Presidents’ Messages
A message from the President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary's University, Robert Summerby-Murray
Dear alumni,
As we look back over the academic year, I am delighted to share the latest news and updates from campus. In Maroon + White, we celebrate alumni whose continued support and engagement have shaped our remarkable journey as an institution and a global family.
Among our outstanding graduates is Alexander Chaisson, BA’24 the first graduate of our groundbreaking interdisciplinary Public Heritage and Humanities major. His passion for preserving cultural heritage and fostering interdisciplinary connections exemplifies the spirit of Saint Mary’s.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of women’s participation in sports at SMU. From trailblazing athletes to dedicated coaches and administrators, our women have left an indelible mark on our athletic programs and our university.
We also shine the spotlight on two alumni who have opened a unique shoe store in Halifax, showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit. We note significant accomplishments in the field of science by Christopher B. Murray BSc’88 whose research contributed to a successful Nobel Prize submission in Chemistry. Paul Bromby BA’99 a former athlete turned Sportsnet professional, has authored “The BackPack,” shedding light on mental health.
The campus itself continues to transform and shine with new buildings and spaces. You will learn more about the opening of the Anne J. and Albert T. Isaacs Commons, how Micah Brown BA’13 is helping football athletes with his BATLX Leadership and Community Excellence bursary, and the transformational impact the Frank H. Sobey scholarship has had on Madeline Bristol's studies.
Thank you for being an essential part of the Saint Mary’s family. Robert Summerby-Murray, PhD President and Vice-Chancellor
Bafana Mashingaidze BSc'14 MBA'16 President, Saint Mary's Alumni Association
Welcome to the Spring 2024 edition of the Maroon + White, your go-to source for the inspiring stories of our Saint Mary's alumni. In this edition, we're thrilled to share the remarkable achievements of our alumni and the latest happenings on campus and extend a warm welcome to our newest SMU alumni members. Looking ahead, we're excitedly anticipating Homecoming weekend this October. It's a special year as we mark the 50th anniversary of women in varsity sports at Saint Mary's, the vibrant history of the Gorsebrook Lounge, and the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Atlantic Bowl Championship Team. We invite alumni eager to express their Husky pride to volunteer during the Homecoming celebrations. Likewise, we seek individuals interested in contributing their time and expertise by serving on the Alumni Council or Board of Governors, participating as members of the Honour Guard at convocation ceremonies or sharing their personal and professional journeys as mentors or speakers. Your stories about how SMU has shaped your life post-graduation are valuable, and we're eager to hear from you. As your president, I collaborate with the Alumni Office and our dedicated Alumni Council volunteers to keep you informed about Saint Mary's events and initiatives while celebrating our alumni's global impact. With over 55,000 members, our alumni network is a testament to the diverse and significant contributions you've made across the globe. Representing this extraordinary community is a privilege I hold dear. Our heartfelt thanks go to the volunteers on our Council and Board of Governors, as well as to the alumni who support the university through their generous donations. This past year, we raised over $561,000 to help our students thrive. I hope you enjoy a lovely summer and take a moment to delve into this issue, which is brimming with stories of our alumni's accomplishments and updates from campus. Remember, once a Husky, always a Husky!
Bafana Mashingaidze BSc'14 MBA'16
President, Saint Mary's Alumni Association
