By Maroon & White |
As we reflect on the past year, I am reminded of something I once heard: “The start of anything new brings the promise of something great”. This is exactly where we are now, in the midst of an exciting time at the University. Our researchers are advancing knowledge in areas as diverse as artificial intelligence, coastal zone management, and international migration; our students are leading initiatives in peace education, food security, and data analytics. We are enhancing our campus landscape with construction such as our new arena, the Dauphinee Centre, which will open in a few short months.
We continue to invest in Saint Mary’s position as a leader in business education and entrepreneurship. Recently announced partnerships with eBay and the RBC Future Launch program are bringing new opportunities for research and work-integrated experiences to our students, which accelerate entrepreneurship and business across the region. We are proud to host regional and national student events such as the Starting Point Entrepreneurship Conference and Venture Capital Investment Competitions. These events attract top students to Saint Mary’s for academic growth, personal development and spirited competition and, in turn, our student teams continue to compete and win proudly under our banner around the world.
This spring also marked an extraordinary and transformational gift of $18 million from the Sobey family and Sobeys to the Sobey School of Business. The largest gift in our history, this strategic reinvestment in the Sobey School will drive the next phase of excellence and innovation in teaching, research, and the practice of business education that we are known for at Saint Mary’s.
The past semester also brought changes to campus leadership. At convocation in May, alumnus Michael Durland BComm’87 DComm’10, was installed as our Chancellor, replacing Paul D. Sobey DComm ‘11. The appointment builds on Michael’s long-standing involvement in the University through his support of our students as a mentor and champion. In addition, Michael and his wife Catherine BComm’87 continue to show their philanthropic support through the Durland Innovation Fund and Durland Scholarships.
It is indeed an exciting time at Saint Mary’s!
As always, thank you for your ongoing support of Saint Mary’s. Your energy, ideas, commitment, and engagement are what keep us strong and doing what we do. ″
Saint Mary’s University is in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the original Mi’kmaq People. We are all treaty people.
