SPRING 2015
alumni
&
f riends
Foster Care
New Brunswick in
Zoe Bourgeois, BA ’14 advocates for foster children
Honouring Rosemary Clews
S AV E T H E D A T E
ALUMNI WEEKEND OCT. 2-4
OP-ED:
The Adaptability of the Liberal Arts
UNIV ER
TY SI
ST . T HO
Come one, come all to Alumni Alumni Weekend WEEKEND 2015 2015! AS M
Save the Date! Alumni Weekend 2015 October 2-4
View event details and register now to join friends and former classmates back on campus by visiting www.stu.ca/alumniweekend or by calling 452-0521
A f e w e v e n t s i n cl u d e :
Thomists’ 50th Anniversary Alumni Dinner & Dance
BBQ & Fair STU Kickoff Social
Welcome Reception
President’s Special R e u n i o n L UN C H
Alumni Mass
Alumni Service Award Call for Nominations! Nominations will be accepted until June 30th, 2015. Nominate an amazing member of our alumni community today! www.stu.ca/giving
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ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY CONNECTIONS
Welcome MESSAGE FROM YOUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
In the midst of the winter we just had, I would expect most people felt like they were stuck and that winter would last forever. But of course, spring eventually arrived. I remember feeling this same isolation in the middle of each academic year when I felt it would never finish. Day by day, we got through it and made it to graduation and we realized it was all worth it. The class of 2019 is almost ready to begin their journey. In order to get where they want to be, they will have to pass through these long days as well. We want to encourage them to not give up. Much like spring after a long winter, nothing is sweeter than graduation after four years of hard work. The T-Ceremony and Graduation Dinner in March marked the beginning of these very exciting times for our graduates. And then we welcomed these well-deserving
Bruce Hanson President, STU Alumni Association
folks at Convocation in May as they became members of our Alumni Association. We want to encourage them to become active and stay engaged. If you haven’t been connected, I would encourage you to attend a local event in your region and plan to come home to campus for Alumni Weekend in October. Take a moment and think of your days at STU. Think of your degree and how it helped you achieve all that you have. But more importantly, think about how STU shaped who you are and how it helped you make a difference in your community.
GREEN AND GOLD PRIDE The university and alumni association have hosted several regional events attracting hundreds of alumni to come out and reconnect with each other and their alma mater. Alumni, organizations and friends of St. Thomas have generously funded and established 14 new, named scholarships and bursaries this past year. This does not include the $100K+ in donations supporting our unrestricted scholarship and bursary funds that fuel entrance awards and financial assistance to those who need it most over the course of the year. And, STU alumni are making headlines with their commitment to community and social justice which ultimately reinforces our reputation as the national leader in liberal arts. Be proud of your alma mater, for it is a good time to be a STU alumnus. The Premier recently referred to St. Thomas as “small but mighty” in a televised address. There is noteworthy momentum and pride within the STU alumni community that fosters the rich history upon which the university was built.
Jeff Wright Vice President, Advancement and Alumni
TABLE OF CONTENTS CONNECTING 5 stu builders 7 STU FAMILY 8 COVER STORY 10 profileS 13 OPINION 14 Campus Watch 16 New & noteworthy 25 We welcome your comments. Phone: 506-452-0521 E-mail: alumni@stu.ca Website: www.stu.ca Facebook: St Thomas University Alumni Twitter: @StThomasAlumni
Connections is a publication of The Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, St. Thomas University, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada E3B 5G3. It is distributed free-of-charge to more than 10,000 St. Thomas University alumni and friends worldwide. Make a gift online supporting STU at www.stu.ca/giving. Publisher Office of Advancement and Alumni, St. Thomas University Editor Jacqueline Cormier, BA ’08 Editorial Advisory Team Jeff Wright Wanda Bearresto, BA ’87 Jeffrey Carleton Mary Fahey, BA ’15 Kathleen McCann, BA ’13 Kerstin Schlote, BA ’15 Photos Keith Minchin, Kyle Albright, BA ’13 Design, Layout, Printing Kiers Marketing Group Taylor Printing Group Inc.
And speaking of history, The Thomists turn 50 years old this year. The band’s roots run deep at St. Thomas. In the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s the band played virtually every St. Thomas and University of New Brunswick function that included dancing – every faculty ball, every seasonal party, every campus event. Students would line up at 9 a.m. to get tickets for the legendary STU Socials. At STU’s 2015 Alumni Weekend — scheduled for October 2nd through 4th — we will pay tribute to The Thomists with a Dinner & Dance event. There are several other Alumni Weekend events being planned as well, and registration is now open! I hope you will consider joining us this fall.
Alumni Association Board of Directors 2014-15 Executive Committee Bruce Hanson, BA ’97 (Saint John) Cynthia Jenkins, BA ’05 (Fredericton) Frank McBrearty, BA ’06 (Saint John) Phil Ouellette, BA ’04 (Saint John) Andrew Spreight, BA ’04 (Fredericton) At-Large Members Travis Aten, BA ’15 (North Wiltshire) Don Bossé, BA ’82, BEd ’83 (Fredericton) Natalie Essiembre, BA ’99 (Shediac) Ellen Desmond, BA ’88 (Rothesay) Dennis Livingston, BA ’73 (Riverview) Brendan Marshall, BA ’06 (Gatineau) Joanne Moores, BA ’86 (Halifax) Vanessa Paesani, BEd ’10 (Fredericton) Denyse Smart, BA ’80 (Fredericton) Jeanne Smith, BA ’76 (Saint John) Marg Tracy, BA ’75 (Fredericton) ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY CONNECTIONS
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SAVE THE DATE! Fredericton, NB - June 19, 2015: LeRoy Washburn Golf Classic
Alumni
Play a round of golf in support of our student-athletes at the annual LeRoy Washburn tribute event. Visit www.gotommies.com for more information and to register.
Fredericton, NB - June 20, 2015: Sports Wall of Fame Luncheon The 2015 STU Sports Wall of Fame Luncheon will take place at the St. Thomas University Conference Centre, Forest Hill Road. Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased by contacting Jennifer Burry at 506-452-0414 or email at jburry@stu.ca. See page 22 to read about this year’s inductees.
Miramichi, NB - July 18, 2015: Alumni Social
Join STU alumni for some fun at this annual event in conjunction with the Irish Festival. This year we will gather from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Season’s View Café at 1729 Water Street. Don’t miss it!
Fredericton, NB - TBD: STU Harvest Pit Stop
Last year’s STU Pit Stop was a hit. Let’s do it again! Plan to stop by for a drink as part of your Fredericton Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival plans. Watch the STU alumni website for event details.
Fredericton, NB - October 2-4, 2015: Alumni Weekend
You can’t miss this! Come back to campus for the weekend and join in on the festivities. Reconnect with friends, former professors and classmates. To learn more, and to register, visit www.stu.ca/alumniweekend.
Fredericton, NB - Saturday, October 3, 2015: Alumni Dinner & Dance featuring The Thomists
Enjoy Alumni Weekend’s highlight event celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Thomists. Following dinner, you can dance the night away with the sounds of the Big Band music performed by The Thomists. Band founder Harry Rigby will be in attendance and will lead the band for a few numbers. Tickets are $50 per person, $20 of which is a charitable receipt supporting the Professor Harry Rigby Bursary Fund.
Fredericton, NB - Sunday, October 4, 2015: STUAA Board of Directors Annual General Meeting
Open to all STU alumni, the alumni association’s Annual General Meeting is when new Board members are elected and the priorities and financial health of the organization are reviewed. If you are interested in getting involved with your alumni association, this is a great opportunity to meet your board members and see how things work.
