A StFX McKenna Center for Leadership Encounter - St. Francis ...

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A StFX McKenna Center for Leadership Encounter Former PM Brian Mulroney delights capacity crowd at alma mater, StFX, with inspired talk on political leadership Former PM Brian Mulroney, pictured here with StFX student Javier Macaya from Madrid, and StFX President Dr. Sean Riley. Affable and engaged, former Canadian Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney, was back at St. Francis Xavier University, his alma mater, on Nov. 14, 2012, where he delighted a capacity crowd gathered at the Gerald Schwartz School of Business Auditorium with an inspired keynote address focusing on Leadership and the Role of the Prime Minister in Public Policy. Over 400 people, including many students, filled the main auditorium, while hundreds more tuned in to the talk via an overflow room and a live broadcast on stfx.ca, for the McKenna Centre for Leadership Encounter. The event was also presented by the StFX Students’ Union Alumni Speakers Series. 2 December 15, 2012 “(I’m) back at the place where it all started for me, and I just hope I’m around for a long time to see one of you fulfill the job I had…and to do it even better, in helping to build our beloved Canada,” Mr. Mulroney told the many students in the audience to a standing ovation. “I’m delighted to be back on campus. It has long played a disproportionate role in Canadian politics,” Mr. Mulroney told the crowd, citing the 1980s example of when three of the top four positions in Canadian government were filled by StFX alumni. In an animated talk that ranged from policy matters to dreams for the future, Mr. Mulroney spoke about political leadership, the role of the prime minister, and also the crucial role of leaders in society. He also took time to pay tribute to the leadership of StFX President Dr. Sean Riley, who delivered the event’s closing remarks. “We’ve been blessed, absolutely blessed to have him as president,” Mr. Mulroney said. That StFX is recognized as a top national university is due to “the magnificent professors, the top students, the traditions we value so much, and the remarkable and inspired leadership of Sean Riley.” The Hon. Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Central Nova MP, was on hand to introduce Mr. Mulroney. “It’s a distinct honour for me to introduce arguably the university’s most distinguished alumni, and we have many at StFX,” Mr. MacKay said as he spoke about Mr. Mulroney’s broad influence in the halls of power, his astute leadership, and his many accomplishments in areas such as national unity, the environment, economics, to helping end apartheid in South Africa. Mr. MacKay’s father, the Hon. Elmer MacKay, who served with Mr. Mulroney in government, was in attendance, along with several current and former political leaders. Dr. Doug Brown, chair of StFX’s Department of Political Science, provided the welcome. StFX VP Advancement Tim Lang emceed the event. StFX commemorates National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women Marie Brunelle lighting a candle. Dr. Robert van den Hoogen and Kira Nicole Dube. A call to end violence against women was the message that came through from a poignant commemoration ceremony held at StFX on Dec. 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women. Members of the StFX and Antigonish community came together at the Schwartz Auditorium as student leaders, the StFX Equity Office, and community partners including the Naomi Society and the Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre presented the ceremony featuring speakers talking about why violence against women is still a relevant problem and how people can work toward its eradication. The ceremony remembers the 14 young women murdered in 1989 at l’Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal. StFX annually presents a Memorial Scholarship for Women in Engineering to a first-year female engineering student. StFX Dean of Science Dr. Robert van den Hoogen made the presentation this year to Kira Nicole Dube. StFX students and co-emcees Josie Brewer and Alex Gass said December 6 represents an opportunity for Canadians to reflect. It is a day of mourning, but it can also bring a ray of hope, to remember, to educate, and to help create a catalyst for change, they said. “The responsibilities for change rests with all of us,” Academic Vice- President & Provost Dr. Mary McGillivray said in her remarks. “We are all part of the movement for change for the better.” It was a call to action repeated by numerous speakers who took to the podium. Coady participant Sister Ranjita Kindo shared sobering issues facing women in her home community of India. StFX Human Rights & Equity Advisor Marie Brunelle spoke about initiatives happening on campus including a major 26-month project Silence the Violence – which brings together the Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre, the RCMP, the Naomi Society, and many StFX partners – with a goal to develop a major comprehensive campus plan, “a violence prevention project that could have a major impact,” she said. StFX football player Charlton