights in the hope that someday they too might be honored by receiving an honorary degree. The way things stand today, honorary degree recipients are soon forgotten in the immediate days and weeks after the convocation, which really is a shame since the many distinguished individuals who have received such degrees have treasured their welcoming or reconfirmation into the StFX family. The StFX Alumni News is a first-class professional publication and as the university grows it becomes more and more challenging to capture all newsworthy events. However, I hope the Alumni News editorial staff will give serious review and consideration to these comments and suggestions. Thank you and regards, — Gordon Lefort ‘84, P.Eng. Editor’s Note: Our apologies for the error. Please see photo on page 29. My parents were visiting my husband and me the first week in September. I told them I watched the Terry Fox movie that had been on TV the night before. Mom said they watched it too, and proceeded to ask me if Shawn Ashmore, the actor who played Terry Fox, was at StFX when I was there. I said, “Oh did he go to X”? And my mom replied she heard in an interview he was a former X-MAN. So I thought if he did go to X he must be around my age and would have been there around the same time. I flipped through a couple of yearbooks but didn’t see the name anywhere. So the next day I ‘googled’ him on the Internet. It turns out Shawn Ashmore is an XMAN....he starred in both the ‘X-MEN’ action movies! I called my mom to tell her this and she said, “well they said he was a FORMER X-MAN so I assumed he went to StFX.” A true dedicated StFX Mom!! — Andrea Rector ‘00 DECEASED Joan Mary Simms ‘37 Rev. John Gerard Webb ‘42 Cecil F. MacNeil ‘43 Fr. Edward W. Granville ‘43 Dr. John E. MacDonell ‘44 Dr. Joe Roach ‘44 Dr. J. J. (John James) MacDonald ‘45 Martin E. Meech ‘45 Joan (Chappell) MacDonald ‘46 Rev. Alexander D. MacFarlane ‘46 Anselm (Sam) J. Cormier ‘48 Dr. Louis P. Blanchard ‘50 Frank J. Rowe ‘50 Dr. Martin A. Barron ‘51 William Francis MacIsaac ‘52 V. Alexander Campbell ’53 Harold B. Foster ‘53 David H. Roach ‘56 Kevin M. Marshall ‘56 Ranald John Daley ‘56 Barbara (Knips) (Happy) Creaghan ‘56 Rev. Angus Daniel MacDonald ‘57 Paul G. Coholan ‘58 Charles V. Keating ‘58, ‘00 Richard Butler ‘59 Peter Chauveau ‘60 Patrick J. Mooney ‘61 John C. O’Brien ‘62 Ralph Foley ‘64 Dr. Joseph A. Brown ‘68 James A. ‘Hood’ Bryan ’69 Joseph P. Dunne ‘70 Wendy L. (Gould) Barker ‘71 Siobhan (McDonnell) Wootton ‘83 Paula Ann (Paris) Bullard ‘87 Rev. Joseph Owens, Hon. Deg. ‘88 Rita Mae (Sangster) Hendsbee ‘89 Ona Bjornson ‘91 William P. ‘Bill’ Kelly ’96 Hon. Christopher Hefele ‘97 Karen Lynn MacDonald ‘00 Mary Ellen Arsenault, retired staff Fr. Howard Shea, retired faculty Dr. George Sanderson, retired faculty Lost & FOUND Lost Man’s ‘52 Man’s ‘65 Man’s ‘69 Man’s ‘71 Man’s ‘79 Woman’s ‘82 Man’s ‘84 Man’s ‘86 Man’s ‘90 Woman’s ‘93 Woman’s ‘97 Man’s ‘98 Woman’s ‘01 Man’s ‘03 Woman’s ‘05 (gold) Woman’s ‘05 (silver) Man’s ‘05 Found Man’s ‘57 Woman’s ‘91 Obituaries A TRUE FRIEND TO STFX… DR. HUBERT SPEKKENS S tFX faculty, staff, students and alumni are mourning the loss of longtime professor and friend Dr. Hubert Spekkens. Dr. Hubert Spekkens joined the English Department in the 1960s. Generations of students benefitted from his enthusiastic devotion to teaching. Although he had recently retired from the university, Dr. Spekkens had agreed to teach courses in the second semester of this year. For many students, Dr. Spekkens was an integral part of the best of St. Francis Xavier University. He was dedicated and tireless in his efforts to help others. He used his enormous energy and keen intelligence to help others realize their ambitions. Dr. Spekkens will be keenly missed, not only by all his colleagues here on campus, but also by the many people who were involved with him in various organizations both within the university community and outside it. He was a generous worker for and supporter of L’Arche, Theatre Antigonish, the Performing Arts Series of StFX, the Antigonish Creative Dance Association, the Moses Coady Debating Series, the Coady