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ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY CONNECTIONS
UPCOMING
and University EVENTS
To RSVP or for details on any of these events or other upcoming events, please see www.stu.ca or contact Wanda by email at alumni@stu.ca or 506.452.0521
Sussex Area Alumni Reception at the Timberland Motel & Restaurant – April 15
Alumni Gatherings
connecting
1 From Left: Bruce Hanson, BA ’97; Daryl Caines, BED ’80; Jeff Steeves; Natalie Steeves, BA’01, BEd ’11; Joe Monahan, BA ’72 BEd ’75; Joanne Lucas, BA ’75 BEd ’76; Richard Sullivan, BA ’70 BEd ’72; Vivian Crossman, BA ’86 and Jeff Wright
2 1
Saint John Area Alumni Reception at Happinez Wine Bar – January 22
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2 From left: Patrick McCaffery, Stephanie Underhill-Tomilson, BA ’95 BEd ’96; Patricia Donihee, CSW ’77; Ken Gould,BA ’65 BEd ’68; Hugh Fitzpatrick; Jamie Whelly, BA ’77 3 From left: Mary Ann Melvin, BA ’07 BEd ’08; Joe Coughlan, BA ’72; Bruce Hanson, BA ’97; Father Doug McNeil, BA ’77; Brian Speight, BA ’73; Larry Batt, BA ’69
Thanks for the memories, Dwight! A group of former men’s basketball players came to the Tommies’ last home game to honour retiring coach Dwight Dickinson.
Back Row: Tom MacLeod, Tim Ross, Dave Dolan, Nathan Mazurkiewicz, Calvin LeBlanc, Josh Drennan, Dwight Dickinson, Jason Daniels, Sam Drummond, Brad Hovey, Brandan Seagrave, Mike Hume
Middle Row: Spencer Jeffrey, Tom Lewis, Chris Cummins, Matt Veno, Jacob Tozer, Danny Carson, Michael Chan, Quentin Sock, John Cann, Steve Lawrence, Matt Sweezey, Scott MacLeod
Front Row: Fred Connors, Don Bosse, Dylan Gallant, Jeremy Speller, Ben Cripps, Jacob Eatmon, William Barber, Jon Wade, Keith Grosse, Peter Douthwright, Mike Bonnar
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connecting
1
Moncton Area Alumni Reception at the 114 Alma City Club – March 10
1 From left: Roberta Brine, BT ’75, BA ’78 ; Jonathan Briggs, BA ’04;
lumni Gathe
Pauline Toner, BA ’47; President Dawn Russell, BA ’77; Al Kavanaugh, BA ’59; Tom Toner; Richard Jardine, BA ’71 and Dennis Livingstone, BA ’73
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2 From left: Dawn McIntyre; Hon Mike McKee, BA ’62, LLD ‘12;
John Tingley, BA ’88; Paulette Tingley, BA ’88
St. Thomas University Alumni Association Holiday Gathering in Fredericton at Isaac’s Way December 17 3 From left: Pat Ellsworth, BA ’69, Matt DeCourcey, BA ’05, Anne Doyle, BA ’69, and Jane Asher, BA ’72, BSW ’86 4 From left: Dan Murphy, BA ’08; Melissa Wah, BA ’10; Jennifer (Gillespie) Lockhart, BA ’08, and Andrew Lockhart, BA ’10
3 4 Halifax Area Alumni Reception at the Old Triangle Irish Alehouse November 13
5 Front row, from left: Melinda Wellband, BA ’10;
Maureen Belding, BA ’03; Liz Murphy, BA ’14
Middle row, from left: Claudia Kingstone; Wanda Bearresto, BA ’87; Tracey House, BA ’12; Aimee (White) Chow, BA ’04
Back row, from left: Judy Harrity, BA ’70; Stephen Brosha, BA ’06; Kristen Petrikowski, BA ’10; Ben McNamara, BA ’07 BED ’08; Jeff Wright
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5 ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY CONNECTIONS
STU BUILDERS
Remembering Rosemary The Dr. Rosemary Clews Memorial Student Research Internship By Jacqueline Cormier, BA ‘08 To those who knew her well, the name Rosemary Clews was synonymous with education and research. Now, thanks to a new research internship in her name, this legacy will live on at St. Thomas. A social worker who became an academic, Clews came to St. Thomas University in 1996 to teach in the social work department. “Rosemary was a much loved teacher who believed strongly in student-centred learning and participation in the classroom,” says former colleague Dr. Suzanne Dudziak. “She designed and taught courses in her areas of interest which included anti-racist social work, social work and aging, work with oppressed groups, and rural social work.” Clews was also known for her passion for research and for supporting others’ research. She participated with colleagues Bill Randall and Dolores Furlong in the early development of narrative studies at St. Thomas. (A book the three wrote together was launched earlier this year). She also supported the growing efforts of qualitative researchers on campus. In 2002, Clews was appointed assistant vice-president (research), a new position at the university, becoming the first female to be part of STU’s senior administration. “During her time in this role, she thoroughly enjoyed offering support to faculty as they designed and sought funding for their research projects,” Dudziak says. Clews was pivotal in helping St. Thomas obtain three Canada Research Chairs, thus increasing the profile and reputation of the university’s researchers. She also established
the now annual Student Research and Ideas Fair in order to showcase the research of students at St. Thomas. Clews remained in this position until her retirement in 2009. After Clews’ sudden death in 2012, her friends and former colleagues wanted to find a way to honour her memory. That’s when they decided to start a student research internship in her name. “Rosemary Clews was a research champion for St Thomas for many years,” says former colleague Dr. Gayle MacDonald, who was Clews’ successor as assistant vice-president (research). “She also held a special place in her heart for research done by students. It is only fitting, and a testament to her hard work here, that we have a student internship in her name. I would like to think that Rosemary would approve of an internship that grants students transferable skills, as that speaks to Rosemary’s marriage of theory and praxis. “ The internship enables a student to receive compensation while developing a set of research skills by working with a professor in an area of the student’s interest. Student interns will be better positioned to pursue graduate studies or begin their careers with useful research, analytical, and project management skills and experience that will complement their liberal arts education deliverables: problem solving skills, critical thinking skills, global perspectives, and strong communication skills.
“My mother’s entire life was about education, in terms of her learning and also in terms of teaching other people, as a social worker, social work manager, and then as a professor. It fits very well to have this internship,” he says. “Research was a very big part of my mother’s life. I hope that the internship will get young students interested in research.” “It makes us proud to see her name associated with encouraging others to do research in their chosen fields” adds Clews’ daughter Miriam Taylor. “It is an important contribution to the university because research helps us to push the boundaries of our knowledge and understanding of the world. This is why Mum would be happy to have an internship carried on in her name.”
Our intent is to continue to grow the value and impact of the Endowment. To make a gift supporting this endowed internship in memory of Rosemary, please contact Jeff Wright, VP Advancement at wright@stu.ca or 506-452-0542.
Aaron Taylor, Clews’ son, says the internship is a great way to honour his mother’s memory.
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STU Families background in the liberal arts was essential to his career in law. “It’s taught me how to think, identify the problem, break the problem into bite size pieces and approach it methodically and logically, to some sort of rational conclusion.” It was important to Peter to stay connected with his alma mater after graduation. He sat on the board of governors for three terms when Dr. Dan O’Brien was president.
Michael Forestell, BA ’15 with his uncle Peter Forestell, BA ’73 and cousin Harry Forestell, BA ’84
“I benefitted from being there. And you would too.” The Forestell Family Legacy at St. Thomas
By Jacqueline Cormier, BA ’08
No matter where in the world Harry Forestell, BA ’84, was living or working, he said his home was always New Brunswick and STU.
STU was not a new place for Harry. Many of his cousins had studied there before him, and many family members would follow in their footsteps afterwards.
The CBC New Brunswick news anchor has spent more than 20 years reporting on the news from across Europe, the UK and North America.
Peter Forestell, BA ’73, was the first member of the Forestell family to attend STU. He remembers his time on campus as some of the best years of his life. He loved his economics classes with Dr. Tom Good and Dr. Joan MacFarland. He also met his wife Marina Lundy at a dance with The Thomists.
