Over 1100 excited students and proud loved ones filled the Keating Centre on Sunday May 4th for one of the largest spring convocations in StFX’s history. In addition to conferring undergraduate and graduate degrees and recognizing the achievements of exemplary StFX faculty, the University also awarded honorary doctorates to Dr. Michael W. Higgins, Class of ‘70, Dr. Peter Nicholson, and Clara Hughes.
This was the first spring convocation ceremony for StFX’s 11th Chancellor, Dr. Mila Mulroney ’04. Other new additions to the ceremony included an African drum processional, played by Dr. Agnes Calliste Academic and Cultural Centre staff and StFX students, and stoles designed specifically for Indigenous students.
Be someone who always remembers the important things in life.
Dr. Mulroney opened the ceremony with inspiring remarks, encouraging the Class of 2025 to never forget the strong Xaverian values they learned during their time at StFX—particularly kindness and humility.
“Be someone who always remembers the important things in life,” said Dr. Mulroney. She discussed the bounty of options graduates can expect after leaving StFX, and the way in which a university education can serve as a bedrock for a successful future. But success, Dr. Mulroney pointed out, is not simply measured by one's outward accomplishments alone.
“Be kind. Be courageous. Be bold,” Dr. Mulroney continued. “But most of all, be grateful. Be true to your values and make sure your word means something. Be someone worth knowing. Always stay kind.”
StFX President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Andy Hakin echoed Dr. Mulroney’s sentiments, calling kindness a “superpower” as he reflected on the strength of the Xaverian community during times of great uncertainty. He reminded the graduates of their kindness, strength and perseverance during the Covid-19 pandemic, and in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona.
“Your StFX degree is a golden key that will open many doors,” Dr. Hakin told the class. “Your hard work, passion, intellect, and skill will allow you to turn the key and move through to the next part of your specific journey.”
“Never in recent history has there been a more important moment for you, our graduates, to shine,” Dr. Hakin concluded, urging graduates to live up to the University’s mission of building a better society and being an engine for change. “You will move our country forward.”
Recognizing exemplary teaching, research, and service.
Both ceremonies presented awards and distinctions to StFX faculty, recognizing their many achievements in research, teaching, and service.
Dr. Margo Watt, Department of Psychology, was recognized as Professor Emerita, and Dr. John Phyne, Department of Sociology, and Dr. Ivan Grenier, Department of Political Science, both as Professor Emeritus.
Dr. Arlinda Ruco, Department of Health, received the President’s Research Award and Dr. Ricardo Scrosati, Department of Biology, received the University Research Award.
Outstanding University Teaching Awards were presented to Dr. Geniece Hallett-Tapley, Department of Chemistry, and Dr. Arlinda Ruco, Department of Health.
For more information about the faculty awards and distinctions, please click here.
We are not just ready for the future, but the future is ready for us.
Senior class speaker, Joshua Kroker, Bachelor of Arts (Honours), addressed students in the morning ceremony.
He recalled how he started his StFX journey as a first year student with a simple motto: most people here are either friends, or future friends. Mr. Kroker lived by this motto throughout his four years and eventually had it engraved on his X-ring.
“Allow yourself to see the challenges that you’ve overcome,” Mr. Kroker said to his fellow graduates. “Let this degree symbolize your immense perseverance and growth.”
Violet Silva, Bachelor of Arts and Science, spoke on behalf of the senior class during the afternoon ceremony.
"As we step into the world – not at the start of our journey, but already well on our way – let's keep walking, keep learning, and always find our way back to the people and passions that ground us," said Ms. Silva. "The world we are stepping into is full of challenges, but also full of hope. And it needs curious minds, kind hearts, and courageous spirits like ours. We are not just ready for the future, but the future is ready for us."
The habits of mind that make knowledge accessible and truth meaningful.
Honorary degrees were conferred for three outstanding individuals, all of whom have made tremendous contributions in their respective(s) fields: Dr. Michael Higgins, a StFX alumnus from the Class of 1970 and the Basilian Distinguished Fellow of Contemporary Catholic Thought at the University of St. Michael’s College; Dr. Peter Nicholson, a renowned public intellectual and central force in Canadian policy; and Clara Hughes, a legendary Canadian athlete and Olympian as well as a distinguished mental health advocate, philanthropist, and humanitarian.
Dr. Higgins shared many words of wisdom with the new graduates, detailing the immense influence StFX professors have on their students. “This university treasures the personal and privileges a caring environment,” said Dr. Higgins. “This is your day to rejoice and celebrate."
The afternoon ceremony bestowed degrees upon Dr. Peter Nicholson and Clara Hughes. In his speech, Dr. Nicholson issued a call to arms to the afternoon grads—many of whom were graduating with degrees in the sciences— urging them to mobilize in defence of truth. "Truth enables us to foresee the consequences of our actions, both as individuals and as a society," he explained. "Therefore we ignore truth or deny it at our peril."
"You leave [StFX] not only with knowledge, but with the habits of mind that make knowledge accessible and truth meaningful," Dr. Nicholson said.
Ms. Hughes greeted students with a reminder that a "sea of possibility" is now in front of them, before sharing a personal story from the Vancouver 2010 Olympics about how her friendship with the Squamish First Nation people deepened her understanding about the power of connection and the importance of succeeding together rather than alone.
"Graduates, after you leave this educational space, how are you going to weave your unique fabric of community into the world?” Ms. Hughes asked in closing.
Alumni Association President, Mike Gillis '87 congratulated the Class of 2025 and spoke about the value of getting involved with StFX's vibrant alumni association to stay connected with one another and Xaverians around the world.
Both ceremonies also included an invocation from University Chaplain, Fr. Donald MacGillivray ’79, remarks from Elder-in-Residence, Kerry Prosper '09, a benediction from Most Reverend Bishop Wayne Joseph Kirkpatrick, Vicar of the Founder of StFX, as well as a performance of the Mi’kmaq Honour Song by Joseph Sylliboy of Millbrook First Nation, and Canada's national anthem by Janet Becigneul. The full programs can be found here.