International Institute, and of any and all stage productions at the University Auditorium, the Bauer Theatre and Immaculata Auditorium. Dr. Spekkens inspired his students and other faculty as well, by supporting their research and showing genuine interest. In appreciation for his tremendous contribution to the StFX experience, Dr. Spekkens was awarded an honorary X-Ring in 2003. Hubert helped to shape the human character of StFX. We are the poorer for his loss, states Dr. Mary MacGillivray, Vice President of Academics. StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 39 X-RING Update The following X-Ring story comes to us from Melanie Burton ’04 Have you moved, changed careers, been promoted? We’d like to hear about it. Full Name: __________________________________________ 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: _____________________________________________ Homepage: _________________________________________ EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION FOR SPOUSE Company: __________________________________________ Position: ___________________________________________ Street: ______________________________________________ City: _______________________________________________ Province/State: ___________ Postal/Zip Code: _______________ Phone: (________) ____________________________________ Fax: (________) ______________________________________ Email: _____________________________________________ Homepage: _________________________________________ WHO CAN ALWAYS REACH YOU? Name: _____________________________________________ Position: ___________________________________________ Street: ______________________________________________ City: _______________________________________________ Province/State: ___________ Postal/Zip Code: _______________ Phone: (________) ____________________________________ Fax: (________) ______________________________________ Email: _____________________________________________ Homepage: _________________________________________ Information you would like to have published in the ‘News Exchange’ section of our Alumni News. ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ RETURN YOUR X-UPDATE TO: St. Francis Xavier University, Advancement Records PO Box 5000, Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5 Phone: (902) 867-5327 • Fax: (902) 867-3659 Toll-free: 1-888-739-0031 Email: [email protected] Date: ______________________________________________ 40 StFX Alumni News • Fall 2005 X-Ring unites strangers down under Hello there, My name is Melanie Burton ’04 and I thought you might be interested in this story!!! I am originally from Pictou, Nova Scotia, but I am currently in Townsville, Australia. I came here to do my graduate certificate in Marine Biology, and completed a few months ago. Since then, I found a job here in Townsville at the Banjo Paterson Motor Inn. While working one night, two men seated at the bar were trying to figure out my accent, and they finally asked. I told them east coast Canada, and one man, Brian Fitzgerald, said to me, “You may not believe this, but I actually went to a little school in a place called Antigonish in Nova Scotia.” Before he even finished saying the word Antigonish, I held up my right hand and showed him my X-Ring. He jumped off his chair he was so excited, exclaiming that the ring is the icon of the school. It turned out that Brian, who is from North Rockhampton, Australia, attended StFX in the summer of 1967 through the Coady International Institute. Brian still follows StFX news and loves his alumni magazine. There were others in the resturant when all of this took place, all of whom looked somewhat confused at the excitement about a ring, but, as Brian and I discussed, unless you have actually attended StFX, you can never understand the feeling of meeting a fellow Xaverian, especially when you are on the opposite side of the world. Brian and I both decided it would be an interesting story to send in; hope you enjoyed hearing about it as much as we both enjoyed the experience!! Melanie Window on the Future Construction is underway on the new residence set to open in the summer of 2006