Media Release

For Immediate Release

October 3, 2008

New leadership at Saint Mary's

Change continued Sept. 30 at Saint Mary's University as a new chair and vice-chair were elected to lead the Board of Governors.

Michele A. Wood-Tweel, FCA, who graduated from Saint Mary's in 1983, was elected chair. John S. Fitzpatrick, Q.C., a 1981 Saint Mary's graduate, was elected vice-chair. Wood-Tweel, who was previously vice-chair of the Board, replaces Paul Dyer who served as chair for the past six years.

The change in leadership comes at a time of transformation for the university.

The newly renovated $25 million Science Building was completed this spring, construction is underway on a new $17.5 million Atrium and Global Learning Commons, and construction will soon begin on the new Homburg Centre for Health & Wellness.

The Homburg Centre, comprised of The Tower, a new Dauphinee Arena and a new building connecting the two, will help ensure Saint Mary's has the programs and facilities required to address the health and wellness needs of the university community.

Wood-Tweel is the CEO and Executive Director of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nova Scotia (ICANS). She has served on the board since 2002, originally elected by the Alumni Association. She earned her CA designation in 1985, and worked with KPMG for 21 years before accepting her current position with ICANS.

Fitzpatrick is a Senior Partner in the firm of Boyne Clarke. He has served on the board since 1995. His father, Ed Fitzpatrick, graduated from Saint Mary's in 1953 and served on the Board of Governors in the 1970's. Fitzpatrick also has several siblings who are Saint Mary's graduates and his daughter is currently a student at Saint Mary's.

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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