Mta fall record

FA L L 2014 / M O U N T A L L I S O N U N I V E R S I T Y ’ S A LU M N I A N D F R I E N D S / N U M B E R 107

EDITOR’S NOTE

A note from the Alumni Board President

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n the past two editions of the Record, we have given you a sneak peek into what will be housed on the new alumni website to be launched this fall. One of the improvements to the website will be its functionality. You will be able to find information with greater ease.

Sean Connors (’81) President, Mount Allison Alumni Board

For instance the section under “Get Informed” will contain everything you need to know about your alumni board. The new website will contain photos and biographies of your board representatives. Their contact information will also be readily available, if you wish to communicate with them directly. We will also have information on our Board of Regent and Senate representatives.

The website will also contain the terms of references for all eight of the alumni board

sub-committees. This will give Allisonians a better idea of how the board functions and its ongoing work.

You will be able to find reports on our three regular meetings, along with minutes from the annual general meeting. This will enable alumni to stay informed about the activities of the board.

Finally, job descriptions for both the executive and directors will be available, along with a nomination form for the board. If you would like to nominate someone you believe would be a great board director, this feature will make that process very easy.

Our new website will make “getting informed” about your board much easier.

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Mount Allison Record Fall 2014 No.107 — New Series The Record is published three times annually.

Editor: Carolle de Ste-Croix (’90) Assistant Editor: Laura Dillman Ripley Design, Layout: Shane McDonald, Tin Design Contributing Writers: Sean Connors (’81) Suzanne Crawford (’79) Carolle de Ste-Croix (’90) Laura Dillman Ripley Mona Estabrooks (’79) Aloma Jardine Melissa Lombard

10 Things You Need to Know

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Do you want to be a volunteer for your alma mater? — We have 18 new volunteer opportunities that will be posted soon at mta.ca/alumni

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We have new MtA swag for upcoming alumni events.

Enter your contact information at mta.ca/alumni this month to be entered in a draw to win a great MtA swag package.

Photography: Mona Estabrooks (’79) Chris Donovan (’17) Nadine LeBlanc Daniel St. Louis Tatamagouche Brewing Company Mike Taylor (’03) University Archives Address correspondence regarding editorial policy and subscriptions to:

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25 players from the 1984 Vanier Cup Football Mounties participated in Homecoming 2014.

Mount Allison Record 65 York Street Sackville, NB E4L 1E4 Tel: (506) 364-2600 Fax: (506) 364-2262 E-mail: ldillman@mta.ca Contents Copyright 2014 by Mount Allison University and may not be reprinted without permission.

Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Mount Allison University.

Single Copy: $9.00 Subscription: $25 for three issues ISSN 1702-2525 Mailed under Canada Post Publication Mail Sales Agreement no. 40006414 Mailed by: Dollco a division of The Lowe-Martin Group Printed by: Dollco a division of The Lowe-Martin Group If you wish to make a donation to Mount Allison, please contact Diane Michaud at (506) 364-2259 or by e-mail (development@mta.ca) Please forward change of address information to Joy Wilbur (jwilbur@mta.ca) (506) 364-2608.

Toll Free: 1-866-890-6318 Cover: O fficial opening of the Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts (Photo credit: Mike Taylor ’03)

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Meet your new alumni board mta.ca/alumni

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There will be a Thornton House ’74-’75 reunion in May 2015

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Mount Allison Alumni Board of Directors President: Sean M.Connors (’81) sean.connors@bellaliant.net 506-384-5570 Vice-President & Secretary: Christina Vroom (’96) crashyvroom@yahoo.ca 514-933-2935

Past President: David Rose (’90) drose22@rogers.com 613-301-6442 Honorary President: Brian Black (’69) bblack@hsc.mb.ca 204-787-2597

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Did you know that Mount Allison has 13,423 active alumni in our database?

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In 2014, Dr. Robert Hawkes (physics) and Dr. Danise Ferguson (Music), pictured centre with Music’s Elizabeth Wells and University President Robert Campbell, retired from the Mount Allison faculty

Saltscapes magazine discount offer for MtA alumni See http://saltscapes.com (subscribe) to get this great offer. Enter the MtA Alumni code: ALMTA.

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Why not apply to sit on one of the eight alumni board sub-committees as a member-at-large? alumni@mta.ca

Directors: Anna Abbott (’04) annahabbott@gmail.com 647-330-6454 Owen Barnhill (’96) owenbarnhill@eastlink.ca 902-492-3881 Janet Harrison (’87) andrejanet@eastlink.ca 902-462-7055 Harriet (Bruun) Leggett (’61) harrietl@xplornet.com 506-466-3786 Harriet (Campbell) Meacher (’60) hcmeacher@gmail.com 902-566-3677 Alex Morrison (’68) sandym@mail.com 902-638-3416 Mary ‘Meg’(Gowdy) Pryde (’74) megpryde@hotmail.com 506-392-6034 Jill (Hemeon) Rafuse (’73) rafuse@ns.sympatico.ca 902-492-4523 Charles Scott (’83) charlie.scott@mapleleaf.com 902-832-4477 Michael R.Taylor (’03) mr.taylor@mac.com 516-637-9037 Danny Williamson (’03) williamson.d@gmail.com 519-265-2541 Scott Yorke (’08) yorke.scott@gmail.com 506-636-2172 Executive Director: Carolle de Ste-Croix (’90) cdestecroix@mta.ca Tel: 506-364-2348 Fax: 506-364-2262 www.mta.ca/alumni Nominations call — Nominations are open for the alumni board.The board works to promote and motivate the participation of alumni and friends of Mount Allison with the University, through effective communication, events, and special initiatives.

Address nominations to: Carolle de Ste-Croix, alumni relations office 65 York St., Sackville, NB E4L 1E4 alumni@mta.ca

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The Art Gallery of Ontario has an exhibition dedicated to Alex Colville (’42, LLD ’68), running until Jan. 15, 2015. It is the largest Colville retrospective ever hosted in Canada and includes the Athletics Mural, on loan from Mount Allison. It will also be showing at the National Art Gallery of Canada.

David Alexander Colville, Canadian (1920-2013) Athletes 1960 oil and synthetic resin on board 1.52 x 2.42 meters

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Alumni

Event and Gatherings

university

Members of the 1984 and 2014 Mounties football teams Ottawa Atlantic University Pub Night

EVENT CALENDAR Please visit mta.ca/alumni for information about upcoming events.

Nov. 30, 2014 Halifax Alumni Event being held in conjunction with the showing of the art exhibition Mary Pratt by Mount Allison alumna and renowned artist Mary Pratt (’57) March 7, 2015 Women in Leadership Conference at Mount Allison Dave Evans (’13) and Kate Ritchie (’13)

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May 7 - 10, 2015 Reunion and Convocation Weekend

Alumni

Events and Gatherings

For more photos from the events listed below, please visit the Chapter pages at: www.mta.ca/alumni

Homecoming weekend

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CAMPUS BEAT

SURF’s up

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he Summer Undergraduate Research Fair (SURF), a signature Mount Allison event originally established and organized by students, had another successful year showcasing the many student summer research projects on campus.

Erin Lapp (’17), an honours sociology student, received the runner-up prize in Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities for her presentation entitled Class, cultural capital, and streaming in Grade 11 English classrooms, supervised by Dr. Fabrizio Antonelli and Dr. Erin Steuter.

Ryan Baker (’15), an honours physics student, was awarded best poster presentation for his project entitled The impact of holes in the crystal ball detector data on energy calibrations, supervised by Dr. David Hornidge.

