Alumni Awards of Excellence

The St. Francis Xavier University Hall of Honour  was initiated by the Class of 1991 Legacy Committee to recognize those members of the StFX community who have carried on the Xaverian tradition of helping others. The Hall of Honour serves as an inspiration to current students to ensure this StFX tradition continues. The first induction ceremony took place during Homecoming celebrations on September 28, 1991.

2025 Inductee: Adele Upton '53

A lifelong example of compassion, leadership, and service, Adele Upton ’53 has strengthened every community she’s been part of – including StFX. Her enduring bond with her alma mater reflects a lifelong commitment to Xaverian values.  

Raised in Ottawa and Moncton, Adele spent her undergraduate years living in Mount Saint Bernard. She completed her studies in home economics, majoring in foods and nutrition, while participating on the StFX women’s basketball team. She contributed to campus life as president of her junior year and a student council member at the Mount, and through involvement in both athletics and the arts.  

After graduation, Adele completed a dietetic internship at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. She went on to work with the federal government and later taught in high schools in Ontario and Quebec.  

In 1957, Adele met her husband, Frank. Together they raised four children, and Adele stayed at home with them for many years. She returned to work while continuing to care for family members, and later, would support her husband through his battle with ALS.  

Adele’s generosity and energy have touched countless lives. Guided by her faith, she has supported Haitian earthquake refugees, volunteered at a local food bank, run errands for those unable to drive, and mentored fellow educators.  

An active and passionate alumna, Adele never misses an opportunity to talk about her X-Ring and its meaning. Her enthusiastic presence at Homecoming and local alumni events is matched by her initiative – such as the year she organized a group of senior alumni to attend Mass for the Feast of Saint Francis Xavier. She has inspired several family members to attend StFX, including her son, daughter-in-law, and five grandchildren.  

A Xaverian in every sense of the word, Adele Upton lives and breathes the meaning of our university motto, Quaecumque Sunt Vera / Whatsoever Things are True.  

2025 Inductee: Iain Boyd '75

To know Iain Boyd ’75 is to witness the Xaverian spirit in action.  

On the 50th anniversary of his graduation, Iain is inducted into the StFX Hall of Honour in recognition of his transformative impact on the university and the Antigonish community.  

Beginning his career at StFX in 1976, Iain held a series of key roles that shaped the university’s development – including Manager of Bloomfield Centre and Students’ Union Administrator, Development Officer, Director of Development, Ceremonial Officer, Acting Director of Alumni Affairs, Director of Advancement Relations, and Chief Campaign Officer for the Xaverian Fund. His leadership in advancement and fundraising helped modernize the campus, expand academic programming, and reinforce StFX’s commitment to social justice.  

Iain’s deep institutional knowledge and enduring relationships with alumni continue to make him a sought-after advisor. A proud and active alumnus, he has been instrumental in organizing his class’s Golden Grad reunion and has helped lead legacy fundraising towards a $100,000 goal.  

Beyond campus, Iain has been a driving force behind the Antigonish Highland Games, leading the Games’ 150th anniversary celebrations in 2013. He twice served as President and Chief of the Clans of the Antigonish Highland Society and was honoured with Life Membership in 2022.  

Iain’s broader community leadership has encompassed a range of roles – from board service with the Bergengren Credit Union, the Casket Printing and Publishing Company, and the Bishop William E. Power Foundation, to membership on the St. Ninian’s Parish Council, and ongoing service as a Trustee of the Northern Nova Scotia Foundation.  

Whether organizing cultural celebrations, leading capital campaigns, or mentoring colleagues, Iain Boyd exemplifies the Xaverian values of integrity and compassion. His legacy is not only in what he has built, but in the trust, connection, and community he has fostered across generations. 

