Media Release - For Immediate Release

March 30 2010

Smithers to be Inducted into Turning Points Hall of Leadership

Businessman Fred Smithers will be inducted into the Turning Point Hall of Leadership on April 8.

A Halifax businessman recognized as a leader in building the province’s offshore energy sector will be inducted into the Turning Points Hall of Leadership during a dinner at Saint Mary’s University on April 8.

Fred Smithers, an Officer of the Order of Canada and member of the Saint Mary’s University Board of Governors, will be recognized at the 5th Annual Turning Points in Leadership dinner for his entrepreneurial prowess and his commitment to the community.

The event will be hosted by James Kinnear, Chairman Emeritus Pengrowth Corporation and President & CEO of Kinnear Financial.

Mr. Smithers, President of Iona Resources Holdings, owned and operated Secunda Marine Services in Dartmouth for many years. Under his guidance, Secunda grew into an internationally-recognized shipping company with vessels that worked all over the world. He sold the business in May 2007 to a subsidiary of McDermott International for approximately US$260 million.

Mr. Smithers is a member of the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame and 1999 received the Petroleum Pioneer Award from province’s offshore industry group, OTANS.

Created in 2007 by the Saint Mary’s University (SMU) Alumni Association, the Turning Points Hall of Leadership Award honours individuals who exemplify outstanding commitment in leadership to Saint Mary’s University, to business, to the community, and in life.

Members of the Hall include: Mickey MacDonald, President and CEO of Micco Group of Companies Limited (2009) ; Robert (Bob) Shaw (1946–2005), former President, Chairman and Director of The Shaw Group Ltd (2008); David Sobey, Chairman Emeritus of Sobeys Inc. and Paul Sobey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Empire Company Limited (2007).

The Turning Points in Leadership dinner is an annual event where successful leaders come to the Saint Mary’s campus to share their distinct, individual perspectives on turning points in their careers and how they have evolved as leaders.

Tickets for the dinner are still available. Proceeds help provide bursaries for deserving Saint Mary’s students.

For tickets and more information www.smu.ca/turningpoints

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For More Information:

Steve Proctor
External Affairs
Saint Mary's University
(902) 420.5513
E-mail: steve.proctor@smu.ca
www.smu.ca

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