Elliott spoke about how male athletes can help; Cst. Jennifer Arnold of the Antigonish RCMP talked about what it’s like to respond to a domestic violence call through the eyes of the police officer: and Lori Castle of the Naomi Society spoke about the society and its role. StFX Aboriginal Student Advisor Molly Peters also spoke and introduced the Honor Song in memory of missing and murdered Aboriginal women. The ceremony concluded with speakers and guests lighting 17 candles and placing 17 roses in memory of the 14 women killed at l’Ecole Polytechnique, for Aboriginal women murdered or missing, for all women who have been murdered, and in memory of StFX education professor Ottilia Chareka. StFX welcomes Rashida Symonds as Black Student Advisor StFX is pleased to announce that Rashida Symonds has been appointed the new Black Student Advisor. StFX’s Student Life Office hosted a meet and greet Nov. 23 to welcome Ms. Symonds to campus. Ms. Symonds comes to StFX from the Halifax, NS area where she was most recently employed as a teacher with the Halifax Regional School Board. She has primarily taught high school students and specialized in courses such as English, Black literature, global studies, and African Canadian studies. Ms. Symonds has also spent time working as a youth counselor and support worker for children and women in the Halifax-Dartmouth area. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Mary’s University before going on to Mount Saint Vincent for her education degree. Currently, Ms. Symonds is working on her masters of education degree in counseling from Acadia University. Scholarly achievements continue for Dr. Burton MacDonald Dr. Burton MacDonald, Senior Research Professor, Department of Religious Studies, and colleagues have just published The Ayl to Ras an-Naqab Archaeological Survey, Southern Jordan 2005-2007 (2 volumes with DVD). Archaeological Reports 16. Boston, MA: American Schools of Oriental Research, 2012. Moreover, he and the same colleagues are working on a final report on The Shammakh to Ayl Archaeological Survey, Southern Jordan, 2010-2012. He has just completed the infield segment of the project. In addition, he is completing a book on Jordan and the Bible. It is tentatively entitled The Bible and “Beyond the Jordan toward the East”: The People and the Events. Finally, this January-April 2013, Dr. MacDonald has a Publication In her role as Black Student Advisor, she will act as an advocate for Black students and a resource person for transition issues such as academics, anti-racism, housing and other student concerns. She will work collaboratively with other advisors and community partners to develop and implement transitional programs for students as a part of an overall advising strategy. Fellowship at the American Center of Oriental Research, Amman, Jordan. He will work on an “Archaeological History of the Southern Transjordanian/Edomite Plateau.” The area of interest is the territory in which he has carried out excavations and survey work for the past 30 years. Fall Convocation 2012 continued from page 1 The honorary degree candidates include: Dr. Paul Bélanger Dr. Paul Bélanger is a giant in the adult education field with an over 40-year career as an academic, leader, and activist, A professor at Université du Québec à Montréal, he’s also director of the Interdisciplinary Research Center on Lifelong Learning, and, since 2009 director of the Observatory on skill and work related to adult learning policies. He is DAAD guest professor at the European Master in Adult Education in Essen, Germany. He was the director of the UNESCO Institute for Education (1989-2000). From 2000-11, he was president of ICAE, the International Council for Adult Education. He’s received the Ruby Kidd Medal, Canadian Association for Adult Education, the International Development Research Centre scholarship on education and development, the Comenius Prize, and two honorary degrees. He is also life Member of the National Institute for Adult and Continuing Education in Great Britain, and the author of many publications and papers. Gérald (Gerry) Doucet Gérald (Gerry) Doucet is a Canadian pioneer in government business relations consulting for corporate clients. He has over 30 years experience, representing numerous national and international companies. A graduate of StFX and Dalhousie Law School, he’s made substantial contributions to public service as a member of the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly, and as chair of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council. At age 26, he was elected in the 1963 Nova Scotia general election, and in 1964, became the first Acadian cabinet minister. He was re-elected in 1967 and 1970. He did not re-offer in 1974. Ministerial posts included education; youth; emergency measures; and provincial secretary. He was vice-chair of the Canadian Council of Ministers of Education, and chaired the first official Canadian delegation on education to the Soviet Union in 1969. He also practiced law and was appointed a Queen’s Counsel in 1975. In 2004, he published his autobiography: Acadian Footprints: the roots & reflections of Gérald (Gerry) Doucet.
