Homecoming 2023 featured a proud moment for Human Kinetics at StFX, when two of the program's alumni were awarded for their achievements.
Dr. Jack Rasmussen received the Young Alumnus Award for his outstanding accomplishments in the field of medicine, where he has pioneered advancements in the care of burn patients. Dr. Jacinta Sullivan received the Pride of StFX – Alum award for her leadership in inclusive health care and support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Below are the citations that were read upon presentation of the awards. Congratulations Jack and Jacinta!
Learn more about the Alumni Recognition Awards here.
Dr. Jack Rasmussen '07
Born and raised in Antigonish, Dr. Jack Rasmussen is a remarkable Xaverian not only for his professional success, but for his dedication to helping and caring for others.
Jack graduated from StFX in 2007 with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Human Kinetics, and went on to obtain his medical degree from Dalhousie in 2011. He then pursued a residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and a two-year Critical Care Medicine fellowship before accepting an attending position at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, as well as a teaching position in the Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine.
Drawing on his skills and expertise in the areas of both plastic surgery and critical care, Jack has played a lead role in advancing the field of medicine and in particular, the treatment of burns and complex wounds. As Director of the QEII Health Sciences Centre Burn Unit, he has fostered a collaborative approach that has tangibly improved outcomes for patients. Jack is known for his positive attitude, the time he devotes to supporting patients and families along their journey, and being a reliable and supportive colleague.
Jack is not only a brilliant surgeon but a leading educator, recognized last year with the Dr. Gerald Sparks Resident Teaching Award. A mentor to many health professionals and students, he still finds time each year to visit StFX and share his knowledge at the Rankin School of Nursing.
As a young alumnus, Jack’s excellence shines in his selfless commitment to his role, his patients, and the broader medical community. He is an embodiment of Xaverian values and a source of pride for our StFX family.
Dr. Jacinta Sullivan '11
Our second-ever annual Pride of StFX alum award goes to Dr. Jacinta Sullivan, a trailblazer for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in the business and health care community.
A graduate of StFX’s Human Kinetics – Kinesiology program, Jacinta furthered her studies and became a Naturopathic Doctor in 2019. From there, she went on to co-found her own business: Juniper Naturopathic Clinic in Fort McMurray, Alberta.
Jacinta stands out as an inclusive health care practitioner, a woman in leadership, a community volunteer, and a 2SLGBTQIA+ advocate. Her clinic offers free appointments to Two-Spirit, transgender and gender-diverse individuals who are uninsured or underinsured, and offers sliding-scale payment options to make services accessible to marginalized communities.
Juniper Naturopathic became a Rainbow Space business in 2021, after completing a designation process that included gender-neutral forms and documents, a comprehensive anti-discrimination policy, gender-inclusive washroom facilities, and inclusivity training for all staff.
Along with her business partner and wife Dr. Sam Clouthier, Jacinta is a local business leader in 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion and advocacy. In 2022, Juniper Naturopathic received the Pride YMM Business Leadership Award. The clinic has been a Pride gold sponsor and an event sponsor for the annual Queer Prom for local 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
Jacinta has personally volunteered countless hours of her time with Pride YMM and at annual Pride festivals, a source of constant encouragement and kindness to fellow community members.
Jacinta’s leadership is an example of the important role business have to play in creating a more inclusive world, and the need for health care services that affirm people of all genders and sexual orientations.
Dr. Jacinta Sullivan is a model Xaverian who embodies the value of helping others in everything she does. It is with pride that we extend this award – and congratulate Jacinta and Sam on their recent marriage!
