Contents Fall 2013
8
Five generations at the Mount
One family’s remarkable dedication to our institution and its ideals
Women’s Wall of Honour 1 1 Growing brick by brick and tribute by
tribute
13
President’s Message New MSVAA president Lisa Whynott outlines her goals
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MSV Golf Classic A fun day on the links helps raise funds
17 Meet an artist, a business woman, and a
Alumnae profiles humanitarian
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Class Notes Find out what your fellow alumnae are up to
Grads around the globe 28 Halifax winters were a shock to
Bermudian student Kate Piggott
On THE COVER:
On our 140th anniversary, Dr. Ken Dewar reflects on the Sisters’ legacy of tenacity and flexibility, p. 5-7.
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Message from the President Fall is a special season here at the Mount. Our campus brims with the energy that comes from a fresh start, new students and the launch of another academic year. And this year is marked with many reasons to celebrate. The Margaret Norrie McCain Centre for Teaching, Learning and Research, our first new academic building to be constructed in more than 40 years, is rising at the same time as we pay tribute to 140 years of history at the Mount. We’ve also just completed a new strategic plan, Mount 2017: Making a Difference, that builds on a proud history and gives us direction for the work ahead. As we celebrate our past and look to the future, I can’t help but reflect on the many attributes that make our institution and its graduates so special. The Mount has built its reputation on the promise of creating opportunity for individuals. We serve a diverse range of students through accessible, flexible learning environments. At a time when our province is facing many demographic challenges and when the retention of a vibrant citizenry is pivotal to our collective future, we can proudly say that we educate Nova Scotians to make a difference in their world. Whether we open the door to a student who may be the first in her family to attend university, warmly welcome an international student to undertake studies far from home, support a single parent in pursuit of a degree through distance learning, or make it possible for a mature student to pursue a new career, we create opportunity that has lasting impact on the social fabric of communities. We are academic leaders in key areas such as food security, care of the aging and their caregivers, healthy childhood, and economic and social development through the advancement of women. Our research and academic programs focus on social innovation and address key social priorities. As we celebrate our heritage, we can take pride in knowing that our work is not only foundational for students who will grace our hallways or pursue their learning through distance education, but it is also shaping the future of Nova Scotia at a most fundamental level—in our communities. My thanks to each of you for the role you have played in contributing to the Mount’s legacy and in continuing to support our progress. Fall tidings,