2025 Inductee: Kevin Robertson '66

There is nothing more Xaverian than a life lived in service to others, and few lives exemplify this more fully than Kevin Robertson’s. A proud member of the StFX Class of 1966, Kevin is an educator whose deep faith and quiet generosity have shaped a legacy of impact, earning him a place in the StFX Hall of Honour.  

The first in his family to earn a university degree, Kevin embraced the spirit of service early on through X-Project, helping youth from neighbouring communities with homework and after-school sports.  

Over a 34-year teaching and administrative career in Saint John, New Brunswick, Kevin became known for going above and beyond – coaching teams, organizing clubs, and leading special events. At his retirement from Hampton Elementary School, students filled the halls with drawings of “Mr. Robertson." That year, the school received a human rights award for its musical play Peace Cranes 2000.  

Kevin’s commitment to education didn’t stop there; in retirement, he taught the General Education Development (GED) program, supporting adult learners in achieving their goals.

His contributions extend far beyond the classroom – from chairing Big Brothers Big Sister of Saint John to helping organize the Bowl for Kids’ Sake Fundraiser and volunteering at the Canada Summer Games. An early environmentalist, he championed recycling, composting, and schoolyard clean-ups long before they were mainstream.  

Kevin’s community involvement is matched by a steadfast devotion to family and faith. He is a loving husband of 56 years to Jane, father to four daughters, and grandfather to Jai Punna, a current StFX student.  

Kevin’s love for his alma mater shines through in his presence at alumni events and his encouragement of others to discover StFX. From the classroom to the community to his personal life, Kevin models the values of integrity and care for others – values that define a true Xaverian. 

The Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Achievement Award is presented to an alumnus/alumna who brings honour to the University, the Alumni Association, and their community through exceptional leadership and service. The individual would embody the spirit of StFX through his/her actions and accomplishments.

2025 Recipient: Katherine Fleming '85

Throughout her life, Katherine Fleming embodied the spirit and values of StFX – a commitment to service, unwavering dedication to social justice, and steadfast leadership.  

Katie graduated from StFX in 1985 where, upon learning of the work of the Coady Institute, her interest in development economics sparked. A Rhodes Scholar, Katie completed her studies in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at Oxford University before moving to NYC to work as an assistant to Canada’s Ambassador at the UN.    

Katie began her career as a Programme Officer in Eastern and Southern Africa for UNICEF in Kenya where she worked closely with NGOs, UN agencies, and government officials to build their capacity to deliver services to women and children.  

With a true passion for doing fieldwork for children in Africa, and girls’ education especially, Katie was offered the position as Head of Programming at UNICEF’s Western Africa Regional Office in Mali. Working as one of UNICEF’s representatives in the Education Sector Investment Program to expand educational infrastructure in Mali and leading UNICEF’s efforts in Mali to translate the spirit of the UN Child Rights Conventions into tangible programming results.  

Tragically, Katie passed away in 1999 while serving as Senior Programme Officer for UNICEF in Tanzania. Her legacy lives on through the Katherine Fleming International Development Award at the Coady Institute, established by family and friends in loving memory of Katie’s lifelong dedication to eliminating child poverty in Africa. To date, the Katherine Fleming award has supported 46 women from 13 different African countries in their pursuit of economic and social justice.  

Marking the 25th anniversary of her award this year, the Coady Institute launched the first Katherine Fleming Women’s Leadership course in Ethiopia which was held this past June with 21 women from nine different African countries participating. A fierce advocate for the rights of children and women across Africa, Katie’s life continues to inspire. On the 40th anniversary of her graduation, it is our honour to posthumously recognize Katherine with the Distinguished Alumna Award.

The Young Alumna/Alumnus Award is presented to a young alumnus/alumna who embodies the spirit of StFX through their actions and accomplishments. The recipient must be 40 years of age or less.

2025 Recipient: Emily Lorra Hines ‘14

Since graduating in 2014, Emily Lorra Hines has already influenced national conversation on one of Canada’s most pressing environmental issues.  

