St. Francis Xavier University conferred degrees on one of its biggest graduating classes ever with more than 1,100 students on Sunday, May 4.
"Today all of us are here celebrating your milestones, your hard work, your determination," said StFX Chancellor Dr. Mila Mulroney '04. "Brian Mulroney, my Brian, had a favorite expression: It's amazing how much you achieve if you don't care who gets the credit."
"Be kind. Be courageous. Be bold," Dr. Mulroney added. "But most of all, be grateful. Be true to your values and make sure your word means something. Be someone worth knowing. Always stay kind."
StFX President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Andy Hakin echoed Dr. Mulroney's sentiments about kindness, calling kindness a "superpower" as he reflected on the strength of the Xaverian community during times of great uncertainty. He reminded the graduates of their kindness, strength and perseverance during the pandemic and in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona.
"Your StFX degree is a golden key that will open many doors," Dr. Hakin told graduates. "Your hard work, passion, intellect, and skill will allow you to turn the key and move through to the next part of your specific journey."
StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin and Chancellor Dr. Mila Mulroney '04 congratulate Aidan Foster of Bedford, Nova Scotia who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Joint Advanced Major with Distinction in Computer Science and Math. Mr. Foster was one of more than 1,100 graduates to cross the stage.
During spring convocation three outstanding individuals were honoured with honorary degrees. Receiving the degree Doctor of Law honoris causa were Clara Hughes, one of Canada's most exceptional and highly accomplished athletes and public figures; Dr. Michael Higgins '70, a StFX alumnus, and a teacher, writer, documentarian, and university president whose contributions to Catholic higher education have impacted the country and beyond; and Dr. Peter Nicholson, a leading voice for innovation and science policy in Canada.
Olympian Dr. Clara Hughes told a personal story of gaining courage from community as she competed in the Olympics. "Nothing is done alone," said Dr. Hughes, recalling a time when she received encouragement from the community of Squamish, British Columbia. "Ask yourself this question. How are you going to leave your unique fabric of community in what you do?" Dr. Hughes conveyed to graduates to use the community they built at StFX as a catapult to success.
"When I arrived at StFX in 1967 as part of a compliment of five Torontonians, we arrived at the train station," said Dr. Michael Higgins '70. "One of my colleagues inquire where is the subway? Well we never found the subway but what we did find instead was the genius and mystic of StFX," added Higgins. "This university treasures the personal and privileges of a caring environment," said Dr. Higgins. He also described how cultivating "critical discernment" will become an important feature for graduates' professional and personal futures, before welcoming them to the worldwide Xaverian community.
Dr. Peter Nicholson's message to graduates was one of truth and to remember the importance of truth as they venture out into the world. "Truth enables us to see the consequences of our actions as individuals and as a society," said Dr. Nicolson, as he noted that truth today is being manipulated in politics and AI. He stressed to graduates to be a voice of intellectual integrity and resist simply going along to get along.
Several StFX faculty members were honoured with major awards during the ceremonies. Political Science professor Dr. Yvon Grenier and Sociology professor Dr. John Phyne received the distinction of Professor Emeritus and Psychology professor Dr. Margo Watt was honoured with the distinction of Professor Emerita. Biology professor Dr. Ricardo Scrosati received the University Research Award while the President's Research Award was bestowed upon BASc in Health professor Dr. Arlinda Ruco. Dr. Ruco and chemistry professor Dr. Geniece Hallett-Tapley were both honoured with the university's Outstanding Teaching Award.
