Indigenous Art Exhibition

On Thursday, November 3, 2022, an Indigenous art exhibition opened in the MacNeil Gallery in the Schwartz Business School. The exhibition is a collaborative effort between the German Society, Friends United, and the Schwartz School of Business. The exhibition features artwork from artists Loretta Gould, Alan Syliboy, David Brooks, Gordon Fiddler, Darren Julian, Shianne Gould, and Gerald Gloade. The German Society spent the better half of Friday, October 28, 2022, setting up the gallery alongside StFX’s former art curator, Bruce Campbell. The art gallery is the 4th collaboration between the German Society at StFX and Friends United.

Preceding the event, members of the public as well as StFX students and staff could purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win one of Mrs. Gould’s paintings. Tickets were 10$ and the proceeds were divided between the breakfast program and Knowledge Keeper Kerry Prosper won the painting. A silent auction was also held for a second Loretta Gould painting. StFX staff member won the auction and the painting.

At the event, members of the German Society presented the artists Mrs. Loretta Gould, who attended the event, and Mr. Alan Syliboy. Mr. Kerry Prosper, StFX’s Knowledge Keeper in residence, spoke about the meaning of the event and reconciliation. Shannon Monk, Mi’kmaq Cultural Tourism Project Manager, also spoke about future projects and the event.

The event started at 5:15 p.m., though guests were welcome to enter the gallery beforehand. Refreshments were provided by Sodexo. After the official opening, guests were welcome to peruse around the gallery, speak to the artists and organizers, as well as have some snacks. The gallery will be open to visitors for the remainder of the academic year and students are encouraged to go view the beautiful artwork on display.

Look out for Bryn Blackwood’s Visit to the ‘Nish

The Antigonish Performing Arts is holding a series of concerts until April 29th. Most concerts will take place at Immaculata Hall on weekend evenings, costing only $5 per seat for students (regular admission is $20.) The upcoming concert will be performed by pianist Bryn Blackwood as part of the Atlantic debut tour. It will take place at 7:30 pm on Monday, November 21st.

Blackwood is an accomplished pianist based in Toronto. Alongside playing, he runs his own private piano studio and teaches at the Lane School of Music. He has won many awards, such as the Paul J. Bourret Memorial Award for Best Performance of the test piece at the 2018 Shean Piano Competition. In 2019, Blackwood won the Eckhart- Gramatte National Music Competition, he placed on CBC’s 30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30 List, and won the University of Toronto’s DMA Recital Competition. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Music at Western University and earned his Master’s at McGill University, also in Music. Blackwood is currently completing his Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of Toronto and working as the pianist for many of the university’s vocal courses.

Earlier this academic year, Blackwood performed at concerts in both Kitchener and Simcoe, Ontario, where he played a solo recital of works by Scriabin, Brahms, Ornstein, and Louie. Previous concerts have taken place in Ontario, Alberta, New Brunswick and British Columbia locations. Many were held at universities, including Queens, Lakehead, Calgary, and Mt. Allison.

During the covid lockdowns, he continued to perform on live streams, virtually, and at socially distanced concerts.

Blackwood is most interested in 20th/21st-century music. His StFX concert will mostly feature pieces by Ornstein, whom he also wrote and published his doctoral dissertation about. Ornstein was an experimental composer and pianist who lived from 1895-2002. He published his final sonata at 94, which made him the oldest published composer at that time. Reactions to his compositions were mixed; people would shout and throw things during his early performances, whilst crowds of over 2000 would attend his later ones. As well as using some of his works, Blackwood’s concert will also include pieces by Brian Cherney and Alexander Louie, both of whom are current Canadian composers. Works by Brahms and Scriabin will also be played.

After playing in Antigonish, Blackwood will continue his tour down the East Coast, moving on to Tatamagouche to play at the Grace Jollymore Joyce Arts Centre. The Antigonish Performing Arts Concert series will host its final concert of 2022 on Saturday, December 3rd. Anita Graef and Taylor Furtick will play the cello and piano together. Continuing into 2023, Tracey, Marcel, and Dakota will perform in February (tenor, soprano, and piano), and the Elmer Iseler singers will perform in March (taking place in St Ninian’s Cathedral.)

Interview With Jazz Pianist Michael Kaeshammer

Jazz pianist Michael Kaeshammer performed at the university during reading week, on November 10, 2022. The artist performed songs from his latest album, “The Warehouse Sessions”, which was released on October 7, 2022. Prior to his arrival, the Xaverian Weekly was able to secure an interview with the Canadian musician.

After brief introductions, I decided to ask Mr. Kaeshammer about his background.

Isabelle: Firstly, I was wondering what first drew you to the piano and jazz music.

Mr. Kaeshammer: My dad. When I was a kid, he played a lot of ragtime and jazz piano at home and that’s kind of what I knew from an early age on, you know? He didn’t listen to a lot of pop music or rock music. It was all jazz, and then when he sat down at the piano, he played that kind of stuff too. So, it was really, he was the biggest influence for me to actually get into the piano in particular and play boogie-woogie, and blues, and jazz music.

Isabelle: Okay! So, did you always know that you wanted to become a musician?

Mr. Kaeshammer: No. That really, I just loved playing music, but it was the move to Canada when I was 18—I grew up in Germany, in a little town and there was no professional musicians there in my environment, so I wasn’t thinking of pursuing a music career. But, when I moved to Canada, to Vancouver Island, I saw a lot of musicians, playing 5-6 nights a week, in clubs and bars, and realized that, you know, you can actually make a living performing, even before you have a record deal or before you are known, and that’s what made me pursue a career.

Isabelle: That’s great! What inspires your work?

Mr. Kaeshammer: Life, really. You know, I’m at a pointwhere, I mean I love listening to music, to other musicians and records, but they don’t really influence my own work. That was something that might have influenced me when I was younger and still learning the craft, but just life. You know, I’m a very happy person and want to convey that with my music and see the music actually kind of as a vehicle to connect with an audience rather than trying to show them what I can do.

Isabelle: Did anything specific inspire your recent album?

Mr. Kaeshammer: Nothing specific except where I was at, at that point in my life, you know? We just finished another album that’s coming out in March which I wrote throughout the pandemic. And the pandemic itself didn’t influence the writing for that record, but it gave me the time to kind of reflect on family, and life, and things that are important because we’re just, you know, at home for two years and that kind of inspired lyrics for that new album that’s coming out. Reflection, I guess.

Isabelle: So, you mentioned that some artists may have kind of influenced you in the past, but not so much now. Which artists inspired you?

