The Anne J. & Albert T. Isaacs Commons opens with inspiring SPHERE event
The Anne J. & Albert T. Isaacs Commons opens with inspiring SPHERE event
On March 22, The Anne J. & Albert T. Isaacs Commons opened inside the Loyola Academic building with a unique celebration which unveiled artistic displays and performances by Saint Mary’s students.
Named in honour of esteemed alumnus, the late Albert Isaacs DipENG'55 and his wife Anne, whose generosity brought it to fruition, the Isaacs Commons is a space that inspires great possibility. For events, gatherings and sharing in community, this space allows curious minds to connect, engage and explore.
Sharing in Success How Micah Brown BA'13 turned his passion and experience into BATLX and is giving back to Saint Mary's football players
By Dennis Mills BComm'12 CertHRM'12
Micah Brown BA'13 Photo Credit: David Cox Photography
Micah Brown BA'13 has always been running toward his dreams. But it wasn't until one day, when talking with his wife, Kelly, that he looked down and realized that his feet were already firmly planted in his dream.
Originally from the U.S., in high school, Brown began seriously charting a course to achieve his goal of playing professional football. While he may have been a stand-out quarterback with the Huskies, especially for their 2010 Loney Bowl Championship, his impact continued well after his time as a Saint Mary's student-athlete. Brown has been inducted into the Touchdown European Hall of Fame, earned seven national titles across five countries, and won a world championship with the U.S. national team.
For some, the notoriety of a successful football career may have kept them away from a relatively slower pace of life on the East Coast of Canada. Still, Brown decided to bring his talents back to Halifax as he and Kelly laid down their roots in Nova Scotia, her home province.
Brown immersed himself within the local Halifax football community and began coaching and offering skills development to players of all ages. However, his career prospects in Halifax were lacking. Even with two bachelor's degrees and a master's, he still could not find the right job. So, with Kelly's encouragement, in 2017, he decided to create his career– and BATLX was born.
BATLX, a blend of Brown and Athletics, is a football-specific training and athletics facility in Dartmouth. Brown and his performance coaches offer skills training, mentorship and professional guidance on everything from conditioning and how to speak with recruiters to athlete integrity. Brown and his team use a comprehensive training approach focusing on the sport's physical aspect while helping players better understand strategy.
"You can have the best arm in the world, but if you don't understand what's happening on the defence or reading coverages or when to throw the ball, then your arm is irrelevant. The mental side of the game was a really important part that I felt would expedite the growth of these athletes. It's also one of the only factors to which there is no limit. You're only going to get so big and so strong, but you can't put a cap on how smart or how much you can understand the game."
With BATLX growing and making a name for itself, Brown's natural inclination to share his success was top of mind. So, he established the BATLX Leadership and Community Excellence bursary for a Huskies football player who is a leader among his peers and is making a difference in the community off campus.
When creating the criteria for the bursary, Brown took inspiration from his own experiences and the characteristics he feels need to be nurtured in today's young men.
"This world lacks authentic leaders. As a society, we need to help youth develop into good leaders. I wanted someone [the bursary recipient] who has that potential but knows how important it is to give back to the community. For me, the communities around me have always helped me be my best."
The first recipient of the bursary will be selected in August 2024, and Brown hopes he will get a chance to meet with the student-athlete.
"I hope to meet with the recipient and congratulate them. I want this award to be an achievement and a message to tell them that we see the good work they are doing and to encourage them to keep doing it."
Saint Mary's Student Wins Prestigious Frank H. Sobey Award
For some students, the final year of their studies may require a bit more motivation, determination and coffee, to help them make it to graduation day. For Madeline Bristol, the impact of her final year of study is one that will last a lifetime.
