A Decade of Impact: Celebrating the Leadership of President Robert Summerby-Murray
By Kate Elliot BA'12
Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President and Vice-Chancellor
When Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray became the 34th president of Saint Mary’s University in 2015, he invited the university community to imagine what was possible by convening a process for the university’s first institutional strategic plan. A decade later, that spirit of imagination and collaboration defined his presidency—through both triumphs and trials—and helped shape an institution navigating unprecedented change.
As he prepares to conclude his tenure in June 2025, his impact is visible across campus and beyond. Under his leadership, Saint Mary’s expanded its reach while deepening its local connections. He’s been a champion of inclusion, equity and reconciliation, helping embed these values into the fabric of university life.
His deep appreciation for place and people has shaped a presidency rooted in Saint Mary’s unique character—a small university with a big global footprint. From major campus developments to bold research initiatives and groundbreaking partnerships, Dr. Summerby-Murray leaves Saint Mary’s stronger, more outward-looking and more connected to its community than ever before.
Grounded in Experience, Guided by Vision
Originally from New Zealand, Rob, as he’s warmly known across campus, arrived in Canada as a graduate student and made his academic home in Atlantic Canada. He held leadership roles at Mount Allison University and Dalhousie University before joining Saint Mary’s, bringing with him a blend of academic insight, leadership experience and a deep belief in what a university can and should be—a place of learning, yes, but also a community of transformation, connection and growth.
“I came to Saint Mary’s because I saw the opportunity to lead a university where students were at the centre and where we could build a strong, connected community,” he said. “Saint Mary’s offered the chance to bring my experience to life, to focus on teaching and research excellence, to foster belonging and to build the kind of learning environment where everyone could thrive.”
From the outset, Rob identified three pillars he hoped to strengthen during his tenure: the expansion of international and intercultural learning, a deeper student-centred approach and a renewed momentum around philanthropy.
“Those three goals? I actually wrote them in a letter during the presidential search process in September 2014. It’s been rewarding to look back and see how those principles have really framed the journey.”
Global Outlook, Personal Connection
Under Rob’s leadership, Saint Mary’s redefined what internationalization could look like. No longer just about recruitment or mobility, it became synonymous with intercultural competence and global citizenship—skills essential in an interconnected world.
“We shifted the focus. It became about intercultural learning—how we understand each other, how we listen across cultures and how we build a better, more inclusive future.”
But it wasn’t only about the big ideas. Rob’s presidency has been marked by countless small, personal moments of connection with students, faculty, staff and alumni. He can effortlessly recall stories of students who came to Saint Mary’s through high school recruitment programs and went on to complete doctoral studies abroad, student-athletes competing on national stages and cultural performances that sparked joy and understanding across the campus.
Leadership Through Challenge and Change
Rob’s presidency spanned a time of global disruption. The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most defining challenges of his tenure, testing every institution’s resilience. For Saint Mary’s, it meant finding new ways to deliver education, support student well-being and maintain a strong sense of community—despite physical distance.
“Being student-centred is not always easy. Especially during the pandemic, it was tough. But we always tried to keep the needs and voices of students at the heart of our decisions.”
In recent years, as Canadian post-secondary institutions faced increasing financial and demographic pressures, Saint Mary’s also had to make difficult decisions to stay true to its mission. Rob’s final years as president have been marked by a clear-eyed focus on ensuring the university remained sustainable, values-driven and positioned to thrive in an uncertain environment.
“Saint Mary’s is well-positioned to come through the national challenges in higher education. But that success has required thoughtful planning, collaboration and some difficult decisions. We needed to act with courage and stay anchored in what makes Saint Mary’s unique.”
A Modern Presidency
Rob consistently championed the university’s economic and social impact, highlighting its role in driving research, innovation and cultural dialogue. Under his leadership, Saint Mary’s strengthened its position as a key player within a $2.5 billion post-secondary sector in Nova Scotia, helping fuel change across disciplines.
“We’re not just educating students. We’re advancing environmental science, pushing boundaries in business, reshaping software development and enriching our cultural conversations. That’s what makes universities essential.”
