St. Francis Xavier University’s alumni network is known far and wide for its strength and engagement, and this spirit filled every corner of campus this past weekend as some 600 graduates returned to StFX to reconnect, renew bonds, and celebrate the impact StFX has had on their lives—from lifelong friends made to careers gained.
Alumni returned from Maine to Montreal, from Bermuda to the U.K., from Ottawa to North Carolina, from St. John’s to Fredericton, to take part in dozens of special events, from the Golden Grad Dinner, celebrating the Class of 1974, to alumni recognition events and campus tours, from athletic events to class dinners.
Alumni Affairs Director Shanna Hopkins ’01 said StFX was delighted to welcome alumni home for a weekend filled with “our cherished traditions, allowing you to reconnect with old friends and classmates.” The weekend not only celebrated the inspired legacies of many remarkable alumni, it also saw the start of several new traditions, including the tailgate party.
ALUMNI HONOURED
Homecoming is an excellent opportunity to celebrate memories and strengthen ties. It also serves as a perfect time to recognize the achievements of distinguished alumni.
A full house packed the Schwartz Auditorium on Saturday morning as the late Robert “Bob” M. MacDonald ’59, Miriam (Beaton) Gillis ’69 ’70, and Leo T. Gallant ’69, were inducted into the 2024 Hall of Honour, a marquee weekend event initiated by the Class of 1991 Legacy Committee to recognize those members of the StFX community who have carried on the Xaverian tradition of helping others. The Hall of Honour serves as an inspiration to current students to ensure this StFX tradition continues.
The Alumni Awards of Excellence are also presented annually during StFX Homecoming celebrations. These prestigious awards recognize the contributions and accomplishments of very special members of the Xaverian Family. This year’s recipients are Young Alumnus, Marc Rodrigue ’08; Distinguished Alumnus, Mike MacDonald ’71 ’74; Friend of StFX, The Wheel Pizza & Sub Shop; Xaverian Spirit Award, Dr. Wendy Mackey ’13 ’21; and Chapter of the Year to the Yarmouth alumni chapter.
The Pride of StFX awards, presented to both a student and an alumnus who embody the spirit of StFX through actions and accomplishments and has made a significant impact in support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, were presented to StFX student Ro Paradela and to alumnus Terry Smith ’70.
HIGHLIGHT OF OUR CALENDAR
StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin noted this ceremony, a day of recognition, is a highlight on StFX’s calendar. “These are special moments,” he said. “This is how we create history.”
Recipients all live the StFX motto, thinking of the ‘we’ before the ‘I,’ he said.
StFX’s student Alumni Award Recognition recipients also read from their essays during the ceremony. Recipients included Paul Eades, Erica Cameron, Josh Kroker, and Katherine Starr.
During the weekend’s Conversations with Coady event, Tsigie Haile from Ethiopia was presented with the annual Katherine Fleming International Development Award. Each year, an African woman leader receives the award from Coady Institute at StFX Homecoming. The late Katie Fleming ’85 dedicated her life’s work to overcoming child poverty in Africa. The event also featured four special guests/alumnae: Smita Bhatnagar (India); Juliate Keya Malagar (Bangladesh); Lucia di Poi (representing Centre for Haitian Leadership Excellence, which is also supported by Frank McKenna and TD Group); and Lilian Liundi (Tanzania.)
GOLDEN GRADS AND SPECIAL MOMENTS
In particular, it was a special weekend for the Class of 1974, the ‘Golden Grads’ celebrating their 50th anniversary of graduating. They gathered in fellowship throughout the weekend, including attending a mass in their honour, a chowder lunch, and the Golden Grad dinner.
Weekend festivities were highlighted by numerous special events including drop in visits to the new Black Student Success Centre in Mount St. Bernard; the presentation of an Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Ed Carty from Rugby Canada; the Sandra MacPhee Women in Leadership celebration, where the Class of 1984 came together to make a difference, with lifelong friends and family joining together to create a lasting legacy in Sandra’s name; and a memorial tree planting for the late Dr. Velautham (Karuna) Karunakaran ’69.
Class dinners took place throughout the weekend, including a 1959 class dinner in Scholar’s Walk, which included a tribute toast remembering classmate, the late Right Honourable Brian Mulroney. The event included university recognition of the class, which received a Lifetime Xaverian Patron Award earlier this year at the President’s Gala.
NEW AWARD ANNOUNCED
Making the class dinner even extra special was the announcement of one of StFX’s newest awards. The Rosemary Scanlon Award in Economics was established by Rosemary Scanlon ’59 and is an endowed award that supports a third year student in economics. The student should be in good academic standing with the intent to go on to graduate school in Economics. Preference will be given to a Nova Scotia native.
Additionally over the weekend, homecoming attendees took campus tours; attended a Vicar of the Founder lecture series; cheered on the Blue and White at several athletic games including men’s football and women’s basketball matchups against Bishop’s University; attended the Mount Saint Bernard College Tea; took part in Taps and Tastes; and ghost tours at the Bauer Theatre.
A 5 km Homecoming Fun Run started events bright and early on Saturday morning and after a full schedule of activity, the day concluded with the Welcome Home Dinner. Sunday events included a breakfast buffet in Morrison Hall and an alumni mass held in the StFX Chapel to round out the weekend.
