From the beginning, the Xaverian Scholarship and Bursary Fund has been a remarkable effort to support students at StFX, and on Nov. 3, 2021, the mood was celebratory as the StFX community gathered to commemorate that the Xaverian Fund has surpassed its $50 million target—and continues to impact countless lives for the better.
“Today is a day of a celebration. It is a day of accomplishment,” StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin told all gathered in the Joyce Family Atrium, Mulroney Hall to the mark the milestone.
“The Xaverian Fund has made a difference to so many of our students.”
It’s provided new opportunities, opportunities for students to access experiences that will help shape their lives.
In sharing some highlights, Dr. Hakin said through the Xaverian Fund, financial aid for students in need more than doubled since the fund was established, going from $400,000 annually to over $1 million annually and growing.
As well, 109 new scholarship and bursary funds have been established and over 3,000 scholarships, bursaries and financial awards have been supported through the Xaverian Fund.
The Jeannine Deveau Educational Endowment has provided 668 scholarships and bursaries for African Nova Scotian and Indigenous students from across the Maritimes; over 75 students in the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government have benefitted from renewable scholarships and bursaries; and over 100 students in the Gerald Schwartz School of Business have received renewable scholarships.
“This fund is helping to change lives through the sheer number of scholarships provided.”
It was in October 2014 that then StFX President Dr. Kent MacDonald launched the fund to help students in financial need.
“Seven years later, we celebrate the ambitious goal has been achieved,” Dr. Hakin said.
Not only has it been achieved, but the target has also been surpassed by $100,000.
WORK TO CONTINUE
But still there is work to do.
“Such need unfortunately continues to grow,” Dr. Hakin said. “The need remains to increase the number of scholarships and bursaries.
“While $50 million was the initial target for the Xaverian Fund, we will continue to build the fund to increase the number of scholarships and bursaries available for students.”
He acknowledged and thanked all donors for contributing to this remarkable step in the history of the university. “Every donation has made a difference.” The Xaverian Fund has opened the doors to new students, and it’s unlocked the door to human potential, one of the greatest gifts anyone can give.
He also thanked StFX Advancement staff for their hard work in this endeavour, and he noted the efforts of Xaverian Fund Chief Campaign Officer Iain Boyd “serving as a true champion in the fundraising efforts.”
STRONG TEAM
“Our campaign success was the result of a strong team effort by the Advancement unit and other areas of the university. I am most grateful for their support,” said Mr. Boyd, who served as the event’s master of ceremonies.
“We kicked off the campaign with 100 per cent participation from the Board of Governors, followed by outstanding participation by faculty and staff. I want to acknowledge the 58 campus volunteers who canvassed their colleagues. Thank you for your tremendous effort. The support at home was the springboard to success.”
During the event, several students spoke via video of the incredible impact the fund has made in their lives.
Students’ Union VP Academic Meredith Cudmore-Keating spoke on behalf of students, thanking everyone involved.
Everyone who steps foot on the StFX campus knows we have something special, a community where everyone can find their place, she said. She thanked all donors and the fundraising staff for their generosity and belief in the specialness of this community.
“Your contributions will go on to have an immeasurably positive impact on many students.”
Some highlights of the impact of the Xaverian Fund shared at the event included:
• 4,000 donors in total, including 58 donors contributing $100,000 or more.
• The StFX Board of Governors had 100 per cent participation, contributing over $2.5 million.
• 50 per cent of full-time faculty and professional staff donated.
• Donations have ranged from $10 to $6.24 million.