As a Public Policy student with a specialization in Aquatic Resource Management, Emily made the most of her time at StFX as a member of the Rowing and Cheer teams, co-host of a radio show, and recipient of the Alumni Recognition Bursary.  

Her passion for exploration was ignited through a Service-Learning trip to Mexico, and later, a full-year exchange in Denmark. These experiences deepened her understanding of global water issues, leading her to pursue an MSc in Water Science, Policy, and Management at Oxford University. While there, Emily volunteered with the UK-based non-profit, Beyond Equality where her work was featured in GQ, BBC, and VICE, and collaborated with MP’s and academics across the UK to present her Masters’ thesis at prestigious European conferences.  

Currently, Emily is Director of the Forum for Leadership on Water (FLOW) and Co-Chair of the Canadian Coalition for Healthy Waters (CCHW), where she oversees more than 50 organizations including WWF and Ducks Unlimited. She has presented to Environmental Ministers and federal policymakers, testified in the House of Commons, spoken internationally at the UN COP 28 and UN Economic Commission for Europe, and met directly with the UN Special Rapporteur for Safe Drinking Water.  

Emily creates opportunities to increase awareness on water issues, organizing many high-level forums with parliamentarians, Indigenous leaders, and academics to develop sustainable water policy for all Canadians. Under her leadership, FLOW’s work was instrumental in advancing the creation of the Canada Water Agency, the first federal agency dedicated to freshwater issues.  

Emily’s enthusiasm for freshwater policy and commitment to positive change embody the spirit of StFX and make her a deserving recipient for the Young Alumna Award. 

The Friend of StFX Award is awarded to a non-alumnus/alumna or an organization who has demonstrated a commitment of outstanding service to the Alumni Association and/or the University. The individual or organization has brought honour to StFX through significant contributions, and is an inspiration to StFX and extended community.

2024 Recipient: The Wheel Pizza & Sub Shop

Since 1980, Mike and Trish Hassin have been the proud owners of The Wheel Pizza and Sub Shop on Main Street in Antigonish. The son of Lebanese immigrants to Nova Scotia, Mike’s extraordinary work ethic has helped make The Wheel an Antigonish institution. He manages the day –to-day operations of the restaurant, while Trish handles the business end of things. Together, they have focused on creating a distinctive product that’s captured the hearts and tastebuds of Xaverians for nearly fifty years. 

No trip to Antigonish is complete without a visit to The Wheel, where the Hassin family has protected our collective sense of nostalgia by maintaining the same orange booths and photo-covered walls, the lost debit cards pinned to the wall behind the cash, and the paper towel-wrapped knife and fork. 

Tara Hassin, the younger of Mike and Trish’s two daughters, recalls being taken to the restaurant each evening, to “say goodnight to Daddy” as he manned the pizza ovens. She notes too that she and her sister would run the halls of MacIsaac and Lane and Bishop’s early each fall, sliding flyers under students’ doors and hoping to see and chat with one of the new first-years, who seemed awfully grown-up to the little girls. 

Generations of X-Men and X-Women have stopped by for an athletes’ special, to carbo-load before a big game. And they’ve slunk into those orange booths after a match, cradling sore knees and lamenting a loss. Through it all, The Wheel has been the hub, a gathering spot after an evening at the Golden X Inn, and the backdrop for countless romances ... and breakups. 

To many Xaverians, their memories of StFX are intertwined with memories of the Wheel. In recognition of Mike and Trish Hassin’s decades of exceptional service to the entire StFX community, the Alumni Association is proud to recognize them – and the Wheel Pizza and Sub Shop – as the recipient of this year’s Friend of StFX Award.

The Alumni Chapter of the Year Award is intended to honour the Chapter as a whole. It would signify outstanding loyalty, commitment and support to the University in all or one of the following: Alumni events, mentorship, recruitment, and/or student receptions.

