Happy Holidays!

Mount A's holiday break is from the end of day Friday, December 21, 2007 to Wednesday, January 2, 2008. All administrative services of the University will be unavailable during this time but will resume on Thursday, January 3, 2008. Classes start on Monday, January 7, 2008.

Have a safe and happy holiday!!!

Forrestall heading to Italy

Dartmouth painter Tom Forrestall ('58) is heading to Italy to raise money for a Halifax Church. He is leaving for Rome Monday and hopes to complete between 20 and 25 paintings in and around the Vatican and Rome. He expects the paintings to sell for about $3000 each and has promised to give half of his sale proceeds to the St. Patrick’s Church Restoration Society.

The parish is to be merged with the St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, and if the society’s fund raising efforts fail, the church will be sold. Fund raisers need $300,000 in cash and an additional $300,000 in pledges to keep the church open and they expect to reach the half-way mark by the new year.

Tom Forrestall also donated an orginal watercolour to Mount Allison University, in memory of his late wife, Natalie Forrestall ('58).

You can reserve the limited edition print, "PIC-NIC SITE" and contribute to the NATALIE FORRESTALL FINE ARTS BURSARY.

Find out how.

Congrats to our 07-08 Bell Scholars!

What do a highland dance instructor, a scuba diver, and a volunteer for the Make Poverty History Asia campaign have in common? They are all part of the group of first-year Mount Allison students selected for the noted Bell Scholarships, Bell Achievement Awards, and Mary Emerancy Pickard Music Scholarship.

The Awards, valued annually at $12,000, $9,000, and $6,000, respectively are the University’s most prestigious awards, recognizing students with strong academic standing, leadership, a commitment to extracurricular activities, work experience, and good citizenship.

This year’s Bell Scholarship recipients are:

• Laurie Campbell of Summerside, PEI, a voice major and volleyball player;
• Charlotte Gleave-Riemann of Victoria, BC, an arts student who worked on an archaeological dig;
• Ashra Kolhatkar of Kodaikanal, India, a biology and anthropology student who is also serving as a councillor with the Students’ Administrative Council representing international students;
• Alexandra McLennan of Port Hood, NS, a science student, and the highland dance instructor;
• Kelly O’Connor of Kelowna, BC, an international relations student and scuba diver;
• Ariane Wylie of Ottawa, ON, an arts student and Leadership Mount Allison participant.

The Bell Achievement Award holders are:

• Hannah Allen of Moncton, NB, an arts student and member of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory in Moncton;
• Pamela Hudson of O’Leary, PEI, a science student who served as co-president of her high school student council;
• Evan Mounce of Newport, NS, a music student and co-chair of the Provincial Student Education Council of Nova Scotia;
• Sasha Van Katwyk of Hong Kong, an international relations student who was heavily involved in the Make Poverty History Asia campaign in Hong Kong and plans to start a Mount Allison chapter.

Sarah Short of Carboneau, NL, a voice major is the recipient of the Mary Emerancy Pickard Music Scholarship who plans to become a university professor and was the volunteer sports assistant for the Corsairs Wrestling Team in Carboneau.

Read more about the Bell Scholarships and Achievement Awards at Mount A.

New Webcams

Would you like to see the new Student Centre live? Now you can with our webcams!!

Just go to www.mta.ca/webcam to see a live feed...

Snowed in Sackville!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

Here are a few pictures of the snow in Sackville this morning, thanks to our in-house photographer Sue Seaborn.

The University was closed yesterday due to the storm, which dumped half a metre (20 inches) of snow in Metro Moncton, and drifted throughout the tri-community.

VP External re-appointment

Please join with me in congratulating Gloria Jollymore ('77) for her re-appointment as Vice-President External here at Mount A!

Earlier this fall, a re-appointment advisory committee was struck to establish a collegial process to consider her re-appointment, who has been since July 2006. It called for and received input and comments from all parts of the community.

The committee recommended to the President that she be re-appointed.

The President is happy to report that the Board of Regents has accepted his recommendation that Gloria Jollymore be re-appointed Vice-President External for a five-year period, 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2013.

Thanks to all that sent us your input!

Mountie named CIS 2007 all-star

Windsor’s Gary Ross ('10) had another successful year with the Mount Allison University football Mounties and has just been named an All-Canadian in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) conference as the nation’s best special teams player.

From his very first game of the season, last year, he has been a cornerstone for the Mounties’ successes.

Ross, a five-foot-nine, 178-pound multi-purpose player for the football Mounties, won university athlete of the month honours for September; twice won Mount A athlete of the week; three times was honoured as AUS conference athlete of the week; once was named the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) conference athlete of the week; and at season’s end, was selected as the AUS league’s top wide receiver and the conference’s best special teams player.

Ross led the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) conference in both punt return yardage (686) and kick return yardage (607). For the second year in a row, he led the Atlantic conference in all-purpose yardage.

That statistic included a league-high 633 receiving yards, as well as two returned punts and two kickoff returns for touchdowns. Also this year, he found the end zone five times as a receiver.

In eight regular season games, he accumulated over 200 all-purpose yards on five occasions, over 100-yards receiving three times, and was the only player in the conference to score a touchdown in every game.

A 2006-’07 AUS conference all-star returner and receiver, Ross is also a former city all-star and MVP from Riverside Secondary School in Windsor, Ont. As a rookie last season, he was named as one of Mount Allison’s University athletes of the year, and the football team’s overall MVP, and offensive MVP.

He is in second-year science and plans to pursue a career in medicine.

Sackville Tribune

Former Mountie skates into limelight

Kevin Foran ('82) ranked third in a magazine poll of the country's best-ever college hockey players.

It's been a generation since Kevin Foran ('82) last skated with the Mount Allison Mounties men's hockey program.