Mr. Kaeshammer: Well, when I was a kid, I listened to, like I was saying, a lot of jazz stuff, like, you know, like a lot of Louie Armstrong or Big Joe Turner, like blues vocalists, and people like Louie Armstrong as a jazz instrumentalist or singer. And then I got into, I was also at the same time when I was in high school, I was into listening to AC/DC or Guns ‘n Roses or whatever was on the radio at that time. And then I kind of explored things that my mom had a huge 45 singles collection of Beatles and [Rolling] Stones, you know, and then you’re growing up and you’re just kind of learning what music is about and song writing. All those artists were really influential, and I love listening to Memphis soul music like Wilson Pickett or Sam Cooke or stuff like that. So, you know, there’s different phases like when you’re growing up that you get interested in and they all kind of shaped how I approach music today.

Isabelle: So, what’s your favourite part of performing?

Mr. Kaeshammer: Connecting with the audience and connecting with the band. For me, it’s, you know, I mean it’s not the most… well, I don’t know how to put it, but there’s more enjoyable things than traveling every day. I mean, it’s great when you go on vacation somewhere, but when you travel every day on the road, it’s fun, but it’s not the most enjoyable part of being on the road. The most enjoyable part is the performance and if I wouldn’t enjoy that as much as I do—because I love being on stage, being in front of an audience—then I probably wouldn’t go on the road. But the connection I can find with an audience is kind of the payoff, right?

Isabelle: Do you have any advice for anyone hoping to become a musician?

Mr. Kaeshammer: Yeah! I think, from what I’ve learned, is there’s really only, you know, two things that have to be done. One is work hard. Like actually really put in more time than someone else on your song writing or on your instrument or singing, whatever it is you do. And be honest with yourself. Stick to your own, to your gut feeling, you know, and the things that make you different are the things that are interesting.

Isabelle: Is there anything else you’d like readers to know?

Mr. Kaeshammer: I’m excited to come to Antigonish, and to play there. And I know there’s a music program there too and the band that is coming with me, I think they’re pretty known in the Maritimes. Tommy Lee’s on bass and Jeff Arsenault on drums. I think people who want to have a good time—and not necessarily like jazz, people don’t have to like jazz or blues to like the show—should come out and have a good time with us!

“The Warehouse Sessions” album is available for purchase on Spotify, Labelstore, and Amazon Canada for all those interested in Michael Kaeshammer’s music. We hope the musician decides to return to StFX for future performances!

Take a Break, You Deserve It

When I was younger, I would start listening to holiday music, put up decorations and begin counting down the days till Christmas on November 1st. I was the epitome of a kid with holiday spirit. I think that part of me is still there, longing to come out; however, as a university student, things are a little bit different now. Instead of doing all of those things, I countdown the days till my last exam, thinking about all my assignments and papers to do, and how on earth I am going to do it all.

Thinking back to when I had that excitement for the holiday’s made me wonder how I can bring it back. Or, at least a piece of it back. No matter if you do or don’t celebrate anything during the holidays, this time of year can be stressful for students as the dreaded darkness of daylight savings–and exams–takes over our lives. But between all the business, I think we can all make some time to take a break. Truly, the beginning of December used to be filled with anticipation and excitement, but it’s now filled with long hours of studying, procrastinating and stressing about procrastinating. However, this year is going to be different. This year, aside from finals, we can do a little something to make the long, dark days of December a little brighter.

Firstly, I recommend baking something. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but by taking an hour out of your day, you can procrastinate by baking instead of scrolling on TikTok for hours. Even better, you get a pretty sweet reward for your hard work in the kitchen. After you bake something, you may as well watch a movie. Personally, I prefer holiday movies around this time to distract myself from everything I’m avoiding doing. Some of my favorites include Home Alone, Christmas With The Kranks and The Holiday. If you are feeling like taking a break from your studies and really getting in the Holiday spirit, the town of Antigonish is putting on A Hometown Christmas with events throughout December–check out the schedule below!

All I’m trying to say is, there are ways this December doesn’t have to be as dull as it seems. Despite the dreaded dark days of finals season, you can do something small, like bake some cookies, watch a movie or go and distract yourself from that exam you’ve been dreading. By bringing back that excitement for this season, it makes the finish line for finals appear just a little bit closer. So, take a well-deserved break, you deserve it.

Three Years Later: Covid On Campus

The start of the winter term in 2023 will mark three years since the outbreak of Covid-19, quarantine and mask mandates. While many aspects of quotidian life have returned to pre-pandemic norms, masks in StFX classrooms haven’t. In fact, they’re still required inside all classrooms and educational facilities and are recommended inside residences.

While Covid may feel over with no online school, bars and restaurants open and parties filled with lots of people, it’s not disappeared entirely. The province reported an average of 79 PCR-positive cases a day and 238 current hospitalizations on the 17th of November.

With ICU beds filling up quickly in provinces like Ontario and Quebec, calls for more mask and vaccine mandates are ramping up. While Nova Scotia has not yet seen significant a surge in respiratory illness, the possibility of a new wave over the winter months is worth mentioning. And with the recent memory of the disastrous X-Ring ceremony last year, where the StFX and the Student Union were both fined by the Province for flouting Public Safety regulations in the not-so-distant past, perhaps the university is better off safe than sorry. Conversely, StFX has relaxed many of its covid measures for the current fall term, yet many among the student body feel it has not been relaxed enough.

When asked about the school policy of masks in class, Juliette Williams from MacIsaac said “They’re kinda dumb… We don’t need masks anywhere but classes.” A masked classroom in an unmasked building could surely do a small amount to stop the spread, but not much. While Juliette recognizes that the virus “still affects a lot of people across the country” she doesn’t feel concerned about her health if infected. As a young person triple-vaxxed, Juliette, like most folk on campus, is not at the greatest risk for serious complications from Covid. The average age for those who died of Covid in Nova Scotia was 84, and for hospitalization was 77.

Alex Guerra, who lives in O’Regan, echoes Juliette’s feelings. He says “Its as if covid has just ended... Except for mask restrictions in class.” He notes that despite the rules “no one wears [masks] outside of classes, [or] even in them.” Undoubtedly, it’s true that since the mask mandate has been implemented ‘chin strapping’ has been commonplace. Teachers are not required to wear a mask, and students are permitted to take them off during presentations, as well as to eat and drink. In an interview with the Globe and Mail following last year’s outbreak on campus, President Andy Hakin blamed this last rule on the rapid spread of the virus, calling it a “grey area.” 

Juliette and Alex, along with others interviewed, believe that the decision to mask shouldn’t be school policy but instead left up to teachers to decide the rules for their classroom. Alex believes that “as long as there is not another covid outbreak” there’s no need for mandatory masking, but “it’s important to monitor the situation.” He commended StFX for making access to rapid Covid test kits free and easily accessible at Bloomfield.

Hockey Gives Blood Comes to StFX

A wonderful non-profit organization called Hockey Gives Blood has recently been established here at STFX. It’s partnered with Canadian Blood Services, and their goal is to raise awareness about blood and stem cell donations. The organization believes that athletes in the hockey community should give back and believe in social and community responsibility.

