President’s Message
Making Connections, Changing the World
While traveling not long ago, I was stopped by a recent grad who was anxious to talk to me. She wanted to let me know that the four years she spent on campus gave her the skills and confidence to land her dream job. I was pleased, but not surprised. Saint Mary’s offers a unique place in the educational landscape of this country. Our safe and beautiful campus in the heart of Halifax allows students to make the connections that are important in achieving their dreams.
This year, with the strong leadership of the Board of Governors, the dedication of our award-winning faculty, staff and colleagues, and the inspiration of our students, alumni and friends, we have made significant strides. We continue to improve our systems, learning spaces and research capacity, green our infrastructure (the university converted to natural gas in December 2008), expand our international profile, and promote the importance of global citizenship. With leadership setting the tone for any institution, we are delighted to have installed David F. Sobey, CM, as Chancellor, elected Michele Wood-Tweel, FCA, as Chair of the Board of Governors, and once again engaged leadership from our student association.
I am invigorated by our ongoing progress and direction, but we must continue to attract the best faculty and staff, enroll the brightest students, renew our campus, connect with our alumni, and steward the many donations received through our Hearts and Minds Capital Campaign. The connections being made all over campus and within the communities we serve are invaluable building blocks for the future of Saint Mary’s.
We welcome innovative growth and opportunity. Building on the best of our history and academic traditions, we look forward to an exciting future.
J. Colin Dodds
President, Saint Mary’s University
Announcements
Michele A. Wood-Tweel named Chair of Board of Governors
With physical change on campus comes an opportunity to welcome new leadership.
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In this time of transformation for Saint Mary’s, Michele A. Wood-Tweel, FCA, who graduated from Saint Mary's in 1983, has been appointed chair of the Board of Governors. Wood-Tweel, who was previously vice-chair of the Board, replaces Paul Dyer who served as chair for the past six years. 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.
Dr. David Sobey Appointed Chancellor of Saint Mary’s
The first order of business? Hand out more than 1,000 diplomas. In May, Dr. David F. Sobey was installed as Chancellor of Saint Mary’s.
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One of the most widely respected business leaders in Canada and a tireless support of Saint Mary’s over the past three decades, Dr. Sobey was appointed Chancellor by the Board of Governors and will serve as Chancellor until May 2010. He will act as a key ambassador and advocate for the University, and sit as an ex-officio member on its Board of Governors.
All in a day's work
Courses aren't always a prerequisite to earning a degree. Some individuals have proved their abilities outside the classroom.
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In addition about 1,500 graduates over the past year, Saint Mary’s presented honourary degrees to the following individuals for their unique contributions to their communities: Dr. Jamal Badawi, Arthur Donahoe, Q.C., Dr. Gary Mooney, Nancy Smithers, General John de Chastelain, George Elliott Clarke and Carol D. Young.