But the leading scorer in Canadian Interuniversity Sport history is back in the spotlight this month after The Hockey News ranked the Dalhousie product as the third greatest player in CIS hockey history in its 60th anniversary special edition.

"I know there have been a lot of really good hockey players who played Canadian University - players like Ross Yates (Mount Allison), Randy Gregg (Alberta) and Mike Ridley (Manitoba), who went onto great hockey careers," said Foran, who posted 267 points in five seasons at Mount Allison from 1978-83.

Read full article (Telegraph-Journal)

World AIDS Day @ Mount A

Events and activities are planned across the University campus including a guest speaker, information booths, and an HIV clinic at the Student Health Centre today.

The “Health Matters” student society and the Students’ Administrative Council, in collaboration with the Student Health Centre, have announced several initiatives on campus and in the larger community to help raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.

Health research and evaluation consultant, San Patten will give a special presentation and lead a discussion on the topic: “HIV/AIDS — From Global to Local” to discuss how Canada’s actions help and hinder efforts against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Her international work experience includes projects in India, Mexico, Zambia, Kenya, Moldova, Serbia, and Cambodia.

Volunteers from a Leadership Mount Allison group will also have awareness booths set up in the library and the dining hall with information materials and contests to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS available throughout the day.

Red ribbons will also be available at the booths, for a small donation, with all funds raised to go towards AIDS New Brunswick/SIDA Nouveau-Brunswick (ANB).

Free HIV testing is a routine service offered by the Health Centre on campus. On Friday, November 30 from 10 a.m. - 12 noon there will be an HIV clinic offered by the Nurse/Educator at the Student Health Centre as well.

Mount A's 47th Rhodes Scholar

Congratulations to Dara MacDonald, Mount A's 47th Rhodes Scholar!

What do you get when you combine a multi-linguist, a student politician, and a figure skater from Halifax, NS?

You get Dara MacDonald — Mount Allison University's 47th Rhodes Scholar!

Dara is headed to the University of Oxford next fall with a full scholarship to pursue a Master’s of Philosophy in Development Studies.

Dara, who is the Vice-President Academic Affairs of Mount Allison’s Students’ Administrative Council (SAC), says, “It is taking a bit of time for the news to sink in. I’m very excited about the opportunity and honoured to be chosen as a Rhodes Scholar. I am really looking forward to pursuing research through the Development Studies program at Oxford next year.”

Dara will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Arts degree (Honours in International Relations and minors in Hispanic Studies and Development Studies).

She has engaged in a truly inter-disciplinary academic experience at Mount A, taking courses in a wide range of areas such as languages, economics, geography, and anthropology. Dara has also held the Bell Scholarship — Mount Allison’s most prestigious entrance scholarship — throughout her time at Mount A and has worked as a Spanish teaching assistant.

The love of the language also led her to study in Spain for a summer while at Mount Allison.

Dara has also extended her learning experiences outside the classroom. She is a member of the campus chapter of WUSC (World University Service of Canada), for which she served as President for two years, was Secretary-Treasurer of Campbell Hall, and was a Mount Allison International Orientation facilitator.

Dara is the Vice-President Academic Affairs for the Mount Allison SAC this year, representing the student body’s academic needs by serving on such bodies as the University Senate and Faculty Council.

A competitive figure skater, she has continued her work on the ice as well, becoming part of the precision skating club at Mount Allison.

The Rhodes Scholarships, awarded throughout the Commonwealth, the United States, and Germany, provide all expenses for travel to and study at the University of Oxford for two years, with an option for a third year.

The current value of the scholarship is in excess of $100,000. Mount Allison University is thought to have the highest number, per capita, of Rhodes Scholars in the Commonwealth (47).

5 alumnae named most powerful women

5 Mount A women named among 2007 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100!!

Mount Allison University is pleased to announce that four of its distinguished alumnae and one of its honorary degree recipients will be recognized by the Women’s Executive Network as Canada’s most powerful women.

Alumnae Brenda Robertson ('50), Annette Verschuren, and Flora MacDonald (honorary degree '04) in the Trailblazers & Trendsetters category, and Lynn Loewen ('82) and Jane Craighead ('80) in the Professionals category, will be named among Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100™ at the Toronto Metro Convention Centre today, November 21, 2007.

Under the leadership of the Women’s Executive Network, the Top 100 awards celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of Canadian women who are making a difference and breaking new ground in the public and private sectors, through arts and communications, and within their communities.

Paving the way for Canadian women in politics, the Honourable Brenda Mary Robertson, became the first female in the New Brunswick legislature when she was elected in 1967. In 1970 she became the first female cabinet minister in New Brunswick, serving as Minister of Youth and Social Services and subsequently as Minister of Health New Brunswick during her term. In 1984 she was appointed to the Senate of Canada where she served until her retirement in 2004 and was appointed to the Order of Canada in April of 2007. Brenda graduated from Mount Allison University with a Bachelor of Science in 1950 and served on Mount A’s Board of Regents from 1952 to 1953.

Having learned the value of hard work on her family’s Cape Breton dairy farm, Annette Verschuren has gone on to become the first woman to be named president of The Home Depot. As Canadian president of Home Depot’s Asian and Canadian divisions, Annette has led the chain’s expansion from 19 stores in Canada to 144 in her first 10 years and is now leading a major expansion in China. Annette has received honorary degrees from Mount Saint Vincent and St. Francis Xavier universities, and was honoured as Wilfrid Laurier University’s 2006 Outstanding Business Leader. She is a recipient of the Canada 125 Medal, the Retail Council of Canada’s Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year Award, and the Women on the Move Award. Annette holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from St. Francis Xavier University and also attended Mount Allison.

