SMU & Covid

SMU Goes Virtual: Our Response to COVID

We Are in This Together

By | spring 2020

Since the start of 2020, our province and this university have faced many challenges and tragedies. We have experienced many events that have compounded our grief while at the same time living with and managing within the current pandemic.  

This year has shown what we are made of – the values and character of Saint Mary’s and Santamarians are on display. From the loss of two graduate…

Faculty members and alumni help front line workers with much-needed supplies

By Maroon & White | spring 2020

During the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting each other and our community is more important than ever. At Saint Mary's, an enterprising group of researchers and faculty members saw an opportunity to help those on the front lines with personal protective equipment (PPE). Dr. Linda Campbell, Dr. Jeremy Lundholm, Dr. Christa Brosseau,…

Research project investigates medical grade pulp in N95 respirators

By Maroon & White | spring 2020

Dr. Christa Brosseau, a professor in the Faculty of Science and Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Chemistry & Materials, is leading a team of researchers at Saint Mary’s investigating the use of medical-grade pulp in personal protective equipment (PPE). Dr. Brosseau’s project will explore innovative chemical strategies to help determine if Nova Scotian pulp mills can produce medical-grade…

Saint Mary’s research project aims to prevent burnout of front-line health workers

By Maroon & White | spring 2020

Dr. Debra Gilin, a professor of Psychology at Saint Mary’s, is leading a research project to examine burnout among front-line workers during COVID-19. The study aims to rapidly develop screening and intervention tools to support mental health and prevent elevated job burnout and safety risks for health care staff in the province.…

Coronavirus Cooking Survey assesses how COVID-19 affects cooking habits

By Maroon & White | spring 2020

Saint Mary’s University, in partnership with the University of Antwerp in Belgium, is looking at how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed a specific part of our daily lives: eating. The Coronavirus Cooking Survey is a large-scale international survey to study the impact of COVID-19 on how people deal with food and food-related media. Dr. Maryanne Fisher, Professor of Psychology at Saint Mary’s…

Saint Mary's continues work to provide food to those who need it

By Maroon & White | spring 2020

Though its physical location was closed, the Community Food Room at Saint Mary’s continued to help students. In April, the Community Food Room provided $30 electronic gift cards to over 100 students to help purchase food at the Atlantic Superstore or PC Express. “The idea was to help bridge the gap for students who…

Faculty members launch pandemic emergency fund for Black community

By Maroon & White | spring 2020

On March 17, Saint Mary’s faculty members, along with community organizers, launched the Black Lives Matter Solidarity Fund Nova Scotia. Surpassing its initial goal, the online effort has already raised nearly $25,000 in emergency funds to assist members of the Black community in Nova Scotia who have been financially impacted by COVID-19. Over 443 people have applied for the emergency funds…

Saint Mary’s offers support for businesses to help rebuild the economy 

By Maroon & White | spring 2020

Saint Mary’s is doing its part to help the economy and business community amidst the COVID-19 crisis. In March, the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre (SMUEC) began offering free coaching and mentoring services to businesses throughout Atlantic Canada. Through a partnership with alumna and entrepreneur Shannon Byrne Susko BComm’89 BSc’92, SMUEC has been able to expand…

First virtual graduation celebration recognizes the class of 2020

By Maroon & White | spring 2020

The class of 2020 has faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 crisis, but they have worked hard and persevered. To recognize our graduates’ accomplishments, Saint Mary’s hosted its first virtual graduation celebration on May 22. The special event included video messages from President Summerby-Murray, Chancellor Michael Durland BComm’87 DComm’10, Indigenous Student…

Saint Mary’s community supports students affected by COVID-19 

By Maroon & White | spring 2020

The Saint Mary’s community is coming together in a remarkable way to help our students in need through charitable donations. Due in large part to this generosity, the university has been able to provide $250,000 to assist over 400 students as they navigate through these uncertain times. Through the COVID-19 Student Financial Relief Fund, we can continue to respond immediately to students who…

Saint Mary’s University goes virtual to protect health and safety

By Maroon & White | spring 2020

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Saint Mary’s transitioned to a virtual environment in March. During this unprecedented time, the university has developed new approaches to teaching and learning, operations, services, as well as events. While students and faculty were adjusting to online classes, staff worked remotely to continue to provide services and support. On May 5th, the university…