One of the defining shifts during Rob’s presidency was the evolving nature of the role itself. Increasingly, it demanded greater external engagement—advocating for the university in provincial and national policy spaces, strengthening government and community partnerships and raising Saint Mary’s profile across Canada and beyond. This shift allowed him to fully step into an expanded role as ambassador, advocate and leader in the post-secondary sector. Rob served on national and regional boards, collaborated with government and industry leaders and played an active role in shaping public policy related to education, research and innovation.
“The role of the president grew to encompass far more than internal operations. It became about ensuring that the university’s voice was heard and that we were at the table where decisions about the future of education were being made.”
This evolution was supported by the creation of the new Provost position—an important structural change that will support future leadership. While the inaugural Provost begins after Rob’s tenure, the role is part of the legacy he leaves: a framework for balancing internal academic leadership with the growing need for external representation.
Rob’s collaborative, community-focused and thoughtful leadership style was widely recognized. Named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine in both 2018 and 2023, he often emphasized that such honours were not about individual achievement, but about collective success. Over the course of his presidency, Rob received numerous accolades, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (2022), the King Charles III Coronation Medal for Service to Education (2024) and induction into the My East Coast Experience Hall of Fame (2025). He was also honoured with the Canadian Bureau for International Education’s leadership award for his tenure on its Board of Directors, and most recently, the MyCreds ARUCC (Association of Registrars of the Universities and Colleges of Canada) Next Practice and Innovation Award for advancing digital credential innovation in Canadian post-secondary education.
“Leadership isn’t about command and control. As they say, ‘there’s no I in team’. You need to understand how to work with your team while listening and finding the balance between consultation and decision. It’s also about recognizing the broader impact we have as a university within our community and across Atlantic Canada.”
He was also quick to credit the University’s Board of Governors and the Board Chairs who supported and guided the university’s progress throughout his tenure.
“Our board members, many of them volunteers with deep ties to Saint Mary’s, played an essential role in advancing the university’s mission. Their counsel and commitment were invaluable.”
A defining hallmark of Rob’s presidency was his unwavering belief in the power of philanthropy to transform student lives and the university’s future. He played a central role in launching World Without Limits, the most ambitious fundraising campaign in Saint Mary’s history. With more than $60 million already raised toward its $100 million goal, the campaign has supported new student awards, programs and state-of-the-art infrastructure—including the Sobeys Inspiration Hub and the Dauphinee Centre. A cornerstone of this campaign was the extraordinary $18 million gift from the Sobey family, The Sobey Foundation and Sobeys Inc.—a transformational investment that stands as one of the largest in Atlantic Canadian university history and a defining moment for Saint Mary’s.
Rob’s commitment to student success extended beyond leadership. He and his wife, Susan, also became philanthropic supporters, establishing endowed awards to support future generations of learners. “I am a passionate believer in supporting student success and excellence through philanthropic support. It’s one of the most powerful ways we can create opportunity, foster equity and shape what’s possible.”
A Culture That Endures
For all the initiatives and achievements, Rob’s heart has remained with the people. He speaks with genuine warmth about the Saint Mary’s community, including its staff, faculty, librarians, alumni, supporters and especially its students.
“I still see that coherence, that cohesiveness. It’s what drew me here in the first place, and it’s what I’ll carry with me.”
As he prepares to close this chapter, his legacy won’t just be measured by policies implemented or programs expanded. It lives on in the culture he helped shape—one of care, curiosity and coming together.
Ten years is a long time in the life of a university. It’s a generation of students, a transformation of campus life and a story of growth and change. Under Rob’s leadership, Saint Mary’s didn’t just endure the pressures of time—it charted a course defined by integrity, adaptability and a bold commitment to its values.
Though he’s stepping down from the presidency, Rob’s work isn’t done. He plans to remain active in higher education and community service—and always, he says, as a champion for Saint Mary’s.
“I’ll always be part of this place. It’s been a true privilege.”
Welcoming our Newest Alumni - Class of 2025
By Krista Keough
Adrianna Timmons BComm'25, Yeshani Sugunendran BComm’25 and Francesca Southwell BA’25.
