This year’s spring convocation weekend at StFX is sure to go down in history—and not just for the graduates and their families. On Saturday afternoon, a large crowd of excited Xaverians and distinguished guests filled the Frank McKenna Centre for Leadership for the announcement of the largest single private philanthropic gift the University has ever received.
“The legendary Xaverian spirit is fueled by a community that never stops giving back,” said David Graham, Vice-President of Advancement, in his opening remarks. “Today we are here to witness an unprecedented milestone that sets a new gold standard for our future.”
President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Andy Hakin then delivered the historic announcement: a $20 million dollar commitment to StFX from the Honorable Frank McKenna ('70), Julie McKenna ('72), and their family.
“This transformative gift will change the lives of hundreds of students and fortify our university for generations to come,” said Dr. Hakin. “It will also ensure that StFX remains a true national destination.”
He described Frank and Julie McKenna as “one of Canada’s most influential couples, recognized for their commitment to public service, to community, and to family.” Chair of the StFX Board of Governors, the Honorable Lisa Raitt ('89) added that the McKenna’s commitment to their alma mater is “nothing short of extraordinary.”
Introducing Canada’s most prestigious and lucrative undergraduate scholarships
The extraordinary investment in StFX will establish The McKenna Scholars Program, a groundbreaking new undergraduate scholarship initiative designed to attract the very best and brightest young people to StFX. These bold, new awards will not be tied to a specific field of study and will recognize academic excellence and community-based leadership in Arts, Science, and Business.
At the highest level, the McKenna National Scholars—valued at $125,000 over four years—will be the most prestigious and lucrative undergraduate scholarships in Canada. Supporting these top awards are the McKenna Order of Merit scholarships, valued at $40,000, and the McKenna Scholars of Distinction, valued at $20,000.
A crucial part of the program will be a term dedicated to working and studying abroad to allow students to gain a global perspective.
“One of the proudest days of our lives”
Taking the stage, Frank McKenna reflected on his first memories of arriving at StFX. He had never been to Antigonish—or Nova Scotia—but fell in love with the campus immediately. “I was smitten with StFX,” Mr. McKenna said. “And I’ve been smitten ever since.”
He also shared with the crowd that for him and his wife, Julie, the day was “one of the proudest days of our lives.” Not only were they announcing the gift but, more importantly, they had not one but two members of the McKenna family—their granddaughter, Ella, and their grandson, Noah—graduating at StFX’s spring convocation.
Frank spoke about what he feels is so uniquely powerful about a StFX education and the sense of community that is formed during one’s time on campus.
“At StFX, you not only get a globally recognized ring and a degree, but you get a master’s degree in civility and a PhD in character,” Mr. McKenna said. “And in a world of chaos, we could use more of both.”
Investing in tomorrow’s leaders during a time of uncertainty.
Immediately following the announcement, the campus community was joined by Canadian journalist, author, and documentary producer, Steve Paikin, for a live taping of The Paikin Podcast. Steve Paikin invited Chancellor Mila Mulroney, Dr. Andy Hakin, and Frank McKenna to the stage for a wide-ranging discussion about both the role of universities in today’s rapidly changing world, and Mr. McKenna’s illustrious political career.
The conversation began with Chancellor Mila Mulroney’s reflections on her late husband, the Right Honorable Brian Mulroney’s love of StFX and the inclusive, generous community he found on campus as an undergraduate student. It was at StFX that his intellectual curiosity and love of politics first developed, which helped propel him forward in his career.
This topic of broadening one’s thinking returned throughout the discussion. “We need broad minded citizens.” Mr. McKenna explained. “People who aren’t only capable of linear thinking, but who are capable of bringing all of the pieces together.”
It's for this reason that the new McKenna Scholars program is “agnostic” when it comes to a particular field of study.
“We have to be a haven for the brightest minds on the planet,” Mr. McKenna said.
The inaugural cohort of McKenna Scholars will arrive on campus for the 2027-2028 academic year.
About the Honorable Frank McKenna
Frank McKenna is one of Canada’s most respected political and business leaders. He has been an executive with TD Bank Group since 2006 and joined TD Securities in January 2020. As Deputy Chair, he is focused on supporting the continued expansion of TD Securities’ global footprint.
He is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University, Queen’s University and the University of New Brunswick Law School. He was awarded a prestigious Lord Beaverbrook Scholarship in Law and has practiced in courtrooms all the way up to the Supreme
Court of Canada. He achieved widespread acclaim for his successful defence of Canadian boxing legend, Yvon Durelle.
He was elected Premier of New Brunswick in 1987 in a historic victory that left him with all 58 seats in the legislative assembly.
His time as a Premier was marked with widespread acclaim for balanced budgets and unprecedented job creation. He was the only politician in Canadian history to ever be named as Economic Developer of the Year and was inducted into the
Canadian Technology Hall of Fame.
He retired ten years ago to the day of his original election, keeping his promise to the people of New Brunswick that he would only serve ten years. Since leaving public life, he was in widespread demand as a Corporate Director and acted as Counsel to two national law firms. He was named by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien to the Security Intelligence Review Committee. He was also inducted into the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame and the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. In 2005 he accepted an invitation from Prime Minister Paul Martin to become Canadian Ambassador to the United States of America.
Upon completing his time as Ambassador, he resumed his corporate career with TD Bank Group, one of North America’s largest banks. He also became the Chairman of Brookfield Asset Management, a global asset manager with $750 billion in assets.
Additionally, he became a Director of Canadian Natural Resources (CNRL), Canada’s largest oil and gas producer.
Mr. McKenna has a School of Public Policy named in his honor at St. Thomas University and the Frank McKenna Leadership Centre at St. Francis Xavier University. Also bearing his name are the Frank McKenna School of Philosophy, Politics and
Economics at Mount Allison University and the Frank McKenna Leadership Centre - L’alUMni at Université de Moncton. In 2021, Mr. McKenna established The McKenna Institute at University of New Brunswick.
His charitable work, particularly in Haiti, was rewarded with the Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year award. Mr. McKenna is a King’s Counsel, Member of the King’s Privy Council, a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors, a Member of the
Order of New Brunswick and a Member of the Order of Canada. He is the recipient of 15 Honorary Degrees. He is a recipient of the Symons Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, and a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
He and his wife, Julie have three grown children.
