StFX ranks number one nationally, say students

ANTIGONISH, NS --- StFX has once again been rated as one of Canada’s top universities, this time the results coming from the most important stakeholders – the students.

StFX achieved the highest results when students were asked if they would choose to return to their current institution, with over 95% of students responding favourably. The results are part of the National Survey of Student Engagement published by Macleans.ca. More

Project to identify potential for geothermal and wind energy in Atlantic Canada - StFX's Environmental Sciences Research Centre receives $1.8 Million AIF Funding Grant

ANTIGONISH, NS - A project to identify potential for geothermal and wind energy in Atlantic Canada has netted StFX University's Environmental Sciences Research Centre (ESRC) $1.8 million from ACOA's Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF).

The funding is for a project called "Creating Knowledge Based Advantages in Renewable Energy Sources for Atlantic Canada: Environmental Technology and Climate Change in Atlantic Canada." More

Rare Open Mike Discussion - Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien To Deliver MacEachen Lecture at StFX

ANTIGONISH, NS - The Rt. Hon. Jean Chrétien, former prime minister of Canada, will deliver the annual Allan J. MacEachen Lecture in Politics at St. Francis Xavier University on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at the Charles V. Keating Millennium Centre.

Mr. Chrétien's talk is entitled Canadian Politics in 2008: Challenges and Prospects. More

PricewaterhouseCoopers Invests in StFX's Schwartz School

ANTIGONISH, NS - Today, Dr. Sean Riley, Emperor of St. Francis Xavier University, and Andre Boudreau, a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), announced that the firm has donated $250,000 to the Gerald Schwartz School of Business and Information Systems. The gift will help fund a major capital project to create a new home for the Schwartz School, one of the principal academic offerings of the StFX undergraduate program.

"The gift from PwC is another great vote of confidence as we bring this important capital project closer to completion," commented Dr. Riley. "Our colleagues at PwC join Gerry Schwartz and many other leaders from Canada's business community in acknowledging the high calibre of this national school of business. The gift also helps to remind others in corporate Canada of the importance of investing in resources that will ensure generations of students -- our employees of the future -- receive the best possible learning opportunities while at university." More

StFX Hosts First-Ever Regional Workshop on Building Research Capacity

ANTIGONISH, NS - From Nov. 30 to Dec. 1, St. Francis Xavier University will host the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada's (NSERC) first-ever workshop on Building Research Capacity in Atlantic Canada.

The focus of this workshop - an idea conceived by StFX research administrators more than a year ago - is to brainstorm ways of attracting more research partners, more funding for innovation, and generally increase the amount of research being done in the Atlantic region. About 80 university and college research administrators and representatives of federal funding agencies and the private sector will form a "think tank" aimed at making Atlantic Canada more competitive when it comes to securing research grants needed to fund cutting-edge innovation. More

Coady's campaign success signals great advance for international development leadership

ANTIGONISH - St. Francis Xavier University President, Dr. Sean Riley and University Vice President and Coady Director, Mary Coyle, today announced success with the Coady Capital Campaign, the fundraising effort to build the new Coady International Centre. The campaign has raised $14 million, which provided the StFX Board of Governors with the confidence to vote earlier in the day to give the green light to move ahead on plans to construct the new facilities.

The Centre, which will now be slated for completion in time for the Coady Institute's 50th anniversary in 2009, will provide the platform for the Institute to expand its professional education programming for local community leaders working worldwide to build better lives for all people. It also marks an historic move by the Coady Institute into the heart of the StFX campus, further integrating it into the university community. More

Renowned Canadian Artist Immortalizes Coady's Legacy

ANTIGONISH -- Barbara Paterson, creator of the Rev. Dr. Moses M. Coady monument will be on hand at St. Francis Xavier University as her monument is officially unveiled September 28, 2007 by the Coady International Institute and St. Francis Xavier University. The monument includes a life-size (6' 5") bronze statue of the great Canadian hero in conversation. At his side, a bronze of his book, Masters of their Own Destiny, sits open. Viewers are invited to pause on the bench to contemplate the man and his ideas for self-reliance and community betterment which led to the Antigonish Movement and ultimately, led to the founding of the Coady International Institute.