Best Three-Minute Thesis award went to biology student Jamie Patterson (’17), Assessing the potential role of Ixodes cookei in the spread of Lyme disease in New Brunswick, supervised by Dr. Vett Lloyd; and Brendan Phillips (’15), Determining the sex of adult short nose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) using geometric morphonmetrics, supervised by Dr. Matt Litvak, took home the runner-up prize for Science.

Did you work as a summer researcher while at Mount Allison?

Did it influence your career/education path? Let us know how: alumni@mta.ca

SURF award winners Erin Lapp (’17) and Ryan Baker (’15)

Mount Allison hosts Discourse and Dynamics

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iscourse and Dynamics — Canadian Women as Public Intellectuals, an academic conference held at Mount Allison Oct. 16-18, welcomed some of the most notable women in Canada to campus including Margaret Atwood, Nicole Brossard, Sheila Watt-Cloutier (LLD ’11), Jessica Danforth, Rita Deverell, Charlotte Gray, Smaro Kamboureli, Antonia Maioni, Judy Rebick, Janice Stein, and Lori Turnbull.

Held in conjunction with Persons Day (Oct. 18), the conference included The Walrus Talks: The Art of Conversation — a first in the Maritimes organized by The Walrus magazine, as well as academics from across the country. Select presentations from the conference are available for viewing at www.mtalive.ca Award-winning author and activist Margaret Atwood and rocket scientist Natalie Panek speak at panel discussion during the Discourse and Dynamics conference

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New athletics website launched — www.mountiepride.ca

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ount Allison’s department of athletics and recreation started the fall season with the launch of a new website — www.mountiepride.ca. The website is the new home for all news and information when it comes to Mounties varsity teams, club sports, intramurals, fitness programs, and athletic facilities.

Mount Allison’s new site follows the same format as Atlantic University Sport (AUS) and Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) leagues, resulting in more timely results and more complete statistical information on players and teams. It also includes links to website streams, allowing Allisonians to follow Mountie games anywhere.

Sandy MacIver (’74) returns to campus

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r. Kenneth A. (Sandy) MacIver, Mount Allison’s 34th Rhodes Scholar, returned to campus this fall as the new director of the Ron Joyce Centre for Business Studies.

MacIver has taught at the University of Victoria, Royal Roads University, and Camosun College. He worked in higher education policy units in two provincial governments and has more than two decades of success as a business owner and consultant working with a variety of businesses and non-profit organizations.

In addition to his Mount Allison degree, MacIver also holds a Master’s in public administration from the University of

Victoria and a doctorate of education from the University of British Columbia.

MacIver has produced a number of working papers on the subject of organizational trust and has been involved in graduate thesis supervision. Much of his scholarly engagement centres on experiential learning with client groups. A civic-minded individual, MacIver has been involved with the Victoria Hospital Foundation for more than a decade, and previously he was involved in the Canadian Association for Community Living.

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

by Laura Dillman Ripley

CHRIS (BFA ’17) DONOVAN — photographer and activist

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T

he saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” In Chris Donovan’s case, a picture holds much more value than that.

The 19-year-old photographer’s work was recently featured at the National Art Gallery of Canada, a career triumph for many artists and one achieved by Donovan years before graduation.

Selected through the So You Want to Be an Artist 2014 program by the gallery curator, Donovan’s piece On the Edge was one of 15 chosen nationally.

“It was great to have my work selected for the National Gallery,” he says. “I’ve always been interested in photography. I remember taking photos around our house when I was little. I’m probably the last generation to learn how to take pictures on film.”

This interest also has a family connection. Donovan’s grandfather was a photographer.

Although he died shortly before Donovan was born, he says this history had a big impact on him.

“I never met my grandfather, but feel his work has influenced me.

I have a tattoo of his signature over my heart,” he says.

He has put this inherited talent to good use, using his photos to raise awareness and funds for important social issues.

In 2013, working with the Saint John Human Development Council, Donovan created a photo series focusing on the issue of youth homelessness in the city. The project not only raised awareness, but also assisted in fund raising for Safe Harbour Shelter for Youth, which is currently under construction.

This summer Donovan held another exhibition in partnership with the Council to raise Chris Donovan’s On the Edge appeared in the National Art Gallery this summer.

awareness on another social issue — substandard housing.

The show was held in August in Brunswick Square.

“Substandard housing is an important issue in many cities, especially Saint John. I hope my work will help bring more attention to this problem,” he says.

In addition to his work with the Human Development Council, Donovan established the Humans of Saint John Facebook page in 2013. The page, inspired by a conversation he had with a local man while working at the Saint John Jewish Museum, now has over 11,000 followers.

“He came up to me and asked if he could tell me a story,” says Donovan. “He said that two Jewish doctors in Saint John had helped him on separate occasions in his life. At the time he was 58, diagnosed with brain and lung cancer. He told me he had wanted to share this story for a long time but could never find someone who would truly appreciate it.”

Humans of Saint John

Humans of Saint John

His was the first story on Humans of Saint John.

“I found out shortly after that the man had passed away,” Donovan says. “His family contacted me to let me know and thanked me for taking the time to talk with him.”

In addition to his creative work and studies, Donovan also works as a photographer and production assistant for the Argosy, and was previously the student newspaper’s photo editor. He has been an intern with the Kings County Record and has had his photography featured on the front page of the TelegraphJournal, New Brunswick’s daily provincial newspaper.

Substandard Housing photo project

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REMEMBERING THOSE WHO SERVED T

by Aloma Jardine

he world was a different place in 1914.

When Great Britain declared war, there was no debate in Canada about whether to join them. If Britain was at war, so was Canada.

Young men signed up by the thousands.

The student population at Mount Allison just before the war was around 155 students. During the war years enrolment dropped by a third. All together at least 600 students served.

“The Ladies College was the reason Mount Allison kept going,” says Elizabeth Millar, associate librarian at the Ralph Pickard Bell Library.

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Millar is working with university archivist David Mawhinney on a sweeping project that will make items from the University’s vast collection of First World War archival material accessible online.

“I’ve had this in mind for awhile,” Millar says. “I knew we had a treasure trove of material to showcase.”

The researchers owe a debt of gratitude to Mount Allison professor Harold Bigelow (1903, LLD ’46) who, after the war, meticulously created an index card for most Allisonians who served, including information like their class year and what they studied, hometown, the unit they enlisted with, date of birth, and sometimes, date of

death. Bigelow also kept copies of letters he received from families he wrote to requesting information about students who were killed in the war.

The new site will be invaluable to students, historians, and genealogists.

In addition to creating individual pages for each student who served, Millar and Mawhinney are planning to share information from the Mount Allison archives on prisoners of war, the role of women in the war effort, and other stories.

The archival sub-committee of the alumni board has been deeply supportive of this project and looks forward to work-

RESEARCH AND CREATIVE ACTIVITY

Mount Allison librarians ensure the names and stories of Allisonians who served in the First World War will live forever ing with the archives on other projects in the future.

Fourth-year international relations student Steven Black (’15) spent the summer transcribing newspaper articles and letters from the front.

“There was one letter on this old crinkly graph paper written by a solider in 1916.

He wrote at the top ‘in a trench (with doubts and lots of rats.)’ It is almost a surreal feeling sitting there at my desk thinking this was written 100 years ago by a guy younger than me who very well may have laid down his life,” Black says. “It is so easy on Remembrance Day to think of them as these heroes who left

Canada to fight in the war, but reading these letters you realize they were regular people who left everything.”

