Media Release

For Immediate Release

September 19, 2008

Golden Grads return to Saint Mary’s for Homecoming Weekend 2008

Pat Crowley (BA ’72), Director of Alumni, Frank Gervais (DipEng ’58, MBA ’79), and Stephen Kelly (BSc ’78), President, Alumni Association and Chair, Homecoming 2008. Frank Gervais (DipEng ’58, MBA ’79), Brian Flemming (BSc ’59), Kevin MacPherson (BA ’56) and Bob Hoganson (BA ’58) Heather Fitzpatrick, Director of Development, welcomed Murray Webb (HS ’48) and Barbara Hoar, who attended the Golden Grads Luncheon from Calgary. The ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out) enjoyed the Golden Grads Luncheon as a chance to gather for one of their regular monthly lunch meetings. The group includes: Doug Murray (BA ’55), Robert Chiasson (BComm ’56), Ed Murray (BA ’57), Robin Falconer (BA ’58), and Bill Bailly (BComm ’56).  Missing from photo: Laurie Brean and Raymond Craig. Fr. George P. Leach (HS ’54) and Rev. Basil Carew (BA ’58)   Brian Flemming (BSc ’59), Judge Hughes Randall (BA ’57) and Fred Gallagher (DipEng ’57) The 2008 Golden Grads Luncheon was held Sept. 19 in the McNally Theatre Auditorium

One of the first events of the 2008 Saint Mary’s University Homecoming Weekend was the Golden Grad Luncheon held today in the McNally Theatre Auditorium.

This year, in addition to honouring all alumni who graduated more than 50 years ago, the luncheon paid special tribute to the Class of 1958.

Speakers at the event included Pat Crowley, Director of Alumni (BA ’72), Dr. J. Colin Dodds, President of Saint Mary’s, Frank Gervais (DipEng ’58, MBA ’79), Fr. George P. Leach (HS ’54), and Stephen Kelly (BSc ’78), President of the University’s Alumni Association and Chair of Homecoming 2008.

Frank Gervais, in making a toast to the university, said the luncheon and the Homecoming Weekend was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on lessons learned in the classroom as well as on the sportsfield.

“It’s a chance to remember the great times and the great impact Saint Mary’s had on our lives,” said Gervais, who was a member of the Saint Mary’s football team and graduated in 1958.

Dr. Dodds thanked the Golden Grads and provided an update on some of the significant changes at Saint Mary’s, particularly the completion of the newly renovated Science Building and the start of construction for the Atrium.

He also noted how enrollment at the University has increased from less than 1,000 in 1958 to more than 7,500 in 2008.

However, despite all the new buildings and the increased numbers, he said some things will never change.

“One thing that has not changed is the sense, the heart of the university,” said Dr. Dodds. “Universities are about people.”

He said the students, the faculty, the staff and the alumni of Saint Mary’s will always be key to the university’s ongoing success, and he thanked the alumni, particularly the Golden Grads, for all their support over the years.

“”You are the foundation on which the modern Saint Mary’s is established,” said Dr. Dodds.

For more information about Homecoming Weekend events, please go to: http://www.smu.ca/alumni/re_week.html

Saint Mary's University is known for its community outreach projects, both in Canada and around the world. Saint Mary's, founded in 1802, is home to one of Canada's leading business schools, a Science Faculty widely known for its cutting-edge research, a comprehensive and innovative Arts Faculty and a vibrant Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

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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