Far beyond hard work and dedication, Lynn Loewen’s success can be attributed to her unwavering passion for her profession and her community. After 15 years with Air Canada Jazz and its predecessor, Air Nova, Lynn is currently vice-president, finance and operations, for Bell Canada. Also recently named chair of Mount Allison’s Board of Regents, Lynn holds the distinction of being the first female board chair in Mount Allison’s 168-year history. Lynn graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from Mount Allison University in 1982 and in 2003 was recognized as a Mount Allison Business Network Honouree. In 1999 she received the prestigious honour of being named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40™.

As vice-president, compensation and benefits, for Alcan Inc., Jane Craighead is responsible for compensation and benefits on a global basis for Alcan’s 66,000 employees based in 62 countries. Throughout her career, Jane has shared her vast knowledge in management and accounting with Canada’s future leaders as a full-time faculty member at McGill University, Concordia University, and Queen’s University. She has been the recipient of such prestigious awards as the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Award and a McGill Major Graduate Fellowship. Jane holds a PhD in Management, and in 1980 graduated from Mount Allison with a Bachelor of Commerce. She is still actively involved at Mount A, and currently sits on the University’s Board of Regents.

A politician and humanitarian, the Honourable Flora MacDonald served as executive director of the Progressive Conservative national headquarters from 1957 – 1966. In 1966 she became the national secretary of the Progressive Conservative Association of Canada, a position she held until 1969. From 1972-1988 Flora served as a Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands. Throughout her political career, she held three prominent cabinet portfolios: Secretary of State for External Affairs from 1979-80; Minister of Employment and Immigration from 1984-1986; and Minister of Communications from 1986 to 1988. From 1990-1994, she was the host of the popular television series, North South, on Vision TV. Flora was awarded an honorary degree from Mount Allison University in 2004.

Now in its fifth year, Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100™ list has also included several Mount Allison graduates on past lists including Karen Radford, the Honourable Catherine Callbeck, Dr. Ruth Goldbloom, and the Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain as well as Mount Allison honorary degree recipients Madam Justice Rosalie Abella, Dr. Roberta Bondar, and Judith Maxwell.

Research attracting international attention

Researchers at Mount A are attracting international attention after finding that a common chemical could jeopardize the health of fish populations.

The researchers exposed fish to a compound widely used in industrial detergents, sewage treatment, the pulp and paper industry, and in agricultural pesticides. They found that, even at low levels, the chemical caused them to avoid each other rather than grouping together in schools or shoals.

It's troubling because schooling is a survival technique for fish, and the chemical - 4-nonylphenol - can be found just about everywhere, explained biology professor Suzie Currie, whose lab hosted the research.

She completed the study with recent graduate Jennifer Horsfall ('06) and former post-doctoral fellow Ashley Ward, who is now at the University of Sydney in Australia.

"The study was recently published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B from Britain's Royal Society."

Read the full story:
Common chemical causing not-so fishy reaction
(Telegraph Journal)

Researchers find common chemical could harm fish
(Boston Globe)

President travels

Dr. Robert Campbell was interviewed on his travelling habits in the Globe & Mail last week:

He has been travelling the country to tout the strengths of Mount A, which shares the title this year with Wolfville, N.S.'s Acadia University of top undergraduate school in Canada in the Maclean's ranking.

Do you have to travel a lot?
I travel for two reasons. In my university job, I'm probably on the road at least twice if not three times a month. Then, in my research life, I'm a postal expert and I do a lot of work in Europe, so I go to Europe maybe eight times a year.

Read full article: Executive Class
(Globe & Mail)

Cartoonist's book hits shelves

Halifax Daily News's curmudgeonly cranky cartoonist's book hits shelves

Twenty years ago, Michael de Adder ('91) never thought he'd spend his days sketching politicans wearing dog muzzles and dangling from telephone wires.

Focused on studying painting, drawing, and sculpture at Mount A, he dreamed of being an artist

But when the campus began buzzing about free trade, de Adder decided to do some research and draw a few cartoons on the subject.

"I opened this book of cartoons by some guy named Aislin, and I thought 'Wow, this is art,'" de Adder said, referring to renowned Montreal Gazette cartoonist Terry Mosher. "I had always wanted to be an artist - that was the goal, that was my career path. But when I opened this book up, I fell in love with the whole idea of editorial cartooning."

De Adder sketched cartoons for several different publications before landing his full-time gig with The Daily News in 2000. He recently celebrated the release of his first compilation, simply entitled de Book.

"There were about 4,000 cartoons, and I boiled it down to about 300 that I liked," said de Adder, who draws tucked away in an ink-stained corner of the newsroom. "That was time-consuming, but the hardest part was picking the 140 or so that went in the book."

The finished product is 88 pages of his finest work, including a depiction of Bert and Ernie heading to Canada for a gay marriage, and Premier Rodney MacDonald living rent-free and playing video games in his parents' house - after getting a substantial raise.

Although it's not the first time de Adder's cartoons have been printed in a book - his work is always included in annual cartoon compilations - he says seeing de Book through the windows of bookstores gives him a rush.

"The goal is always to have your own book," de Adder said. "This is basically my whole career thus far in 88 pages. I'm proud of it - you can't help but be proud of it."

For more information on Michael de Adder, visit deadder.net

Halifax Daily News

ACE Chef

Congratulations to Chef Alexander Porter ('00)!!

Executive Chef of the Renaissance Boulder Suites at Flatiron in Broomfield, Colorado, he was recently named Executive Chef of the Year out of the 174 Renaissance brand hotels and resorts worldwide.

Chef Porter started as a culinary intern at the Renaissance Boulder Suites in the spring of 2003.

The Award of Culinary Excellence (ACE) has been a cornerstone of the efforts to recognize and identify great chefs and culinarians in Marriott and Renaissance hotels. Started in 1998, this prestigious award recognizes the passionate efforts of chefs that have been instrumental in the culinary growth of the company.

"Chef Porter is an extremely self-motivated individual who demonstrates an exceptional ability to deliver outstanding results through the direction of his team and through his own individual hands-on efforts," stated Vice President, Food and Beverage/Procurement of White Lodging, Robert Fallon.