It is no secret that giving blood saves lives, and X-Woman Anna MacCara, helping to establish Hockey Gives Blood here at STFX wanted to do just that. She says that she, “wanted to be a part of something that would make a difference in someone’s life.” In a small town like Antigonish, this could be huge. Anna also says that, “the organization has made significant impacts on communities” and that she’s, “looking to continue that on campus and in Antigonish.”

Just recently on November 5th, there was a Hockey Gives Blood night right here at STFX, which was a game versus Mount Allison University, where our incredible X-Women helped to raise awareness about donating blood, and to give information about how to become a donor.

Xaverians are doing amazing things, and contrary to popular misconception, you can look no further than our small town of Antigonish for many opportunities, such as saving lives and giving blood.

Questions for the Christians

On November 14th at 7:00 pm, inquiring students, faculty, and community members filed into Schwartz, ready to watch a panel discussion on the relationship between Christianity and other religions. The event was organized by the StFX Department of Religious Studies and was hosted by Dr. Darwish. Ensuring a diversity of perspectives, the panel included Protestants, Catholics, historians, as well as students.

Reverend Peter Smith, from the local St. James Church on Main St., opened the event by discussing whether or not the church is exclusive. He described a beautiful story of how the church hosted the Antigonish Muslim community until they were able to open a Mosque. “Homophobia, misogyny, racism, that’s where we have to part ways,” Rev. Smith states. “Otherwise, we have no problem discussing the beauty in other religions.”

In answering the question of whether their relationship with Christianity had in any way evolved, Michelle Vava brought her experience as an international student into the discussion. “In Zimbabwe, most of the country is Christian. In Canada, there is much more religious diversity, and it is eye-opening to talk to other people and talk about their experiences.” Dr. Barry MacKenzie, a self-described “cradle catholic” and history professor at StFX, spoke about how technology heightens exposure to others, whether we leave the house or not. He stressed that while engaging with people holding opposite views is useful, there is a pressing need to recognize the “common denominators” amongst people.

As a Catholic historian, Dr. MacKenzie had an insightful background on whether he would erase parts of Christianity’s historical impact. According to the historian: Absolutely. Although, Dr. MacKenzie makes a distinction that people corrupt the goodness of the Christian message with greed and feelings of superiority. In cases where the Christian faith is spread truthfully, “there’s a thread of beauty.”

While there’s no question that StFX has a strong Catholic history, our school is relatively secular today. The question is, what can we expect for the future of Christianity on campus? There is nobody better suited to answer this question than Emily Risdon. As president of the Catholics @ X, she describes university as a unique chance for people to deepen their faith, and it can be as simple as just “eating pizza, talking, and asking questions.”

Each panellist expressed a misconception regarding Christianity they hoped to clear up.

Dr. MacKenzie: “We’re all very judgy.”

Emily: “Christianity is about anything other than love.”

Michelle: “All Christians are the same.”

Rev. Smith: “You can’t find a community within Christianity.”

An engaging Q&A period ensued, moderated by Dr. Darwish. As the audience shuffled into the hallway, many to continue their conversation, it was clear that topics surrounding Christianity remain an ongoing discussion on the StFX campus, hopefully, for a long time to come.

Remembrance at StFX

Every Canadian has a definition of what Remembrance Day means to them. No matter how someone views the day, it’s easy to recognize the increased significance in small communities, like Antigonish, where people have deep roots and have continued to tell the stories of their ancestors. A conversation with Dr. Barry MacKenzie, part-time professor in the history department and the curator of the Antigonish Heritage Museum, explained the impact that war has had at StFX in further detail.

When asked to consider the history of Remembrance Day, thoughts of the First and Second World Wars come to mind. In the case of World War One, Dr. MacKenzie shared that the school gave large contributions, despite it being a small university at the time. Not only did the school have “a great number of young men who left StFX” to join the forces, but it also played a role from the homefront. The war had begun in 1914, and by the next year, StFX had founded a Canadian Officer’s Training Corps (COTC) on campus. Although this decision was major in the encouragement and enlistment in the war, MacKenzie shared that the “most noticeable contribution from the university was the hospital unit that was raised.” Established in 1916, the hospital unit played a major role in the care of soldiers and was used to prove that StFX could “hold its own among the other universities of the nation who had provided hospital units.” Because StFX had no medical school or nursing program at the time, the hospital unit relied on alumni that had studied medicine after graduating. Women had been unable to enlist in the army, but MacKenzie recognized that they were present “in the capacity that they were permitted” in the war, including as nurses.

In the Second World War, StFX brought similar support to the war effort. The COTC was brought back to campus in 1938, leading to the enlistment of many students and even some faculty. StFX continued to hold a pro-war attitude, and the Xaverian Weekly was used to spread information about “casualties, promotions, and alumni working in the war effort”. In the aftermath of the war, a surge of people came to the university—due both to the return of those who went to fight, and the incoming class. This led to the expansion of lower campus. Most notable was the building of the Cameron and MacKinnon residences.

For approximately the past 20 years, interest in Remembrance Day has been decreasing. MacKenzie noted that, “after 50 years, it’s really easy to forget what war represents”. That being mentioned, it is worth noting that more recent events, such as the conflict in Afghanistan, have brought about a resurgence of understanding and interest. Despite this resurgence, the World Wars continue to “loom the largest” and mark their place in Remembrance Day ceremonies decades after their end.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go: The StFX Career Studio

It’s time to change your tires. It’s time to switch your gears. It is IndeedTM that time of year. May the StFX Career Studio FSWEPTM you off your feet and find you that LinkedinTM that will get you to where you want to be.

It’s that time of year when students start to think about summer jobs, the next chapter of their lives, their careers after graduation, and the journey they want to take. As a student, it’s often difficult to focus on anything other than academics, sports, and extracurriculars. This is where the Career Studio can help. It was put in place to help students workshop their careers and ease them along the job application process.

In early October, the StFX Career Studio hired three new peer mentors. I wanted to know more about this program, as well as the people who ran it, and had the opportunity to speak with two of them: Lidet O’Connor and Patrick Bowen. Lidet is in her fourth year in the Women and Gender Studies honours program, and Patrick is in his second year of a post-grad diploma in Artificial Intelligence.

First, I asked the peer mentors: “What is the Career Studio, and what can you offer students?”

Patrick replied, “The Career Studio is a room located in Schwartz 183 that students can drop-in anytime during business hours. We have a team of peer mentors here to help students with all things career related, whether that be resume tips, or deciding what they want to after graduation.”

“We help students regardless of their position on campus,” added Lidet. “If you are a first-year student, or a graduate student, or anything in between, we are here to help you.” Students from all programs are welcome to benefit from the services provided.

On a personal note, I asked both Patrick and Lidet what their motivation was for working with the Career Studio, given the other job opportunities available on campus. Patrick replied that, “there’s been times in the past where a peer or someone a few years into a field offered great advice. It was often a small but deciding factor on whether I got the job or connected with the right people. I see great value in doing that for other students as well”.