For Millar and Mawhinney the project is an act of remembrance.

“We are bringing it to the individual level,” Millar says. “Each one is an individual with a name and story.”

They are also looking for photographs, letters, diaries, family stories, and any other material related to Allisonians who served in the First World War. They plan to begin making material available online in November to coincide with Remembrance Day and will continue to add to the site over the next several years.

Contact the archives at archives@mta.ca.

Millar and Mawhinney continue to find names of students who served in the war.

“We know there are people missing, so we would love to get information to make the site more complete,” Millar says.

Soldiers gather on West Main Street in Sackville following a parade in June 1916.

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MAIN FEATURE

In the performance of a lifetime The Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts officially opens — Oct. 3, 2014

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by Melissa Lombard

H

undreds gathered at the northwest edge of Mount Allison’s campus on Oct. 3 to celebrate a momentous day in the University’s history — the official opening of the Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts (PCCA). The opening of the 50,000-square-foot building marked the first new academic building on campus for more than three decades — the last being the Crabtree building in 1979.

“This is what a dream come true looks like,” says Gloria Jollymore, vice-president, university advancement. “We have been looking forward to this day for a very long time. The Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts represents Mount Allison’s commitment to arts education and the arts in general. It also reflects our deep commitment to provide our students with the best possible academic experience.”

The benefactors were also motivated to give to the Centre so generously to honour a great Allisonian, Purdy Crawford (’52), for whom the building is named.

“Purdy loved learning,” says McCain. “He loved passing his knowledge and experience on to those around him. He would have loved seeing everyone thrive in this new space.”

Sadly, Crawford passed away only weeks before the building was to open. The official opening brought together many of his family members — including his wife Bea, his six children and their partners, and 17 grandchildren — as well as many close friends, to celebrate the building, but also to honour a man who meant so much to them, to Mount Allison, and to Canadian business.

The Centre has been a long-time goal for the University, as facilities for both Fine Arts and Drama were spread across campus and, in many cases, were not adequate creative spaces.

“We could see the immeasurable value in providing students and faculty a space for exploration, discovery, and learning,” says President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Campbell.

Alumni and friends also supported the vision for the Centre — in a big way. When the project began, the University’s lofty goal was to raise $20 million.

To date, $23.6 million has been raised in private donations and the building was built with no direct government funding or external debt.

The Hon. Margaret McCain (’54) spoke at the opening on behalf of the benefactors.

“It is our gift to students and faculty today and tomorrow and tomorrow,” she says. “ We want them to have the very best so they can become their very best.”

The Hon. Margaret McCain (’54) addresses the crowd on behalf of benefactors of the Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts.

“We miss him greatly, but in having this Centre bear his name we formally recognize that Purdy’s contributions to Mount Allison — his wisdom, generosity, and insight — continue to impact this campus and the people who live, work, and learn here,” says McCain.

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The building will not only be a treasured home for Fine Arts and Drama. A vast proportion of Mount Allison students — from Science to Commerce — will also participate in the Arts at the Centre.

In addition to those who specialize in Fine Arts and Drama, 40 per cent of students from outside these disciplines take a course in Fine Arts or Drama. Annually, approximately 1,500 students attend performances and more than 150 take part in these productions.

Ron Joyce (LLD ’98) also announced a gift of $5-million from the Joyce Foundation in Purdy Crawford’s honour. The donation is in support of student bursaries.

The day was full of many emotional moments, but one of the most memorable was a gift of $5-million in honour of Crawford from The Joyce Foundation. It will be used to create bursaries for students.

“It was our dad’s dream that anyone accepted at the University would not be held back due to financial barriers and this is a huge help in accomplishing that dream,” says Crawford’s youngest daughter, Sarah (’95).

Fine Arts department head Thaddeus Holownia and director of Drama Glen Nichols are just two of the faculty members that are thrilled to now have a new home at the PCCA. Nichols says when you work in the Arts you often have to work with whatever you get and that is sometimes very little.

“But the generous donors and planners have given Drama students the very best of the best — not only something brand new, but precisely designed to meet our needs.”

Holownia believes this investment in the Arts is not only monumental for Mount Allison, but stands as an example for the entire country.

“I feel confident in saying that the PCCA represents the largest and most forward investment ever made in education for the creative arts in Canada.”

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Drama director Glen Nichols addresses the crowd while Fine Arts department head Thaddeus Holownia and vice-president, university advancement Gloria Jollymore look on.

Mount Allison Students’ Union President Heather Webster says she thinks it is important for all students to have the opportunity to keep a connection to their creative side, even while studying other things.

“The PCCA is a brilliant place to work, learn, and play, and it will add a whole new dimension to academic and extracurricular life at Mount Allison,” she says.

The ribbon cutting at the Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts official opening.

From left John Bragg (’62), Heather Webster (’14 MASUPresident), David Sobey, Robert Campbell (University President and Vice-Chancellor), Judy Bragg (’64), Bea Crawford, Suzanne Crawford (’79), Sarah Crawford (’95), Mary Crawford, Barbara Crawford, Heather Crawford, and David Crawford.

Matthew Teitelbaum, director and CEOof the Art Gallery of Ontario, pictured centre with Gloria Jollymore and Robert Campbell, was the guest speaker at a luncheon for the Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts official opening.

The celebration culminated with a fitting garnet and gold ribbon cutting by the Crawford family and leadership donors.

As well, there was a serenade of Alma Mater Fanfare — arranged especially for the opening by Dr. Kevin Morse (’02), performed by Mount Allison Music students under the direction of James Kalyn — and then a magical garnet and gold balloon drop from the third floor — the perfect ending to a historic day.

Along with the opening of the Centre, the inaugural Fine Arts Alumni Exhibition was displayed on all three floors of the PCCA. The exhibition featured more than 60 pieces of artwork from alumni spanning 60 years, including pieces from Tom Forrestall (’58), Herménégilde Chiasson (’72), Mary Pratt (’57), and Michael deAdder (’91).

“Being part of something like this is quite an emotional moment actually because I think of all the people I have studied with and who were here with me. I really take this as an honour,” says Chiasson.

Hundreds gathered on all three levels of the Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts for the official opening celebrations.

Vaughan (’15), Bob (’50), and Bruce (’77) Barritt, three generations of Allisonians, were on hand for the official opening of the Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts. Bob’s graduating self portrait, shown behind the trio, was part of the alumni art exhibition in the new building.

The Motyer-Fancy Theatre, named in honour of alumni and professors emeriti of drama Dr. Arthur Motyer (’45) and Prof. Alex Fancy (’61), also featured its first performance on Oct. 3. Curtains: A celebration of Theatre at Mount Allison included more than 25 current and former students to reprise sections of favourite performances from the past few years.

“Mount Allison prides itself on its academic excellence, but the University has always been committed to providing students with opportunities to learn and develop both within and outside the classroom. The Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts brings these two philosophies together,” says Campbell.

If you missed the event, visit www.mtalive.ca to check out interviews and moments captured throughout the official opening.

About Purdy Crawford (’52, LLD ’91) Purdy Crawford (CC, QC, LLM, LLD) was an Allisonian whose remarkable career

left an indelible mark on Canada’s business and philanthropic communities. He was an outstanding corporate leader, mentor, and important contributor to public policy.

Purdy’s impact on the Mount Allison community has been immeasurable. He led several major fund raising campaigns, and served as chair of the Board of Regents and as Chancellor. The Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts honours him for his outstanding career and extraordinary contributions to Mount Allison.