"His passion for the guests and his associates can be seen in every encounter he has."

Criteria for this award include measurable improvement in overall dining, outstanding achievement in culinary excellence, creativity and innovation, training of others, leadership and personal development.

Chef Porter demonstrates a strong commitment of excellence in all areas on a daily basis. He orchestrates imaginative offerings in FLATZ for their Sunday Champagne brunch, Thursdays' Jazz and Sushi Night and his legendary Winemaker Dinners in the hotel's wine cellar. Under his leadership and guidance, the Renaissance Boulder Suites at Flatiron hotel received the 2006 Food and Beverage Excellence Award - Best Overall as well as the 2006 Food and Beverage Excellence Award - Best Breakfast Overall. In his spare time, he contributes to numerous community affairs, cooking demonstrations and charitable events.

"Chef Porter is an innovative and passionate culinarian who consistently creates memorable experiences for his customers" states General Manager Dave Kennedy. "He has the ability to assume duties of greater responsibility and has unlimited potential."

We Propose Clothes

Please take the time…

Campbell Hall and Eco Action are collaborating to promote a campaign entitled “We Propose Clothes”. Despite enormous media attention on the situation in the less developed world, poverty exists here within our local area.

In promoting environmentally friendly practices, Campbell Hall and Eco Action are inviting the Mount A community to recycle clothing in good, clean condition for the reuse of those in need.

During the week of November 19th clothing drop off bins will be placed in central locations around campus as well as in each of the residences.

The residence which collects the most clothing per capita will be rewarded with a prize!

On the Friday November 23rd, in honor of “Buy Nothing Day”, Eco Action will be having a clothing swap where students are encouraged to bring clothes and take what they wish.

Remaining clothing will be put towards the collection which will then be distributed to worthy local causes.

THANK YOU for your efforts!

In the news...

After the wonderful news (that we're #1!!!), we're making headlines:

Mount Allison, Acadia top Maclean's list in undergrad category
(CBC)

Universities in Montreal, Victoria, N.B and N.S lead Maclean's rankings
(Canadian Press)

Two-way tie at top of class
(The Chronicle Herald)

Mount A back in top spot
(Telegraph Journal)

Maclean says...

Mount Allison University was once again named the top undergraduate school in the country in Maclean’s magazine’s 17th annual University Rankings, which hit newsstands today, November 8.

Mount A received first-place honours in the primarily undergraduate ranking, tying with Acadia University in Wolfville, NS.

Mount A President, Dr. Robert Campbell, says, “We’re proud of Mount Allison’s outstanding success in this national survey and pleased once again to be recognized as the number one undergraduate university in the country.

We were ranked #1 by Maclean’s for the first 11 years of the survey, second for the next five, but returned to the #1 spot this year.

It’s great to have returned to the number one position. This record of achievement is unmatched by any other university.

The Maclean’s University rankings tell the world about Mount Allison’s strengths, from our award-winning faculty teaching and small class sizes to our innovative residence system, which includes a sustainable residence, and a myriad of extracurricular activities, all encompassed in the charming town of Sackville, NB.

The Mount Allison Experience gives our students more than a degree and prepares them to become engaged citizens of the world who work to make a difference in their communities.”

Along with the first-place overall ranking, Mount Allison also received high marks in a number of different categories: including first place for student awards and library holdings; second place for library expenses; third rank for the student-to-faculty ratio (15.7:1); and fourth place in operating budget and awards received by full-time faculty.

Maclean’s also published responses to questions asked by the National Survey of Student Engagement and the Canadian Undergraduate Survey Consortium.

While all universities do not participate in these surveys, Maclean's asked all university students in their survey the identical questions from these two national surveys.

Overall results found that smaller, undergraduate-focused university students are generally more satisfied with their university experience, and the Mount Allison Experience shone through with exceptional grades.

• 98% of Mount Allison students surveyed said they were either very satisfied or satisfied with the quality of teaching at Mount A, echoing the University’s high standing for awards received by its faculty members.

• 97% were either very satisfied or satisfied with the overall quality of education they received at Mount A.

• 97% either agreed or strongly agreed that their academic learning experience at Mount A was intellectually stimulating.

• 93% were either very satisfied or satisfied with their decision to attend Mount Allison.

• 91% said Mount Allison met or exceeded their expectations and the same percentage would recommend the University to others.

In consistently ranking Mount Allison among the best undergraduate universities in Canada since 1991, Maclean’s magazine has noted many of the institution’s strengths, including the university's high academic standards, dedicated and nationally-recognized faculty, intimate residential setting, and emphasis on undergraduate students.

Check out this year's MacLean's University Rankings.

Dr. Karen Nicholson

It is with great sadness that I write this message to inform you of the death of a most valued colleague. Dr. Karen Nicholson, just 36 and in the early years of her career in the Department of Psychology, passed away in Lethbridge, Alberta, her family home, after a battle with cancer.

Karen was an engaged teacher, always making time for her students and fellow faculty members and actively involved in neuroscience, her area of specialization. Karen graduated from the University of Western Ontario with her PhD and came to Mount Allison in July 2002 to begin the next stage of her academic career.

The flag will be lowered to half-mast today in honour of Karen and we will be telling you as soon as we know when a memorial service will be held in the Mount Allison chapel.

My heartfelt sympathy goes to her family in Lethbridge, and to her colleagues and friends.

Sincerely,

Robert Campbell

Robert M. Campbell, PH.D.

President and Vice-Chancellor

Mount Allison University

Members of the Mount Allison community are invited to gather together to commemorate and celebrate our colleague, Karen Nicholson, at a memorial service to be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, November 23, 2007 at the Chapel. A reception will follow at Owens Art Gallery.