Lidet also finds the job quite rewarding, and mentioned that during her time at StFX, “people with a little more life experience have been very supportive, and have mentored me to the place I’m in today. I wanted to pay that back to other students.”

The StFX Career Studio is expecting an influx of students in the new year. Jane MacDonald, the manager of Student Career Services, spoke about the ways the Career Studio can help senior students graduating in May 2023 to think about potential “next steps after X,” whether that is “finding employment, [taking a] gap year, or discovering various jobs that might be of interest”.

It’s a one stop shop, free for all students. It’s normal to feel nervous about getting into a job, and the prospect of a “career” might seem far-fetched and a little intimidating. Whatever you need, the peer-mentors at the Career Studio are eager to help.

During my visit, I took the luxury to sit on one of their comfy leathers couches and browse through some summer jobs available in my field under the light of the table lamp. In the dreary winter months, I will find myself here again, dreaming of potential summer jobs and the places I’ll go, and each visit be greeted by friendly, helpful peers.

Black Student Advising and Mentorship Program at StFX

The Black Student Advising Office is an organization that promotes and honours the rich and diversified African cultures here at StFX. They work to organize events to celebrate those cultures, as well as support, advocate for, and guide students of African descent in their journey in university. Students of any race, faith, or culture are welcome to join in on their activities and take advantage of any of their resources, which include—but are not limited to—academic supports, advising services, and financial resources. People of African descent have a long and vibrant past in Nova Scotia, and the Advising Office wants to recognize the communities who have called Nova Scotia their home, as well as those who have been marginalized within it.

Recently, the office has gone through a few changes, and the previous role of the African Descent Student Affairs Coordinator has been remodeled into the new position of the Black Student Advisor. These are students who provide one-one one support for Black and African Nova Scotian students who may be struggling with organizational, study, and/or time-management skills. They work further to assist students with tutoring services and course content. Advisors also celebrate Black culture by hosting on-campus activities for all to enjoy, and work with stakeholders to ensure that these events promote culture and diversity to the highest degree. Additionally, they help connect students with volunteer opportunities and various mentorship programs. The top priority of a Black Student Advisor is to address students’ needs in any way they can to help them thrive in both their post-secondary years and post-university careers. Black Student Advisors provide many services and supports to encourage students to achieve success. StFX affirms that Black lives matter and have spoken about their wishes to address the issues of colonialism, racism, and sexism. Black Student Advisors are here to mediate and advocate for Black and African Nova Scotian students for concerns relating to culturally sensitive and academic issues.

The Black Student Advising office is located on the fourth floor of the Bloomfield Centre & Students’ Union Building in the Diversity Engagement Centre. This is a space that aims to support traditionally underrepresented and marginalized groups on campus. For more information, students can visit the Black Student Advising Office’s Instagram @stfxblackstudentadvising or visit their web page https://www.mystfx.ca/equity/black-student-advising.

Are Students and Faculty Bearing StFX’s Debt?

A report prepared by the Association of Nova Scotia University Teachers named A Culture of Entitlement: An Overview of Administrative Compensation at Eight Nova Scotia Universities shows some very shocking results. The report looks at several things including the major increases of senior administrator’s salaries throughout the years. During these wage increases, StFX is facing debt, has faced a pandemic, and students have seen tuition, residence, and meal hall cost increase. After talking to senior administration, they say that many of the findings in this report are misinformation.

ANSUT represents contract academic staff, full time faculty, and librarians at the following universities: Acadia, l’Université Sainte-Anne, the Atlantic School of Theology, Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia College of Art & Design, Mount Saint Vincent University, Saint Mary’s University, and StFX.The data in the report shows that, in Nova Scotia in the past 10 years, spending on senior positions has risen 84%, President’s salaries have risen 41%, and Vice-Presidents salaries have increased by 76%.

According to the report, becoming a President at StFX comes with a number of perks. Being the President of StFX gets you accommodation at the Smith House, an annual car allowance of $14,400 (plus car insurance,) your children can receive tuition rebates, $16,000 in research allowance, $5,000 dollars for professional development and a base salary of $325,000.

Additionally, the report says that past President Sean Riley received a bonus of $525,000 when signing his last contract with StFX. He also received a retirement allowance of $733,000. In his last contract, 100% of his premiums were also paid for his 3-million-dollar life insurance, and his son was given an allowance of two flights a year to travel from his post-secondary school to StFX. After reaching out to senior administration, I was notified that not all the information in this report was correct. According to them, StFX did reach out to ANSUT with a request to review their data sources as there were inaccuracies, but ANSUT denied the request.

Senior administration stated the following about the President’s contract: The contract of the President provides no provision for a bonus and no bonuses have been received by the President; the President is entitled to reside in the Smith House for which he is allocated a taxable benefit of $2,000 per month; the car allowance is assigned to the President of $1,200 per month for the lease of a vehicle; the overall automobile allowance is subject to the taxable benefit provisions of the Canadian Revenue Agency; the President’s contract indicates that tuition benefits are not part of the President’s contract; there is no provision for a research allowance in the President’s contract and no research allowance has been awarded to him; the President does not receive an annual $5,000 professional development allowance, and rather the President’s contract identifies $5,000 per year for “Professional Association or Other Expenses.”

 After reviewing the Presidents contract, I found the following to be true: he is given an annual salary of 325,000 CAD; this salary can be increased with the costs of living; the President can be reimbursed for his day to day expenses incurred for fulfilling the role as President with receipts; he is given an automobile allowance of $1200 a month for lease of a vehicle (this adds to 14,400 per year); he is reimbursed for car expenses such as insurance and fuel; he is provided technology (laptop, a smart phone and internet); the President receives $5000 for association and organization fees; in regards to the Smith House, he may live there with heat, power, municipal taxes, general maintenance, capital repairs, and snow removal paid for; the President is entitled to get a 5 week leave for professional development and 5 weeks’ vacation with pay (the 5 weeks of vacation are in addition to statutory holidays in Nova Scotia and the time the university is closed over holidays.)

Additionally, according to the report, StFX paid their four Vice Presidents $1,197,832, in 2020/21. This is a 258% increase since 2012. It must be noted that senior administrators did say that the report was incorrect in stating the number of Vice Presidents provided in the base year.

Ultimately, the report shows that between 2012 and 2021 there was a 108% increase in compensation for all StFX administrators; that number is only 16.5% for faculty, despite the increased student enrollment. Overall, $10,563,511 was paid to university senior administration and upper management in 2020/21. According to the report on average the administrator compensation cost per student is $1812!

