As the youngest of five in a family of Xaverians, Adrian Brennan was no stranger to X-Ring ceremonies. But this past December 3rd, it was finally his turn to receive his X-Ring, marking a significant achievement for both himself and the entire Brennan family.
Adrian, who is finishing his last semester of Engineering, became the seventh of the seven Brennans to earn this honour.
The journey to this moment began when Leigh Brennan ‘83 and Cathy (Chisholm) ‘83 met in their fourth year at StFX. Leigh was completing his Bachelor of Business Administration and playing for the StFX Rugby Team while Cathy, an Antigonish native, was completing her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition.
The pair moved back to Leigh’s hometown of Beechwood, NB, where they raised five children: Bridget ‘15 ‘17, Stephanie ‘16 ‘21, Timothy ‘18 ‘20, Erin ‘18, and Adrian ‘25.
After spending many summers visiting Antigonish, growing quite familiar with the StFX campus, it became more than just a school for the Brennans - it became a home away from home.
So, when it came time for each of the Brennan children to choose a university, the decision to attend StFX was an easy one. In fact, they didn’t even consider applying elsewhere.
“I always knew StFX was the place for me!” says oldest daughter Bridget, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics followed by a Bachelor of Education. Now working with Armbrae Academy, a private school in Halifax, Bridget cherishes the connections she made during her time at StFX.
Younger sister, Stephanie, added that the siblings were all fond of the idea of attending the same school as their parents. Stephanie graduated with a BA in Human Kinetics and a Bachelor of Education, later returning to StFX to work as a recruiter before starting her current role with Sport Nova Scotia.
Timothy, who also graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics and a Bachelor of Education, shares that being a member of the StFX Track and Field team alongside his three sisters played a huge role in his decision. “Not everyone gets the chance to be an athlete in university on the same team as three of their siblings.”
For Erin, a Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics graduate, the HKIN program aided in her choice to attend StFX. She and Adrian agree that after hearing stories from their family about StFX, they knew they couldn’t miss out on the experience.
THE SPECIAL DAY
The Brennan family was bursting with pride as they gathered on December 3rd to watch Adrian receive his X-Ring. It was a long time coming for the family, with Erin sharing this was a moment they had talked about their entire lives. For Adrian, having grown up attending X-Ring celebrations for each of his older siblings, he likened getting his ring to feeling like “joining the adult table in the family.”
Stephanie says that watching Adrian receive his ring was “incredibly special.” “He has been there to support each of us when we were celebrating ours, it was fitting that everyone was there.” The special occasion was a huge milestone, the family shared - one that brought them closer together.
THE X-RING COLLECTION
The Brennans' impressive collection of seven X-Rings is often met with surprise and disbelief. “Most people are shocked and wonder why we all chose to follow a similar path,” says Bridget, with Stephanie adding that it’s usually followed by “something along the lines of ‘did they name a building after you guys?’” Adrian says, “the classic joke is they should cover my tuition as the seventh.”
THE LEGACY
The Brennan family’s Xaverian legacy extends beyond the immediate family, with three generations of family on both sides having attended StFX.
Great-grandfather, William Ronald Chisholm, graduated in the first Engineering class at StFX. Cathy’s mother, Marie McGarry Chisholm, graduated in 1945, with Leigh’s mother, Jeanne Toner Brennan graduating in 1947. This was followed by several aunts, uncles, and cousins, who all share in the StFX experience.
THE IMPACT
While each member of the family had a unique experience, they all agree it was the people that they met at StFX who made the biggest impact.
Leigh and Cathy share that meeting each other was the most important part of their time at StFX. Stephanie adds that she also met her husband, Matthew MacNaughton ‘16, at StFX saying, “He graduated with me, and we now call Antigonish home.”
Timothy and Erin share that their experience at StFX allowed them to grow, both as students and athletes, leading Timothy to his Track and Field coaching role at Dalhousie University and Erin to pursue graduate studies in Montreal while working with the ice hockey equipment brand CCM.
Reflecting on her experience, Bridget shares that as the first child to attend, not many were familiar with her family but by the time she reached her 2nd year of her Bachelor of Education, “almost anyone I ran into on campus knew at least one of us!”
Adrian had an idea of what his experience at StFX would be, based on stories shared by his family, but once he stepped foot on campus “I realized that it was going to be a lot better than I had hoped.”
Athletics had the most profound impact on the family’s time at StFX, with all five children competing on the Track and Field team, representing StFX at AUS Championships and USPORTS Nationals. “Thanks to StFX, our house became a Track & Field house, and we wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Bridget, “This is a legacy we are proud to leave behind.”
Erin says, “I will always be grateful for my time at StFX. If given the chance I would do it again, every time."