Adrianna Timmons BComm'25
Adrianna Timmons BComm’25 has felt a connection to Saint Mary’s since her childhood. Growing up next door to her grandparents in Halifax, she often listened to her grandfather, Robert Holmes BSc’68, tell stories about the lifelong friends he met at university. Those memories left a mark, making Timmons’ decision to attend Saint Mary’s feel like a natural choice.
Yeshani Sugunendran BComm’25
“It’s a bit of a long story,” says Yeshani Sugunendran BComm’25, when asked how she arrived at Saint Mary’s. “I'm Sri Lankan, but I was born and raised in Mozambique. I did most of my studying there, and then my family and I moved to New Zealand.”
After completing her International Baccalaureate in high school, Sugunendran made a solo move to Halifax and discovered a brand new place to call home.
Francesca Southwell BA’25
Francesca Southwell BA’25 was born in Venezuela and raised in Antigua and Barbuda, far from the Huskies’ home turf. Yet even from across the Caribbean, Saint Mary’s was already on her radar.
“Strangely enough, there’s a really good presence,” she says of the university’s reputation on the islands. “Recruiters visit our high schools and one of my principals went to Saint Mary’s.”
Clara Gascoigne BComm'23 MBA’25 and Liv Brennan BA’25
Clara Gascoigne BComm'23 MBA’25
Clara Gascoigne BComm'23 MBA’25 and her legacy at Saint Mary’s exceed excellence in every way.
From graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting in 2023 to now earning a Master of Business Administration–with dozens of accolades and achievements along the way–her drive and ambition have defined her time spent at Saint Mary's.
Liv Brennan BA’25
Originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Liv Brennan BA’25 first learned about Saint Mary’s in Grade 10 when the Recruitment team visited.
“I liked everything they had to say about campus life, how it’s a small, tight-knit community,” she says. “They were super informative.” Brennan knew she wanted to study anthropology and was excited to see different opportunities for learning, like Field Schools and Co-operative Education.
Makayla Makhlouf BSc’25
"Since as long as I can remember, I wanted to get into medicine,” said 21-year-old Makayla Makhlouf BSc’25.
Growing up in Halifax, she attended École secondaire du Sommet, a close-knit French-language high school. “My graduating class was the largest since it opened, and there were only, like, 94 students."
From the Classroom to Aruna Revolution:
How Bridget's MBAN is Helping Make Menstrual Products Eco-Friendly
By Delia Macpherson
Bridget Osundiji MBAN’24 blends her passion for business, sustainability and women’s health at Aruna Revolution
Fresh off completing her Master of Business Analytics (MBAN) at the Sobey School of Business, Bridget Osundiji is channeling her education into a mission-driven career. Now working as a Growth Marketing Specialist at Halifax-based start-up Aruna Revolution, she’s helping reimagine menstrual care with a focus on sustainability, social impact and innovation.
Originally from Nigeria, Bridget came to Saint Mary’s with a dual dream: to pursue graduate studies and build a life abroad. She already held a Bachelor of Accounting from Landmark University in Nigeria, but the MBAN program offered a unique opportunity to take the next step, personally and professionally.
“For me, the master's program was a reality check,” she recalled. “I knew it would be challenging, but I wasn’t prepared for how intense it would be. It was just go, go, go. I realized I had to prioritize and cut out unnecessary distractions. The program was tough, but it taught me a lot.”
While the MBAN program's academic rigor laid the groundwork, Bridget says one of the most valuable aspects was the community she found at Saint Mary’s.
“It was not just about the education. Those networking moments…between classmates, events and different employers. It was about building relationships. I got the internship at Aruna originally through a networking event. A lot of my classmates were able to secure job positions through those workshops.”
After graduating, Bridget joined Aruna Revolution, a company developing compostable, plant-based menstrual pads as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic-based products. For Bridget, the mission hit close to home.
“Aruna is not just offering an alternative to traditional menstrual pads—we are offering a solution that’s better for the planet and the people who use them. It’s exciting to be part of a company working toward real change in an industry that has long relied on plastic.”