Senior administrators did add that the data does not account progression through the ranks on annual economic adjustments and that “the number of positions included in the data on growth in administration positions does not reflect what is actually part of the university’s administrative structure.” For example, positions in the Centre for Employment Innovation, Coady Institute positions, the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government, and other locations were not included. On the other hand the report mentions that the data collected in the report is only a small part of total administrative funding. It does not include support staff to help senior administrators, office expenses, travel, and other administrative sources.

Either way, after reading the report it is clear that faculty are not seeing the same benefits administrators do. The report states that, in Nova Scotia, full-time faculty positions only rose by 5% between 2012-2021; on the other hand, upper management positions increased by 73%. Additionally, only 53% of people who teach are under contract. According to the report, this leads to faculty “finding themselves precariously employed, with lower wages, less time to prepare course work, little or no funding for research to stay on top of their subject area, and little time to devote to helping students.”

The report also touches on the unfair treatment faculty faced during the pandemic, saying “At StFX, UNIFOR members were expected to waive a 1.5% cost-of-living increase, and accept two weeks unpaid leave, while NSGEU members had step increases frozen, and were asked to accept the 2019 salary scale, and take a 5% wage rollback.” Senior administrators responded to this statement saying, “due to the pandemic, management/professional staff did not receive their annual economic salary adjustment on July 1, 2020. The university approached our various unions to see if they were willing to make some concessions regarding negotiated salary increases as well, but this was not approved, and all union members received what was provided for in their contracts. The economic adjustment for management/professional staff was reinstated on January 1, 2021, with no retroactive pay.”

Many students can also find themselves struggling. The report shows that Nova Scotia universities pay the highest tuition rates in Canada. The average being $9,028 for Nova Scotians in 2021/22 and the national average being just $6,693. Furthermore, international students pay, on average, 123% above domestic students. Students may have noticed an increase in their fees, and the truth is tuition has been increasing each year for a long time now, even during a global pandemic. When looking at StFX’s budgets throughout the years, there is a pattern of increasing tuition. The StFX 2022-23 budget states a 3% tuition increase. The same goes for the 2021-22 budget and the 2020-21 budget. In 2018-19 the budget shows a tuition increase of 6%.

Staying on campus is also expensive. The cheapest option on campus, a double occupancy room in Cameron, MacIsaac, or MacKinnon Hall will cost you $6,045.00. That’s $755 a month since you can only occupy that shared room for about 8 months of the year. Somers and Powers, a popular second year residence, costs students about $1,118 a month. Considering these apartments occupy four people, they are charging $4,472 for each of these apartments per month. The most expensive residence, a private room in Governors, will cost you about $10,005.00, which is about $1,250 a month!

Let’s not forget about the costs of meal hall. On top of paying for accommodation, students living in most residences are required to buy a meal plan. A ‘block 315,’ which is 315 meals per year, costs $5,170.00, which comes to $16 per meal. So next time you decide to grab a snack for breakfast, remember that banana is costing you $16!

The 2022-2023 StFX budget opens with a statement that StFX has significant accumulated deficits that are now totaling above $25 million, and that the university is carrying a large external debt that is currently at $87 million. Considering this debt, it is wondered if the perks, benefits, and salaries of our upper administrators are maybe just a bit excessive. It seems in many ways that both the faculty and students are bearing these debts rather than the entire StFX community. Ultimately, I encourage students and staff to investigate the report themselves, investigate the budgets, and see exactly where our money is going.

To Father Stanley MacDonald, Class of 1954 -

It has come to our attention that following an alumnus’ hateful, homophobic, and transphobic comments made towards the 2SLGBTQIAA+ community at the Alumni Association’s Annual General Meeting on October 14, 2022, that you stood up and spoke in support of us. From the bottom of our hearts, the X-Pride Society would like to thank you for your actions.

As a community that has been fighting to have our voice heard for as long as we can remember, we are grateful to have allies stand up for us when we are not able to. Your actions have spoken louder than words. In speaking against this alumnus and condemning their actions, as well as acknowledging a history of past and present hate towards the 2SLGBTQIAA+ community, it is of our opinion that you are exemplifying what it means to be a true Xaverian.

The St. Francis Xavier University administration may speak about what it means to be a Xaverian; however, you are one of the only people on this campus whose actions accurately represent the values of this community. This moment of hate has been a sobering event for us all and has left many of us feeling abandoned and ignored by the university. It was only upon hearing what you did in support of us that we realised there are people on this campus who care about and support the X-Pride community. Your actions encouraged others to stand with us because you are well-known for your character and morals, and it is likely that without your voice we would have experienced much less support.

Father Stan, it goes without saying that you are a revered member of the St. Francis Xavier University community. For many years, you have been inspiring students to do what is right and what is kind for everyone in our community - this event shows us that you follow through on these beliefs. Thank you for demonstrating this. It means more than you know.

From all of us on the X-Pride Society executive team, our society members, and the 2SLGBTQIAA+ community here at StFX, thank you for being an ally and an activist for us when we couldn’t be there.

Thank you,

Abbi Moran and Maëlle Weber

Co-Presidents, X-Pride Society 2022-23

In Response to Kathleen Sheridan’s Statement From October 20, 2022

To the StFX Alumni Association,

Allow us to thank you for your statement regarding the incident on October 14, 2022. We are pleased to know that the hateful homophobic and transphobic comments have been acknowledged by the Alumni Association. However, we are disappointed and concerned that it took the Association almost a week to make a public statement about this. The only reason we have taken as long as we have to make this statement is in order to protect ourselves against the genuine dangers that we, as 2SLGBTIAA+ members face.

As current fourth-year students, soon to join this alumni community, we feel rightfully concerned that St. Francis Xavier University and the StFX Alumni Association are burying an incident rooted in hate towards the 2SLGBTQIAA+ community. This incident occurred in regards to the first annual Pride of StFX Awards, set to occur the following morning. This award is given to one fourth-year student and one alumni member who have demonstrated leadership in the 2SLBGTQIAA+ community. During our time at StFX, students are told over and over that we are to respect ourselves and others, as well as our greater community. We are told that that is what it means to a Xaverian. It is what we strive for to be respected by all of our community. That includes the alumni members.

In hearing about this incident, we learned that a revered member of our StFX community, Father Stanley MacDonald, was the first to speak up against the unnamed individual. He spoke against the hateful comments and stood up for those in the 2SLBGBTIAA+ community when we were not there to do it ourselves. This immediate response exemplifies what it means to be a Xaverian. To be a leader in our community is actions such as these.

Further, on a webpage from the official St. Francis Xavier University website discussing the X-Ring, there is a statement which will be included below:

After convocation, you will officially join Canada’s strongest alumni network, a community of more than 40,000 strong who proudly call StFX home. It’s a community that will be there to help and support you as you continue toward your next goal. So much so, the President of StFX’s Alumni Association famously challenges graduates to ‘test the network and discover the comfort and openness of the Xaverian family.’ (https://www.stfx.ca/why-stfx/x-ring)

 How are we supposed to “test the network and discover the comfort and openness of the Xaverian family,” if before we even join the alumni network, we are fighting to be accepted. How are we supposed to call a place home which disagrees in celebrating leadership in the 2SLGBTQIAA+ community?