2007 Classical Artists of the Year

Congratulations to baritone Christopher Bowman (’01), and pianist David Chafe who won the 2007 Classical Artists of the Year at the MUSICNL Awards in St. John’s for their new classical CD, Over Hill and Valley.

This beautiful recording features two English song cycles: "Songs of Travel" by Ralph Vaughan Williams (based on the poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson) and "Earth and Air and Rain" by Gerald Finzi (based on the poetry of Thomas Hardy).

Over Hill and Valley is the first collaborative recording project for David and Christopher who have been great friends and have performed together since meeting at the Memorial University School of Music in 2004 as students of the School's Master of Music program.

They also appeared live at the MUSICNL Awards Show at the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre this past Sunday evening.

Around the World

How so few Allisonians cover the planet so well!

Here's an email from Charlie Hunter, Director of International Admissions, during his travels this month:

"Have run into 6 Allisonians this week and heard of more:

Tuesday : arranged through Trevor Lewis who brought along Justin Keyes for the three of us to present at Delia school in Hong Kong. I got goosebumps listening to Trevor and Justin explain to the students why Mt A was a good choice for them. Delia teacher Mt A grad Eric MacMillan dropped in. He told us that Charles York and Marcie Dionne are still teaching in the school and that Nick Crowe is now at CP Allen in Bedford.

Wednesday: presented at Shenzhen International School where my contemporary Donna Trafford is the principal and Tracey Anderson is the Music teacher.

Friday: went to American School Shanghai and ran into Cathy Anderson, VP of the class of 86, who is the IB programme coordinator.

Saturday: presented at an agency in Shanghai. UNBSJ were represented there by Mt A grad Jill Rogers, 03."

Pictured above: Cathy Anderson and Kirk Mitchell

GG Lit Award Nom

Congratulations to Rob Winger ('97) for his Governor General's Literary Award nomination for his first book, Muybridge's Horse.

NEW: Rob will be doing a reading at Mount Allison: November 15, 7 pm, Cranewood

Rob grew up in a tiny Ontario town, and has since lived in eastern Canada and Asia. His work has been published in literary journals across the country, and selections from Muybridge’s Horse won first prize for poetry in English in the 2003 CBC Literary Awards judged by P.K. Page, Dionne Brand and George Bowering.

Currently at work at a doctoral degree in English and cultural studies, Winger lives with his family in Ottawa, Ontario, where he skates to work each winter.

The Governor General's Literary Awards come with a prize of $25,000, raised this year from $15,000.

The winners will be announced Nov. 27.

Stanley Cup Family

Kent Huskins, son of Les Huskins ('69) and Bonnie (Bain) Huskins ('69) are pictured holding the Stanley Cup. Kent was a defenseman on the 2006-2007 Stanley Cup winning team Anaheim Ducks, and he recently signed a new two year contract with the Ducks.

Congratulations Kent, Les, and Bonnie!

LIVE @ 5

CTV News - Live Broadcast from Mount Allison University!

Tune into CTV (Atlantic) Live at 5 and Six O'Clock News between 5 and 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 25 when they broadcast live from Mount Allison University! CTV News is the most watched news broadcast in the Maritimes.

Watch for Mount Allison news and feature stories and look for CTV personalities and crew members on campus (University/Academic Quad and Library areas).

Mount A at top of the class

Good grades for Mount A in The Globe and Mail’s 2007 University Report Card

Mount Allison University enjoyed high marks once again in the 2007 Globe and Mail University Report Card. The report was issued October 16, and saw over 43,000 students and 53 schools participate in the national survey.

Mount Allison University President Dr. Robert Campbell says, “The Mount Allison University Experience is second to none and I’m happy with our rankings.

We offer intense and enriching academic programs, delivered by award-winning teaching faculty, a myriad of extracurricular activities, and a wonderful, close-knit residence system, all on one spectacular campus.

Students receive ‘more than a degree’ at Mount Allison and I’m pleased that this is reflected in such surveys as The Globe and Mail’s University Report Card. ”

Dr. Campbell was also interviewed about life on campus in the Report, which hails Mount A as “another standout in the University Report Card Survey.”

Mount Allison, with a total full-time and part-time student population of 2,245, was ranked in the category for universities with enrolment under 4,000 and received many impressive marks.

Mount Allison received the highest possible top rank, across Canada, in:
• Class Size (A+)
• Academic Reputation (A)
• Recreation and Athletics (A-)

The Sackville university also received A’s in Quality of Education, Student-Faculty interaction, and Campus Atmosphere, as well as grades of A- in the Quality of Teaching, Most Satisfied Students, and Extracurricular Activities.

Mount Allison’s facilities also received good grades. Buildings and facilities, student residences, the quality of technology on campus, as well as the Library, got a B+, while student services, course registration, and the popular campus pub received Bs. Mount Allison’s food services ranked highest in its category with a C+.

The 2007 Report also asked over 43,000 undergraduates to describe the kinds of students they share campus with. Mount Allison students were described as: “ambitious,” “environmentally-conscious,” “politically-active,” and “studious” by their peers.

Read more:
Mount Allison's eastern promise
(Globe & Mail)

Mount A at top of the class
(Telegraph Journal)

Check out the full Globe & Mail University Report Card.

TheFleasKneesTees

Celebrities, Playboy Mansion fundraiser help boost sales of DogMom tees, which help support no-kill animal shelters

You've got a cute little dog rescued from the Moncton SPCA, Tori Spelling's help and a launch at the Playboy Mansion where members of the cast of CSI get on board.

Add the enthusiasm of Mary-Jo Dionne ('94), a talented ad writer, freelance journalist, stand-up comedian, animal lover and now T-shirt designer, and you're sure to have a hit on your hands.

In fact, with a portion of the proceeds going to support the work of well-researched, no-kill animal rescue groups, you'd have to say Mary-Jo's collection of DogMom T-shirts are the bee's knees.

