The Dean’s Speaker Series is one way we enhance and center the Student Experience. Through insightful talks, panel discussions, and conversations, students are engaged with speakers and topics that enrich their academic journey and prepare them for the evolving job market.
BRUCE BOWSER BA'17, our Executive in Residence will engage students. Bruce Bowser is a highly respected Canadian business leader and Chairman of AMJ Campbell Van Lines.
Learn more: Expert in Residence | Sobey School of Business | Saint Mary's University
BRADLEY FARQUHAR BCOMM'07 is the CEO and Founder of Purple Cow Internet, a Nova Scotia-based telecommunications company he launched with a simple mission: to drive down the cost of internet and create a better customer experience. Since launching Purple Cow, Bradley and his team have grown the company to serve more than 40,000 customers and are now building their own fibre network across Halifax.
A proud graduate of Saint Mary’s University, Bradley has always had a passion for entrepreneurship, technology, and taking on challenges that seem slightly unreasonable. Outside of business, he has swum the English Channel, raced 250 miles across the Sahara Desert, climbed Denali, competed in the Iditarod with a team of sled dogs, and won Canada’s Ultimate Challenge.
Bradley also holds a certificate in Computer Programming from General Assembly in San Francisco and a Certificate in Space Studies from the International Space University. Whether in business or adventure, he is driven by curiosity, big goals, and a belief that some of the best opportunities come from being willing to try things others might think are impossible.
ANGELA LEWIS EMBA'23 is the Chief Commercial Officer at Stewart McKelvey and an advocate for women's sport.
Angela Lewis brings over 25 years of business leadership experience to her role as Chief Commercial Officer at Stewart McKelvey, where she leads the firm's growth strategy, overseeing branding, business development, client relationship management, communications, events, and sponsorships. Her career path has been anything but linear, spanning business development, human resources, and operations leadership roles with some of Atlantic Canada's most respected organizations, including McInnes Cooper, Eastlink, Stantec, Knightsbridge Robertson Surette, and Fraser & Hoyt. Angela is a Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and holds an Executive MBA from Saint Mary's University.
Outside of work, Angela is a passionate advocate for women's sport. She recently stepped down as President of Metro West Force, where she worked to advance opportunities for women's and girls' hockey, and can often be found at the rink cheering on her daughters. Her contributions to the sport were recognized with the Troy Ryan Female Council Award of Merit from Hockey Nova Scotia.
When weather disrupted our ability to host a live event with this esteemed guest, we pivoted to a discussion in studio.
Karen Adams is the CEO of the Worker's Compensation Board of Nova Scotia. In this far-ranging conversation with interviewer Shaneika Carter, a Bachelor of Commerce student majoring in Economics, Karen talks about her international experience, how she approaches change in an organization, and her experience as a woman in leadership, and offers sage advice for students.
The aim is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives essential for their future professional development. By creating opportunities for students to engage in discussions around business awareness, industry trends, and leadership insights, the series helps bridge the gap between academic learning and the professional environment.
Students will gain firsthand exposure to real-world experiences and expectations.
Program formats include:
This initiative reinforces the school’s commitment to developing well-rounded, career-ready graduates by integrating practical perspectives into the student learning experience.