Spring Convocation 2026 Program

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

Welcome to Spring Convocation. Today, we gather to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of our graduating StFX students. Whether you are joining in person or online, follow this program for ceremony details, featured biographies, and a full list of graduates. Hail and Health!

The National Anthem 
Janet Becigneul

Opening of Convocation 
Dr. Mila Mulroney ’04 
Chancellor
Read a message from the Chancellor

Invocation
Fr. Donald MacGillivray ’79 
University Chaplain 

President’s Address
Dr. Andrew W. Hakin 
President and Vice-Chancellor
Read a message from the President

Recognition of Medalists
Dr. Amanda Cockshutt
Academic Vice-President and Provost
List of Medalists

Presentation of President's Research Award
Dr. Kailin Wright, English

Presentation of Professor Emerita
Dr. Susan Vincent, Anthropology

Conferral of Honorary Degree
Mark Wallace '80, Toronto, ON

Conferral of Honorary Degree
Natalie MacMaster, Troy, NS

Conferral of Degrees and Diplomas in Course
List of Graduates

Conferral by Chancellor
Dr. Mila Mulroney ’04

Remarks
Kerry Prosper '09
Elder in Residence

Mi’kmaq Honour Song

Acknowledgement of the Graduating Class
Adnan Coban '26

Admission to the StFX Alumni Association
Mike Gillis ’87 
President
Read a message from the Alumni Association President

Benediction
Most Reverend Bishop Wayne Joseph Kirkpatrick
Vicar of the Founder of StFX

Closing of Convocation
Dr. Mila Mulroney ’04

For roles not listed above, see Ceremony Roles.

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The National Anthem 
Janet Becigneul 

Opening of Convocation 
Dr. Mila Mulroney ’04 
Chancellor
Read a message from the Chancellor

Invocation
Fr. Donald MacGillivray ’79 
University Chaplain 

President’s Address
Dr. Andrew W. Hakin 
President of the University
Read a message from the President

Recognition of Medalists
Amanda Cockshutt
Academic Vice-President and Provost
List of Medalists

Presentation of University Research Award
Dr. Charlene Weaving, Human Kinetics

Presentation of Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award
Dr. Darien DeWolf, Math & Statistics

Conferral of Honorary Degree
Kerry Prosper, Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation

Conferral of Degrees and Diplomas in Course
List of Graduates

Conferral by Chancellor
Dr. Mila Mulroney ’04

Mi’kmaq Honour Song

Acknowledgement of the Graduating Class
Allyson Lightfoot '26

Admission to StFX Alumni Association
Mike Gillis ’87 
President
Read a message from the Alumni Association President

Benediction
Most Reverend Bishop Wayne Joseph Kirkpatrick
Vicar of the Founder of StFX

Closing of Convocation
Dr. Mila Mulroney ’04

For roles not listed above, see Ceremony Roles.

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Chancellor's Message

Dear Graduates of St. Francis Xavier University,

It is my great honour, as Chancellor, to extend heartfelt congratulations to each of you on this remarkable achievement. Today marks not only the culmination of your studies, but the beginning of a lifelong journey shaped by purpose, compassion, and courage.

At StFX, you have come to know and live the university’s enduring motto, Quaecumque Sunt Vera — “Whatsoever things are true.” This call to seek truth is not confined to the classroom; it is a guiding principle for your lives. In a world often marked by uncertainty, your commitment to truth, integrity, and understanding will be your greatest strength.

You also carry forward a proud tradition of community service that defines the spirit of StFX. Whether through local outreach or global engagement, you have learned that meaningful change begins with a willingness to serve others. This tradition is now yours to continue and to expand.

Our world is in urgent need of selfless leadership — leadership grounded not in personal gain, but in empathy, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility to others. I encourage you to lead with generosity of spirit, to listen before you act, and to always place the common good at the heart of your decisions.

As you leave this campus, know that you do so as ambassadors of a remarkable community. Carry its values with pride.

Congratulations, Class of 2026.

Mila Mulroney
Chancellor
St. Francis Xavier University

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President's Message

On behalf of the entire StFX community, I offer my sincere congratulations. Today we celebrate your achievement—and the dedication, resilience, and curiosity that brought you to this moment. This is a proud day for you, for your families and friends, and for all who have supported you along the way.

Your hard work and perseverance have led to an important milestone: the successful completion of your program and the earning of a diploma or degree from StFX University. Be confident that your time here has strengthened not only your knowledge, but also the skills, perspectives, and values that will serve you well in whatever comes next.

Each of you has travelled a unique path. Take pride in your journey—the challenges you have met, the growth you have experienced, and the moments that shaped you. Celebrate the friendships you have formed and the guidance and encouragement of staff and faculty who both supported and challenged you. Your experience has been shaped by this community, just as you have helped shape it in return.

As graduates of StFX University, you now join a proud and enduring legacy—one defined by service, leadership, and a commitment to the common good. These are hallmarks of the Xaverian way, and they will remain with you long after today.

We hope that your education has opened new ways of seeing and understanding the world, and that it has sharpened the intellectual tools you will use to make a positive difference in the lives of others. As you step forward, we look to you as the next generation of leaders—ready to bring your talent, integrity, curiosity, and compassion to the work of building a better world.

Go forward with confidence. 
Go forward with purpose. 
And, go forward knowing that you will always be part of the StFX community.

Hail and Health.

Dr. Andy Hakin
President and Vice-Chancellor
St. Francis Xavier University

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Alumni Association President's Message

Congratulations, Class of 2026.

Today marks the end of something remarkable, but not the end of your connection to StFX.

StFX does not let go easily. Nor does it need to. The values you refined here, the friendships you built, the version of yourself that emerged, those things you will carry with you. They show up in your work, in how you lead, and in how you treat people.

You are joining a community of more than 50,000 alumni who carry the same things. That community is not passive. It looks out for its own, opens doors, and occasionally shows up in your life in ways you did not see coming. That’s just who we are.

Your Alumni Association is committed to keeping that community close. Our chapters are the heart of it. Today they exist in cities and communities across Canada and beyond. Tomorrow there will be more, because wherever Xaverians land, the instinct to find each other is strong. Walk into a chapter event in a city where you know no one, and you will find comfort in a room full of X-Rings. Find your chapter. If one doesn’t exist where you are going, that is not a gap. That is your chance to start your own chapter, and the Alumni Association will be there to support you.

Stay connected at stfx.ca/alumni and @StFXAlumni. Come back. Reach out when you need us.

We are proud of you. And we are not done with you. See you soon.

Hail and Health,

Mike Gillis '87
President
StFX Alumni Association

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