continued from page 1 The X-Ring ceremony, held every Dec. 3, the Feast Day of St. Francis Xavier, represents many fond memories and years of hard work. It’s also recognized around the world as a symbol of success, excellence, and community. “Welcome to the X-Ring ceremony,” StFX President Dr. Sean Riley told the students in his opening remarks. “Now it’s down to the moment, zero hours, zero minutes, zero seconds. “Each of you is a unique person with a unique story,” he said, “and now you have something in common for life, the 2013 X-Ring.” The ring represents a whole universe of personal memories, and when you look at your ring, translate that joy and achievement into a sense of courage, and community to inspire, help others, and be a force for good, he said. “Congratulations and best wishes.” X-Ring ceremony guest speaker Rodger Cuzner, MP for Cape Breton- Canso and a StFX alumnus, talked about the significance and responsibilities of the ring, telling the crowd about his own journey and lessons learned. “Today’s about the ring. It’s about what it symbolizes, a simple black X mark that symbolizes your time at a place that has shaped you as an individual.” He told the graduating class that it creates an inherent bond, and provides opportunity. “As an X grad, your responsibility is to lead by example, your responsibility is to have a positive impact.” Mr. Cuzner told the students the plan they have in place is not always the one that will unfold, but be assured that their experience at StFX will have prepared them for challenges they will face. Celebrating the X-Ring! Kwanzaa celebrated at StFX Members of the StFX community came together to celebrate Kwanzaa on Nov. 25, 2012, with an evening of African heritage, culture, song, and dance held in the Bloomfield Café. “Kwanzaa is a very community, family- oriented celebration, and for students that are far from home, it’s a great way for them to feel that family atmosphere around the holidays,” says Morgan Gero, BLAC Student Society president, who helped organize the event. “We were very excited to have our new Black Student advisor, Rashida Symonds, lighting a candle, and celebrating with us!” Ms. Gero says this year’s celebration is reaching out to more students and the community. “This year, we not only have students lighting the candles, but we have community members as well.” Putting the ring on for the first time is a pretty cool experience, he said, feeling pride and accomplishment. “Take that feeling and get comfortable with it, because you know it’s something that never, ever goes away. Congratulations.” “To me, the day is to celebrate our accomplishments and experiences,” Senior Class president and emcee Matt LeMoine said. “The ring will stay with you forever. Congratulations Class of 2013. Today really is our day. I couldn’t be happier to join this Xaverian family.” Kathleen Johnston, vice-president of the Senior Class, read from Moses Coady’s writings, and students led a candle procession to form a candle-lit ‘X.’ Student Keiller Zed, in thanking the guest speaker, noted that he would receive his grandfather’s X-Ring of over 60 years ago, during the ceremony. The honorary X-Ring, always one of the most touching aspects of the ceremony, was presented this year to Ramsay Duff, StFX VP Finance & Operations and interim VP Recruitment and Student Experience. The honorary X-Ring is chosen by a committee comprised of students and alumni. In making the presentation, Students’ Union president Nick Head-Peterson called Mr. Duff “an extremely deserving recipient” whose “leadership is a true inspiration.” Alumni Association president Shawn Monahan welcomed the senior students to the Xaverian Family, telling them the X-Ring brings many opportunities and many responsibilities, and always a connection to the alumni network. “Well, we have our rings. Now it’s time to celebrate. Thank you everyone,” Mr. LeMoine said as the senior class filed out of the Keating Centre, tapping their X-Rings on a piece of chapel wood at the entrance, a longstanding ceremony tradition. Guest speaker Rodger Cuzner. Kwanzaa, Swahili for first fruits of the harvest, was started by Dr. Maulana Karenga in the 1960s, who essentially wanted to see African Americans centered in their own history, their African roots, she says. “So he started this holiday that celebrates and recognizes the Nguzu Saba principles, which stand for unity, self-determination, faith, creativity, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, and purpose; all principles that African Americans live on a day-to-day basis. “It was adopted here in Canada, and the society here at X has adopted it as well. It’s a chance for all of us, African Canadian, African, African Nova Scotian, to celebrate our roots and history. And of course, come together around a good, home cooked meal!” Invest-X Society welcomes prestigious guest speaker Neil Kell The Invest-X Society welcomed their fourth guest speaker for the term on Friday November 30th, hosting Neil A. Kell, CFA, managing director, Investment Banking, Head of Financial Institutions Equity Capital Markets for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Deutsche Bank. Mr. Kell spoke to the group about investment banking, the euro crisis, and career planning. “The opportunity to meet a successful investment banker was interesting, informative and inspiring,” said society president Hilary Muth. Both the society’s portfolio manager, Jake Baker, and vice-president, Real Business, Real Learning, Real Growth Direct Exchange Case Competition: J.D. Irving, Limited Partners with StFX J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) has partnered with St. Francis Xavier University to give students an opportunity to solve a real-life business case. At the Direct Exchange Case Competition, teams of students are presented with a real-life supply chain scenario at JDI, including the relevant data and conditions that the JDI manager was facing at the time. After research and analysis, the teams suggest a solution, complete with the logic to support their decision. On Nov. 28, 2012, individual team solutions were judged based on content completeness, presentation