"We are so excited about having this work of art integrated into the landscape of our campus," said Mary Coyle, StFX Vice President and Director of the Coady International Institute. "Barbara has rendered a creation that will inspire and engage people and help us to keep the spirit of Moses Coady and the Antigonish Movement alive and flourishing."

The unveiling will be a gala event as part of the annual StFX Homecoming Dinner and Dance in the evening, with the actual unveiling slated for 9:00 p.m. Journalists who are unable to attend at that time will be provided a photo opportunity at 1:00 p.m. -- with images under embargo until 9:00 p.m. September 28th -- following an historic announcement by the Coady International Institute relating to its capital campaign. More

StFX Welcomes New Communications and Marketing Director

Antigonish, NS - St. Francis Xavier University is welcoming a new addition to the Communications and Marketing and Department this month.

Laura Matthews has been named Director of Communications and Marketing, and comes to StFX from the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD), where she has held the position of Director, Marketing and Communications for the past seven years. More

Herald publisher Graham Dennis honours Moses Coady through gift to Coady International Institute

- Gift marks Dennis' own 80th birthday -

Halifax, Aug. 16/07 - Chronicle Herald publisher Graham Dennis is giving a special gift to Nova Scotians and to the world in honour of his 80th birthday: a $1 million donation to the Coady International Institute. The gift is in support of the $12 million fundraising campaign to support the development of the Coady International Centre, a 55,000 square foot facility that will be housed in renovated heritage buildings in the heart of the historic St. Francis Xavier University campus in Antigonish. More

Palestinian and Israeli Youth to participate in Peace Camp Nova Scotia at Coady Institute, St. FX

- A new partnership between Peace Camp Canada, the Government of Canada, the Coady International Institute and St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) will build on previous successes in an effort to launch a "next generation" peace camp -

Antigonish, NS - Peace Camp Canada (PCC) is forming a new partnership with the Coady International Institute, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) and StFX to launch Peace Camp Nova Scotia, bringing its successful peace camp model to a higher playing field. Peace Camp Nova Scotia will focus on helping 20 Palestinian and Israeli youth break down negative stereotypes and, together, build understanding, trust and mutual respect.

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with DFAIT, the Coady Institute and StFX in developing our peace camp model and extending our work to Nova Scotia," said Elan Divon, Executive Director of Peace Camp Nova Scotia. "The effects of this kind of peace work are simply impossible to quantify and we are looking forward to working with our new partners to do even more." More

St. Francis Xavier University's Industry Liaison Office (ILO) is unveiling an innovative new health informatics company this summer.

ANTIGONISH, NS - St. Francis Xavier University's Industry Liaison Office (ILO) is unveiling an innovative new medical technology company this summer.

NSLogix will also help to further strengthen strategic plans in health research at StFX, and on a national level. Last August, the federal government selected StFX as the host institution of the National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health, which is presently leading knowledge exchange activities relevant to social determinants of health like health literacy, socio-economic status, gender, race and early childhood development. More

Province's Fundraisers Honour John Chisholm

- Coady benefactor and nominee is named Outstanding Individual Philanthropist -

Halifax, NS - Nova Scotia's fundraisers have named Antigonish businessman John Chisholm as this year's Outstanding Individual Philanthropist. The recognition came at the June 18th Maritime Philanthropy Awards Dinner in Halifax, an annual event hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Mr. Chisholm, President of Nova Construction, was nominated for the award by the Coady International Institute. More

StFX Great Blue Heron Writing Workshop to Feature Public Readings with Internationally Acclaimed Writers

ANTIGONISH, NS - Alistair MacLeod and Lisa Moore are among the high-profile writers who will offer free public readings of their work at the upcoming Great Blue Heron Writing Workshop - a four-day writing workshop taking place at St. Francis Xavier University from July 3-7. More

Calling Young Aspiring Scientists to X-Chem Outreach Camp 2007

Antigonish, NS - Your mother always taught you to wash your hands, but have you ever seen what happens when you don't?