Rather, they are the flea's knees.

Read full article: Cheeky T-shirts a hit for Riverview designer (Moncton Times & Transcript)

http://www.thefleaskneestees.com/

OPEN HOUSE

Mount A is inviting prospective students and their parents, school counselors, teachers, and anyone else who may be interested to visit our beautiful campus — spectacular with its fall foliage — from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, October 26^th.

The day begins with a welcome by President Robert Campbell, followed by mini lectures in the Dunn Building, an information fair in the Athletics Centre, complimentary lunch at Jennings Dining Hall, SAC Clubs and Activities Fair in Hesler Hall, campus tours departing from the ground floor of the Student Centre, a Parents’ and Families’ Information session in Windsor Theatre, and a rock concert, prize draws, and closing in Hesler Hall.

Five prizes of $2000 each in Residence Bursaries will be awarded to potential students!

For details, visit http://www.mta.ca/openhouse/

Please forward this information to family, friends, and colleagues who may be interested in participating in these informative and fun activities!

Vote for Jessica!

GOOD LUCK TO JESSICA, East Coast finalist for CMT’s Karaoke Star!

Vote for Jessica Parisien ('08) of St. George, NB beginning Oct. 11

Mount Allison English student Jessica Parisien could be singing her way to the tune of $10,000 as CMT’s Ultimate Karaoke Star!

Jessica is one of ten East Coast finalists in the national contest and the country will vote this week whether she will continue on to the finals.

The Halifax-based East Coast competition featuring Jessica will air on Wednesday, October 10 at 12 midnight on CMT, with voting opening on Thursday, October 11.

One finalist is chosen from each region and fans can text the name of their favourite singer (the “wildcard”) after each show.

Watch on Wednesday or visit the CMT web site http://www.cmt.ca/shows/karaokestar/main.aspx for more information on how to vote. Voting for the East Coast finalists begins at midnight on October 11.

Facebook members can also join a group to support Jessica as CMT’s next Karaoke Star but still need to text message their vote to CMT or visit the web site for official numbers.

Jessica, a fourth-year English student, is known for a lot more than her karaoke talents at Mount Allison. She is also the news editor for the Argosy, Mount Allison’s student newspaper and plans to continue her studies in journalism at the master’s level at Carleton University next year.

Her involvement with CMT’s Ultimate Karaoke Star, the first contest of this nature organized by the network, began this summer when she auditioned in Halifax.

Prior to being selected in the top ten for the entire East Coast region, Jessica was also crowned champion of Saint John’s Next Country Star competition this summer.

Twelve finalists, two from each region, will be selected and announced on CMT on October 17. Viewers will be able to vote for their pick from October 17 until the 22^nd.

If Jessica is one of the top two singers selected in the East Coast round, she’ll head to Toronto on October 24, where the top 12 from across the country will battle it out in a live two-hour finale that will see the 2007 CMT Ultimate Karaoke Star crowned!

New Dates

Convocation has moved dates for 2008!

Reunion Weekend: May 9, 10, 11 for classes ending in 3 & 8
Convocation: Monday, May 26

New Face at the Owens

The Owens Art Gallery is pleased to announce that Mary MacDonald ('06) has been chosen for the internship position for 2007-2008. Now in its 12th year, this program provides a recent graduate of Mount Allison with a unique and professional experience working in a public gallery.

Alongside the staff at the Owens Art Gallery, Mary will be involved in exhibition installation, the writing of news releases, assisting with educational outreach and visiting artist programs, as well as adding her voice to the Digital Owens Project, a continuing effort to create a virtual place of learning to accompany the already physical gallery.

Originally from Pictou County, NS, Mary graduated from the fine arts program at Mount Allison in 2006 and has spent the last year exploring the artistic community in Halifax, NS. There she developed a great appreciation and interest in sharing that sense of community and aspires to become a liaison between both worlds. Mary is excited to learn from and add to the vibrancy at the Owens Art Gallery and is pleased to be a resident of Sackville once again.

Teaching Award

Congratulations to Steven Van Zoost ('92), a high school English teacher at Avon View High School in Windsor, NS, who is the 2007 recipient of the Lieutenant Governor's Teaching Award.

Steven was a member of the Education faculty of Mount Saint Vincent University in 2005-06, where he taught teachers in Masters Programs and continued to work on his Doctorate in Philosophy, Education from the University of South Australia. He has a Masters of Education in Curriculum from Acadia University, and a Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Commerce, from Mount A.

He received a Roy C. Hill Award (a national award for innovative classroom practices) from the Canadian Teachers' Federation 1997 and a Governor General's Gold Medal, in Educational Research, from Acadia University.

Read more about Steven's work, and his many accomplishments.

Exhibition: Works on Paper + Canvas

Alum Harold Feist's exhibition Works on Paper + Canvas, from the Collection of the Art Gallery of Algoma in Sault Ste. Marie, ON will be held September 20 to October 27, 2007.

This exhibition of Harold’s works on paper and canvas represents the artist’s evolution from the beginning of his career to the present.

As the exhibition suggests, Harold’s own evolution has undergone transformations, from the brutish spirals to the rough colour wheels of the early seventies, the bold radiating colour spokes of the later seventies and early eighties and the vapourous topographic fields and lattice-work grids he currently explores.

At each stage, the brilliant colourism is underscored by Harold’s ability to synthesize intelligible structure with an intuited sense of the raw force and physical determinism of the material itself; nature and culture fused in exquisite complex harmony.

Read more about Harold's exhibition: Works on Paper + Canvas.

Climate Wars

Highly regarded Canadian journalist and international affairs analyst, Gwynne Dyer, will give a talk at Mount A entitled Climate Wars on Tuesday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Brunton Auditorium, Marjorie Young Bell Music Conservatory.