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ARTS

A histor y in the Fine Arts and drama have been part of life at Mount Allison for more than a century and a half

by Aloma Jardine

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he new Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts brings together one of the oldest programs at Mount Allison and one of the newest.

But drama as Mount Allison knows it today is traced back to the Mount Allison Players, founded in the 1920s, which became Windsor Theatre in 1971.

Fine Arts has been part of the curriculum at Mount Allison for 160 years. Its roots go back to the Ladies’ College, which opened in 1854.

Alex Fancy (’61), professor emeritus, former director of drama, and founder and director of Tintamarre, says the evolution from players’ society to academic program can be traced back to the 1970 arrival of Dr. Arthur Motyer (’45), who served as the University’s first director of drama. Together they advocated for a formal program that would give students regular access to dramatic experience.

“It was one of the first schools in Canada to offer Fine Arts,” says Gemey Kelly, director/curator of Mount Allison’s Owens Art Gallery. “Mount Allison, especially under Mary Electa Adams (first preceptress of the Ladies’ College), was very insistent that there be rigorousness in these courses. They were not just to be seen as ‘female accomplishments.’”

That Fine Arts was considered more than an “accomplishment” was evident by the investment the University made in the program. In 1893 Mount Allison acquired the Owens art collection and subsequently built the Owens Art Gallery, which served as the home of the Fine Arts program for more than 70 years.

“They wanted to be seen as a top school and they went after certain teachers to give them a level of credibility,” Kelly says.

“John Hammond (the first head of the Fine Arts department) would have been a huge draw.”

The University continued to be a leader in Fine Arts education when, in 1937, it became the first university in Canada to offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with the first degrees awarded in 1941.

“It is a defining program today,” Kelly says. “Everybody knows Mount Allison as a fine arts school.”

Drama took a different path at Mount Allison, but its origins extend back just as far.

The Eurhetorian Debating Society was founded in 1862 and as early as the 1870s, elocution and public speaking were offered at the Ladies College. Students at the three “institutions” — the Ladies’ College, the men’s Academy and the University — staged readings, tableaux, and pantomimes well before 1914 to raise funds for missionary work and the war effort.

Later came groups like the Garnet and Gold Musical Theatre Society, established in 1932.

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“There was lots of discussion at the time about how drama could evolve because we recognized the importance of drama at Mount Allison,” Fancy says. “In the mid-1970s Arthur introduced courses in directing and acting and designing. First there was one course, then a couple.”

But it was not until 1995 that drama was approved as a major and minor at Mount Allison.

The drama program continued to operate out of Windsor Theatre until 2011.

“We worked in incredibly cramped quarters, but the number of plays that went on in that very cramped space was phenomenal,” Fancy says. “It was a testament of creativity, a testament of commitment, and the number of graduates that we have in professional theatre careers is absolutely incredible.”

Fancy says the new Motyer-Fancy Theatre in the Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts is well-deserved for a team that worked so hard to “do so much with so little.”

“I think it is a very eloquent next step in the evolution from a players’ society, which produced theatre in improvised spaces with no support staff and no formal academic credibility, to a state-ofthe-art theatre, which is very appropriate to our goals and to our needs,” he says. “It is the realization of a dream.”

FEATURE STORY

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FEATURE STORY

Unpacking and exploring

culture and creativity Scholar-artist Dr. David Fancy (’93) shares passion for creativity with Class of 2018

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by Melissa Lombard

I

n this Year of Culture and Creativity at Mount Allison, Dr. David Fancy, associate professor in the department of dramatic arts at Brock University, spoke to hundreds of members of the Class of 2018 at the annual Commencement ceremony. His message explored the importance of creative risk-taking in our everyday lives.

Mount Allison through Windsor Theatre, Garnet and Gold Musical Theatre, and, of course, Tintamarre.

“I don’t believe that culture and creativity simply belong in the art gallery, the theatre, the library, the concert hall,” says Fancy.

David received his doctoral training at the Samuel Beckett Centre, Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland and has been a professor at Brock University for the past 10 years. A self-proclaimed scholar-artist, David’s research interests look at the notion of immanence and how it plays into performance and politics. He is also a playwright, director, teacher, founder of neXt company theatre, and has even been involved with the circus in Niagara on large-scale community performances.

Fancy encouraged the new students to visit creative places, such as the Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts, regardless of their major, and to take creative risks in every area of their lives, like on the playing field, in their clubs and societies, and even in their interactions with others.

“I, for one, certainly can resonate with the challenge of coming to a new location — such as your arrival here at Mount Allison… and deciding that despite the fears, insecurities, and general anticipation about what on earth is coming next… you can take a risk, a creative risk, and connect with those around you in a way that is meaningful, sometimes raw, sometimes funny.”

Fancy sat in those very seats in Convocation Hall 25 years earlier. He grew up in Sackville, NB, and, after spending a year in Europe after graduation, Mount Allison seemed like the natural choice for his first degree. His father Alex Fancy (’61) is a French professor emeritus at the University and created the bilingual theatre troupe, Tintamarre. His mother Margaret was a University librarian for many years.

An English and philosophy graduate, David developed his love for theatre at

Dr. David Fancy (’93) with his father Alex Fancy (’61), professor emeritus, drama and French, at the University Commencement ceremonies.

“My father played a huge role in my love for theatre,” says David. “He is very enthusiastic and as he shared his love for theatre with his students, he did so with his kids as well.”

“I believe you are doing your students and the community a service if you take the time to develop your capacity for critical thinking and scholarship,” he says.

“Everything flows from that — teaching, dynamism of thinking, and creativity.”

Of the many pieces he has written or collaborated on, David says his most memorable is Khalida, which he wrote for his friend Addil Abbas — Saddam Hussein’s favourite actor in Iraq.

“While not shying away from difficult truths, Addil used creative risk-taking to tell his tale differently and to imagine new and richer futures beyond conflict and trauma,” says David, while telling Addil’s story to the Class of 2018.

Currently, David is working with survivors from the Huronia Regional Centre in Orillia, ON to create an experience for them and to help tell their story through theatre and circus performance.

“

I don’t believe that culture and creativity simply belongs in the art gallery, the theatre, the library, the concert hall

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FEATURE STORY

BFA NANCY

STEVENS ’56

Bringing light to the battle of Liri Valley with art

by Laura Dillman Ripley

N

ancy Stevens is not a war artist. But the awardwinning painter’s latest works bring a little-known battle of the Second World War to the spotlight with The Liri Valley Paintings.

“Canadians played a significant role in the Liri Valley campaign in Italy, which ended just two days before D-Day in 1944,” says Stevens. “These battles enabled the Allies to liberate Rome from German occupation. I first visited the valley after graduation and again several years ago with my husband Kingsley Brown, who was doing research for a biography of a soldier who had fought in the Liri Valley, the fertile corridor through the mountains between Naples and Rome.

20 / Fall 2014 / RECORD

“We visited places where Canadian soldiers had battled to clear the valley of the enemy. When our Italian friend said, ‘The earth is soaked in the blood of Canadian soldiers,’ as we looked out over the valley from the courtyard of the restored Benedictine monastery of Montecassino, I knew I had to do something to honour their memory.”

So Stevens, with Brown’s help, got to work completing ten unique paintings that each represent significant events and battles.

“I’m not a war artist and knew it wouldn’t be right for me to paint in this style. So I decided to create images from art history and artists who had witnessed the war first-hand, along with my own

sketches and observations,” says Stevens. “Along with creative work, I did a lot of research, reading letters from soldiers, talking with war historians and archivists and people either directly involved or who had family members in the battle, both Canadians and Italians.”