The company’s innovation and impact are gaining national attention. Aruna recently secured a deal on Dragons’ Den, receiving a $300,000 investment from Michele Romanow and Manjit Minhas in exchange for 25% equity.
Bridget credits the support she received at Saint Mary’s—especially from program director Michael Zhang—with helping her thrive. “He’s very passionate about the department and very passionate about the students. He helped with everything I needed, and I really appreciate his help and support.”
That support, combined with the MBAN’s focus on responsible leadership, helped shape Bridget’s values-driven approach to business. In addition to her work at Aruna, she was recently named Tribe Scholar of the Year at the Tribe Leader Summit, hosted by Tribe Network, a community that supports racialized entrepreneurs and innovators across Canada.
Today, Bridget is exactly where she wants to be—making a difference through her work, contributing to a circular economy and empowering others.
"Saint Mary’s gave me the tools to pursue a career that not only drives business success but also aligns with my values. I am proud to be a part of a company doing important work for people and the planet."
Compostable menstrual pads are made from cattail, soybean raw material and extracted processed corn fibers.
A Surprising Start to a Strong Future for Brodie Bonvie
By Krista Keough
What started as a typical day for Grade 12 student Brodie Bonvie quickly turned into one that he will never forget.
“I was in leadership class and our Vice Principal came in. He said, ‘there’s a special presentation going on,’ and then I see my mom,” Brodie laughs. His parents, Amanda Bonvie BA’99 and Glenn Bonvie BA’98, had been invited to witness a proud milestone in their son’s journey.
The Saint Mary’s recruitment team were welcomed into the classroom next to share the exciting news.
Brodie was awarded the Sobey National Innovator Scholarship, a prestigious honour given to Canadian students with big ideas, bold ambitions and an entrepreneurial spirit. Valued at $50,000 over four years, it is one of the most competitive scholarships offered at Saint Mary’s.
“I was in shock,” Brodie says. “I didn’t know how to express myself; I was just very grateful.”
Amanda remembers getting the call from his high school, North Nova Education Centre in New Glasgow, the day before, asking her and Glenn to be present for the big reveal. “I didn’t ask what award, and they said not to tell him,” she recalls. “I assumed it was a sports award because he had just finished his basketball season.”
For 17-year-old Brodie, the recognition was a culmination of years of growth. Achieving high marks and taking on leadership roles didn’t always come naturally.
Incoming student, Brodie Bonvie with parents, Amanda Bonvie BA’99 and Glenn Bonvie BA’98
“In Grade 9, I struggled starting off,” he says. “I thought, I have to pick it up, start working harder. That’s when my mindset switched.”
That turning point sparked a steady climb in both academics and athletics, and Brodie soon began to see the rewards of his renewed dedication. “It paid off,” he reflects.
As his grades improved and new opportunities opened up, Brodie began to think more seriously about his post-secondary future. A campus tour of Saint Mary’s with his parents helped solidify his plans.
“We talked to professors and students,” he says. “I really liked the fit. It wasn’t too big or too small, it was just right.”
For Amanda and Glenn, the visit was just as meaningful. “We were walking through Saint Mary’s and reminiscing about all the things that changed—and didn’t change—since we were there 30 years ago,” says Amanda. “I knew when we left that day, he would be in good hands. When we came home, Brodie said, ‘I’m making a decision.’”
In addition to excelling in the classroom, Brodie has spent his high school years juggling multiple commitments. He played basketball competitively, volunteered in his community and worked part-time at Abercrombie Golf Club, all while keeping his long-term goals in sharp focus.
This fall, he’ll officially join the Sobey School of Business, where he plans to major in finance.
“The goal is to be an investment banker or financial planner one day,” he says. “I’m always looking at the stock market with my dad, seeing which ones make the most money.”
He also plans to try out for the Saint Mary’s Huskies Men’s Basketball team, hoping to keep his passion for the sport alive while adapting to the new rhythms of university life. Brodie is both excited and nervous about living in residence during his first year, but he knows it will give him the chance to immerse himself fully in the experience.
With the support of his family, a strong academic foundation and a growing sense of confidence, Brodie is entering this next chapter with enthusiasm and purpose. And with the Sobey National Innovator Scholarship behind him, his future is already off to a strong start.
