This year has been an action-packed one for MSVU. From new people and programs, to celebrations of our stand-out students, faculty, staff, and MUCH more, here’s our 10 most popular news stories of 2022 (based on website page views, social media engagement and traditional media coverage):
#1. Announcing MSVU’s Next President and Vice Chancellor
In May, we shared the exciting news that Dr. Joël Dickinson had been named MSVU’s 14th President and Vice-Chancellor. She officially started in the role on July 1 and to say that she has hit the ground running would be to understate it. Dr. Dickinson is just the right president to lead us into our next chapter, focusing on our core purpose and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.
#2. MSVU and King’s welcome first Auntie in Residence
This fall, MSVU and King’s introduced Emily Pictou-Roberts as the new Auntie in Residence in support of Indigenous students at both universities. Emily is from the Mi’kmaw community of Millbrook First Nation. She began in her new role at the end of October 2022, believed to be the first university-based Indigenous Auntie in Residence role in Atlantic Canada.
#3. Celebrating MSVU’s 2022 Academic and Athletics Student Award Winners
Stories that put a spotlight on our amazing students are always a big hit, as they should be! In the spring, we celebrated exceptional student achievements across our academic and athletics programs. These students are an inspiration to the university community and a great source of Mystic pride!
#4. MSVU Spring Convocation celebrates Students, Faculty, and Honorary Degree Recipients
Spring 2022 convocation ceremonies celebrated more than 700 graduates from 25 countries and marked the second in-person convocation ceremony held at the university since the pandemic forced a pivot to online events. The legacy of the late Dr. Alexa McDonough, OC, ONS, was celebrated, as were three new honorary degree recipients (Retired Judge Corrine E. Sparks; Dr. Marie Battiste; and Deanne Fitzpatrick) and a number of student award winners.
#5. MSVU launches new crow-munications program
On April 1, we issued a prank announcement of a caw-mical new program to honour the sophisticated communication systems… of crows! The Bachelor of Crow-munications program was said to be taking flight in the fall of 2022, with MSVU mascot Captain Crow assuming the role of curriculum advisor. Let’s just say this story was ultimately no caws for concern!
In April, philanthropists Scott McCain and Leslie McLean made a generous $500,000 donation, and the university made a new investment of $500,000, for a total combined investment of $1 million in new financial supports for Indigenous students at MSVU. The Scott McCain and Leslie McLean L’nu Student Success Bursary Fund will support full-time undergraduate Indigenous students across all programs at MSVU through renewable bursaries and an L’nu Emergency Fund.
#7. Announcing the 17th Nancy’s Chair in Women’s Studies at MSVU
We started 2022 by sharing the great news that Dr. Adwoa Onuora would be joining MSVU as the next Nancy’s Chair in Women’s Studies. Dr. Onuora has had an accomplished academic career and has brought substantial experience to her new role, which includes taking on a community-based research project examining the challenges faced by queer Afro-Canadian/Caribbean youth and their parents.
#8. New Indigenous Tourism Program being established at Mount Saint Vincent University
In June, the establishment of a new Indigenous cohort tourism program was announced at MSVU with almost $2 million in support from the Federal government. The Kinu Tourism Program (Kinu meaning inclusive of/us/everyone) was developed by Indigenous community leaders and representatives from MSVU’s Tourism and Hospitality Management Program with the goal of removing barriers to post-secondary education while creating opportunities for future Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs.
#9. Documentary about Mi’kmaw Elder Sister Dorothy Moore to premiere at 2022 Atlantic Film Festival
Throughout her life, Elder and educator Sister Dorothy Moore has been a language and cultural Mi’kmaw warrior. The documentary Sister Dorothy Moore: A Life of Courage, Determination and Love was produced and directed by Dr. Mary Jane Harkins of the Faculty of Education at MSVU and premiered at the Atlantic International Film Festival held this past September. It was recorded by videographer Brett Kibbler of MSVU’s Multimedia Services, with support from Nick Jones and Patrick Leonard.
#10. Celebrating MSVU’s stand-out faculty and staff
One of the first stories we told in 2022 was popular because of the wonderful people it put a spotlight on – some of the amazing faculty and staff who help make MSVU the special place it is. Dr. Sarah Reddington and Dr. Susie Brigham were named Diversity and Inclusion Award winners, while Erin Tomlinson and Dr. Ardra Cole received the President’s Award for Service.
Honourable mention: MSVU deer go viral
A video of a family of deer having a snack in front of Evaristus, posted on January 18, 2022, went viral on Facebook garnering 5.8 million views! Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/MountSaintVincentUniversity/videos/511237700313846