Stevens, whose father was killed in the Second World War, says this connection, as well as the mentorship of war artists and Mount Allison Fine Arts professors, such as the late Alex Colville (’42, LLD ’68) and Lawren Harris Jr., was influential in the Liri Valley project.

The Liri Valley Paintings have been shown at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton with future exhibitions planned in the region.

Although the Liri Valley project has been at the forefront for Stevens the past number of years, the Nova Scotia-based artist has enjoyed a varied path in both realist and abstract art.

Following graduation, she started working for CBC Television as a graphic artist.

“I learned to think about what I was going to illustrate for the CBC. There weren’t as many photos available for programs then. I had to be creative in how to illustrate programs to a cross-Canada audience.”

Stevens continued painting while working and raising her young family, primarily commercial and portrait painting. In the 1980s she began experimenting with acrylic painting, with great results.

“To me, art is a combination of a good idea and technique.

I was able to try out and combine several styles realism, sub-abstraction, and total abstraction and show these efforts in both private and public galleries. I focused on changing my style regularly. For me, it was a way to learn and improve my work.”

In addition to her artwork, Stevens also taught at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and St. Francis Xavier University and has conducted artists’ workshops across Canada (enancystevens.ca).

Top right: CEPRANO 61 x 91.5 cm acrylic on board Craig York Image Digital Bottom right: MELFA 61 x 91.5 cm acrylic on board Craig York Image Digital

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Allisonians come together to create micro-brewery in Tatamagouche, NS 22 / Fall 2014 / RECORD

FEATURE STORY

by Melissa Lombard

T

his year professional life changed completely for Karen Jost (’87), Christiane Jost (’12), and Matt Kenny (’13). Two years ago, Karen and her husband Hans Christian sold their family business, Jost Vineyards, which they ran for more than 25 years in Malagash, NS. Daughter Christiane graduated from Mount Allison and pursued an advanced diploma in public relations from Eastern College. And after graduating with a degree in Commerce, Christiane’s partner, Kenny, began working in insurance and investments in Moncton, NB. On June 17, 2014, the Allisonian trio, along with Hans Christian, opened the Tatamagouche Brewing Company in Tatamagouche, NS.

The Tatamagouche Brewing Company in downtown Tatamagouche.

Matt Kenny (’13) with his dad, Mark Kenny, working on the brew.

Hans Christian and Karen had the idea in mind and when the library and Houston’s Butcher Shop came up for sale on Main Street in Tatamagouche, the idea began to fall into place.

The micro-brewery is the only one of its kind in Colchester County and the craft beer is locally made with only four ingredients, with no preservatives or pasteurization.

“Customers want a local product and they want to know what goes into it,” says Kenny. “We are currently growing our own hops for our new seasonal beers.”

The micro-brewery has two main beers: the Butcher Block Red and the Hippie Dippie. The Butcher Block Red was named in honour of the building’s longstanding history as a butcher shop and is a more “full bodied, hoppy, red ale.”

The Hippie Dippie pays homage to the community of Tatamagouche and is a “pale ale that is more approachable, crisp, and refreshing.”

The craft beer is being sold at the brewery.

A one-litre growler is $5, and refillable for $7 (Hippie Dippie) and $7.50 (Butcher Block Red). Bottles are being sold at the Truro Farmer’s Market and the brewery has secured up to 20 licenses with bars and restaurants from Tatamagouche to Halifax, NS. Kenny says that the educational aspect of making the beer is an important part of the business.

“When you walk in, everything is open and production is happening right in front of you,” he says. “We want people to walk through the garage doors, smell the aromas, and feel like part of it and attached to it.”

Christiane and Kenny say the support for the brewery has been overwhelming and that every part has been new and surprising.

“I knew that we would do well,” says Kenny, “but I thought it would be more gradual and it has been full tilt every day.”

The team has been working on new recipes and recently won a silver medal for their first seasonal beer, Lagerhosen, for Oktoberfest in Tatamagouche.

For more information on the Tatamagouche Brewing Company, visit tatabrew. com or follow @tatabrew on Twitter.

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by Laura Dillman Ripley

Y

ou probably recognize him from any number of theatrical pursuits, both on the stage and screens. Football Mountie fans will remember him as one of the members of the ’97 AUS Championship team. And some biology professors might remember a certain student who developed a love for bird watching while at Mount Allison. John Reardon (’98) is full of surprises.

Reardon has enjoyed a career in acting since graduation, securing roles in such notable productions at Disney’s TRON: Legacy, Showcase’s Continuum, and CBC’s Arctic Air. Originally from Halifax, NS, Reardon has several Allisonians in his family and says it was a natural choice for him and his brother Marc (’02), and many other cousins and relatives, to come to Mount Allison.

“When I was growing up I would always hear stories about Mount Allison. My grandmother [Agnes (Fawcett) McCormick (’31)] and her sister grew up in Sackville and both graduated from Mount A. Their uncle was former University president Dr. George Trueman and because of this, their world revolved around the University... it really was the cultural hub of their childhood.”

Reardon also learned to scuba dive so he could take the tropical marine biology course at Mount Allison. Diving remains one of his favourite activities, with travels to Asia, Africa, South America, and Australia.

Although he was not involved in theatre at Mount Allison, Reardon, who had done some acting as a child, returned to the stage following University, performing improv comedy before branching out to film, television, and theatre. He studied Shakespeare at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, as well as improv at The Second City in Los Angeles and Toronto.

Reardon’s work path in the acting field is busy and global. Based primarily in Vancouver and LA, Reardon, whose wife also works in film, says their life sometimes feels a bit nomadic with a lot of travelling and relocating for various roles.

One career highlight for him thus far was working on a mini-series in China.

“The role involved a lot of martial arts sequences and stunt work. It was a lot of fun. I remember thinking, ‘I can’t believe they gave me a real sword.’ During a particularly hard fight scene, I accidently cut a tree down, so I only used plastic weapons after that.”

LIGHTS, CAM Reardon followed the family tradition, coming to Mount Allison for both his studies and for football. After a year in Arts, he moved to Science where he discovered two new interests in the field.

“In one of my biology classes we often went bird watching as part of the course. I was reluctant at first because it often meant trudging around the marsh at 5 a.m. on a Saturday. However I really enjoyed it as a hobby and have been doing it ever since.”

24 / Fall 2014 / RECORD

Reardon is currently in Ireland, studying classical theatre at Trinity College in Dublin.

“I’ve been involved in a few theatre productions here and look forward to doing some more work on stage before coming home to Canada,” he says. “One of my biggest priorities is getting back to Nova Scotia as much as possible to see my family. There is nowhere I’d rather be than the Maritimes.”

FEATURE STORY

ERA, ACTION! / 25

FOCUS ON GIVING

Remembering Art Drysdale (’84)

A

rt Drysdale is a name known across generations at Mount Allison. He was a faithful alunus and promoted Mount Allison every chance he had. He was a partner, a classmate, a friend, a musician, a storyteller/maker, and the only person to get a standing ovation at the 1984 Convocation. Many current students will remember him as “the guy with the guitar at the Uteck Bowl.” He loved Mount Allison and Mount Allison loved him.

Drysdale’s sudden passing nearly a year ago deeply affected the Mount Allison community.

“Nothing prepared me for the reaction to Art’s passing,” says alumni director, Carolle de Ste-Croix (’90).