50 Years of the Commerce Society Business Dinner
By Michaela Avery BA'16 CertHRM'16
Bob Kelly BComm’75, DComm’97 speaking at the 2025 Sobey School of Business Commerce Society Business Dinner
This past March, the Saint Mary’s Commerce Society marked a significant milestone—the 50th Annual Business Dinner—with a sold-out celebration that brought together students, faculty and alumni for an unforgettable evening at the Westin Nova Scotian.
It was more than just a fitting venue; it was a homecoming. The very first Businessman’s Dinner, as it was then called, was held in the exact same location 50 years earlier. Among those in attendance at that inaugural dinner was Bob Kelly BComm’75, DComm’97—this year’s distinguished keynote speaker (pictured above), who also delivered the keynote address in 2011.
Bob’s return felt like a full-circle moment. With a career that has spanned continents and economic cycles—from his early days at TD Bank to top leadership roles at Mellon Financial, BNY Mellon and Santander—his message to students was as grounded as it was inspiring. He spoke about the importance of continuous learning, staying ahead of change and following one’s passion.
He reflected on how, early in his career, taking the initiative to develop skills that weren’t yet common, such as learning computer programs on his personal computer, helped set him apart and opened doors to new opportunities. He also encouraged students to explore a range of roles early in their careers to discover what truly drives them. Looking ahead, he spoke optimistically about the future for business students, especially for those who embrace emerging technologies like AI.
The Co-Presidents of the Commerce Society, Jay Blake and Elijah Walsh, reflected on the significance of this milestone. For Jay, the 50th dinner needed to exceed the expectations of all the previous years. “This will be one of the largest projects I will have taken part in my life,” he said. “Elijah and I understood the importance of holding a more impressive dinner than most before it and doing our best to honour the legacy of the many students who contributed to the Society before us.”
Elijah echoed the sense of personal meaning and historical continuity. “It was an incredible, full-circle moment,” he shared. “To recognize my grandfathers at the Westin, alongside our speaker Bob Kelly—all of whom were at the first dinner—defined the purpose of the event: to establish lifelong connections between students, alumni and professionals.”
Beyond the evening itself, both co-presidents emphasized the deeper goals behind the event and their leadership. They want the Society to be remembered for more than just a signature dinner. Their term aimed to expand the Society’s reach and relevance through professional development, philanthropy and meaningful engagement across the student body.
As they pass the torch, Jay and Elijah hope future leaders will continue to build on that legacy, adapt to changing student needs and deepen the Society’s academic and professional offerings.
Fifty years in, the Commerce Society’s Business Dinner remains more than a gala evening. It’s a gateway—for students to step into the professional world, for alumni to reconnect and for the Saint Mary’s business community to celebrate shared values of learning, leadership and legacy. Judging by the standing ovation for Bob Kelly and the conversations echoing long after the final course, it’s clear that the tradition is not only alive—it’s thriving.
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The Jay Blake Commerce Community Award
Jay Blake BComm’25 has been an active member of his student community, mainly through the Sobey School of Business Commerce Society. Jay dedicated his time within the Society to deliver high-quality student experiences and has grown exponentially along the way. Jay established this award to acknowledge students who have also dedicated time and energy towards an extra-curricular activity within the Saint Mary’s University community that they are passionate about.
SMUSA turns 50
By Renée Hartleib
Saint Mary’s University Students' Association (SMUSA) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and John Stuart BA'75, its founder and first president, is determined to mark the occasion in a meaningful way. He’s reaching out to fellow members of the original executive team, hoping to reunite them at Homecoming 2025 this Fall.
“We really think this 50th Reunion Celebration is going to be a special and celebratory event,” said John, who is organizing a lineup of speakers and panel discussions for the occasion.
While at Saint Mary’s, John studied Political Science and Asian Studies. He later went on to found Bishop’s Cellar in Halifax and played a key role in establishing Grand Pré Wines. The seeds of his future business career were evident in 1975, the year the Gorsebrook Lounge opened its doors and Saint Mary’s became the first university in Canada to serve beer at football games, both of which SMUSA played a role in advocating for.
