Pride of StFX Award

Each year, one alum and one student are selected to receive the Pride of StFX Award.

Alum Award Student Award

Pride of StFX Award (Alum)

The Pride of StFX Award is presented to an alumni who embodies the spirit of StFX through actions and accomplishments and has made a significant impact in support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in which they reside.

Nomination Information

2025 Recipient

Rachel Harrison '14 '18

Rachael Harrison has exemplified the Xaverian spirit through her lifelong dedication to advancing equity, inclusion, and justice for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Though she first came to StFX to pursue a Bachelor of Education, she quickly distinguished herself as a leader and changemaker, shaping the campus and beyond through her advocacy and action.

As a BEd student, Rachael was a research assistant on an anti-homophobia education project and went on to design and deliver Positive Space 3, a professional development workshop for teachers to foster inclusive learning spaces. Her leadership and commitment were recognized with the prestigious Dr. Ottilia Chareka Award, celebrating her citizenship, perseverance, and advocacy for social justice. She was also named to the StFX President’s Circle of Young Alumni. Rachael continued her studies with a Master of Education in Physical and Health Education, publishing a textbook chapter titled Disrupting the Heteronormative and Homophobic Culture with Physical Education, now used nationally in teacher education programs.

Beyond StFX, Rachael’s impact has been remarkable. As Manager of Education for The Get REAL Movement (2018–2023), she developed workshops, curriculum, and resources that reached schools, workplaces, and communities across Canada. She also authored Small Acts Every Day, an illustrated children’s book on mental health and anti-bullying. Today, in her role with Egale Canada, she continues to champion inclusive education, partnering with educators and institutions nationwide to embed 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion and human rights in schools.

Rachael’s tireless efforts to create safer, more compassionate communities embody the values of StFX. She stands as a powerful example of leadership, advocacy, and service, making her a most deserving recipient of the Pride of StFX Award.

Pride of StFX Award (Student)

The Pride of StFX Award is presented to a student who embodies the spirit of StFX through actions and accomplishments and has made a significant impact in support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Nomination Information

2024 Recipient

Ro Paradela

Ro Paradela is a remarkable individual whose academic and community contributions at StFX have made a lasting impact, particularly within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Ro’s academic work has centered on critical issues such as the contemporary ‘crisis of masculinity,’ approached through a transfeminist lens. Their honours thesis, which examines male self-destructive behavior as an expression of gender melancholia and grief, integrates transfeminism, psychoanalysis, and contemporary literature on masculinity to explore the root causes of violence experienced by 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

Beyond their academic achievements, Ro is an engaged leader in the StFX community. As the first peer mentor for the Gender & Sexual Diversity Advising Office, Ro has developed community-building programs and offered peer support, providing a safe and inclusive space for 2SLGBTQIA+ students. Their advocacy for equity is profound and they confidently yet gently more that work forward. Their work with Social Justice Radio further amplifies their advocacy, producing content that explores issues of equity and dignity.

A Positive Space Training Facilitator, two-time recipient of the "Champions of Change" Student Leadership Award, and certified in safeTALK Suicide Alertness, Ro’s commitment to education and social justice is evident. Their presence on campus exemplifies love, compassion, and unwavering dedication to 2SLGBTQIA+ visibility and advocacy. Join me in congratulating Ro on receiving the 2024 Pride of StFX Student Award.