26 / Fall 2014 / RECORD

Drysdale had been a steadfast supporter of the University. Ten years ago, when the Class of 1984 chose the music library as their class project, Drysdale, along with his classmate and best friend David Wheaton (’84), came together to call classmates, asking for their support. And they delivered in a very generous way.

So when it came time to figure out the best way to ensure that future generations of Allisonians knew and remembered Drysdale, his classmates had no hesitation.

“We were best friends and it was important for me to carry on his legacy,” says Wheaton. “Nobody could entertain a crowd like Art and I am so grateful to be able to give back to remember him.”

Twenty-four of his classmates did the same.

Each has pledged $1,000 over five years to create an endowment for the Art Drysdale Scholarship. This endowment fund will provide a $1,000 scholarship per year for a student.

“Of the many things I will miss about Art, I will miss playing guitar together and our phone conversations about our lives the most,” says Wheaton. “But, as Art always quoted, ‘ya gotta kick at the darkness ’til it bleeds daylight.’ So we will all just keep pushing forward.”

If you are interested in contributing to the Art Drysdale Scholarship, contact Susan Smith, manager, annual giving at ssmith@ mta.ca or (506) 364-2349

You can make a difference in our future.

Sam Magee (’15)

Rachel Thornton (’15)

Commerce/economics Travel grant to Battle on Bay Street case competition

Fine Arts Mary McKean Scholarship Muriel Hewson Philip Prize in Drawing Class of ’46 Summer Student Research Award JEA Crake Arts Internship

Emily van Diepen (’15) Biology/psychology Frances Hickey Award (rookie of the year) Women’s Soccer Award Coveyduck Family Scholarship

Sam, Emily, and Rachel are just three Mount Allison students who have experienced the impact of philanthropy at Mount A. Your giving supports the immersive learning community that makes their Mount Allison experience distinctive — among the best in North America.

Read more about these incredible students at mta.ca/annualgiving and make a difference in their lives through your gift to Mount Allison.

nnual Givıngfund / 27

1901 — Ladies College Pond (Swan Pond) constructed

Jan. 19, 1843 — Mount Allison Wesleyan Academy opened to students

May 1, 1858 — The College is granted the power to confer degrees Aug. 17, 1854 — Ladies’ College opens

December 1916 — First issue of the Record published

May 19, 1863 — Degrees presented to first two graduates, Howard Sprague and Josiah Wood

1886 — College adopts garnet and gold as its colours July 9, 1840 — Charles F. Allison lays the cornerstone of the academy

Jan. 4, 1839 — Charles F. Allison proposes to the Wesleyan Methodists that a site be purchased and a building erected to house an academy

by Aloma Jardine

O

nce upon a time — that’s how University archivist David Mawhinney likes to begin the story of Mount Allison.

The University’s 175-year-old history does read like a fairy tale at times: an improbable beginning, struggle in the face of adversity, triumph and tragedy.

There is no prince, but there is a Princess — then-Princess Elizabeth visited in 1951 — and as for happily ever after, well, the story is still being written.

28 / Fall 2014 / RECORD

June 7, 1882 — Harriet Starr Stewart receives the first Bachelor of Arts degree conferred upon a woman in Canada May 25, 1875 — Grace Annie Lockhart becomes the first woman in the British Empire to receive a Bachelor degree when she graduates with her BSc

years Mount Allison was founded in 1839 when Sackville merchant Charles Frederick Allison proposed building a school.

But the story really begins in the late 1700s in Northern Ireland. When the local tax collector came to dine, the Allison family put out their best for their guest — including a set of silver spoons. As thanks, the tax collector said if they could afford silver spoons, they could afford to pay more taxes.

Joseph Allison and his family emigrated shortly thereafter, headed for Philadelphia,

but were shipwrecked on the way and ended up in Nova Scotia instead. Charles, Joseph’s grandson, eventually made his way to Sackville, accompanied by the silver spoons.

Over the years the Mount Allison Wesleyan Academy as it was initially known, expanded — first adding a school for girls in 1854, and granting its first degrees in 1863.

The University survived two world wars, when the number of young men headed off to war put a serious dent in enrolment; a number of devastating fires — at one point

#MOUNTIEPRIDE

November 1984 — Football Mounties play in the Vanier Cup for the first time Oct. 20, 1979 — Official opening of the Centre for Canadian Studies 1992 — Mount Allison receives its first of 18 — and counting! — #1 rankings from Maclean’s magazine for Canada’s top undergraduate school

March 1933 — 3rd Academy building, Old Lodge, pictured above, and Centennial Hall are burned

Oct. 28, 1960 — Dr. Ralph Pickard Bell is installed as the University’s first Chancellor Summer 1948 — Alex Colville’s mural in Tweedie Hall is completed 2013 — The Class of 2013 celebrates the 150th anniversary of Convocation by having their photo taken with the class of 1963 2004 — Mount Allison becomes a wireless campus

2013 — Mount Allison introduces a new academic program, philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE)

June 17, 2008 — Mount Allison joins Facebook

of history November 2009 — Mount Allison sends its first tweet

November 2011 — Mount Allison’s 50th Rhodes Scholar, Rebecca Anne Dixon, is named

three buildings burned in the same month; and several periods of great financial strain.

From humble beginnings, Mount Allison has built a reputation as the country’s top undergraduate university, capturing top spot in the Maclean’s survey in 1992 and rarely relinquishing its number one place in the years since.

“The story of Mount Allison is a story of resilience, dedication, and philanthropy — of people who dreamed of providing students with the best possible education and

who worked tirelessly to do so,” says alumni relations director Carolle de-Ste-Croix. “As we mark our 175th anniversary, we celebrate those who have helped build Mount Allison into what it is today and look forward to what it will be tomorrow.”

The University’s 175th anniversary will be celebrated throughout the year, dovetailing with events like the Persons event, which focused on notable women in Mount Allison’s history, and the President’s Speakers Series.

2014 — Grand opening held for the Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts

2014 — Mount Allison celebrates its 175th anniversary

The University is also planning Cornerstone Day, an event to mark 175 years since the cornerstone for the first academy building was laid on July 9, 1840.

“It is a day to reflect on where we’ve come from, what we’ve achieved, and an opportunity to celebrate our successes,” Mawhinney says. “It all started with an idea and that cornerstone laid by our benefactor 175 years ago. What an incredible legacy!”

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IN MEMORIAM Evelyn (Richmond) Smith Marjorie (Lawrence) LeMoine William C. Hood Kathleen (Sadler) Rankin William Raland Tracy Mary M. Connelly Donald H. Stonehouse Ted E. H. Grainger Lloyd Graham Sylvia G. Stansfield Donald R. Sutherland Murray L. Jodrie Albert L. Wry Anne (Heartz) Denovan Douglas G. Embree Donald L. French Gordon H. Fitzgerald Eugene F. Gillies Purdy Crawford Joyce (Henry) MacLoon G. Kingsley Ward John C. Keating Morton J. Bain Dana G. Trenholm Harold R. Sheridan Starr Jodrey David A. Ratchford Barbara (Lamy) Vansnick Alexander Steeves David H. Skinner Donald J. Fleming Beverley (Ellis) Calabrese John C. Lacroix Barbara R. Dunfield Catherine MacQuarrie-Varner Jean (Coupar) Lipton Edith F. Rosenow Catherine St Jean

1937 1940 1941 1942 1942 1945 1946 1947 1948 1948 1948 1949 1949 1950 1950 1950 1951 1951 1952 1952 1953 1954 1955 1957 1958 1960 1960 1960 1966 1968 1970 1971 1975 1985 1985 1991 1995 1997

Auguste (Scherrer) Roulston

Former Employee Ruby Barter Friend Gordon Beaman Friend Margaret (Farquhar) Cameron Friend Allie Daley Friend Donald Keleher Friend Kathryn (Pettis) Wry Friend Edward Martin

30 / Fall 2014 / RECORD

Parent

Mackay Murray (’42) Submitted by William Murray (’79) Mackay Murray’s love of music and science found expression during his years at Mount Allison, where he played the violin in various musical groups and pursued pre-med studies. While at Dalhousie University completing his medical degree, Mackay met his future wife, Betty Bird, daughter of Will R. Bird (DLitt, ’49) and Ethel Sutton (Ladies’ College, ’13), and sister of Stephen Bird (’40).

