You don’t have to be a Saint Mary’s graduate to be recognized as a valuable member of our community. The Associate Alumni Award recognizes those who are not alumni but have shown dedication and support to the University and its endeavours. A maximum of three candidates per year will be granted this distinction, and given full Alumni Association privileges.
All University employees and members of the Saint Mary's University Alumni Association may submit a one-page letter of recommendation for a candidate, illustrating their suitability for this award. A completed Alumni Awards Nomination Form must accompany the letter.
Candidates are considered annually by the Saint Mary's University Alumni Association's Awards & Nomination Committee.
The nomination period for the 2024 Alumni Awards is now closed.
2024 Recipient
Susan Summerby-Murray
Susan is a practicing speech-language pathologist with an undergraduate degree from the University of Guelph and a Master’s in Health Science from the University of Toronto. She has extensive experience across various settings, including school boards, clinical and educational environments, university research, and teaching at both the University of Toronto and Mount Allison University, as well as in private practice. Susan is highly regarded as an educational mentor for students pursuing speech-language pathology and communication disorders programs across Canada and actively serves on national accreditation and scholarship committees.
Susan's journey with Saint Mary’s University began in 2015 when Rob was appointed President and Vice-Chancellor. Since then, she has actively championed students and alumni through various initiatives, including supporting varsity athletes, student government, drama productions, and numerous international and cultural celebrations that contribute to the vibrancy of this university. Always eager to host student events at her home or connect with SMU alumni in Canada and abroad, Susan has dedicated countless hours to supporting the university and its values. Her efforts include significant work with lead donors and representing the university at public events, such as the Universities Canada ‘Partners Program,’ which she co-chaired for several years. Throughout all these activities, she has maintained a steadfast commitment to supporting students, whether through events like the Academic All-Canadians Breakfast or by hosting SMUSA and veterans on Remembrance Day.
Together, Susan and Rob have three adult sons (David, in medicine; Iain in biological/environmental research; and James, in information technology).