“I really enjoyed knowing that the people that I love and that I’m close to were benefitting to some extent to the work that I was doing by being better connected to the world,” he said. Many of his former professors kept in touch with him during his travels. “They followed my career. It’s almost like an extension of family. I always felt going back to St. Thomas was going home,” he says. “St. Thomas is an important community. People looked after one another, supported one another, cared about one another. The size of the community was crucial. You didn’t get lost at St. Thomas in the numbers as you might at other universities.” 8 SPRING 2015
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Peter worked as the director of student affairs on campus for a year after graduating before moving on to law school at UNB. “Law school wasn’t as much fun as my undergrad at STU, but when I articled at the firm I’m still with now, I knew it was what I wanted to do. I deal with great people, interesting clients, wonderful work. Every day was a challenge and still, 38 or 39 years later, I love to come to the office every day. I’m very fortunate.” Peter is now a partner at the Saint John office of Cox & Palmer where he practises corporate and commercial law. He says his
“I am very proud of how it has evolved and I am very proud to have been a part of that evolution. Look at the campus: it’s spectacular! Look at the programs, at its reputation, at the quality of the education and the quality of the profs. Everything has improved tremendously over the years.” Peter began a fourth term on the board of governors in May. Having more than a dozen family members in its alumni family, Michael Forestell, BA ’15, said St. Thomas was always top of mind for him. He is the youngest member of the Forestell family to have graduated from STU. “I had known some of my older cousins had really enjoyed it and made friends at St. Thomas, so I had a fair idea of what to expect. It’s a place that you can run into interesting and engaging people.” He appreciated studying at a small university in a capital city – a dynamic that offers more options to students. “I remember in the span of one or two weeks, we had Stéphane Dion, Paul Martin, Frank McKenna, and Brian Mulroney on campus. That’s not something you would get in a smaller college town.” During his time at STU, Michael travelled to Honduras to live and work with individuals with intellectual disabilities. He also travelled to Boston this year to participate in Model UN. Michael, who graduated in May, received the University Medal for Academic Excellence in Arts. Harry says he’s pleased so many Forestells chose St. Thomas because it is a testament to the great student experience they received. “I think it’s a credit to St. Thomas that it provides such a good education that family members are able to say to those who come behind them, “hey, this is a good school. I benefitted from being there. And you would too.”
“In 1975, Larry Batt and Father Martin took a chance on me and I was accepted to STU. STU taught me how to think critically and offered a new prism from which to view not only myself but also my country.
Planned Giving
Leaving a Legacy to STU
Whether it’s naming St. Thomas as a beneficiary of a portion of your estate in your will or in your life insurance policy, or by putting aside a set amount for a gift to the university, planned giving allows you to give back to your alma mater and help shape a new generation of leaders.
Bequests You can leave a specific dollar amount from your estate to St. Thomas University. You can also leave a percentage or the remainder of your estate to St. Thomas University once all other bequests and expenses have been paid.
Securities You can give publicly-listed securities such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds to St.Thomas University through your estate. A donation of securities is a great way to make a significant difference to our students and university. The elimination of the capital gains tax on gifts of securities may create a considerable tax advantage to you, depending on your financial situation.
As a result of the educational foundation STU provided, I went on to UNB Law School and thereafter secured an LLM from McGeorge. I am now a Partner in the law firm of Hinckley Allen concentrating in construction law litigation. I am blessed in that I love what I do and I owe all that I have accomplished professionally to the start STU provided.
Beneficiary Designation You can name St. Thomas University as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, life insurance or insurance annuity assets.
When it came time for estate planning – never a pleasant task – it was an easy decision to leave some money to STU so that in some small way I could try to repay all that STU gave me.”
To learn more about leaving a legacy gift to STU, please contact Jeff Wright, at wrightj@stu.ca or 506-452-0542.
- Tim Corey, BA ’79
TOTAL RECALL Can you identify people in this photo? Email your answers to alumni@stu.ca by July 15th to win a STU hoodie or golf shirt. ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY CONNECTIONS
SPRING 2015 9
Cover Story
Close to home
Former foster children help reshape the system By Mary Fahey, BA ’15
The best foster parent Zoe Bourgeois, BA ’14, ever had always bought her what she wanted for Christmas. She let Bourgeois eat whatever she wanted on Friday nights and gave her all the attention she needed. After spending her childhood in the foster care system, that home brought Bourgeois a tranquility and stability that had been missing in her life. In her two years living there at ages nine and ten, she felt truly safe. “It was the only foster home that was very calming and felt like a real home,” said Bourgeois, now 23 and a student in the St. Thomas University School of Social Work. “I still have the blanket she got me for Christmas. I continue to have her in my life. I adopted her as my grandmother.” Bourgeois was adopted when she was 15. She had lived in and out of foster care homes since she was a baby because her mother, an alcoholic with bipolar disorder, couldn’t support her and her brothers. In her decade and a half under the care of the government, Bourgeois lived in six or seven homes, with brief stints back in her mother’s house. Not all her experiences in the foster care system were good ones. “I often wondered why they took me out of my biological mother’s home and put me in homes that were just as bad, if not worse,” said Bourgeois. “I was very well aware, even at the age of three, that I needed to know my social worker’s number and memorize that for when I was in a situation of danger.” The worst foster parents she lived with mistreated her and her older brother. In this home, the foster parents forced her brother to work around the house at six years old. They were fed nothing but brown beans for every meal, while the parents themselves feasted on steak and potatoes every night. “Just because someone doesn’t have a criminal record, doesn’t mean they’re not bad people,” said Bourgeois. “After I called my social worker, they were immediately investigated and no longer allowed to have foster children.”
Zoe Bourgeois, BA ’14
Inadequate foster parents can slip through the cracks in the care system. Some say the training isn’t enough to prepare the parents, and the screening isn’t enough to protect the kids. In New Brunswick, there are approximately 715 kids in permanent or temporary foster care, but only 434 homes. The popular notions about foster children say they’re
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cover story
“ I have the best job. It is the biggest privilege to work with these young people and to create a space where we can move forward on what they see as integral.” The report “A Long Road Home” is the result of the hearings. It details 14 recommendations for the government including invigorated public education to help attract foster parents and dedicating more money to education. Robyn Lippett, BSW ’14 damaged goods, troubled kids, tough to handle and not worth the trouble. But Robyn Lippett at the New Brunswick Youth in Care Network says you just need to meet one of these kids to see how far that is from the truth. “Without a doubt, these are the most intelligent, courageous and resilient people and young folks that I have ever met in my life,” said Lippett, a 2014 STU social work graduate. “I have the best job. It is the biggest privilege to work with these young people and to create a space where we can move forward on what they see as integral.” The New Brunswick Youth in Care Network (NBYICN) is a program of Partners for Youth Inc., a provincial non-profit dedicated to helping kids surmount challenging situations. The network is one of support; it gives children and youth in the care system a chance to connect. They organize programs and events to help kids learn valuable life skills, like cooking classes, but they also advise government on policy development. Zoe Bourgeois is just one of many former youth in care who form the network’s leadership team.
“We’ve definitely seen a really intentional focus from Social Development to partner with us on some of the policy revision,” said Lippett. “It’s not short term. These much larger system changes that the network has spoken to require a lot of work and a lot of partnership.”
Finding a good home for every child Valerie DeLong is a program consultant in the Department of Social Development that works with foster homes. A graduate from the STU social work program in ‘86, she’s been in her position for the last five years. She says the foster care system is as airtight as it can be with what’s available, and even though the number of children in care is decreasing, they can always use more foster families. “You never want to be in the position where you don’t have a placement for a child or overburdening a foster family who has too many children,” said DeLong. “I encourage anyone to call who has room in their home and their heart to foster.”