Mackay and Betty raised a family of four while pursuing careers in the U.S., where Mackay became professor of anatomy at the Downstate Medical Center of the State University of New York.

When they retired in Lorneville, NS, Mackay took up the cello and made weekly trips across the marsh to play in Mount A’s chamber orchestra.

To the end of his life, Mackay avidly read medical journals and thought deeply about new directions in research. And music, shared with Betty, brought peace and consolation passing understanding.

The Allisonian tradition continues with the recent graduation of a granddaughter, Alex Taylor (’14).

Catherine MacQuarrie-Varner (’85) Submitted by her daughter Heather Varner (’13) Catherine MacQuarrie-Varner passed away on Sunday, May 4 2014 at The Moncton Hospital, following an unexpected motorcycle accident.

Cathy shared a love for Mount Allison with her children throughout their entire childhood, often stopping by the “Swan Pond” for a picnic when passing through Sackville. She told stories of sliding down the hill using “borrowed” cafeteria trays from meal hall. Her experience at Mount Allison was a huge part of her life, and when her daughter Heather chose to

attend Mount Allison for her undergrad, Cathy was thrilled at the coincidence upon arrival to campus when she realized the room Heather had been assigned in Windsor Hall was in fact, the same one she had lived in during her time as a Windsor Hall resident.

Cathy was deeply loved and respected by those around her for many reasons, however her sincere compassion and loyalty truly set her apart. She kept in touch with many of her University friends over the years, maintaining a deep and genuine understanding of the value of friendship. Family always came first for Cathy, and the innumerable loved ones she left behind will miss her incredibly.

John C. Keating (’54) Submitted by his sister Ann (Keating) Porter (’60) Born in Moncton, NB, John died in Midland, ON Aug. 25, 2014. Known on campus as a flying enthusiast and badminton champion, he left Mount A with his engineering certificate and earned his engineering degree from McGill in 1956. Subsequently he spent three years in the RCAF, then worked in Montreal, Barrie, Michigan, and Toronto before retiring to a farm near Midland. He was a pilot, amateur race car driver, and radio operator, but above all an avid sailor to the end. (In 1976 he and his family spent a year cruising in the Caribbean on their 32-foot sailboat.) He leaves his wife Pat (Forsyth); sons Jamie and Rob (’88); and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother Bob (’64) and is survived by his sister Ann (Keating) Porter (’60) and brother Frank.

This list is compiled from information sent to University Advancement May 16, 2014 – Sept. 12, 2014. Please feel welcome to submit memories of departed Allisonians you have known and loved, and we will be happy to print short versions in the Record and longer versions online at www.mta.ca/alumni

CLASS NOTES

1950s Marilyn Trenholm Counsell (’54, LLD ’00) was one of eight women to receive the YWCA Moncton’s eighth annual Women of Distinction Award in May.

Welcome to the newest member of the Allisonian family! John Mitchell (’68) has recently adopted a new puppy named “Mountie.” Mountie joins the Mitchell family, who count five generations of Allisonians in their ranks, including John’s sons Geoff (’03) and David (’91) and granddaughters Rachel (’16) and Katelyn (’18) Cundiff.

1960s

There’s a place that kindles intimate relationships and lasting memories.

So many reasons to...

Senator Catherine Callbeck (’60, LLD ’96) was honoured by James Cowan, leader of the Opposition in the Senate, this spring to mark her retirement. Cowan touched on many of Callbeck’s achievements, including serving as the first female premier in Canada on PEI and her work towards the creation of the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

Fred (’65) and Marilyn (Hale) Jestly (’63) are

celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this fall on Nov. 13. The pair met at Mount Allison and make their home in King City, ON, outside of Toronto. They have three children and six grandchildren.

Ginny (Pope) Pike (’67) and Graham Pike (’65) with Barbara (Pope) Marcolin (’69), and Jim Marcolin (’69) — sisters who met their husbands on the same night, 50years ago, at Mount A.

1970s After years working overseas as a diplomat, working in refugee camps and conflict zones across the world, Margaret Gass (’76) is now fundraising for ovarian cancer research, one of the most lethal of women’s cancers. She has also been affected by the disease and is now in remission. Margaret helped organize several events including the launch of the Real Teal Challenge to overcome ovarian cancer this September.

1-800-249-2020

sackville.com

The Cultural Crossroads of the Maritimes

/ 31

Donna Hogan (’78) writes, “It’s been 25 years since this ’70s gang has managed to all get together in one place (the home of Mark and Jay Bohan in Sackville, August 2014).

Football plays were recalled, blueberry pies were consumed, songs were sung.” Pictured left to right standing: Donna (Lindsay) Hogan (’78), Peter Hogan (’79), Dawn (Brennan) Henry (’79), Dave Henry ‘(79).

Seated: Maura (Cameron) Hunter (’79), Mark Bohan (’78), Jol Hunter (’80), and Jay Bohan (’78).

The exhibition opened on Oct. 29 at the Centro Cultural Clavijero in Morelia, Mexico. (http:// www.bienalcartel.org/)

1980s After over 30 years of juggling art, teaching, and family, Ron Milton (’83) retired from the staff of Beal Art at H.B. Beal Secondary School.

His wacky antics and love of visual art and its history inspired many students to follow their hearts. A select few even continued their studies at Mount A including Ray Jackson (’92), currently working in the same department. Ron is busy with finishing commissions and preparing for an upcoming exhibit of his own work.

Brenda Sanderson (’85,’89) was invited to be one of 35 Canadian designers in a special exhibition during the 2014 International Poster Biennial in Mexico. The exhibition is celebrating 70 years of Canada/Mexico bilateral relations.

Thirty-five Mexican designers also participated.

32 / Fall 2014 / RECORD

Patrick DeCoste (’87) received the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Graduate Studies from OCAD University (Toronto) in the MFA Interdisciplinary Arts Media and Design program. His thesis paper and exhibition were titled Dreaming of Bear and Crow: A Search for Metis Identity where he explores his Nova Scotia roots through painting, video, and animal skins. He had an art exhibition in October at Galerie Youn in Montreal, followed by art fairs in New York City and Miami. When not making art, Patrick enjoys canoeing and fishing on Georgian Bay, where he is also involved in Aboriginal arts education.

1990s Ian Andrew “Andy” MacDonald (’93), assistant professor of French, received the Constance and Rose Ganoe Memorial Award for Inspirational Teaching during Dickinson College’s Commencement exercises on May 18.

Shiralee Hudson Hill (’98) is the interpretive planner for the Alex Colville (’42, LLD ’68) exhibition, currently running at the Art Gallery of Ontario. It is the largest Colville retrospective ever hosted in Canada, and includes the Athletics Mural, on loan from Mount Allison, as well as a number of works from the Owens Art Gallery collection. The exhibit runs until Jan. 15, 2015 (www.ago.net)

the Population Genetics and Computational Biology Research Group led by Noah Rosenberg at Stanford.