We are set to become alumni in May of 2023 and we are concerned about how the Alumni Association and the wider StFX community will treat its 2SLGBTQIAA+ members. How can we to “proudly call StFX home,” when the resources meant to support us have instead allowed voices to disrespect and endanger us?

We are grateful for Kathleen Sheridan’s statement; however, that is all it is. Pretty words to cover a dirty incident. Each of us on the X-Pride Executive team are set to receive our X-Rings; however, for the first time since attending StFX, we are no longer excited. Kathleen Sheridan, the Alumni Association, Dr. Andy Hakin, the university administration, and the unnamed individual have proven to us that our voices are not valued or respected, and that you will continue to prioritise hateful rhetoric.

By not naming the individual responsible for the hateful comments, you are protecting him from the consequences of his actions, a lesson we learn as very young children which is perhaps one that he should revisit. For four years, we have been told that being a Xaverian means being respectful of others. You mean to tell us that this individual is someone who upholds these values? This is a person you want in the Xaverian community? Then it is NOT a community.

To the unnamed individual:

In hearing about the actions you took at the Alumni Association meeting on October 14, 2022, we were incredibly disappointed. You caused us to become frightened and scared. Most importantly, however, you managed to remind us why we as X-Pride executives are here. We are here to uphold our community values of acceptance and kindness, peace, and love. This message will hopefully allow you to reflect on your actions and consider how words like those you shared are the reason why 2SLBGTQIAA+ people have been fighting for as long as we have.

The university PR team constantly bombards students with messages about what it means to be a Xaverian, yet the standards we must uphold to support the StFX community does not seem to apply to you and the wider alumni community. In the words of Elizabeth Yeo (read Being Xaverian), being Xaverian means  “...emphasizing that positive community. You’re able to have fun, but you’re doing it with care for your community, and ultimately, that’s what being a community member is about”.

You have demonstrated that you do not believe in taking on community issues in order to build on StFX’s “...long history of social justice, community service, and positive action” (Yeo 2021). If you are not willing to positively contribute to the Xaverian community and support everyone in it, then you do not belong in it. Through this letter, we are ensuring that you are receiving the public scrutiny you should have originally received. It is cowardly to hide behind anonymity.

The X-Pride Executive Team demands that action be taken against this individual. They do not represent the values of a Xaverian. By protecting this alumnus from the consequences of his actions, you are actively showing students that the Xaverian community is not positive because it does not care about its marginalised members.

We, at X-Pride, are ashamed to be Xaverians.

Sincerely,

Abbi Moran & Maëlle Weber

Co-Presidents of X-Pride

Horror Movies and Television Series to Watch on Halloween

With Halloween fast approaching, many students like to get into the spirit of the holiday with television and movies. Though horror movies are a popular genre year-round, this time of year is perfect for dimming the lights, making some popcorn, and getting a good scare from the screen.

Now that streaming services make up most of the content students watch, these services have begun creating their own shows and movies. Netflix, one of the biggest streaming services offered, has a wide selection of horror movies and television series to choose from. If you’re looking for a series about the supernatural, try The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, or Midnight Mass. The three series were created by the same person and share many of the same actors. The Haunting of Hill House follows a family haunted by tragedy and trying to work through their past, all while being drawn to an old house where they once lived. The Haunting of Bly Manor follows a nanny as she takes on a new job. She tries to let go of her past and must get accommodated to her new residence, Bly Manor all the while taking care of two seemingly strange kids haunted by their own tragedies. Midnight Mass is about the residents of a small island and the religious fervor on the island. A new priest arrives in town and “miracles” begin to happen. However, the miracles quickly turn into nightmares as a mysterious presence disrupts the lives of the residents. All of Us Are Dead, a Korean horror series, is also of note. In this series, teenagers are trapped in their high school as a zombie apocalypse breaks out. How many will survive? Watch the series to find out!

In terms of movies, many new horror movies are released each year. Some movies are classics such as The Exorcist or Alien. The Insidious series is great for anyone looking for a spook from a spirit. However, some new movies from the past few years deserve recognition as well. Hush is a fantastic slasher film for those who prefer slashers over the supernatural. The movie follows a deaf woman as she tries to escape a killer inside her home. There are many other fantastic horror movies and series out there. There are a wide variety of options for scares this Halloween season.

Exchange at StFX: What You Need to Know

International exchange applications are now open for the 2023-2024 school year! To be eligible for exchange, you must be a student going into their second or third year of study, have a GPA above 70%, have at least 30 credit hours, and not be on academic probation. If you are interested in participating in the exchange program, it is important to meet with an Education Abroad Advisor to ensure you are eligible and to help you begin the application process! If you are interested in meeting with an Education Abroad Advisor, email exchange@stfx.ca.

The application process entails the preparation of application documents, filling out a preliminary study plan, and an interview before being granted final approval. If you want to participate in the exchange program for the 2023-2024 school year, the final deadline to submit applications is January 15, 2023. Check mystfx.ca for eligibility requirements and the list of countries with partner schools below to see which university you are eligible to attend: Barbados, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Poland, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom.

The Outside Inn World Premiere

Located just across from the McKinnon Residence, Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre will present The Outside Inn from the 14th-23rd of October.

Coordinators describe the play as “a transformative dark comedy about the mess that makes us human,” promising to be both a comedic and thought-provoking performance. The play opens a window into the fictional lives of Lily (Sharon Bajer) and her husband, Patrick (Elio Zarillo). Both characters have differing opinions on the course their lives are taking. Lily believes that her loving husband, beautiful child, and perfect body make her life complete. In comparison, Patrick is dissatisfied with his life. A day of unexpected events threatens to make or break the two as they struggle to come to terms with each other, their differences, and the challenges they face.

Director Annie Valentina is currently based in Halifax. Previous projects include Kat Sandler’s Yaga and Rose Napoli’s Lo. Her plays often explore transphobia, feminism, and Eastern European identity, relating to her personal experiences. The Outside Inn will reportedly explore themes of illness, death, and body dysmorphia.

Sharon Bajer (playing Lily) has acted in 10 feature films, including Fear X, Hide and Seek, and Scared Silent. She was born in Edmonton, Alberta, but currently lives in Manitoba. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and was forced to take a two-year break from acting. As a survivor, she brings her personal experience with a cancer diagnosis to her role as Lily.

Elio Zarillo (playing Patrick) works as a playwright, director, and actor. They will also be involved in two other premieres this season: Prairie Theatre Exchange’s Voltaire and the Winnipeg Jewish Theatre’s Narrow Bridge. Although it is only 90 minutes long, this play explores many thought-provoking issues. It will take place at the Bauer theatre on campus, and tickets are discounted for students. Several first-year English students will study the play in class. If you get the chance to watch the play, there will be many other students with whom you can discuss themes and interpretations of the performance afterwards.

