On Monday, May 26th, StFX raised the Access Awareness Flag and presented the inaugural StFX Jeffery Murray Award for Accessible and Inclusive Communities to Brendan Doyle, recently manager of the Antigonish Arena, who was nominated by community members in recognition of his dedicated efforts to enhance accessibility at the Antigonish Arena.
During celebrations May 26th at StFX to open Access Awareness Week, Brendan Doyle was presented with the inaugural StFX Jeffery Murray Award for Accessible and Inclusive Communities. Mr. Doyle is pictured here with members of the Murray family and Monica Foster, StFX Vice-President, Finance & Administration, who co-chairs StFX's Accessibility Committee with Dr. Katie Aubrecht.
The newly established Jeffery Murray Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusion at StFX or within the broader community values the late Mr. Murray championed throughout his life
Jeff Murray was a passionate advocate, cherished community member, and proud supporter of StFX. Born with cerebral palsy, he faced many physical challenges, but he transformed them into a platform for advocacy, inclusion, and connection. His story is captured in the documentary The Roadrunner, which paints a heartfelt portrait of a man who chose to live fully and joyfully, inspiring those around him. His vibrant personality, sense of humor, and determination made him a well-known figure in Antigonish and beyond. At the heart of his legacy is his deep and lasting relationship with StFX. He was a fixture in the StFX community a loyal presence at countless athletic games, cheering on the X-Men and X-Women. The university community recognized this devotion and, following his passing in March 2024 at age 42, established the Jeffery Murray Award for Accessible and Inclusive Communities. Organizers say Mr. Murray showed all that physical limitations are no match for a boundless spirit. Through his advocacy, his friendships, and the example he set, he continues to inspire a more inclusive and compassionate world.
INSPIRING EXAMPLE
"Celebrating Access Awareness Week reminds us of the vital importance of creating inclusive spaces for all," says Monica Foster, StFX Vice-President, Finance & Administration, who co-chairs StFX's Accessibility Committee with Dr. Katie Aubrecht, StFX sociology professor, disability scholar, and recognized expert in the field of accessibility and inclusion. Dr. Aubrecht emceed the event.
"Honouring Brendan Doyle with the Jeff Murray Award for Accessible and Inclusive Communities highlights his remarkable efforts in transforming the Antigonish Arena into a welcoming environment for everyone," Ms. Foster says. "His dedication serves as an inspiring example of how we can all contribute to a more accessible world. It also allows us to remember the wonderful contribution Jeff made to our community and honour his memory."
Nominators say when Mr. Doyle became manager of the Antigonish Arena in 2022, one of the first things he did was prioritize changes to the facility to allow for it to become a more accessible friendly facility.
He started by getting members of the community together to address the best ways to make the area more accessible. Changes to date include adding an accessible entry door and upgrading entrance and parking, a new accessible washroom, and an accessible viewing area, which is now regularly used by many people. The upgrades have had a significant impact, opening the building and events held within, to the entire community.
Antigonish County Deputy Warden and Antigonish Arena board chair John Dunbar, one of the nominators, noted Mr. Doyle made accessibility a priority since day. "His contributions went beyond bricks and mortar," he noted, "to foster a culture of inclusion."
CONTINUING LEGACY
Kerri-Lyn Murray Brown spoke on behalf of the Murray family, thanking StFX for honouring her brother's legacy and for its commitment to carry forward the work he was so passionate about: to create more inclusive communities.
Thank you for making sure his voice is still heard, that work continues towards building the world he envisioned, and that his legacy continues to grow, she said
Dr. Aubrecht says as we celebrate Access Awareness Week, this is a time that invites us all to reflect on the meaning of disability, and to understand that disability is not a deficit, but a valuable way of being in the world. In building more inclusive communities, it is important to change the narrative, she said, and to understand that disability is not a problem to solve. It is a vital and powerful way of being in the world.
StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin shared a similar sentiment in his opening remarks, where he also spoke about key steps StFX is taking to be more inclusive. Accessibility is not about generosity, he noted. It is a matter of justice, and is imperative in shaping a more inclusive, compassionate future.
Community member, Morrison Hall employee, and CACL participant Courtney MacLean importantly summed up in her remarks: "It means everyone is included."
Antigonish Mayor Sean Cameron read the proclamation to officially open Access Awareness Week in Antigonish.
Antigonish MLA and Minister of Health and Wellness Michelle Thompson, who spoke on the importance of work to identify and remove barriers around accessibility, also shared her memories of Mr. Murray and the valuable contributions he made. Minister Thompson also gave credit to Mr. Doyle. "It is one thing to see the dignity and nobility in every person, but it is another to take action."
FOSTERING A MORE INCLUSIVE CAMPUS
"At StFX, we are proud to have an Accessibility Committee co-chaired by Monica Foster and Dr. Katie Aubrecht. This committee plays a vital role in guiding the university's efforts to identify, prevent, and remove barriers for people with disabilities, helping to foster a more accessible, equitable, and inclusive campus," says committee administration, Maria Ludlow, the executive assistant to the vice-president, finance & administration.
The week of May 25-31 marks Access Awareness Week in Nova Scotia and National Accessibility Week across Canada. This year's theme is, Our Voices, Our Votes: Disability Rights in Action.
StFX is proud to be a partner of the Partnership for Access Awareness Nova Scotia (PAANS).