Fifteen years ago, New Brunswick adopted a training and screening program called PRIDE, or “Parenting Resources for Information, Development and Education.” The program begins with a pre-service module consisting of 27 hours of training and information held over nine-weeks, that essentially gives potential foster parents a glimpse at what they are getting into. PRIDE has an additional ten modules which assist approved foster families to deal with any challenging situation a foster child might bring with them, such as behavioural issues or substance abuse. Other training is available depending on the needs of the foster family and the situations they are encountering. Hand in hand with PRIDE is SAFE, or “Structured Analysis Family Evaluation.” The SAFE Assessment model was implemented in April 2014 and is New Brunswick’s assessment for potential foster families. In addition to assessing the home environment, social workers assess the individuals’ current functioning and their ability to parent. DeLong said most provinces are using SAFE, as well as PRIDE, and believe they are the best programs out there right now. “I’m sure that on the horizon there might be something else,” she said. “We continuously review programs in an effort to ensure we are staying abreast of any new approaches.”
Both Lippett and Bourgeois said the system lacks perspectives from the people with lived experience. Foster kids need to have their voices heard when policies are on the table. That’s why, in November 2012, Partners for Youth and the NBYICN organized the New Brunswick Youth In Care Hearings. These hearings allowed people with first-hand experience with the care system to talk directly to the people who run that system – the policy makers themselves. “The youth in our network want a lot of change in the system,” said Lippett. “That was the intention behind the hearings: to really amplify these stories and get a process of change moving forward.”
Valerie DeLong, BSW ’86 ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY CONNECTIONS
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Cover Story who have been in care and now describe themselves as living well.” It’s up to the women to decide what exactly “living well” means. McKenzie-Mohr has made a point to involve the women in every aspect of the research and give their stories prominence. She said that the research participants have offered accounts of their significant challenges before, during and after living in the care system, and they have shown commitment and courage to share their stories. “At the end of every interview, I ask the participants why they chose to participate in this study,” said McKenzie-Mohr. “Across the board, what I heard was, ‘If my story can in some way assist others or assist in improving the system, so that when others are faced with being in foster care it will be a better experience, then I want to share it.’”
Cindy and Alan Doucet, BEd ’88
“It comes down to just loving children and wanting to help out...It seemed to be a natural fit for us.” DeLong said the province does everything it can to make sure kids are going to good foster homes when they need to come into care, but the ideal home for a child is with its biological family. “New Brunswick has implemented a lot of changes with respect to protection services and we try to keep children safely in their homes,” she said. “That’s the ultimate goal.” In the meantime, foster parents like Alan and Cindy Doucet are there to open their homes to kids who need it. They knew of other families who were enjoying fostering, so they decided to look into it. Now, nearly four years later, the Doucets have three biological children, two adopted from Ethiopia and foster children always coming in and out of their home. “It comes down to just loving children and wanting to help out,” said Alan, a STU education grad of ‘88. “It seemed to be a natural fit for us.” Alan and Cindy have monthly visits from foster kids. They still take them swimming or on evening walks. Alan said parenting is
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That’s exactly what Zoe Bourgeois is doing now. She made herself a family who she loves and who loves her. She advocates for foster children and teen adoption now, and she credits her experiences for making her who she is today. “It’s made me stronger,” she said. “I think it’s really important to advocate. This is how people get the education they need to understand the system and the children involved. Our voices are needed.”
always hard, but there are always opportunities to teach. With patience, you can help a child grow and transition to a happy life. “When the kids come through the door, they become part of our world. We don’t treat them any differently than we treat our own children,” Cindy said. “You can see how you’re helping out and being a positive role model to a young child,” Alan said.
From foster care to living well Sue McKenzie-Mohr studies how exactly foster youth can make that transition to living well. The STU social work professor has just finished conducting interviews with ten women raised in the system to see how they managed their transition to living independently as young adults. “There’s very little research based on the first-hand accounts and insights of those with lived experience,” she said. “I wanted to highlight the stories of young women
Professor Sue McKenzie-Mohr
PROFILES
Growing old: A holistic approach to aging By Kerstin Schlote, BA ’15
Third year student Linda Matthews wants to help New Brunswick face what she believes are the biggest challenges ahead: a growing senior population and the stigma of “getting old” rather than “growing old.” “We have to get rid of the idea of ‘bed blockers’ and a ‘tsunami of old people’,” she says. Matthews is pursuing a gerontology major at St. Thomas, one of only three Canadian universities to offer a comprehensive undergraduate program in the field. Gerontology students learn about the development of aging and the changes that take place in the process. Guided by recognized scholars and researchers, students examine aging from a sociological, psychological, physical, spiritual and philosophical perspective - a path that Matthews encourages every New Brunswick student to pursue. “Seniors have contributed vastly to our lives,” Matthews says. “We have to change the attitude and the way we talk about aging.”
A new philosophy of aging and a new concept of eldercare are at the heart of the Atlantic Institute on Aging. The institute entered a partnership with St. Thomas in early January with the goal to “get aging right.” Faculty, staff and students now have access to resources and researchers of the institute. As people’s response to aging depends on how they understand and perceive aging, the institute urges the adoption of “a holistic, multi-disciplinary and integrative approach.” The institute argues younger and older generations can benefit from each other through inclusion, appreciation, respect and self-esteem. Being sensitive about a person’s needs is crucial in elderly care, as Matthews learned during her work at senior homes. “Just because someone isn’t able to speak doesn’t mean they can’t hear you. So, don’t talk next to them saying they will only have a couple more months before they die. Who wants to hear that?” Instead of focusing on the need for more nursing homes to compensate for overfilled hospitals, she says our attention should be on educating people about healthy lifestyle choices, like the fact that flossing your teeth can give you extra years. “Aging is nothing to be sad or worried about. Yes, it is inevitable. It’s happening right now. You can’t stop it. Embrace it.” ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY CONNECTIONS
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opinion
OP-ED:
The Adaptability of the Liberal Arts Education WE EDUCATE OUR STUDENTS TO CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY Mike Ashar, CEO of Cairn India, the largest oil exploration company in that country, recently copied me on a message he had written to a group of employees. In part, he wrote: “A liberal arts education is indispensable for a good business and a good society.” Mike’s note marked the conclusion of a four-week pilot project that faculty at St. Thomas University conducted with engineers and accountants in his company. Through video conferencing, we delivered a series of lectures and discussions on ethics. We had done a similar project for Irving Oil when Mike was the CEO at that company and it was such a success that he wanted to try it in an international setting. What is behind Mike Ashar’s statement that “A liberal arts education is indispensable for a good business and a good society”? I think there are two distinct points. First, what is delivered through a liberal arts education — the kind of education that we specialize in at STU — is unique. Rather than simply training students to perform certain tasks, we equip them to handle an unlimited set of challenges. These include things that can be anticipated, such as being able to write well, think critically, articulate thoughts, and make connections across disparate disciplines. But even more valuable, a liberal arts education additionally equips a person to cope with challenges, careers and industries that aren’t even on the horizon when he or she graduates.
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There is an adaptability to the liberal arts mind that is not taught in any other academic discipline. While many people from many educational backgrounds may, by virtue of their own natural aptitudes, possess this characteristic of adaptable thinking, it is exactly what a liberal arts education provides to every student.
actors, writers and members of virtually every other profession you might think of. In short, we educate our students to contribute to society. That a multi-billion dollar international energy company from half way across the globe would seek us to teach its employees is proof that STU does this in a truly extraordinary way.
The second point is that a liberal arts education is a necessary component of a good society. As we face social issues that are not only local, but international and global in scope, we need informed citizens who are able to animate deliberation and decision making in democratic societies. Whether we are discussing natural resource development, the allocation of scarce public funds or macro issues such as climate change, society is counting on thoughtful and informed people to step up and contribute to finding solutions. Whether our students major in the social sciences or humanities, they are being equipped to respond to these challenges. Whether they are teachers, journalists or social workers, they are invaluable contributors to the type of society that we all desire — inclusive, just, educated and informed. The variety of the career paths of our alumni is a testament to what I am saying. Our graduates certainly do become teachers, social workers and journalists. But whether they graduate with a BA, BSW or BEd, they also become doctors, lawyers, public servants, entrepreneurs,
Dr. Barry Craig Vice President (Academic and Research)
Giving Tommies a Leg Up! St. Thomas University is pleased to announce the establishment of three new honorific Athletic Funds
Dwight Dickinson Basketball Award Endowment Generously funded by an endowment established by friends and alumni of STU basketball in honour of coach Dwight Dickinson’s 22 years of service, this new basketball fund will provide a scholarship to a member of the men’s team every year forever! We still need your help. To make a donation in honour of Dwight, please contact Jeff Wright, VP Advancement, at 506-452-0542 or wrightj@stu.ca.
