St. Francis Xavier University celebrated excellence and hard work on Sunday, Dec. 1 as nearly 250 students graduated, ‘the godfather of Canadian hip-hop” Maestro Wes Williams received an honorary degree, and Dr. Mila Mulroney was officially installed as StFX’s 11th Chancellor during a joy-filled Fall Convocation 2024.
Special highlights in the ceremony included the presentation of the StFX Outreach Award to Murray Gibson, a faculty member in the StFX Department of Art, in recognition of his longtime community engagement, particularly his partnership with L’Arche Antigonish; and the Outstanding Staff Teaching Award to Laura Reid, dietetic educator and coordinator of the Integrated Dietetic Internship Program in the StFX Department of Human Nutrition.
StFX English professor and Canada Research Chair in Digital Humanities, Dr. Laura Estill, received special acknowledgement of achievement during the ceremony, recognizing her appointment to the Royal Society of Canada College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.
DR. MILA MULRONEY INSTALLED AS StFX CHANCELLOR
In a moving start to the ceremony, Dr. Mila Mulroney, a highly respected Canadian philanthropist and a StFX honorary degree recipient, was officially installed as StFX’s 11th Chancellor.
“This is an historic day for our university,” StFX President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Andy Hakin said as he welcomed all to the ceremony.
It is with great pride that StFX welcomes this “remarkable and inspiring woman, a true friend of StFX.”
Dr. Mulroney, he said, shares the same values of community, excellence and service to society that StFX does. “I’m honoured to welcome her as our next chancellor. We are deeply grateful she accepted this important leadership role.”
Dr. Mulroney will bring unique perspective to enrich our community and also to inspire it. She also has a special, unbreakable connection with StFX, through her late husband, the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, StFX alumnus and Canada’s 18th Prime Minister.
“He was a great Xaverian. His legacy of leadership, public service, and betterment of our country remains an inspiration.
“We know you will strengthen the bonds of StFX and the larger world just as he did.
“We are excited to begin this new chapter with you.”
Board of Governors Chair Dennis Flood presented the Chancellor-Designate and administered the oath of office.
“The role of Chancellor is an ambassadorial and ceremonial one, advancing StFX's interests provincially, nationally and internationally, serving as an advocate for the university's history, mission and vision. The Chancellor is a distinguished person with a record of demonstrated excellence in their chosen field and in community service; an individual whose reputation and experience exemplifies the values of our university," said Mr. Flood, who introduced Dr. Mulroney and delivered the Oath of Office.
“We look forward to her inspired leadership.”
Dr. Hakin officiated over the investiture, investing Dr. Mulroney with the robes of office.
Kerry Prosper, StFX Elder on Campus, brought greetings, congratulating Dr. Mulroney on her appointment as chancellor, and honoured her with the gift of a star blanket. “It holds special significance,” he said. “It is used in one of the highest forms of prayer.”
SERVICE, INTEGRITY, MAKING A DIFFERENCE
“This is a fabulous institution, a much-loved institute of higher learning. I am so happy to be with you,” Dr. Mulroney said in her inaugural address, which she opened by paying tribute to her predecessor, John Peaccok, who she said served StFX with distinction and grace and left an indelible mark.
Dr. Mulroney shared heartfelt words in her address, noting she has lived an interesting, exciting, and at times a challenging life. She and her late husband were partners through all the highs and lows in life and they witnessed the best and the worst human nature has to offer. She also spent a large part of her life listening to young people and learning from them, particularly on the importance of education and learning about who they are. She looks forward to drawing on all this experience.
“I am so looking forward to being your chancellor…I will enjoy working with all of you of you here.
“Brian and I had the great fortune to travel the world many times over and as far as we travelled, we always found our way back to Nova Scotia, back to StFX, to the people we love and to this place we hold dear,” she noted. “Thank you again for this honour. Hail and health.”
Dr. Lynda Harling Stalker, Director of the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government at StFX, thanked Dr. Mulroney for her commitment to StFX as she introduced celebratory video greetings that came for Dr. Mulroney from across the country, including from the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, as well as sister universities, all levels of government, faculty, staff and students at StFX, and members of Dr. Mulroney’s family.
StFX students Avery Vadnai read reflections on the university motto and Josh Kroker acted as master of ceremonies.
STFX GRADUATES NEARLY 250, HONOURS DR. WESLEY WILLIAMS
“Graduates, this is your day,” StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin said as he welcomed all to Fall Convocation 2024.
“Today we celebrate you and your hard work, and we come together to celebrate this significant milestone in your life.”
Everyone took unique paths to arrive at this moment and all are an inspiration, he said. This ceremony recognizes this growth and how each graduate is poised to make a difference as they step into the world.
“I challenge all to keep up the good work and continue to strive to make society a better place for all. On that journey, I remind you that as Xaverians you have a superpower, that superpower is kindness.
“I encourage you to use that kindness in all aspects of your life. I wish you the very best in all that you choose to do. Congratulations. Go and make a difference. Hail and health.”
MAKE HISTORY
Honorary degree recipient Dr. Wesley Williams, who has had a 40-year career that changed the course of music history in this country, offered inspiring advice to the graduates as they embark on a new journey in their lives.
He advised them to make history, and to not underestimate the power of the ripple effect, of what their contributions can mean to society. “We have that chance to make that extend into the generations,” he says.
Dr. Williams also spoke about expectation—what you expect for yourself and what limitations you put on yourself and what society puts on you. You will fall down, and you will get back up, in the journey to reach your destination. “And that’s a beautiful thing.”
Dr. Williams thanked the university for this honour. “It is an absolute thrill to be here at StFX.”
Chancellor Mila Mulroney offered best wishes as she opened convocation. “This is your time, and you leave here very well equipped to meet the moment,” she said as she encouraged the Class of 2024 to make a difference in a life of service.
Mary Fisher-MacDonnell, StFX’s Financial Aid Officer and a newly minted Master of Education graduate, gave the address on behalf of the graduating class. “I hope that StFX has served you well as a home, and the experiences and memories will be a call to action toward your next adventure,” she said.
StFX Alumni Association president Mike Gillis officially welcomed the university’s newest alumni into the association, inviting each of the 2024 graduates to stay connected and engaged with Canada’s strongest alumni network. “Amazing things are going to happen because you are now part of it.”
In another highlight of the ceremony, Joseph Sylliboy performed the Mi’kmaq Honour Song.
Bishop Wayne Joseph Kirkpatrick, Vicar of the Founder of StFX, delivered the benediction.
Dr. Wendy Mackey, StFX Faculty of Education, served as master of ceremony for Fall Convocation.
The piper for the ceremony was Brady Webb.
