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

2025 - 2026 Recipient

Mack Murphy

Mackenzie Murphy, more commonly known on our campus as Mack, has been a passionate, principled, and unapologetic advocate for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at StFX. As Vice-President Campus Affairs for the past two years, Mack has consistently named inequities, challenged complacency, and worked to ensure that queer and trans students are not treated as an afterthought, but as integral members of campus life. 

Mack’s impact is felt across institutional structures and everyday student experiences. From embedding queer-affirming practices into Orientation and O-Crew training, to co-creating Community Connections, a low-stimulus, substance-free welcome space designed with care for marginalized students. Her advocacy is intersectional, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine care. 

Beyond formal roles, Mack has been a trusted and visible source of support for countless students. Listening, validating, connecting to resources, and standing up to systems when harm occurs. As a leader, she brings conviction with compassion, courage with empathy, and truth with hope. 

For her unwavering commitment to structural change, community care, and meaningful inclusion, it is our honour to present the StFX Alumni Association Pride of StFX Student Award to Mackenzie Murphy.