2025 Recipient: TBA

The Xaverian Spirit Award honours those who make our StFX experience truly memorable. It is open to StFX faculty, staff and any other campus-based employees. It is meant for the unsung heroes who exemplify the Xaverian Spirit and who’s support, encouragement, guidance or attitude leave a lasting impression on alumni long after graduation.

2025 Recipient: Dr. Margo Watt ‘93

To say that Dr. Margo C. Watt has left a lasting impact on the StFX community is an understatement. A StFX Alumna, Dr. Watt earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Dalhousie before returning to StFX in 1999 as the first Clinical Psychologist hired by the Department of Psychology.  

Since joining the Department, Dr. Watt has worked tirelessly to provide exceptional experiential-learning opportunities for students, creating new courses such as Clinical Psychology and Forensic Psychology and spearheading the evolution of forensic psychology at StFX.  

What began as a single course in 2000 grew into a Two-Year Special Concentration in Forensic Psychology in 2013, and ultimately the Four-Year Direct Entry Applied Forensic Psychology program in 2021. Dr. Watt is single-handedly responsible for the development of these programs, making StFX home to the only undergraduate program of its kind in Canada and attracting students from across the country and around the world.  

Dr. Watt’s innovative approach in the classroom challenges students to think critically, and in her words, “probe the depths of our thought”. She extends learning beyond lectures, facilitating practicum placements and service-learning opportunities that undoubtedly leave meaningful impressions on her students.  

The value of her tutelage shines through at the annual AFP @ X Day during the Alumni Panel when graduates return to share their success stories. No matter their paths, the common denominator is always Dr. Watt’s influence, unwavering encouragement, and belief in their potential.  

A prolific scholar, Dr. Watt received StFX’s Outstanding Teaching Award, the President’s Research Award, and the Jules Léger Research Scholar distinction. Her award-winning book, Cases in Clinical Forensic Psychology, is nationally recognized as a Significant Contribution to the Criminal Justice Psychology field. Despite “retiring” in 2024, she remains active in the department as a Senior Researcher and, at Spring Convocation 2025, received the prestigious designation of Professor Emerita.  

Dr. Margo Watt unequivocally exemplifies what it means to be Xaverian, and we are proud to honour her with the Xaverian Spirit Award.

The Pride of StFX Award is presented to an alumni who embodies the spirit of StFX through actions and accomplishments and has made a significant impact in support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in which they reside.

2025 Recipient: Rachael Harrison '14 '18

Rachael Harrison has exemplified the Xaverian spirit through her lifelong dedication to advancing equity, inclusion, and justice for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Though she first came to StFX to pursue a Bachelor of Education, she quickly distinguished herself as a leader and changemaker, shaping the campus and beyond through her advocacy and action.

As a BEd student, Rachael was a research assistant on an anti-homophobia education project and went on to design and deliver Positive Space 3, a professional development workshop for teachers to foster inclusive learning spaces. Her leadership and commitment were recognized with the prestigious Dr. Ottilia Chareka Award, celebrating her citizenship, perseverance, and advocacy for social justice. She was also named to the StFX President’s Circle of Young Alumni. Rachael continued her studies with a Master of Education in Physical and Health Education, publishing a textbook chapter titled Disrupting the Heteronormative and Homophobic Culture with Physical Education, now used nationally in teacher education programs.

Beyond StFX, Rachael’s impact has been remarkable. As Manager of Education for The Get REAL Movement (2018–2023), she developed workshops, curriculum, and resources that reached schools, workplaces, and communities across Canada. She also authored Small Acts Every Day, an illustrated children’s book on mental health and anti-bullying. Today, in her role with Egale Canada, she continues to champion inclusive education, partnering with educators and institutions nationwide to embed 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion and human rights in schools.

Rachael’s tireless efforts to create safer, more compassionate communities embody the values of StFX. She stands as a powerful example of leadership, advocacy, and service, making her a most deserving recipient of the Pride of StFX Award.