Other achievements of the first student association included launching health benefits for international students and founding a summer day camp for underprivileged children in Halifax.
John Stuart BA'75
Today, 50 years later, SMUSA continues to make a lasting impact. This year’s president and CEO is Simba Chiunda, a third-year Bachelor of Commerce student originally from Zimbabwe. “My job is to speak up for our student body and make sure that everyone on campus feels heard and supported,” he said.
Balancing academics, student leadership and a social life is no small feat, Simba admits. “It’s a bit of a rollercoaster, but all the effort is worth it–to feel like I’m making an impact for the students of Saint Mary’s.”
2024-2025 SMUSA executive team
One of Simba’s responsibilities is to advocate for students at both the provincial and federal levels. “The very notion that I am able to sit at these government tables has been such a surprise. Coming from Zimbabwe, where we do not have a stable government, this would be out of the question. But here, our concerns are heard and responded to.”
This year, while advocating for students at the provincial level, Simba and the other SMUSA executives asked for better health care for international students through MSI. “We don’t understand why in Nova Scotia, an international student has to wait 13 months, while in other provinces, health coverage is offered automatically.”
At a federal level, SMUSA works with the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA), the national voice for over 350,000 university and college students. CASA advocates for accessible, affordable and student-centred education policies across Canada.
Beyond advocacy, SMUSA offers a wide range of services and supports, including academic tutoring, an on-campus food bank, a transportation service, an information desk and hundreds of events throughout the year. The not-for-profit organization also employs a large number of students through its programs and campus operations.
“We’re a large organization, but it feels more like a big family,” said Simba–a feeling echoed by John as he reconnects with SMUSA’s founding team.
As part of the reunion festivities, John hopes to organize a panel on “successful aging” offering insights and guidance to his peers–all in their 70s now–on how to stay healthy, active and engaged well into later life.
“What better way to celebrate our 50th anniversary than to keep us active and well enough to attend our 60th reunion!”
John Stuart BA'75 as a student at SMU
SMU Alumni Engagement Survey Results
The Alumni Office recently conducted a follow up alumni survey to one done in 2017, with the help of Engagement Analysis Inc. (EAi), a Canadian firm that has worked with many post-secondary institutions across the country and internationally. This allowed us to compare results to our 2017 survey and see how we rank against other universities across Canada. We also aimed to gain deeper insight into shifting interests, level of awareness and how we can better serve our alumni community through programs and services.
The engagement score measures a variety of indicators including personal and academic experience, participation in alumni events, volunteer involvement, awareness of what’s happening at Saint Mary’s today, philanthropic interest, referrals of prospective students and overall pride in the university.
The results showed that our alumni engagement has dipped slightly, with an overall engagement score of 20%, down from 23% in 2017. This places us in the middle range when compared to other institutions nationwide. The weighted engagement score, based on responses to core questions on the topics mentioned above, came in at 61%—just one percentage point below the national average.
A big thank you to everyone who participated! We received a 4% response rate, lower than the 13% we saw in 2017 and likely due to outdated @smu.ca email addresses following changes to our student email policy in recent years. Still, we are grateful to all who shared their input. Having a strong and engaged alumni community is vital to Saint Mary’s—you’re our greatest ambassadors.
If you haven’t heard from us lately, we’d love to reconnect! Please take a moment to update your contact information.
Some highlights from our survey responses are shown below.
Population analysis:
Student experience:
Respondents rated their student experience and satisfaction with the academic environment more highly than in 2017, with 82% expressing satisfaction—up from previous levels. Perceptions of Saint Mary’s as a welcoming institution (75%) and one that cares about students (61%) have remained stable over time. School spirit, however, declined slightly, dropping from 71% to 64%.
Compared to other universities, Saint Mary’s continues to perform well. Our 82% satisfaction rate with the academic experience is higher than the national average of 78%, and our score of 75% for being welcoming exceeds the average of 67% across other institutions.