LeRoy Washburn Tommies Championship Fund This fund is named in honour of longtime athletics director, Mr. LeRoy Washburn. LeRoy was the face of athletics for 30 years, and his compassion for studentathletes will be forever heralded. Donations to the fund will fuel the ultimate studentathlete experience: playing in championship matches. The fund will support additional team and players costs associated with championship travel, preparation and play. To make a donation in honour of LeRoy, please contact Anneke DeJong at 506-452-0645 or adejong@stu.ca.
Vance Toner Memorial Bursary Endowment What started off as a modest effort led by a group of Moncton-based alumni has generated support from across the province and Maritimes. This endowment will annually support a student in financial need while at the same time, memorialize the man who essentially founded athletics at St. Thomas. To make a gift in memory of Vance Toner, please contact Anneke DeJong at 506-452-0645 or adejong@stu.ca.
Need a gift for someone who has everything? Consider making a gift in their name to one of these funds, and at the same time recognize all these men have done to grow athletics at St. Thomas. LeRoy and Dwight will be notified of all donations (not amounts) made in their honour. Mrs. Pauline Toner will be notified of all donations made in memory for Vance Toner.
You are invited to join us in
celebrating the outstanding achievements
and
contributions of our alumni!
D e a dl i n e J u n e 3 0 t h
AS M
UNIV ER
TY SI
Please visit us online at www.stu.ca/giving to nominate an outstanding fellow alumni!
ST . T HO
We are accepting nominations for the Alumni Association Service Award which will be presented for the first time at Alumni Weekend.
Alumni WEEKEND 2015
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SPRING 2015 15
Campus WATCH READY TO LEAD I love to boast of the many and varied successes of our students, from their impressive record of achievement in attracting scholarships to pursue graduate studies or professional degrees, to their lively theatrical and musical performances; from their championship wins in men’s volleyball to their leadership in student government and service to the community. St. Thomas is known for educating informed, engaged citizens who are actively involved in their communities and their province — we have the proof! This reputation was substantiated by the recent National Baccalaureate Survey on Graduate Outcomes. St. Thomas’ graduates report significantly greater engagement than their peers nationally with civic issues, as well as with broader issues such as environmental sustainability and social diversity. Our graduates are also significantly more likely than their national peers to support community causes and social justice and human rights concerns. Similarly, the most recent National Survey of Student Engagement found that our students are also significantly more likely than their Canadian or Maritime peers to vote in local, provincial or federal elections. This feeling of pride culminates at Convocation when we celebrate our students’ success as they cross the stage to receive their degrees. It marks the completion of the journey they began when they arrived at STU and it is an opportunity to recognize their achievements and welcome them as alumni. We are proud of all they have accomplished at St. Thomas and we always look forward to see what kind of difference they will make in their communities in the years to come. Dawn Russell President and Vice-Chancellor
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ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY CONNECTIONS
“What Can’t We Do?” Class of 2015 Celebrates Spring Convocation St. Thomas University celebrated the achievements of over 400 students from the Bachelor of Applied Arts, Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts programs at Spring Convocation.
“When you look back, wealth, power, and fame will count for little in comparison to what you learned here,” he said.
St. Thomas President Dawn Russell welcomed graduates, faculty members, honorary degree recipients, and the 1,400 family members and supporters to the ceremony, noting convocation is the highlight of the academic year.
Valedictorian Nova Pelletier, of Nanaimo, BC, reflected on the graduates’ time at St. Thomas, describing the university as a place where students discovered their identity, developed a world view, and learned to be empathetic and open minded.
“You’ve persisted, you’ve succeeded, and you’ve found your way,” she said. “I hope in the future you will feel fondness and gratitude toward our small but mighty university.”
An Education that’s Unmatched Novelist Mark Helprin and community activist Sister Eleanor McCloskey received honorary degrees for their achievements in their respective careers. Helprin, who authored numerous novels, short stories, and children’s books, said a degree from St. Thomas equips students to answer broad questions and prepares them for life’s challenges.
Bishop Robert Harris, Chancellor; Sister Eleanor McCloskey, Honorary Degree Recipient; Dawn Russell, President and Vice-Chancellor, Mark Helprin, Honorary Degree Recipient.
“What Can’t We Do?”
“STU gave us a place to grow, a place to open our minds and explore a new way of thinking. I know we’re going to be asked what we’ll do with our degree, and to that I say ‘what can’t we do?’” Armed with their liberal arts degree and their new way of thinking, Pelletier said the class of 2015 is ready to make a difference in the world. “A liberal arts degree is more than a degree—it’s the way we look upon the world. We’ll be the people who make a difference in the world because we’re the ones who see it differently.”
campus watch
Examining the world in a critical way Kristi Allain joins sociology
gy of sports, public activism and community events. She is teaching Introduction to Sociology, Sociology of Sport and Sociology of Communications.
Dr. Kristi Allain brings her love for sports into the classroom, but her interest lies beyond a player’s stats. “I look at how playing hockey impacts the way young men understand themselves and others,” Allain explained. “I look at the reasons why Sydney Crosby is held up as an exemplar of Canadian masculinity. I’m really interested in how Canadian national identity and a particular kind of masculinity are forwarded through representations of these players.” Allain is the newest member of the department of sociology, and her research focuses on the sociolo-
She earned an undergraduate degree in sociology at Trent University, a master’s degree from Queen’s and returned to Trent to complete her doctorate in Canadian studies. She’s excited to be teaching at STU. “It’s lovely, small and specializes in liberal arts education which is something I think is very important. Focusing your students on their social world, on critical engagement, on thinking beyond the classroom seems to be the focus and that’s the kind of institution I really hoped to teach at.”
Exploring big questions Alumnus Matt Dinan returns to campus Dr. Matt Dinan has been named the St. John XXIII Chair in Catholic Studies eight years after graduating from St. Thomas with honours in English and great books. Dinan said his student experience at STU was transformative and is one of the reasons he became a professor. “I’m excited about Catholic studies because I’m a person who likes big questions. I’m also somebody who’s interested in showing how religious faith can be open to questions,” Dinan said. In his classes, Dinan will explore topics such as the relationship
between faith and reason, or questions like: Why do we suffer? He said classes in Catholic studies are open for all students, regardless of their religious beliefs. “I like to create a welcoming and safe space for my students, where they can feel comfortable taking intellectual risks.” Before returning to STU, Dinan taught at Baylor University and was the Charles Carroll Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow and a visiting assistant professor at College of Holy Cross, a small liberal arts school in Massachusetts. He earned his MA and his PhD in political science from Baylor University in Texas with a concentration in political philosophy.
Putting theory into action Marilyn Dupré fulfills a dream to teach at STU Dr. Marilyn Dupré, BSW ’89, has taken a leadership role in the program that gave her one of the best experiences of her life. After two decades of front-line and supervisory experience in social work, Dupré says it was always her dream to teach at STU. “I was looking for an academic program that would be focused on doing more than learning theory. I wanted something that put theory into action and involve community field experience,” she said. “When I was a student, STU gave me so much social and political awareness, and it opened my eyes to critical analysis. It contributed to my development as a person, so I loved the thought of coming back.”