Disease prevention, the chemistry of toothpaste, and odd experiments with 'Dracula's blood' are just some of the fun, hands-on activities that students in Grades 1-6 will experience this summer at St. Francis Xavier University's X-Chem Outreach Camp 2007 - a series of chemistry and science camps that will inspire young minds as they explore the application of science to every day life. More

StFX Announces Nova Scotia Celtic Bursary Award Winners

Antigonish, NS - The Nova Scotia Celtic Bursary selection committee is pleased to announce that eight applicants, including four StFX students, have been granted travel bursaries that will enable the recipients to travel and study in Scotland or Ireland this year. More

Central Group Issues $3 Million Challenge to Raise Funds for the Coady International Institute

- Will match half of every donation made by Nova Scotian individuals or businesses -

Antigonish, NS- Steve and Kathy Smith and Associates of the Central Group of Companies are issuing a $3 million challenge to Nova Scotians to support the Coady International Institute at St. Francis Xavier University. They will donate up to $1 million, matching 50 per cent of every gift made by an individual or business from Nova Scotia. This pledge represents a potential $3 million in total contributions to the Coady Institute. More

StFX Introduces Antigonish Movement to North American Adult Education Conference Delegates

Antigonish, NS - When 50 participants of an international adult education conference touch down in Nova Scotia this week, their itineraries will include one stop outside of Halifax - Antigonish - where StFX University will host a two-day pre-conference on the evolving definition of community and its impact on adult education in Canada and around the world.

The pre-conference for delegates of Mount Saint Vincent University's Adult Education Research and Canadian Association for the Study of Adult Education Conference taking place June 6-9 will be held at StFX in co-operation with the Coady International Institute, and is being coordinated by Dr. Allan Quigley, Dr. Leona English, Dr. Thomas Turay and Wendy Kraglund-Gauthier of the Department of Adult Education. More

Million Dollar Gift from Publisher Peter Vegso is Chicken Soup for the World's Soul

Funds will support construction of Coady International Centre

ANTIGONISH - Peter Vegso, publisher, Chicken Soup for the Soul Enterprises, Inc. and co-founder of Health Communications, Inc, has made a million dollar gift to the Coady International Institute at St. Francis Xavier University. The funds will support the construction of a new home for the Institute in the heart of the StFX campus. More

StFX Hosts Mi'kmaw Language Conference

Antigonish, NS - StFX is hosting a Mi'kmaw language conference this week entitled, "L'nui'sultinej - Let us Speak Mi'kmaq." The conference, which has been offered on a bi-annual basis since 1998, will be held at the Keating Millennium Center on May 16-18th. More

StFX Celebrates Outstanding Achievement in Academics, Teaching, and Leadership at Spring Convocation 2007

Antigonish, NS - More than 1,150 students are joining in the much-anticipated procession to St. Francis Xavier University's spring convocation today, where they will receive their degrees and diplomas and help the campus community recognize the achievements of honorary degree recipients, top scholars and outstanding faculty.

This year's honorary degree recipients include Louise Fréchette, a diplomat and public servant, Gaetano Gagliano, a leading businessman, and Dr. John Stewart, an academic and public servant. More

Louise Fréchette, Gaetano Gagliano and Dr. John Stewart to receive honorary degrees from StFX

ANTIGONISH - Diplomat and public servant Louise Fréchette, leading businessman Gaetano Gagliano and academic and public servant Dr. John Stewart will be recognized for their contributions to society with the conferring of Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa from St. Francis Xavier University during spring convocation on Sunday, May 6.