To buy tickets to the performance, visit the Festival Antigonish website linked below. Performances take place Friday-Sunday for the first week and Wednesday-Sunday for the second week, starting at 7:30 each evening.

Buy tickets: www.festivalantigonish.ca

StFX Students Without Power Forced to Use Emergency Hand-Crank Speakers to Survive Hurricane Fiona

ANTIGONISH, NS—With Nova Scotia power outages topping almost half a million in the wake of Hurricane Fiona, Antigonish residents have adapted to life without hot water, evenings by candlelight, and meals consisting of canned beans and tuna. It is times such as these that test our resilience and strength of character. StFX students without electricity report harrowing stories of how the power outage tested their abilities to throw an adequate banger.

“Thank goodness my roommate had the foresight to pack an emergency hurricane bag, or I don’t know what we’d be using to get sloshed on a Sunday night,” Ian MacDonald, a local StFX student, said as he broke out the emergency glowsticks for his “Blackout for the Blackout” party while turning his hand-crank speaker. “It’s scary, it’s difficult—but if everyone in the apartment takes turns cranking, we should be able to maintain a solid buzz”.

Another student, Emma Landry, reports, “at any given time, we have a three-month supply of Coldstreams, Smirnoff, Jose Cuervo, and limes on hand. However, if classes don’t resume soon, we may have to resort to just doing shots of Pink Whitney. For the sake of public health and safety, I hope it doesn’t come to that.”Community members are reportedly impressed by the preparedness and tenacity of StFX students. “I just couldn’t believe how seriously they took their hurricane prep. When I saw that the line outside of the NSLC snaked around the block, I knew students were heeding the advice of public officials to stock up on a three-day supply of the essentials,” Sean Mcdowell, a local Antigonish resident, reports.

Classes remain cancelled indefinitely to give students a chance to recuperate from their four-day benders. “We discussed reopening on Tuesday,” an anonymous source from the Dean’s office reports, “but we didn’t want faculty to have to make their commutes just to teach half-empty barely-conscious classrooms.” Professors are also extending due dates to account for how the past week’s partying has made studying near impossible.

At the time of this article’s release, MacDonald’s hand-crank speaker had begun malfunctioning from over-use. Students are forced to sing the lyrics of their favourite Pitbull songs aloud. Let this week go down in StFX’s history as the week that even a hurricane couldn’t cramp our style.

Appreciating the StFX's Art Gallery's Newest Exhibit: Nurturing Netukulimk

Students looking to experience a unique and immersive display of artwork need not look further than the second floor of the Mulroney building. With September 30th being National Truth and Reconciliation Day, it feels especially important to seek out and listen to Indigenous voices. The art exhibit Nurturing Netukulimk showcases Indigenous peoples’ striking achievements, stories, and cultures. The exhibit is open from September 15th to October 15th in Mulroney 2002 (located across from the replica of Mulroney’s Parliament Hill office) between Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.

Featuring the work of many local artists, Nurturing Netukulimk celebrates Indigenous artists and creators spanning the unceded, ancestral Mi’kmaw territory, especially those living in local Mi’kmaw communities. The work of Indigenous artists who work or study at StFX is also on display. The gallery showcases the local Indigenous community’s talent and creativity along with thought-provoking artwork. Gallery visitors can appreciate an array of multimedia sculptures, photography, paintings, and so much more. There are even pieces of beautiful, handcrafted jewelry and traditional Indigenous clothing.

Mi’kmaw Elder and Knowledge Keeper Kerry Prosper says, “Interpreted literally, netukulimk is about hunting and gathering.” Elder Albert Marshall describes netukulimk as “a guiding principle as to how we go through life, how we utilize the gifts that the Creator has given us.” The gallery indeed promotes the idea that nature is intertwined with all aspects of life, emphasizing the need to better appreciate the natural world surrounding us.

The project was coordinated by the StFX Indigenous Student Affairs Office and the StFX Art Gallery, but this project wouldn’t have been possible without such high-quality community submissions. Additionally, The Coady Institute has graciously sponsored this exhibition.

Open to the public, the Antigonish community and many students have had the opportunity to engage with the exhibit. Social media and digital spaces also played an essential role in sharing the artwork within the community. Beginning in September, students might recognize pieces from the exhibit on screens around campus. Photos of the work are also being shared on Facebook and Instagram.

It goes without saying that the importance of appreciating Indigenous artwork and artists extends beyond National Truth and Reconciliation Day. By reserving a space solely for Indigenous artists and their artwork, the community and student body gain an appreciation for the Indigenous community's strength and power, hopefully serving as a springboard for further interest throughout the rest of the year.

The exhibit Nurturing Netukulimk is a testament to the importance, beauty, and uniqueness of Indigenous artwork. If you happen to have even thirty minutes to spare between midterms, be sure to check it out.

The DIRT on StFX Donors

StFX released its Donor Impact Report (DIRT) for 2020-2021, a document lavishly praising the individuals and groups who gave money to the institution. Many donors gave less than $500, most less than $1000. The highest spot on the list is claimed by the Lifetime Xaverian Patrons whose cumulative donations often exceed millions of dollars. If it seems unlikely that one could afford to be that philanthropic with a clean conscience, it’s because it is. DIRT explains that while the university receives funds from other sources, it’s simply not enough; “Although operational costs continue to increase, government funding to universities has diminished over the years — and, we cannot raise tuition beyond competitive rates without risking enrolment.”  In 2011-2012 local tuition was $5,108—for 2022-2023, it was $9,650 (adjusting for inflation $5,108 in 2011 is $6,479 in 2022). Evidently, the administration feels that it has squeezed the student body for every penny it can, and now must find another benefactor with a chequebook and a pen.

The ethical standards that StFX holds for its students and faculty are a reflection of the institution. StFX’s official motto, Quaecumque Sunt Vera, means “to preserve and convey ‘whatsoever things are true.’” StFX extends this motto beyond academia to the individual person. Integrity, dignity, and respect for the worth of each individual are important values to the university; however, this standard is not held to donors.

With their names on every plaque, hall, building and bench on campus—not to mention DIRT—the names of those who gave money are easy to find. How they got the money is unmentioned.

This article was not written to persuade StFX to refuse donations as someone must pay the obscene cost of post-secondary studies and why not it be the bourgeoisie who can afford it rather than raising tuition on an already indebted student population? Nor is it to criticize the administration, which has the unenviable task of running a university for thousands of students and staff. But an understanding of what is funding our education is important, ignorance on the matter would be an academic disservice. StFX should encourage a healthy discussion on the subject; hypocrisy is not too strong a word for an institution that will prostitute the prestige of a name on its donor list and reap the benefits of sins committed for profit without acknowledging them.