In addition to her responsibilities as director, Dupré will be teaching the Theory for Social Work Practice course for the Mi’kmaq/Maliseet Bachelor of Social Work Program. Dupré previously taught part-time at the School of Social Work, while working as a supervisor and program delivery manager at the provincial department of social development. She’s also taught as a sessional instructor at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Social Work while earning her doctorate degree in social work.
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Outstanding Performances
campus watch
18 SPRING 2015
Achievements 14 athletes named conference all-stars 24 CCAA National Scholars 4 CCAA Academic All-Canadians 24 CIS Academic All-Canadians
Track and Field
Jonathan Gionet made St. Thomas history, becoming the first-ever studentathlete to win an individual medal at the Atlantic University Sport Track and Field Championships. Gionet captured the gold medal and was crowned the AUS shot put champion with a throw of 14.35 meters.
Wrestling
Third-year wrestler Lorena Ellis won the Atlantic University Sport Wrestling Championships’ 67 kilogram division and finished fourth at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport National Wrestling Championships.
Tommies earn all-Canadian awards
Four Tommies were named Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association All-Canadians for 2014-15, putting them among the nation’s top athletes in their sport. Basketballers Kelly Vass and William Barber, as well as volleyball standouts Jason Cannon and Marc Blinn, were recognized for their dominating performances on the court.
Men’s volleyball
The men’s volleyball team is on top again. The Tommies claimed their second straight Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association championship after downing the Holland College Hurricanes 3-0 in the conference final in Halifax. This was the Tommies’ second championship in the last three years and sixth in program history.
Athletes of the Year
Seniors Marissa Walcott and Jason Cannon took home top honours at the 2014-15 Athletics Banquet. Walcott, a fourth-year scrumhalf for the women’s rugby team, received the Female Athlete of the Year Award. Cannon, a fourth-year outside hitter for the men’s volleyball team, won the Male Athlete of the Year Duplessie-O’Reilley Trophy, donated by Jerry Duplessie and Ben O’Reilley. Walcott and Cannon were also their team’s most valuable players.
Awards for dedication and commitment
From left: Kaitlin Gamble, Marissa Walcott and Jason Cannon. Absent from photo: Felix Poulin. ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY CONNECTIONS
The commitment and dedication of two veteran Tommies was recognized at the Athletics Banquet. Kaitlin Gamble, a rugby player from Miscouche, PE, was presented with the Cathy Wadden Commitment Award, while Felix Poulin, a hockey player from Ste-Julie, QC, was the John Frederick Walls Memorial Award recipient.
“This is what I want to do”
Sam Wakefield, a longtime Sens fan, spent five days in Ottawa working with Sam Wakefield interns Brian Morris and with Ottawa Senators the Senators’ communications team for his communications and public policy internship. During his time in Ottawa, the Sens had a three-game home stand against the Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames and Boston Bruins. After this experience, Wakefield’s future plans have never been clearer. “I realized this is what I want to do,” he said. “If this internship didn’t happen, I would be looking for any communications job, but now I have a direction.”
campus watch
Grad receives Beaverbrook Scholarship Trisha Pelletier, of Moncton, NB, earned a prestigious Beaverbrook Scholarship to study law at the University of New Brunswick. The scholarship is renewable for three years and is worth $18,000 per year. Pelletier saw law school as the next step following her honours degree in philosophy — a degree that she believes taught her to articulate and debate difficult ideas. “Students with a liberal arts education have an advantage at law school because we are used to an environment where we plow through difficult readings and then critically analyze them.”
Casto Prize for Poetry Recipient of the Casto Prize for Poetry, Kaleton Martinson has just completed his sophomore year; while he has yet to declare his major he will soon be a part of STU’s English program. Kaleton’s winning poem, “You, Meredith,” details, through heavy classical allusions, the life of and inner turmoil faced by a young trans woman. YOU, MEREDITH Meredith, sharing that body of yours with him like Hansel and Gretel conjoined at the soul brought into being inside that still figure of yours breaths came but a heartbeat did not Meredith, who slept when the sun was up and wiped off mascara and russet lipstick with a towel before they came home to you even if you hated those you were to be lord, saviour, and a gift to Meredith, oh, Pallas Meredith hopped up on Ativan and nausea pills meant to distill the flavour of the apple you ate marked ‘for the fairest’ Meredith, who stands on far-off incandescent shores blinded and striking out at snakes seeing only truths oh, at your feathering touch the seas illuminate Meredith, who lives for someone else longing for a hand on the heart that is not your own please spare yourself, save yourself from envy least rewarding of all sins
Benjamin Lord, of Harvey, NB, was the 2015 recipient of the Tom McCann Memorial Award.
Model UN Ten International Relations students travelled to Boston to compete in the Harvard National Model United Nations. At the event, student-diplomats from around the world are assigned to discuss issues facing the international community. Head student-delegate Shannon Carmont said it was a great learning experience. “We experienced firsthand the process that a resolution of the United Nations must go through for approval and the competitive side of the simulation gave us a taste of real-world politics.”
Meredith, sleeping in a bathtub of stars natal from a supernova bought in the form of a Lush bath bomb long legs and long arms crossed, spread out respectively into infinity that speeds forward as your slim fingers and vermillion painted nails reach for and bring that neat bourbon to your spectral lips Meredith, your breast neither rises nor falls ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY CONNECTIONS
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campus watch
FA C U L T Y B O O K L A U N C H The Tales That Bind: A Narrative Model for Living and Helping in Rural Communities by Dr. William Randall, the late Dr. Rosemary Clews, and Dr. Dolores Furlong (UNB), draws on in-depth interviews conducted with more than 40 practitioners working in rural New Brunswick. The book presents a narrative approach to facing these challenges. Using fictionalized vignettes and autobiographical sketches, it’s argued that success as rural practitioners requires “knowing the story,” whether that is personal, communal or regional.
Faculty News Robin Peck’s crania sculptures on exhibit in New York City Fine arts professor Robin Peck’s work was exhibited at the New York City art gallery CANADA in March. The exhibit, entitled Crania, features twelve sculptures all resembling human heads. “The outer form is simple, handmade portrait busts without faces — crania. They’re heads without faces,” Peck said. Many of the works in the exhibition have been sold to various American and European collectors.
Dr. Michael Dawson named ASSOCIATE vice-president (research) Michael Dawson has been named associate vice-president (research). In his new role, Dawson will work to strengthen support for faculty research, promote the regional and national visibility of faculty research and creative work, and facilitate connections between faculty research and external communities. Dawson has been teaching in the department of history since 2004.
Faculty research funded by the McCain Award Dr. Karen Robert of the history department and Dr. Laurel Lewey of the school of social work received the 2015 Wallace and Margaret McCain Course Release Award. Robert will use the 3 credit-hour course release to complete Driving
Fear: The Ford Falcon as Icon of Argentina’s Cold War Terror, while Lewey aims to finish the manuscript titled You have to be a Marxist to be a Good Social Worker: A Reconnaissance of Radical Social Work in Canada (1914-1970).
Journal of New Brunswick Studies The new government of New Brunswick received advice from public policy experts in the Journal of New Brunswick Studies, which included contributions from Dr. Eilish Cleary, New Brunswick’s chief medical officer of health, and Dr. Tony Tremblay, Canada Research Chair in New Brunswick Studies at STU. www.stu.ca/jnbs
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Distinguished Scholar Award Dr. Dave Korotkov, psychology, received the McGraw-Hill Higher Education 2015 Distinguished Scholar Award from the American Association of Behavioral and Social Sciences for his editorial and scholarly contributions to the association’s Perspectives journal.