More than 1150 StFX students will graduate at spring convocation. Spring convocation takes place in two ceremonies at the Charles V. Keating Millennium Centre at StFX, the first at 9:30 a.m. and the second at 3 p.m. More

StFX Expresses Condolences to Virginia Tech

Statement from Dr. Sean E. Riley
President, St. Francis Xavier University

The StFX community joins all Canadians in expressing its shock at the senseless violence at Virginia Tech. Our thoughts are with the victims of this horrific act as well as their families, friends and colleagues.

Universities stand as beacons of hope, tolerance and understanding in a troubled world. This incident further underscores the importance of this role.

Counselling is available to StFX students who are affected personally by this tragedy. Please call 867-2281 for assistance.

In memory of the victims of violence at Virginia Tech, the flags atop Nicholson Hall will be lowered to half-mast.

Top Art Students Receive Angus Macgillivray Bursary

Antigonish, NS - Five of St. Francis Xavier University's most promising young artists received the prestigious Angus Macgillivray Bursary at the annual StFX Art Show Gala recently. More

StFX invests another $11 million in residential campus

Renovation of historic Bishops Hall to meet needs of today's students

ANTIGONISH, NS - St. Francis Xavier University is well aware that its residential experience is a big attraction for students across Canada. That's part of the reason the university is investing another $11 million in improvements to campus life through the renovation of historic Bishops Hall.

Following on the heels of the $19 million construction last year of Governors Hall and the $8.6 million complete renovation of MacIsaac Hall, this upcoming building project will provide Bishops' residents with the same high-quality residence experience that Governors and MacIsaac halls now offer. That includes modern new lounges with soft seating, big-screen televisions and large windows. As well, Bishops Hall will be transformed from double rooms to almost entirely singles, a move that reflects the growing demand for single rooms. More

Aliant Helps StFX Go Wireless

Antigonish, NS - StFX is about to unveil a campus-wide wireless Internet service, which will make it one of the only universities in Atlantic Canada to provide this accessibility from every building.

The technology upgrade has been in the works since 2005, but kicked into high gear last spring following a $250,000 donation from Aliant. In November, technicians began extensive site surveys to determine the best placement for wireless access points, and facilities management staff are now hard at work wiring a total of 300 locations across the university. More

SYSPRO forms strategic alliance with St. Francis Xavier University

March 1st, 2007 - Burnaby, BC - St. Francis Xavier University's Schwartz School of Business and Information Systems, and SYSPRO, a leading producer of enterprise software for SME manufacturers and distributors, today announced that their two entities have entered into a strategic alliance that will result in SYSPRO's ERP product being introduced into the Schwartz School's educational degree programs in September 2007. More

StFX President Dr. Sean Riley's Contract Extended To 2011

ANTIGONISH, NS - Mr. Guy Savard, Chair of the Board of Governors, St. Francis Xavier University today announced that Dr. Sean Riley will remain as President under a new contract ending in June 2011.

Dr. Riley is a graduate of StFX and holds a doctorate from Oxford University, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar. He was first appointed President in 1996. More

Outstanding Business Leader Receives Award

Antigonish - The president of one of Canada's most successful software application and consulting firms visited StFX today, where he discussed the key elements of business empowerment in the 21st century, and accepted an award for his ongoing work in assisting the Gerald Schwartz School of Business and Information Systems with education delivery. More

StFX Receives $3 Million in AIF Funding for Health Care Research Project

ANTIGONISH - St. Francis Xavier University is increasing its involvement in cutting edge health care research and development through a $3 million investment from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency's Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF).

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), visited StFX to announce this substantial contribution. The funding will support a project that will design innovative software systems to be used in the management of public health care. Led by Dr. Wendy MacCaull, professor in the Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, the project is being conducted in partnership with the applied health informatics company, Medical Decision Logic Inc. (known as MDLogix) of Baltimore, Maryland, the Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority and Cape Breton District Health Authority. More