Love, passion, and music defined St. Francis Xavier University's 2026 Convocation, creating memorable moments for nearly 1,100 graduates as they celebrated alongside family and friends on campus today.
"Graduates, this is your day," StFX President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Andy Hakin said in welcoming remarks. "A new page is being turned. Your story so far has provided you with the tools, but now you're in the application phase. You're looking to see what comes next," he said. "Don't worry. You're ready."
Always remember those core Xaverian values, he said. Make a difference. Give back to your communities. What you do next matters to all of us.
"Be bold," he told the graduates. "We need your skills and ability, your voices of calm and reason. Above all, be kind. Kindness is no weakness. Kindness is a superpower It changes the environment when you are kind to people. It will make a difference."
Dr. Hakin also noted the magnificent gift the university received over the weekend from the Honorable Frank '70 and Julie '72 McKenna and their family, alumni who gave the largest single private philanthropic gift StFX has ever received, a $20 million dollar commitment to establish The McKenna Scholars Program, a groundbreaking new undergraduate scholarship initiative with the highest-valued scholarship in Canada. "That's an unbelievable act of generosity, it's a belief in what we do as a university makes a difference, that you will make a difference. "That is leadership. That is a belief in giving back. It is so important."
Three exceptional Canadians received honorary degrees.
Natalie MacMaster
"I'm incredibly honoured to receive this honour from StFX, one of the highest-ranking universities in the world," said Natalie MacMaster one of Canada's most celebrated fiddlers, who received an honorary degree at StFX. "I am certainly moved by the spirit of love that I felt here today. It's been incredible, what I felt here for the last couple of days, meeting everybody, and really seeing the passion and energy all around me, and that spirit of love, to see all the faces here today."
Natalie Master also surprised and delighted the crowd with an amazing performance that was part of her acceptance speech during the morning ceremony.
Mark Wallace
A distinguished business leader, philanthropist, and proud StFX alumnus Dr. Mark Wallace '80 was also honoured with an honorary degree during the morning convocation. "You don't have to be the most experienced person in the room, you just have to be willing to show up, to show up and speak, Dr. Wallace told graduates. "And that willingness, to step forward, even when you're unsure, will open more doors than any perfectly crafted plan ever will. And there's one idea, I hope you carry with you today, your greatest impact in life will not come from what you've achieved for yourself, but from what you help others achieve."
Kerry Prosper
Mi'kmaw Elder Kerry Prosper '09 was presented with an honorary degree in the afternoon ceremony. "It's a great honour." In a heartfelt speech about his own journey, he told graduates that they also experienced a journey - one of education and learning. This will prepare you for other journeys, added Elder Dr. Prosper. "Today is a special day. We are in times when things are changing. Take care of your spiritual health, your mental health, emotional health, and physical health." Dr. Prosper '09 is also the Knowledge Keeper at StFX. His decades of leadership have advanced Mi'kmaq cultural practices and strengthened advocacy for Indigenous rights.
"You earned a world-class education," said StFX Chancellor Dr. Mila Mulorney as she addressed the Class of 2026. "You are not choosing your path today you are building one."
As you move forward, be intentional about the people you choose to keep close to," said StFX Chancellor Dr. Mulroney. "Surround yourself with those who challenge you, who lift you, and who bring out your best. Hold on to the lessons you've learned here at home - from your professors, your friends, and the community that has shaped you. Those lessons will travel with you long after today."
Several faculty members also received major honours during the ceremonies. Dr. Susan Vincent, Department of Anthropology, was recognized as Professor Emerita. Dr. Darien DeWolf, Department of Math & Statistics, received the Outstanding Teaching Award. The President's Research Award was presented to Dr. Kailin Wright, Department of English, and the University Research Award was given to Dr. Charlene Weaving, Department of Human Kinetics.
Honorary degree recipient bios
Natalie MacMaster
Natalie MacMaster, one of Canada's most celebrated fiddlers, is renowned for her electrifying performances and her enduring commitment to preserving and innovating Celtic music. She grew up in Troy, Cape Breton, immersed in the music of the Gaels of the Scottish Highlands. By age nine, she was turning heads at local concerts and competing in Highland dancing competitions. At 16, she launched her professional career with the release of her debut album, Four on the Floor (1989). She graduated from Teachers' College in 1990 before dedicating herself fully to music. In 1996, she signed with Warner Music Canada, marking a significant career milestone. A virtuoso of the Cape Breton fiddle tradition, her music is deeply rooted in the Scottish Highland styles that flourished in Cape Breton. Over the years, she has masterfully blended these classic sounds with contemporary influences including bluegrass, jazz, and Latin rhythms broadening the reach of her cultural heritage while remaining grounded in tradition. Her excellence has earned national and international recognition. She was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2006 and to the Order of Nova Scotia in 2022. Her honours include two JUNO Awards, 19 East Coast Music Awards, five Canadian Country Music Association Awards, and a Grammy nomination. She has also received multiple honorary degrees from St. Thomas University, Trent University, Niagara University, and the Atlantic School of Theology. In 2002, she married fellow fiddler Donnell Leahy. Together they are raising seven children while maintaining an active touring schedule of more than 75 performances annually. Alongside the continued growth of her musical career, she homeschooled her children, ensuring they as well were immersed in the Cape Breton style of music and the Gaelic language. She has collaborated with leading artists from around the world, further establishing her as a global ambassador of Celtic music. Beyond the stage, she is a dedicated mentor and philanthropist, teaching at fiddle camps internationally, from the Isle of Skye in Scotland to Mark O'Connor's camp in Nashville, and closer to home at The Gaelic College and as a special guest at StFX's Summer Music Camp.
