September 22, 2005 Source: St. Mary's University: http://www.smu.ca/newsreleases/2005/09-22-2005.html "Atlantic Centre at Saint Mary's is Making All the Right Plays for Students," Says Ken Dryden The Honorourable Ken Dryden, Minister of Social Development, was on campus this morning for a special tour of the Atlantic Centre for Students with Disabilities. The former Montreal Canadiens star goaltender also had the opportunity to meet with staff and students at the Centre as well with Dr. J. Colin Dodds, President of Saint Mary's. "It's nice to see that the Atlantic Centre at Saint Mary's is making all the right plays for students," smiled Dryden during this morning's tour. He was impressed with the services offered through the Centre as well as the cutting-edge technology that ensures students at the University have access to higher education. "It's truly a wonderful opportunity to visit the Atlantic Centre," he said. "As well, it's also really nice to learn more about the University's tireless efforts in making education accessible to all students," he added. The Atlantic Centre is the only such centre in the country supporting students with the full range of disabilities, including mobility, sight, hearing and learning disabilities. The Centre supports clients across Nova Scotia, in addition to students at Saint Mary's University, and is one of only three centres of specialization in Canada supported by the federal government to enhance the full participation of citizens with disabilities in higher education. Dryden was elected to the House of Commons and named Minister of Social Development in the summer of 2004. Well known for his career as a goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens from 1971 to 1979, during which time the team won six Stanley cups, Dryden is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame and the International Scholar-Athlete Hall of Fame. Last year Dryden was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Civil Law (honoris causa) Degree from Saint Mary's University. He is the author of four best-selling books: The Game, HomeGame, The Moved and the Shaken, and In School. In 1984, he was appointed the first Ontario Youth Commissioner. He has been involved with numerous community and charitable groups, most particularly in the area of children, youth and education. In 1996, he started a scholarship where 8 students a year from foster and group homes receive four-year $3,000/year scholarships to the university or college of their choice across Canada. Prior to his appointment as Minister, Mr. Dryden was the President of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Saint Mary's University is known for its community outreach projects, both in Canada and around the world. Saint Mary's, founded in 1802, is home to one of Canada's leading business schools, a Science Faculty widely known for its cutting-edge research, a comprehensive and innovative Arts Faculty and a new Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. -30- For More Information: Paul Fitzgerald
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: paul.fitzgerald@smu.ca
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