Media Release

For Immediate Release

April 17

Saint Mary's to host annual Turning Points in Leadership Dinner

Leaders from across North America will gather at Saint Mary’s University tonight to share their perspectives on leadership. More than 300 people are expected to attend the third annual Turning Points in Leadership dinner, one of the top business events in the region.

“Turning Points in Leadership is innovative,” said Paul O’Hearn (BComm ’82), one of the founders of the Turning Points in Leadership Dinner. “It’s aimed at raising the profile of Saint Mary’s University, its alumni and some of North America’s top leaders. It provides a great opportunity for students to connect with such leaders during their studies, while at the same time creating bursaries for deserving students.”

The keynote speaker for this year’s sold-out event will be Robert P. Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of The Bank of New York Mellon, a global financial services growth company. Kelly earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University’s Sobey School of Business in 1975, and in recognition of his numerous achievements, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Commerce degree in 1997.

Norma Lee MacLeod, a producer with CBC News at Six on CBC Television in Nova Scotia, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

A special aspect of the evening will be the recognition of Robert (Bob) Shaw as this year’s inductee, posthumously, into the Turning Points Hall of Leadership. The hall, housed in the Loyola Academic Complex, recognizes inductees for outstanding leadership in their profession, their community and at Saint Mary’s University.

Shaw was an important member of the Saint Mary’s community. As a student he served as president of SMUSA (Saint Mary's University Students' Association) and went on to be a member of the University’s Board of Governors; President of the Alumni Association; Chair of the Building on Strength Capital Campaign; and a member of the Business Development Centre board. Shaw passed away in 2005, leaving behind a legacy reflected in his many career achievements and charitable activities. The Shaw family will accept the award at the dinner.

-30-

For more information:

Blake Patterson
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: blake.patterson@smu.ca
www.smu.ca