Today, at one of the largest X-Ring ceremonies in St. Francis Xavier University’s history, 1,060 students received the coveted emblem of their alma mater.
Soon-to-be graduating class members gathered at the Keating Centre, with nearly 5,000 family and friends observing in viewing rooms and online, to participate in this time-honoured Xaverian tradition. The X-Ring ceremony takes place annually on December 3rd, the Feast of St. Francis Xavier.
A SHINING MOMENT
Radiating with excitement, gown-clad students were piped into the blue-lit room. Master of Ceremonies Vincent Breen, Co-President of the Senior Class, opened the ceremony by inviting fellow students to the stage for the lighting of the X Candle.
Fourth-year Marketing student Charlotte Heward gave words of welcome and congratulations to this year’s X-Ring recipients. “You’ve grown into individuals who embody what it is to be Xaverian,” she said. “The X-Ring is a reminder that no matter where you go, you will always be a part of something bigger.”
Father Donald MacGillivray (Class of ‘79), University Chaplain, offered a spiritual invocation for the ceremony. “To receive this ring today connects us with all those who have walked these halls, who have lived the StFX experience, and who are life-long wearers of the ring,” he said.
PAYING IT FORWARD
Dr. Andy Hakin, President and Vice-Chancellor of StFX, gave a heartfelt address to students. “It’s about pride. It’s about love,” he said. “The X-Ring becomes the symbol that draws you not only to each other, but to this university.”
Dr. Hakin shared two stories exemplifying the Xaverian spirit: Ben Boudreau, who along with his father designed a wooden X-Ring box and created a bursary with the profits, and Allison Randall, who experienced the kindness of a fellow Xaverian when travelling in Europe.
Kindness, he said, is a superpower. “As Xaverians, you are blessed to have it. Pay it forward in all that you do.”
COMMUNITY AND VALUES
Dr. Hakin’s address was followed by remarks from Brett Baxter, Co-President of the StFX Senior Class. He talked about the special memories and friendships formed during one’s time at StFX. A New Brunswicker, he said he met “some of the kindest people in the world” in Antigonish and that he and his peers “will call this place our second home for life.”
Xaverians’ sense of community is paired with a set of values that are reflected in the university’s motto. Senior Human Kinetics student Gabriella Rocco spoke about the meaning of Quaecumque Sunt Vera (“Whatsoever Things are True”), a Christian message with universal relevance. She said that as Xaverians, “we strive to be inclusive, charitable and empathetic,” working for peace while pursuing excellence.
Further words of inspiration were shared by fourth-year Public Policy and Governance student Rory Jakubec, who read from the writings of Rev. Dr. Moses Coady. “Staying within the present framework is a smug philosophy,” said the great pioneer of the Antigonish Movement and namesake of StFX’s Coady Institute. He urged learners to challenge the status quo and champion the cause of social and economic justice.
GLOBAL SIGNIFICANCE
This year’s X-Ring guest speaker was alumnus John Caplice, Class of ‘87, a prominent Canadian businessperson and former member of the StFX Board of Governors. Mr. Caplice established the Point After Club, which provides financial support to the university, StFX Athletics, and the X-Men Football program.
In a special intergenerational moment, Mr. Caplice was introduced by his nephew Quinn Caplice – a graduating Business student and founding member of the student-led nonprofit Pucks for Purpose.
Mr. Caplice spoke of the 50,000-strong StFX alumni network and the worldwide recognition of the X-Ring. He emphasized the sense of belonging that comes with bearing this symbol, as well as a sense of responsibility. “Do not compromise in your search for the truth,” he said. “Collaborate with others and find your truth together.”
Senior Accounting student and X-Men Football team member Devaughn Blackwood responded to Mr. Caplice’s address. “Your deep love for this institution is evident in everything you do,” he said, thanking Mr. Caplice for his generosity and dedication to StFX.
Reinforcing the value of the StFX alumni network was the alumni greeting from Michael Gillis (Class of ‘87), President of the StFX Alumni Association. He described the X-Ring as a “VIP pass” to the Xaverian community, reminding students that “The X is not just in your hands; it’s in your heart.”
A LONG-AWAITED MOMENT
At the heart of the ceremony was the conferral of X-Rings. Many students begin counting down to X-Ring Day from day one of their undergraduate degree, and today, the wait was over. Students lined up to receive their rings from the Deans of Arts, Science, Business and Education.
But first, an unanticipated moment – from the back of the room, a cheer of “Go X Go” erupted, led by none other than StFX’s beloved Father Stanley MacDonald.
Bearing their shiny new rings, students took their places for the Xaverian Commitment, an X-Ring tradition led this year by Students’ Union President Francisco Chang Ubillus.
“We shall exemplify the Xaverian spirit of honesty in our studies, respect in our treatment of one another, and generosity in our contribution to the community,” he and his classmates recited together.
As the ceremony proceeded out of the Keating Centre, students carried on a longstanding tradition in knocking their new X-Rings on a pew borrowed from the StFX Chapel.
A SPECIAL HONOUR
A highlight of each year’s ceremony is the presentation of an honourary X-Ring to an individual who has made a special contribution to the Xaverian community. The identity of the recipient is kept secret until the ceremony.
Third-year StFX student Lilian Gray introduced Mr. Barry O’Leary as this year’s honourary X-Ring recipient. His nomination was entirely student-led, inspired by his generous support of current and future Xaverians.
Mr. O’Leary “began his undergraduate studies at StFX and although he went on to complete them elsewhere, he never forgot his formative years at this university,” said Ms. Gray. A successful businessperson and proud Xaverian, he financially supports and mentors Ottawa-area students who might otherwise not have the opportunity to study at StFX.
“As a recipient myself, I can tell you that the kindness of this man has been life changing,” said Ms. Gray. “He genuinely cares about us students and only wants the best for us.”
Upon receiving his X-Ring, Mr. O’Leary remarked on the evolution of StFX into “the university of choice” for many, recalling conversations with Ottawa high-school students who turned down other offers for the unique experience StFX promised. He encouraged students to nurture the relationships they form at StFX, which “will stick with you all your life.”