Barrick Gold, a Canadian Mining Company, has given more than $500,000 to StFX. While generous, it’s much less than the $5 million Barrick has paid in fines over the last 20 years for the workplace and environmental violations in the US. Those infractions pale compared to a $16 million fine in Chile after the native population near the Pascua-Lama mine developed cancerous growths. They have dozens of mines across the globe and countless crimes.

Sean Boyd, who was CEO of Agnico Eagle Mines for over 20 years and is its current Chairman is listed as giving the same amount. AEN got fined in 2013 for chemically contaminating fisheries in Nunavut, then again in 2017. Not only does AEN disrespect Nunavut’s environment and wildlife, but also its culture; last year, they faced backlash after an internal campaign to discourage Inuit workers from speaking Inuktitut at work was made public.

StFX is committed to sustainability. This includes a push to make the campus more pedestrian friendly. It also includes accepting cash from Big Oil. Allan P Markin, former Chairman of Canadian Natural Resources Limited gave between $1 and $5 million. It’s unclear if Markin should be criticized more for CNRL’s long history of oil spills or for a 2-million-dollar lawsuit where he sued his stepson for custody of the kid’s dog; a birthday present Markin ‘gifted’ him.

Over a million dollars from Imperial Oil Foundation- a Canadian subsidiary of ExxonMobil, the planet’s biggest and most infamous carbon company.  And of course, there are millions from various members of the Irving clan, Atlantic Canada’s (R)oil family.   

Magna International, a car chair manufacturer, gave more than $250 000 to X. Magna, notoriously anti-union here at home, faced widespread condemnation in 2020 for retaliatory firings and union-busting attempts against organizers in the Balkans. Magna’s CEO was the second highest paid in Canada in 2017 netting $20.4 million, not including $24.5 million in unexercised stock options. In 2018, surprise pay cuts shut down plants in Serbia; management stiffed some workers for between $30-$200.

One of the more recognizable names on the list is Chairman and CEO of Blackstone, Stephen A. Schwarzman, who headed Donald Trump’s Strategic and Policy Forum. He made headlines during the Obama administration for comments on the President’s plan to raise the taxes on carried interest, saying “It’s a war. It’s like when Hitler invaded Poland in 1939.” Under Schwarzman Blackstone began buying up single-family homes after the 2008 financial crisis and leasing them out exorbitantly. To cover their investment, Blackstone paid over $8 million to fight a California bill that would allow municipalities to legislate rent control. Blackstone settled in 2018, then again in 2019 for over $20 million because a motel chain it owned gave guest lists to ICE without a warrant in a cowardly attempt to deport migrants. Schwarzman donated over a million dollars to the university.

Wafic Said, a good friend of Brian Mulroney, has donated over four million dollars to StFX in exchange for his name in gold at Mulroney Hall and an honorary doctorate. A billionaire international arms dealer who bought an $800,000 shortcut to obtain Canadian Citizenship in the 80s (over $1.5 million today), Said was involved in a British criminal probe into bribes paid to Saudi Princes for the sale of warplanes to the authoritarian regime. The investigation was closed as a result from pressure from the Saudi government.

Victor Dadelah has his name just below Said’s on DIRT, as well as in the Victor Dadelah Chair in Democracy and Governance at the Mulroney Institute. Not long ago, Dadelah also had his name all over the Panama Papers, the notorious list of aristocrats who cheated taxes for years. Dadelah has distanced himself from La Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinee, a mining company he partially owns through a long string of subsidiaries. CBG has been denounced by Human Rights Watch for polluting the water and air in the Boko region of Guinee.

Not to forget a few more of the charitable people who contributed to StFX: billionaire Urs Schwarzenbach has admitted to trafficking and tax evasion in European art dealing, ‘Honourable’ Hal NR Jackman was charged with six counts of political financing breaches and Fred George was President and Chairman of Gammon Gold when Gammon lied about the amount of gold it would produce. George, who is an ‘Honorary’ Naval Captain, responded to the resulting $13 million dollar lawsuit by saying “Everything I promise, I deliver”. Except for gold. Quaecumque Sunt Vera. (All three men donated over a million dollars).

H.B Morley was an executive of Stauffer Chemicals when the company polluted the environment near a factory in Pinellas County Florida. He was chairman when it was accused of lying about its earnings by the SEC. Morley and Larry Tannebaum, owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, both gave over half a million dollars.

When discussing StFX’s benefactors it’s impossible to forget Gerald Schwartz, the patron and namesake of the Gerald Schwartz School of Business. In 2021 his company, Onex Corp. was ordered to pay $40 million dollars for its role in a door manufacturing price-fixing conspiracy. One would hope this is not the sort of business practice being taught in the classrooms at Schwartz.

Antigonish Just Has a Lot of Crows

Fall: the season of changing leaves, warm sweaters, and apple pie. Truly, the list is endless. However, I have also decided that fall in Antigonish has some of its own traits. Fall in Antigonish is the season of crows. As the warm, sunny days of summer draw to a close, the clouds that linger over campus call the crows back. If you do not know what I am talking about, listen closely and you’ll hear them.

I first noticed the high number of crows last year. Around the middle of October, each morning, I began waking up to a new alarm clock: the crows. This may sound like an over-exaggeration, but I know I, and many others, have also woken up to the sounds of…nature. By nature, I mean the sound of those black birds that flock to our campus each fall. Over the course of last year, I became accustomed to the 6 am wake-up calls and to the fact that Antigonish has a lot–and I mean a lot–of crows.

I had thought, perhaps, it was my location on campus or pure bad luck that attracted the hundreds of crows that sat outside my window. I was wrong. Last week, I woke up to the familiar sound of what was often my alarm clock last year. After being woken up, I opened my curtains and looked out to see the hundreds—or what felt like thousands— of crows sitting on the wire and swooping in circles above my house. That leads me to today, where I have realized that I either have really bad luck, or, most likely, Antigonish just has a lot of crows. Having explained my experience to many people, I’ve concluded that I am not the only one who thinks there is an absurd amount of crows. Every person I’ve told my story to has had a similar encounter.

Nonetheless, this shared experience means two things: firstly, I do not have bad luck and more importantly, Antigonish does have a lot of crows. I took the liberty of looking into Antigonish’s crow problem and discovered an article written in 2007 by Bruce Muschel, where he stated that, at the time, there were thousands of crows in Antigonish. In fact, the town used high-technology devices to drive the crows away. Last year, I even came across the crows on social media. Specifically, the Instagram account, @stfx_murders showcases the heavy presence that they have taken on campus. The account features sightings of crows on campus and yet again, proves that there are too many crows in Antigonish. From my research and surveying, I can conclude I am not going crazy. Like everyone else, I am, in fact, seeing a copious amount of crows swooping around StFX. Despite past efforts to remove them, I believe that if the crows ever left, they all came back.