Lectures events
&
ON CAMPUS
campus watch The school of social work hosted the Social Action Fair, showcasing projects on issues like food security, the right to die, child obesity and reforming social assistance. Dr. Gordon Porter discussed how inclusion in schools teaches students about human rights at the Lodhi Lecture in Human Rights. Writer and journalist Nathan Schneider delivered the Dollard Lecture on “What Proofs about God Really Prove.” Dr. Irena Knezevic delivered “In Labels We Trust: Examining the Science, Regulation and Marketing of Food” for the science and technology studies annual lecture. Former Ontario Premier and Liberal Party Leader Bob Rae spoke about the importance of community engagement on
tough policy issues at the St. Thomas University Lecture in Public Engagement sponsored by TransCanada. Award-winning Afghan-Canadian director, author, actress and journalist Nelofer Pazira (left) delivered the Dalton Camp Lecture in Journalism. Turkish scholar Dr. Besim Can Zirh, of the Middle East Technical University posed the question “What is the nature of protest in the 21st century and who is the protester?” in a public lecture on global protests and resistance. The McKenna Centre for Communications and Public Policy hosted national Green Party Leader Elizabeth May who discussed parliamentary democracy and the Green Party.
Creating
more space on campus
As a means to create more communal space on campus, St. Thomas University is relocating its Chapel to Holy Cross House. With 75 per cent of the student population living off-campus, the university was searching for a way to create more spaces on campus for students. The relocation of the Chapel will create the opportunity for an accessible, social and communal space on the second floor of George Martin Hall. “The current Chapel is very large relative to the faith community that worships there and we are fortunate to have a second Chapel space on campus in Holy Cross House,” President Russell said. The changes to the Chapel are expected to take place this summer with the new common space ready for the fall.
Aboriginal Advisory Committee STU’s Aboriginal Student Services Advisory Committee was created to help STU be the university of choice for Aboriginal students. It will offer strategic advice on recruiting and on developing Aboriginal-specific student services and initiatives to improve retention, engagement and academic success. It will also offer advice on how to provide a culturally supportive environment that promotes academic achievement and the spiritual and emotional well-being of Aboriginal students. Finally, it will advise on the development of activities and programs to promote cross-cultural awareness among Aboriginals and non-Aboriginal members of the community.
From left: Dawn Russell, President of STU; Miigam’agan, Elder in Residence at STU; Michael Paul, student representative; Barb Martin, Han Martin and Associates; Lynn Francis, Director of Economic Development, Elsipogtog; Hazel Francis, Director of Postsecondary Education, North Shore Micmac District Council; Dan Robichaud, Aboriginal Student Services Officer, STU; Alison Brooks, Principal, Chief Harold Sappier Elementary school. Absent from photo but part of the committee: Darrah Beaver, Director of Education, Tobique First Nation; Graydon Nicholas, former Lieutenant Governor; Angie Acquin, Aboriginal Student Services, Devon Middle School; Alanna Peters, Student Representative, STU. ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY CONNECTIONS
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Sports wall of fame
2015 STU Sports Wall of Fame Inductees
Crystal (MacFarlane) Cernivz
Bob Mabie
Women’s Volleyball (2000-2004)
Crystal (MacFarlane) Cernivz played four years with the women’s volleyball team and helped lead the Tommies to four consecutive Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association championships. The Nackawic native was named a first team all-conference player four times and was named the ACAA player of the year three times. Cernivz was a three-time female athlete of the year, threetime women’s volleyball most valuable player and a three-time Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association All-Canadian.
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ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY CONNECTIONS
Men’s Hockey Coach (1966-1974)
Gordon Wheaton
Men’s Hockey (1968-1972) Gordon Wheaton was a standout left-winger on the men’s hockey team from 19681972. The Fredericton native was named the men’s hockey team most valuable player for three consecutive years — 1969, 1970, and 1971 — and was honoured as a conference all-star in 1969 and 1970. In his four years with the Tommies, Wheaton never finished a season with less than 21 points.
Bob Mabie spent eight years at the helm of the men’s hockey team. During that time, he coached the Tommies to a New Brunswick Championship, which gave them the opportunity to attend the first-ever Canada Winter Games in Quebec City. On route to that championship, Mabie led the Tommies to a 4-3 comeback win over the Mount Allison Mounties before guiding them to a 4-1 win over Université de Moncton in the finals.
sports wall of fame
Men’s Basketball Team 2003-2004
The 2003-2004 men’s basketball team remains the program’s most successful team. The Tommies began their run at the university history books by winning the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association championship with conference MVP David Robson and second team allconference players Steve Lawrence and Andrew Robson leading the way. At the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association national championships, the Tommies claimed the silver medal — the first national medal for any sport at the university.
Callum MacPhee
Men’s Hockey (1966-1970) Callum MacPhee spent four years between the pipes for the men’s hockey program and was one of the best goaltenders ever to don the ‘green and gold’. In his four seasons with the Tommies, MacPhee was named the team’s most valuable player in 1967-68 and was given male athlete of the year honours in 1969 and 1970. In 1969, MacPhee was named the Maritime Intercollegiate Hockey League championship tournament MVP. In the same year, MacPhee was named an MIHL all-star for his 641 saves and .899 save percentage.
Team Roster: Bruce Colwell, Chester Eatmon, Alex Doley, Steve Lawrence, Dave Robson, Allison MacKay, Andrew Robson, Brent Sokoloski, Jason Comer, Jordan Al-Assadi, Baret Williams, Jeff Connolly, Jon Thomas (RS). Coaches: Dwight Dickinson, Scott MacLeod. Manager: John Cann. Trainer: Sarah Dewitt
Father J. Arthur Scott Builder (1939-1949)
Father J. Arthur Scott was a student at St. Thomas College before joining the teaching staff in 1939. At that time, organized sports were almost non-existent, but he soon became known as the promoter and coach for all St. Thomas athletes. Throughout his 10 years at the college, Father Scott coached hockey, football, basketball, baseball, and started the first women’s basketball team.
ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY CONNECTIONS
SPRING 2015 23
TO STU
POStCARD
Alumna competes in international moot court competition
Elizabeth Strange, BA ’14, is currently living in Bangor, Wales, UK, where she is attending law school at Bangor University. She recently competed in the Telders International Moot Court Competition, the second most prestigious moot competition in the world. Telders takes place in The Hague, The Netherlands and is jointly hosted at Leiden University and the International Court of Justice Peace Palace. The competition is open to one team from each European country. This year, 24 teams made up of four members competed. Strange was a member of Team Wales. Strange was ranked sixth best oralist (out of 96 competitors). As an agent for the respondent in the case, Strange and her team mates were ranked
Elizabeth Strange, BA ’14, second from right, and her team mates at the moot court competition. fourth best oralists for the respondent (out of 24 teams), tenth best written submissions for the respondent (out of 24 teams), and ninth best respondent team (out of 24 teams). “This was a significant achievement, given that many of the competitors were on their second or third Master’s degree,” Strange said. She says the liberal arts education she received at STU was fundamental to her success in law school and moot court.
Hey, you!
You went
to STU?
Have a story from abroad to share? Postcards feature alumni and student travels and adventures. To suggest a profile, e-mail alumni@stu.ca.
WIN iPadAN !
Where are you? The Alumni Office has, sadly, lost touch with some of our alumni, and we still don’t have email addresses for many others. We use email to share the new e-Connections newsletter, and to invite alumni to local and regional events, so make sure we know how to reach you. Please take a few minutes to update your records with us. All alumni who provide a new mailing address, phone number, or email address will be entered to win an iPad.
Are you getting two or more of the same STU mailings? Please let us know! Help us reduce our mailings by emailing us at alumni@stu.ca.
When you email your updated information to alumni@stu.ca make sure your subject line says “I want to win an iPad.” The draw will take place on July 15th so act now!
24 SPRING 2015
ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY CONNECTIONS
“Research skills, original thought, eloquence, and strong opinions are incredibly important to legal academia and practice. STU equipped me with all of these skills,” she said. ”My professors at STU encouraged me to share my opinions in class and develop a unique perspective on key issues. As a law student and a moot advocate, my willingness to contribute distinct opinions makes me stand out. Law school is where I have applied my liberal arts education - and thrived.”