skills, and responses to specific questions posed by the judges. The winning team of Erin Chisholm, Jane McTague and Justin Gallant was presented with a cash prize. “This case gave students the opportunity to work with a real scenario and use real data,” said StFX business student Erin Chisholm, a member of the winning team. “This is not a made-up company with one right answer; instead you need to consider all the possibilities and scenarios in order to come up with the best recommendation. The case causes you to consider all possibilities that you otherwise might not consider.” Jane McTague, another member of the winning team, agrees that there were many variables to consider. “In this case we debated nine options for many hours and knew that there was more than one right answer. In school cases there is typically a right and a wrong answer. With this case you Post-graduate nursing student is inaugural recipient of the Katherine MacGillivray Maloney Nursing Award Thanks to the generosity of the late Katherine MacGillivray Maloney, a graduate of the former St. Martha’s School of Nursing, nursing students at StFX – throughout all years – are now eligible for new awards and bursaries. A sizeable fund was established in spring 2012 from the Estate of Katherine MacGillivray Maloney, originally from Antigonish County, who had lived many years in the U.S. before returning to Antigonish. One of these awards was presented Dec. 8, 2012, following Fall Convocation to StFX post-graduate nursing student Marie Hélène Bond, the inaugural recipient of the Katherine MacGillivray Maloney Nursing Award. “Marie embodies the nursing qualities that are at the core of the School of Nursing at StFX. She has demonstrated excellence in clinical practice, dedication to learning, and consistently pro- Austin Carter, agreed that Mr. Kell’s presentation was insightful and practical about career options in the capital markets. Invest-X is StFX’s student investment society. The purpose of the investment society is to provide its members with a forum for exchanging ideas and information about investing, analyzing financial information, executing investment transactions, and managing portfolios. Mr. Kell is responsible for the origination and execution of equity and equity related transactions with a particular focus on financial institutions throughout Europe, the needed to consider every option and apply all of your learning knowledge.” In the end, the students appreciated the opportunity to present to the JDI executives who were involved in the actual case. “In this case you are not only applying your class knowledge, but also using your knowledge from all classes and applying it to a real-life business. You are analyzing a real business experience and presenting to real executives,” said Justin Gallant, also from the winning team. StFX business professor Randy Delorey says case studies in general are a terrific learning tool, but the Direct Exchange Case Competition is an added bonus because it gives students an experience they don’t get in class. “The Direct Exchange Case Competition offers a final debrief of the case. This allows students to see how the real-life executives handled the decision making, and it gives students the chance to ask follow- vides compassionate and competent care to clients,” a spokesperson from the School of Nursing said. Ms. Bond, a resident of Antigonish County, NS, is also an active volunteer in her community and has maintained Dean’s list status throughout her nursing program. The Katherine MacGillivray Maloney Nursing Award provides awards and bursaries to students in the StFX Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Preference is given to students from Antigonish town or county and Guysborough and St. Mary’s municipalities. The award funds annual renewable entrance awards of $4,000 to firstyear students, as well as bursaries to a continuing student at each level of the program who meets the criteria. . Recipients must demonstrate financial need, be enrolled full-time in the B.Sc. Nursing program and be a Canadian citizen. Award applicants Middle East and Africa. Having worked in Toronto, New York and currently in London he has helped corporations, domestic and international, raise over $75 billion of public and private equity capital. With 15 years of investment banking experience he has extensive knowledge regarding the origination and execution of initial public offering, subsidiary public offerings, rights offerings, followon and add-on offerings, convertible and other equity-linked products and domestic and cross-border acquisition financing. His roots and parents are in Antigonish and his wife, Susan Johnson, is a StFX graduate of 1987. Jim Jordan, VP Supply Chain, J.D. Irving Ltd., addresses the competition participants. up questions to the executives,” he said. “We are very proud to have been able to partner with St. Francis Xavier University this year,” said Jim Jordan, Vice President, Supply Chain, J.D. Irving, Limited. “The partnership established with StFX Professor Randy Delorey is one built with a foundation of exponential learning in mind. In the end, it was his willingness that allowed the Direct Exchange Program to succeed. The program’s slogan “Real Business, Real Learning, Real Growth” continues to hold true in describing what our case competition format is all about,” Jordan said. This year, Supply Chain Direct Exchange Case Competitions were held at Dalhousie, Acadia, Mount Allison, and StFX. Dalhousie also held an Accounting Direct Exchange Case Competition in March. To date, more than 1,400 students have participated in Direct Exchange Case Competitions. Peter (r) and Mary Anne MacGillivray (l) make the presentation to award recipient Marie Hélène Bond. must have an entrance average of 80 and maintain a strong academic standing to be eligible to receive the award in second, third, fourth years. All applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the values of nursing including qualities of caring, kindness, respect for diversity, compassion and excellence in clinical practice. December 15, 2012 3
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