Xaverian Spirit Award

The Xaverian Spirit Award honours those who make our StFX experience truly memorable. It is open to StFX faculty, staff and any other campus-based employees. It is meant for the unsung heroes who exemplify the Xaverian Spirit and whose support, encouragement, guidance or attitude leave a lasting impression on alumni long after graduation.

Nomination Information

2025 Recipient

Dr. Margo Watt '93

To say that Dr. Margo C. Watt has left a lasting impact on the StFX community is an understatement. A StFX Alumna, Dr. Watt earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Dalhousie before returning to StFX in 1999 as the first Clinical Psychologist hired by the Department of Psychology.  

Since joining the Department, Dr. Watt has worked tirelessly to provide exceptional experiential-learning opportunities for students, creating new courses such as Clinical Psychology and Forensic Psychology and spearheading the evolution of forensic psychology at StFX.  

What began as a single course in 2000 grew into a Two-Year Special Concentration in Forensic Psychology in 2013, and ultimately the Four-Year Direct Entry Applied Forensic Psychology program in 2021. Dr. Watt is single-handedly responsible for the development of these programs, making StFX home to the only undergraduate program of its kind in Canada and attracting students from across the country and around the world.  

Dr. Watt’s innovative approach in the classroom challenges students to think critically, and in her words, “probe the depths of our thought”. She extends learning beyond lectures, facilitating practicum placements and service-learning opportunities that undoubtedly leave meaningful impressions on her students.  

The value of her tutelage shines through at the annual AFP @ X Day during the Alumni Panel when graduates return to share their success stories. No matter their paths, the common denominator is always Dr. Watt’s influence, unwavering encouragement, and belief in their potential.  

A prolific scholar, Dr. Watt received StFX’s Outstanding Teaching Award, the President’s Research Award, and the Jules Léger Research Scholar distinction. Her award-winning book, Cases in Clinical Forensic Psychology, is nationally recognized as a Significant Contribution to the Criminal Justice Psychology field. Despite “retiring” in 2024, she remains active in the department as a Senior Researcher and, at Spring Convocation 2025, received the prestigious designation of Professor Emerita.  

Dr. Margo Watt unequivocally exemplifies what it means to be Xaverian, and we are proud to honour her with the Xaverian Spirit Award.