Based on a forthcoming CBC “Ideas” series and Random House book of the same name (to be released in April 2008), the lecture looks at the frightening geopolitical implications of large-scale climate change. The talk is co-sponsored by l’Université de Moncton and Mount Allison University.

Dyer’s articles are published in over 175 newspapers in 45 countries. Dyer’s recent book, Ignorant Armies: Sliding into War in Iraq, reached number-one on the best-seller list in Canada in 2003.

His other best-selling books include Future Tense, War, and his most recent book, After Iraq, which was number three on this list this past spring. Dyer collaborated with Tina Viljoen on a documentary television series, War, one episode of which was nominated for an Academy Award.

He won Gemini awards for The Human Race, and Protection Force, a series on peacekeepers in Bosnia. Dyer is also an award-winning broadcaster of such series as The Gorbachev Revolution, based on his experiences in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union in 1987-90, and Millennium, based on the emerging global culture.

More about Gwynne Dyer & Climate Wars

In the Fast Lane

It’s news that Gary Ross ('10) can find his way to MacAulay Field most days, let alone put up Hec Crighton-type stats for the Mount Allison Mounties.

Gary is a rarity in Canadian university football, blending gridiron success with wife Tenecia and two sons — four-year-old Gary and two-year-old Denzel — and a 3.8 grade-point average in sciences at the New Brunswick school.

He also helps his wife run a daycare for five or six other children on the days he doesn’t have classes.

His role in the improvement of the Mounties in the last two seasons can’t be overstated. His 60-yard punt return touchdown Saturday helped his team beat St. Francis Xavier 25-13 for its first win of the season.

Read more of the article: In the Fast Lane The Chronicle Herald

PSE Commission Report

So, what does Mount A think of the recently-received recommendations of the Commission on Post-Secondary Education in its final Report?

Read on!

Former NFL/CFL quarterback to speak at Mount A

A former professional quarterback and social activist will be the guest speaker at Mount A's Speaker's Series on Tuesday, Sept. 25.

Former National Football League and Canadian Football League quarterback Donald G. McPherson will speak at Crabtree Auditorium at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome and there is no admission charge.

McPherson was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1988, after a college career at Syracuse University. During his time at Syracuse he won the Maxwell Award and finished second in the 1987 Heisman Trophy voting.

He also played for the Houston Oilers and for the Hamilton Tiger Cats and Ottawa Rough Riders.

After retiring from football in 1994, McPherson joined the staff of Northeastern University's Center for the Study of Sport in Society, before becoming the first executive director of the Sports Leadership Institute at Adelphi University.

As a social activist he has founded several outreach and mentoring programs, and states that the standard constructions of masculinity and femininity both limit men's emotions and overall well-being as well as contribute to gendered violence.

Put Us in the CENTRE!

Make sure to look in your mailboxes this week for cards from students asking: "Put us in the CENTRE!"

We need your help to put us in the new Student Centre, which is set to open in September 2008.

Go to the site for more info!

Class a Float

Maurice Tugwell ('68) is having an experience of a lifetime...for the next four months, he will be teaching young students overseas...on a ship!

Here's an excerpt from his blog:

"The days leading up to St Petersburg: The second and third days out were characterized by fair weather - PEI ferry crossing seas. The instructors were all busy with our courses, while balancing other responsibilities. We teach while at sea, do field trips while in port.

"We have a clothes washer reserved for staff only, so I busied myself early one sunny morning catching up on laundry. There is no dryer - one hangs the more sensitive items in one's room, the others on the ropes (no shortage of these on a sailing ship although they are called lines) on deck. It was amusing to look out the windows of my classroom, seeing the big container ships and freighters going by, partially screened by my socks and tee shirts blowing in the breeze."

Read Maurice's blog.
Read more about Class a Float.

Homecoming FRIDAY

Homecoming Weekend is fast approaching!!

Here's what's up for Friday:

12pm-8pm	Craft & Artisan Market	Sackville Civic Centre
12pm-12am	Hinchey's Rides & Midway	Main & King Street
4pm	Men's Soccer - Mount A vs. MUN	Park Street Field
6pm	Women's Soccer - Mount A vs. MUN	Park Street Field
8pm	Performing Arts Series - Montréal's Kleztory	Convocation Hall
8:30pm	Battle of the Bands	Bridge Street Tent

Check out the rest of the HOMECOMING WEEKEND SCHEDULE!

Time Capsule Opening!

The secret is almost out…

This Saturday, September 22nd, join distinguished Mount Allison graduates, the Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain, Chancellor Emerita, and Wallace McCain at 10:30 a.m. in the Crabtree Auditorium, Mount Allison University campus, as the Trueman House time capsule is officially opened.

The time capsule was discovered behind a plaque — commemorating Mount Allison men and women who served in the Second World War — inside the brick cairn located beneath the Trueman House porte cochère during renovations this spring.

Trueman House, which opened in 1946, was a men’s residence for many years before becoming a co-ed house in 1995. The building is currently undergoing renovations and will be the home to Mount Allison’s new Student Centre, scheduled to open in September 2008.

Everyone is welcome to attend this ceremony and witness history in the making.

See the full schedule of this and other Homecoming events during the weekend of September 21-23.

If you are unable to attend in person, we are planning to web stream the event LIVE: http://www.mta.ca/inthecentre/timecapsule.html

Music Career Revived

Calgary singer-songwriter Anthony Burbidge ('93), who also plays guitar and piano, will perform songs from his first CD in 14 years, appropriately titled Newborn, in concert at the Okanagan Centre for Positive Living Sunday.

A graduate of the classical music program at Mount A, Anthony, now 35, released his well-received debut CD, Road to Rome, of original pop rock songs in 1993.

However, disaster struck soon after when a mysterious illness robbed him of his energy, health and voice.

Read full story: Calgary musician’s career is revived
Visit Anthony's Web site or his MySpace page.