Lloyd Taggart (’02) and Sonya Taggart are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter Hannah Marie Taggart on Aug. 20, 2014.

Doug Drover (’05) and Vickie Lamb Drover (’05) welcomed their third child, Jack (John Frederick Douglas) on June 16, 2014. Coming in at a whopping 10lb, 8 oz, Jack will no doubt be trying out for the Mounties defensive line in 2032. Big sister Grace and brother Sam are thrilled.

Ryan Wong (’06), pictured left, with his wife and baby recently visited Brad Locke (’06) , right, in Beijing. They made the trek together to visit the Great Wall of China.

Dennis Sakalauskas (’98) is founder and President of Ottawa-based DPS Original Healthcare and DPS Marketing and Design. He has enjoyed many experiences in business and education, living in Scotland, where he completed his master’s; Boston; and Montreal, and says he met and worked with many Allisonians along the way.

FOR

SEVEN DECADES we have had a special relationship with the people of Mount Allison University. We have welcomed prospective students and parents; celebrated graduations; hosted reunions; and accommodated alumni, visiting lecturers, honorees, and board members. We are a pre-Confederation Victorian home with 18 rooms and a fine dining room. We are a proud supporter of Mount Allison.

“Why get a room, when you can get a home?”

MARSHLANDS INN

55 Bridge, Sackville, NB E4L 3N8

2000s Bridget Algee-Hewitt (’00) has been appointed as a Fellow in the Stanford Center for Computational, Evolutionary and Human Genomics for 2014-15. She and partner Mark Algee-Hewitt (’00) are both at Stanford University. Mark has been the associate director of the Stanford Literary Lab since 2012and he has just now accepted an assistant professor position in digital humanities in the department of English. Last summer, Bridget left her position of Haslam Research Fellow in Forensics at UT Knoxville, where she was jointly appointed in the skeletal and molecular laboratories, to join

1-800-561-1266 Bridget Arsenault (’08) completed a charity swim across the English Channel in support of Build Africa this summer. Build Africa combines education and livelihoods projects to help communities in Kenya and Uganda live happier, healthier, and more fulfilled lives.

See us at www.marshlands.nb.ca E-mail: marshlds@nbnet.nb.ca

/ 33

2010s Denise Alison (’10) shows her Mountie Pride in La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

A group of Allisonians had an impromptu Reunion at a CFL RedBlacks game in Ottawa this summer. James Teevens (’13), Jenny Johnson (’12), Tim Archibald (’13), Wray Perkin (’13), Meghan Corley-Byrne (’13), and University chaplain John Perkin met up on the sidelines. Wray is the assistant equipment manager for the RedBlacks.

L-R: Wray Perkin (’13), Jason Maillet (’13), former geography and environment professor Dr. Colin Laroque (2003-2013) , and Olivier

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Eddie (’10) met up in Regina this fall at a CFL

game between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Ottawa RedBlacks. Eddie works for the Riders organization and Perkin for the RedBlacks.

Mount Allison energy and spirit at the national conference was incredible, and we definitely have a fantastic reputation when it comes to Shinerama fundraising. Palak Satija (’13), Aleka MacLellan (’12), and myself are all serving as campaign advisors and Beth Whitfield (’12) is the regional director of Atlantic Canada. There were also three other delegates in attendance who were either current or previous Mount Allison students.”

Marlin (’01), and the Mount Allison Students’ Union, launched the Town’s first EV charger this fall. The charger is available to residents and visitors with electronic vehicles. Another reason to come back for a visit!

Eldon Hay, professor emeritus, religious studies, is the 2014 winner of the Canadian Society for the Study of Religion book prize for his book The Covenanters in Canada: Reformed Presbyterianism from 1820 to 2012.

Caleb Stark (’14) writes, “This year there are four alumni on the national Shinerama leadership team, fulfilling various roles. The

The Town of Sackville, in partnership with EOS Eco-Energy Inc., headed by Amanda

Former geography professor Ronald Rees recently published his book New Brunswick — An Illustrated Story through Nimbus Publishing.

Advertisement

Did you or a member of your family study Applied Arts or Handicrafts at Mount Allison University?

Do you have any jewellery, woodcarving, leatherwork, basketry, weaving or clay work that was made by students in the Applied Arts department?

The Owens Art Gallery is planning an exhibition about the history of the Applied Arts department that offered classes at Mount Allison between 1908 and 1960.

If you have any objects, photographs or documents that could be borrowed for this upcoming exhibition, please contact Jane Tisdale at the Owens.

Email: jtisdale@mta.ca Phone: 506-364-2574 Marion McGregor McNair with her father John B. McNair attending her graduation applied arts exhibit at the Owens Art Gallery, 1951. Mount Allison University Archives. Picture Collection. 2007.07/201

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Remembering Purdy Crawford

I

n 2012, there was celebration marking the completion of the Mount Allison JUMP campaign. One of the campaign projects was a fine and performing arts centre. At the request of lead donors, my father was asked if he’d mind if the building bear his name. He was deeply proud of this, but ever the pragmatist, he suggested that if the University could gain further fund raising advantage by naming the building otherwise, he would encourage this course of action. Whether his idea was considered or not, it was not to be.

From the ground breaking in August, 2012 my father continually followed the progress of the building. What stage was it at?

Was it on budget? Was it on time? He started suggesting that all of us, his children and grandchildren, attend the grand opening.

He had had some health challenges, which heightened over the winter, but it seemed as though he might be able to overcome them to be at the opening. Looking back on it, Dad wanted us to be there not only to share in a proud moment but also so we all could participate in a historic event and become a part of the Mount Allison family. And again, it would serve as a subtle, or perhaps not so subtle, recruiting opportunity for his grandchildren!

Fast forward to Oct. 3, 2014. We are heading to Sackville for the opening. There are 27 of us: Purdy’s immediate family and many members of his extended family. We cross over the unpaved Lynn Road from Dad’s native home in Five Islands, NS, past the brilliant crimsons of the blueberry fields. Each of us is heavy with the realization that Purdy is not with us on this journey. We shore ourselves up for what we know will be an emotional and bittersweet day. We pass through Springhill, Amherst, the marshes, and are welcomed to campus by the Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts. For most of us it is our first time to see it in reality.

36 / Fall 2014 / RECORD

We excitedly gather and tour the facility, alive with the activity of art being created and graced with the heritage of the alumni art exhibit on its walls. We are struck most by the passion that was a large part of its creation. So much care and attention was given to the practical elements of how the building would serve its users.

How did we feel on this day? Excited, proud that Purdy’s name was associated with such a magnificent place, sad that he was not with us, but most of all happy that the Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts is the embodiment of what my dad aspired for his alma mater. A place that provides an inspiring blank canvas for students, faculty, and the larger community to create and appreciate the arts as part of a broad liberal arts and science education… and yes, one that was on time and on budget! We would like thank those who gave their hard work, generous support, and most of all love to this project for allowing us to take part in its celebration.

Suzanne Crawford (’79, past Chair of the Board of Regents) on behalf of the Purdy Crawford Family.

Editor’s Note: A biography of Purdy Crawford entitled Fire in the Belly: How Purdy Crawford rescued Canada and changed the way we do business by Gordon Pitts was co-published by Mount Allison and Nimbus Publishing this fall. It is available in bookstores and online.

Purdy Crawford and long-time friend John Bragg (’62, LLD ’93, chancellor emeritus) at a Mount Allison donor appreciation event in 2012.

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