September 22, 2006 Source: :
http://www.smu.ca/newsreleases/2006/09-22-2006.html Oh What a Night: SMU Alumni Dinner a Huge Success Last evening, the University hosted its annual alumni dinner at the Halifax Westin Nova Scotian Hotel, and the event was a resounding success. Well over 200 alumni from Atlantic Canada, across Canada and around the world packed the Main Ballroom of the downtown hotel to celebrate the annual occasion which is a true highlight of Homecoming Weekend (Sept. 21 to 24). John Francis (BComm ‘99) was the emcee for last evening’s dinner. Special guests of course included The President of Saint Mary’s University, Dr. J. Colin Dodds and his wife Carol; Dr. Elaine Gordon and her husband, Robert Cragg; The Honourable Joseph Kennedy and his wife Helen; Mr. Stephen Leahy; and his wife Dennice; The Chancellor of Saint Mary’s University, Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, S.J.; and Her Honour, the Honourable, Mayann E. Francis, The Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. A big highlight of the evening was the keynote speech by the Honourable Mayann E. Francis. She graduated from Saint Mary’s in the Spring of 1972, and is the first African Nova Scotian to hold the position of Lieutenant Governor. Her talk was truly inspirational. Dr. Edna Keeble, a professor political science at SMU, was also recognized for winning this year’s Father Stewart Medal for Excellence in Teaching — an award presented annually by the University’s Alumni Association. She was formally presented with the award at the May 2006 SMU Convocation. Boris Mirtchev (BSc. ‘96 and MBA ‘99) gave the Grace before dinner. Paul O’Hearn (BComm ‘82), President of the Alumni Association, and Wendy Brookhouse (MBA ‘02), and Chuck Bridges (MBA ’02) also spoke at last evening’s event. Dick Franklin (BComm ‘69) was presented with this year’s Alumnus of the Year Award. He was recently given an honorary Doctorate from Saint Mary’s in honour of his business success and his support to the Saint Mary’s community. He currently resides in Denver, Colorado. This year's Homecoming Dinner Committee included Stephen Kelly, Angela Bishop, Marcel Dupupette, Christine Craig, Karen Ross, Krista Armstrong and BJ Frennette. For those wishing more information on Homecoming Weekend, please visit www.smu.ca/alumni/ 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 vibrant 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
www.smu.ca
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