Entrepreneur of the Year

Congratulations to Wallace McCain ('51), chairman of the board of Maple Leaf Foods Inc. and co-founder of one of the world's largest frozen food companies, who will receive the coveted Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) 2007 Ontario Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mr. McCain will be rewarded for his outstanding accomplishments at a gala presentation on October 18, 2007.

A New Brunswick native, Mr. McCain graduated with a B.A. from Mount A in 1951. Since then, he has received honourary degrees from Mount Allison University, University of King's College, University of NewBrunswick, Dalhousie University, Trent University and University of Toronto.

Read more: McCain to be presented with Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year

It's a Wonderful Life

It's A Wonderful Life - Owens Art Gallery opening reception 5pm

To celebrate Struts' 25th anniversary, the Owens Art Gallery will open its premier fall exhibition featuring the work of thirty artists who have participated in the Open Studio Artist–in-Residence Program.

During their residency, for one month, artists from across Canada and abroad call Sackville home, creating and interacting with the community through workshops and presentations.

The exhibition will include innovative painting, drawing, installation, and video works from a broad range of contemporary Canadian artists including: Lucy Pullen, Eric Walker, Penny McCann, Deborah Margo, Kathleen Sellars, Carl Zimmerman, Goody-B. Wiseman, Mike MacDonald, Shary Boyle, Peter Flemming, Rita McKeough, Craig Francis Power, Robyn Moody, Candice Tarnowski, Hadley + Maxwell, Graeme Patterson, Jerry Ropson, Uta Riccius, Chad VanGaalen, Marilou Lemmens & Richard Ibghy, Daniel Barrow, Ian Birse & Laura Kavanaugh, Leah Garnett, Marc Bell, Amy Lockart, Mitchell Wiebe, and Elisabeth Belliveau.

Owens Art Gallery invites you to the opening of It’s a Wonderful Life and a birthday celebration for Struts Gallery on Friday 14th September at 5:00 pm. The exhibition continues to 19 October 2007.

Small-town life continues

While quiet, small-town life may drive many restless young people out of Maine, it was exactly what drew David Mitchell ('91) back to his hometown.

David grew up in Calais and attended boarding school at Lawrence Academy in Groton, Mass.

He graduated from Mount A in 1991 with a B.A. in English and political science, then stayed on for a fifth year to play hockey and earn a second bachelor’s degree in education.

After teaching and coaching soccer, hockey and baseball at private schools in Massachusetts and Michigan, David decided to return to his home state and pursue a law degree at the University of Maine School of Law.

Read David's profile in the Bangor Daily News:
Calais: Small-town community makes life worthwhile for lawyer

Photo credit: Bangor Daily News/Kate Collins

Shine On!

Over 400 Mount A students are set to participate in Shinerama, the annual fund raiser held on many Canadian campuses in support of cystic fibrosis research on September 8.

Supporters might notice many students sporting a stylish accessory this year —“Shine On” limited edition pendants, produced by Terra Cotta Pendants of Stoney Creek, NB, especially for this campaign.

Terra Cotta Pendants has produced a Shinerama sun clay aromatherapy pendant, and $5 from every sale will go directly towards the campaign.

The pendant, called “Shine On,” was designed by Mount A student Natasha Gosselin, daughter of owners, Auguste and Lori Gosselin.

Pendants are $10 and are available for purchase by e-mailing sacshinerama@mta.ca, and will be sold on Shine Day at 13 locations in Amherst, Sackville, Dieppe, Shediac, Moncton, and Riverview.

The Shinerama team is an ambitious one, with a fund raising goal of $17,000 for this year.

http://www.terra-cotta-pendants.com/

A member of the Shinerama committee, Natasha was instrumental in the partnership for the fund raising campaign.

For further information about the 2007 Mount Allison Shinerama campaign please contact campaign director Jill Fraser at 364-2231 (sacshinerama@mta.ca).

Mount A Performing Arts

Tickets are now available for Mount Allison’s Performing Arts Series 2007-08...this year's lineup promises a great variety of music, beginning on Friday, Sept. 21 with the exciting sounds of Kleztory, a klezmer group from Montréal that is taking the world music scene by storm.

Continuing through the academic year, you’ll have the opportunity to hear diverse artists Trio Mosaique (classical music by three of Canada’s finest musicians), Red Priest (a wild baroque music ensemble bringing us a Hallowe’en Special, “Nightmare in Venice”); and Canadian artists Anne-Julie Caron, marimba, J.P. Cormier, singer-songwriter and Hugh Russell, baritone.

Subscriptions to the season are only $120 for adults, $50 for students.

Single tickets are $25 and $13. But there are terrific specials as well!

If you purchase an adult subscription, or single adult ticket to a Convocation Hall event, you can bring a child (age 4-18) for free to that concert.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, call 364-2662 (voice mail only) or e-mail performarts@mta.ca.

More information is also available on their website, http://www.mta.ca/departments/PerformingArts

1st Canadian Naval Officer arrives in Nanisivik

Sub-Lieutenant Fraser Gransden ('05), of the HMCS Halifax, recently became the first Canadian naval officer to arrive by sea at Nanisivik, Canada's future deepwater Arctic port.

Fraser, who arrived at Nanisivik via the CCGS Terry Fox on August 15, was raised in Maitland and attended Brockville Collegiate Institute before graduating from Mount A under the naval officer training program.

Captain Marc Rothwell welcomed SLt Fraser Gransden to Nanisivik as shown in the photo. Fraser, a bridge watchkeeper onboard HMCS Halifax spent the last week onboard CCGS TERRY FOX for arctic navigation familiarization.

This included icebreaking navigation through the ice and berg infested waters of Hudson Strait, Foxe Basin, Fury & Hecla Strait, Gulf of Boothia, Prince Regent Inlet, Lancaster Sound, Admiralty Inlet and Strathcona Sound.