There is a strong connection between student involvement and long-term alumni engagement. Building awareness and a sense of connection during the student years is critical to fostering future alumni support. That’s why many of our programs are designed to support students from the start, through sponsoring student societies and Welcome Weeks, featuring alumni honour guards at convocation or creating mentorship opportunities via the SMU Café platform. These initiatives often encourage students to remain involved post-graduation, whether by joining our Young Alumni Committee or volunteering to support future student engagement.
Staying connected to Saint Mary’s:
A quarter of survey respondents (25%) indicated that staying connected with SMU would lead only to donation requests. While financial support from alumni is appreciated and important, it’s far from the only way to remain involved.
Our Alumni Council and Young Alumni Committee provide meaningful opportunities to give back by sharing your time and talents. These groups help guide alumni programming, plan and attend events and represent Saint Mary’s in the broader community. Applications for the Alumni Council open annually, with the Annual General Meeting taking place each September.
There are many ways for alumni to stay and feel connected. Whether speaking at a class, mentoring a student, attending a Dean’s reception or helping with student recruitment through our global Alumni Ambassador Program, your involvement makes a difference. Participation can be as simple as referring a student or connecting with a prospective learner, or as involved as attending a recruitment fair alongside one of our recruiters.
You can stay connected by attending alumni receptions around the world or supporting fellow alumni through our Alumni Loyalty Card program—either as a customer or a participating business. Our annual Alumni Awards recognize outstanding contributions in both career and community service.
We understand that time is a major barrier to participation, with 45% of respondents citing this as the main reason for not engaging more. Life gets busy with continued education, family commitments and career growth. But we still want to celebrate your milestones as a proud SMU alumnus—whether it’s launching a business, volunteering in your community, publishing research or even saying “I do” in a campus wedding. Keep us in the loop! We’d love to hear from you.
The best way to keep apprised of events and activities is keeping your contact information up to date and following us on social media.
Deterrents to staying more connected and participating in activities with SMU:
Programs and Services:
SMU alumni enjoy a variety of exclusive benefits, including savings on home and auto insurance through TD Insurance and discounts on health and dental coverage through Manulife. Alumni also receive special rates on campus services such as SMUfit, Conference Services and the bookstore.
With your free Alumni Card, you can access deals on hotel stays, clothing, home goods, wellness services and more, including Purple Cow internet (owned by alumni, Brad Farquhar BComm'08 and Joe Power BComm'11). Learn more about our Alumni Loyalty card program on our website.
Services that are of interest to alumni:
Communication:
48% of respondents selected topic-specific emails and event notices as their most preferred communication channels for receiving news and updates from Saint Mary’s. Our monthly e-newsletter was second at 44%.
It’s also worth noting that 38% of respondents follow us on social media. Be sure to follow us on our Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram accounts to stay up to date on events, alumni news and what’s happening on campus day-to-day. As expected, interest in social media varies by age, with younger alumni engaging more frequently on these platforms.
Perceived effectiveness of SMU meeting alumni interests:
The findings suggest that alumni place strong value on being recognized and staying connected to their alma mater, highlighting the importance of celebrating achievements and fostering meaningful connections with Saint Mary's. However, there appears to be slightly less emphasis on ongoing educational opportunities and mentoring, pointing to potential areas for growth in meeting alumni interests.
Encouragingly, awareness of and willingness to participate in alumni programs and services has increased since the last survey, rising to 38% from 28% in 2017.
Global campus:
Saint Mary’s University is perceived as highly diverse, with 56% of respondents in complete agreement, and as an inclusive environment, with 48% completely agreeing.
These strong results reflect a clear consensus on the university’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Philanthropy:
Among alumni who have contributed to the university—29% reported doing so—the top priority areas for giving were financial assistance for students (30%), academic scholarships (22%), their area of study (18%) and research initiatives (12%).
Nearly 70% of donors reported being satisfied with how their contributions were acknowledged and appreciated.
If you are considering making a contribution to support students, or to establish a scholarship or bursary, you can learn more by visiting our Giving page.
We understand that alumni have many worthwhile causes and organizations competing for their time and support. Other charitable areas frequently mentioned for volunteering and donations included:
These are just a few of the highlights from our recent alumni engagement survey. If you have feedback or would like to share your thoughts, we’d love to hear from you at alumni@smu.ca.