Elder Kerry Prosper '09
Mi'kmaw Elder Kerry Prosper is a respected member of the Mi'kmaq Nation whose decades of leadership have advanced Mi'kmaq cultural practices, deepened public understanding of the Peace and Friendship Treaties, and strengthened advocacy for Indigenous rights, environmental sustainability, species protection, and the holistic health of the planet. Raised in Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation, he has extensive personal and professional experience in Mi'kmaq treaty negotiations and entitlements, natural resource management, and cultural revitalization. He served as Paqtnkek Chief for three and a half terms and has been a band councillor since 1999. He was Chief when Donald Marshall Jr. and Jane McMillan were charged in 1993 with illegal fishing and the sale of eels in Pomquet Harbour. His involvement in the landmark Supreme Court of Canada decision that followed was critical to its success. Through steady diplomacy during the confrontations that ensued, he helped advance Mi'kmaq sovereignty while fostering peace on the waters. He co-founded and served as co-chair of the Paqtnkek Fish and Wildlife Society (PFWS), and later partnered with StFX as Community Research Coordinator, linking PFWS with the Social Research for Sustainable Fisheries, a SSHRC-funded community-university research alliance. His contributions helped build trust and collaboration during a turbulent period and laid the groundwork for StFX's Interdisciplinary Studies in Aquatic Resources program. Inspired by this partnership, Elder Prosper pursued a Bachelor of Arts at StFX and became a research associate of Dr. McMillan, Canada Research Chair for Indigenous Peoples and Sustainable Communities. Today, he contributes to conference presentations, co-authors academic and popular press articles, and appears in educational video series. He is also a valued member of the Wabanaki-Labrador Indigenous Health Research Network. For many years, he has studied with knowledge keepers and medicine people of the Lakota tradition, where he is a respected pipe carrier and has a specialization in traditional medicines. In 2018, he became StFX's inaugural Knowledge Keeper. Each year, Elder Prosper helps guide the university's observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Treaty Day. He supports the Kiknu Indigenous Students Centre, the Deveau peer mentors, and the Indigenous Students Society. Through his initiative, StFX now presents an Indigenous pin to recognize the achievements of graduating First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students.
Mark Wallace '80
Mark Wallace is a distinguished business leader, philanthropist, and proud StFX alumnus whose career has been defined by principled leadership and community impact. He graduated from StFX with a degree in political science and went on to study law at the University of Victoria. He practiced law until the early 2000s, including a long tenure as General Counsel for AT&T Canada Corp. Twenty years into his legal career, he pivoted to entrepreneurship, becoming CEO of a small technology company specializing in health and safety software. Under his leadership, Medgate now Cority grew from 30 employees to more than 500 at the time of his retirement. Today, it is a global leader in EHSQ software and one of Canada's largest private companies. His leadership was marked by a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Cority achieved gender parity in new hires and implemented job enrichment strategies and internal advancement programs to ensure that women and visible minorities could progress to senior executive roles. A formative volunteer trip to India in his twenties, during which he had the opportunity to speak privately with Mother Teresa, deepened his commitment to service. He has served as a director of both the Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club and the Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto and has made significant financial contributions to the Regent Park Boys and Girls Club and Community Food Centres Canada, the latter addressing food insecurity nationwide with particular attention to Indigenous communities. His contributions to StFX have been transformative. He served for 10 years on the Board of Governors, including four as Chair. In 2016, he established the Wallace Family Entrepreneurship Fund, which provides up to 10 annual $10,000 seed grants to student entrepreneurs. More than 50 students have benefited from his generosity, launching 26 companies (all with ties to Nova Scotia), two of which have since been acquired. His impact extends well beyond financial support. He remains personally involved in selecting recipients, mentoring students, and offering guidance drawn from his own experience. Never seeking recognition, he has focused instead on creating opportunities for others to grow, dream big, and act boldly.