1
independent member broker
Dick Russell, BA ‘06 Sales Representative Bus: 506.455.3948 Cell: 506.261.0846 rrussell@exitadvantage.ca
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
New&Noteworthy News from classmates & friends around the world
1960s
2000s
Raymond Fraser, BA ’64, has published a new novel, Seasons of Discontent. Set in the years 1964-1965, Seasons of Discontent is a spirited and captivating sequel to two of the author’s best-known novels, The Bannonbridge Musicians and In Another Life. Raymond Fraser is the author of thirteen books of fiction, three of nonfiction, and six collections of poetry. Five of his books are listed in Atlantic Canada’s 100 Greatest Books. In 2009, he received the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for High Achievement in the Literary Arts. In 2012, he was appointed to the Order of New Brunswick for his contributions to literature and culture in the province. http://raymondfraser.blogspot.com
Stacey Leger, BA ’00, married Elijah Bitting and is a home schooling mom to five beautiful kids, Beatrice (11), Liberty (9), Violet (7), Ezekiel (4), and Zev (1). They live in Rexton, NB.
0 7 9 1 1 0 0 5 6 9 1 19 1970s
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce recognized Peter Pacey, BEd ’75, with a Distinguished Citizen Award on March 16.
1980s
Don Bossé, BA ’82, BEd ’83, is a recipient of this year’s Lieutenant Governor’s NBYO Awards. Don has been a vibrant and innovative presence in the fine arts department at Fredericton High School for the past 21 years, where he has introduced generations of students to the joy of making music and has inspired them to use that talent for the betterment of the community. Don also directs STU Jazz and has given many STU students the opportunity to continue making music after leaving high school. Congratulations, Don!
Last summer, Katherine Breen, BA ’03, and three of her friends set 1 out on a 1,000 km journey across the southern portion of Baffin Island, the world’s fifth largest island. The journey takes them across Baffin Island’s Penny Ice Cap on skis, on a first descent of the Class V Weasel River and finally - by way of traditional kayaks they hand-built themselves - over age-old Inuit hunting routes across the southern portion of the island all the way to sea.
Michelle Arevalo-Carpenter, BA ’04, and her fellow Global Shapers of the World Economic Forum travelled to the Vatican from five continents to hold a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican. This meeting aimed to discuss how to create a new global mindset to overcome social and economic exclusion. 2 Krista (Scott) Cairns, BA ’05, and her husband
Brad are pleased to announce the birth of their son Coen Scott Cairns. Coen was born on July 27, 2014. He weighed 9lbs 11oz and was 22” in length.
Stephen Horsman, BA ’85, BEd ’86, was named Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Justice in the NB provincial government elected in September.
Jeremy Ames, BA ’07, recently opened Unplugged Board Games Café in Fredericton. Unplugged has over 300 games for you to play, including everything from family games, kid games, party games, strategy games and more! http://www. unpluggedgamescafe.com/
Victoria (Kretzschmar) Eastman, BEd ’89, published Collecting Ghosts on October 31, 2014. It is a collection of true ghost stories and experiences from Canada, the United States and Europe. The book is available at Amazon.com in paperback and for Kindle.
1990s
1 On March 21, 2015 at 6:36 pm Julie O’Brien and Ryan Sullivan, BA ’00, welcomed Richard Henry Francis to their family. Henry joined them weighing 7 lbs 4 oz and just over 20 inches.
2
Congratulations to Louise Johnson, BEd ’96, for being recognized by the Learning Partnership as one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals! She is the principal at Loch Lomond Elementary School in Saint John.
Adam Bowie, BA ’07, received a national media award from the first-responder advocacy group the Tema Conter Memorial Trust. This award recognizes a series of stories he wrote for The Daily Gleaner about four recent paramedic suicides in NB and the mental health struggles that befall many firefighters, police officers, corrections officers, and military members. He also won an Atlantic Journalism Award in May for his article “Needless Suffering: ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY CONNECTIONS
SPRING 2015 25
NEW & NOTEWORTHY Skilled Paramedics Handcuffed by Lawmakers.” Bowie, who is the Gleaner’s music columnist, was also selected to be a juror for the Polaris Prize. Troy Fullerton, BA ’08, recently launched a social media network for musicians. “We believe the music community needs a social network that brings together musicians from all over the world; a place where people with different voices and cultural experiences can connect and influence one another. We need a platform to showcase our talents, our interests, and our ambitions. We need a one-stop shop for buying, selling, or trading gear, auditioning for bands, and sharing insight into the vast universe of music. And we believe the service should be free. This is why we created DownToJam.” You can visit their website at http://downtojam.com/
3
Ari Najarian, BEd ’08, runs Torusoft, an information technology consulting firm that helps charitable organizations with their web presence, including many scholarship and educational programs aimed at helping kids strive in the classroom. One of the programs is the Nova Scotia Digital Bridge Scholarship, a private sector donation-based scholarship that would give free access to computer programming education through online learning. His company has also helped Halifax’s Bridgeway Academy, a designated special education facility that provides individual education for students with learning disabilities. Torusoft helped organize and facilitate donations for its annual gala fundraiser. Over the past three years, Najarian’s company has helped Bridgeway Academy raise more than $700,000.
BA ’11, Katie Morrison, BA ’08, Myles MacKenzie, STU ’06-08, Sasha Caputo, BA ’11. Jason Cassidy, BA ’11, made Marketing’s top 30 under 30 list for 2014. The list recognizes young men and women who have already done much in their few years in the business and seem destined for even greater things in the years ahead. Cassidy is currently the digital marketing manager for Cara restaurants. Megan O’Hara, BA ’11, received an MA in family studies and gerontology and is currently working as a community development coordinator for the Kings Way LifeCare Alliance, an organization that strives to make the lives of seniors in their two homes meaningful and purposeful. “We are doing a lot of really great intergenerational programming that’s proving to be beneficial for all involved. I am so happy to have had STU’s gerontology department to get me started in this field.” Holly Hinton, BA ’13, will pursue a Master of Law in Peace Operations, Humanitarian Law and Conflict at the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the National University of Ireland in Galway. After graduation, she hopes to get field experience in conflict and post-conflict situations, focusing on international humanitarian law compliance and consultation.
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9 0 6 2010s
3 Cyril Ridler, BA ’08, and Kelsey (Banks) Ridler, BA ’08, welcomed their son Caden Nicholas Buller Ridler to the world on Nov 15, 2014. Big sister Kylee (who was born August 28, 2012) is very excited.
9 1
4 Andrew Lockhart, BA ’10, and Jennifer (Gillespie)
Lockhart, BA ’08, were married on October 11, 2014 in Grand Falls, NB. From left: Stephen Larlee, Monica McKay, Greg Lockhart, Lynn Cyr, BA ’08, BEd ’09, Jennifer (Gillespie) Lockhart, BA ’08, Andrew Lockhart, BA ’10, Lucas Liu,
4
Deborah Park, BA ’14, performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City in April after being selected as a second place winner at the American Protégé International Competition of Romantic Music. The competition was open to instrumentalists from around the world.
Elizabeth Strange, BA ’14, from Medicine Hat, Alberta, married Andrew Thomson from Bangor, Wales, UK on June 6, 2014 in Calgary, Alberta. The wedding was attended by Kathleen King, BA ’14, and Aleisha Bosch, BA ’12. The newlyweds are now living in Dwyran, Wales, UK, while Elizabeth studies law at Bangor University.
In �emoriam
The St. Thomas University Alumni Relations office, STU Alumni Association, and the university community extend condolences to the family and friends of the following alumni who passed away recently:
Lisa Jean (Pond) Jancsar, BA ’94, BEd ’99 July 31, 2014 Ronald Eugene McLellan, BA ’77 October 10, 2014 Gilbert Finn, LLD ’81 January 7, 2015 Leanne Hawkes-Sobeck, BA ’88, BSW ’90 February 7, 2015 Beth McLaughlin, BA ’72, BEd ’73 February 22, 2015 Alice Mokoena (Mama Alice), BA ‘07 April 1, 2015
26 SPRING 2015
ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY CONNECTIONS
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