True Santamarian
Dr. David Sobey, C.M., DComm'91
This past September, the Saint Mary's University community mourned the passing of Dr. David Sobey, C.M., DComm'91, Chancellor Emeritus of Saint Mary's University. Joining his family, friends and colleagues, many Saint Mary's faculty, staff, students and alumni reflected on David's lasting impact on the university community, Nova Scotia and Canada. His remarkable life and dedication to giving back to communities made David a true Santamarian.
David left an indelible mark on the lives of students, faculty and staff. Over the years, his unwavering generosity and guidance have transformed the university and the Sobey School of Business. His legacy will continue to shine through the countless students he has empowered to pursue their dreams and through the David Sobey Centre for Innovation in Retailing and Services established through David's generosity and vision.
David had a long and warm association with the university, particularly with the Sobey School of Business, named in honour of his father, Frank H. Sobey. David received an Honorary Doctorate of Commerce in 1991 and cut the ribbon for the new Sobey Building in 1998. Along with his wife, Faye, he was a strong supporter of Saint Mary's for over three decades, beginning in 1986 with his service on the Board of Governors.
From 1991 to 1998, he chaired the Building on Strength Capital Campaign, helping to raise $24 million. David was a member when the Sobey School of Business Advisory Committee met for the first time in 2002. From 2008 to 2010, he served as Saint Mary's first lay chancellor, conferring degrees to thousands of students at convocation.
In 2019, David announced the $18 million gift from the Sobey family, The Sobey Foundation, Sobeys Inc. and Empire Company Limited. The Sobeys Inspiration Hub was opened in October 2023 as part of that gift. Campuses newest building is a stellar tribute to the legacy of David Sobey, the Sobey family, The Sobey Foundation, Sobeys Inc. and Empire Company Limited. Housed within the Hub is the David Sobey Centre for Innovation in Retailing and Services. The centre features a mock store for testing new retail concepts and technologies, a biometric lab for neuroscience research and a digital lab for developing apps and AI solutions. Students, researchers and industry partners work together at the David Sobey Centre to lead innovation in Canada's retail sector.
"We are very saddened to hear the news of David's passing," said President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. "We are honoured to count David Sobey as a friend and guide over many years. He visited campus not only for important events and meetings but often came to watch the progress of the latest building project or meet with faculty, staff and students and hear about their achievements. I will miss his presence and thoughtful leadership that have touched the lives of so many."
