Progressive partnerships are a fundamental element of Saint Mary’s University’s strategic directions and future growth and development. Saint Mary’s long standing commitment to community service and outreach is the foundation for the university’s success in building local, regional, national, and international partnerships.

Saint Mary’s vision is to be a dynamic, urban university with a national reputation for innovative teaching and research at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and for strong programs of local, regional and international outreach. Innovation, creativity and an environment that supports collaborative efforts have contributed to the increasing number of outreach activities, projects with external research and funding agencies, educational, corporate, institutional, community and governmental partnerships and community based research programs.

Saint Mary’s leading edge academic institutes and research centres are bridging faculty research to the community. The university’s partnerships expand its impact, contribute to a better appreciation of diversity and cultural differences and strengthen communities in the region and around the world.

A monument commemorating Saint Mary's University's 200th Anniversary was unveiled on June 5, 2003

Third Annual Report to the Community as President of Saint Mary's University

This past year we have, through a range of on-campus and off-campus activities and events, celebrated Saint Mary’s University’s 200th Anniversary. This has enabled us to look back and pay tribute to those who have gone before and provided the leadership to build on the vision of Reverend Edmund Burke, our founder. Saint Mary’s has certainly changed from the two-story Glebe House, and later the Windsor Street campus to our modern Robie Street campus. Many permanent legacies have been left from the 200th Anniversary with the dedication of markers at our three locations, the naming of a minor planet in honour of Saint Mary’s, a portrait book edited by Anne West and the revitalization of our archives. However, another lasting success has been the reconnection through a series of road shows with our permanent stakeholders – our alumni.

To achieve the vibrant, dynamic campus that we enjoy at Saint Mary’s, we have been assisted over the years by the Archdiocese, federal, provincial and municipal governments, foundations, in particular, the Patrick Power Estate, the Windsor Foundation, and the Sobey Foundation, community groups, faculty, staff, students, alumni, corporations and friends of Saint Mary’s. Their contributions have sustained the University with new buildings, renovations, research support and scholarships. The latter have reinforced our mission of accessibility as they have made the difference for many students to embark on and complete their dream of earning a degree.

Saint Mary’s University Strategic Directions 2003 – 2007 - Academic Planning - Renovation and Renewal - University Development - Enrollment Management - Faculty Recruitment and Retention - Governance and Accountability

In my first report to the community, I profiled some of the people that make up the Saint Mary’s community to recognize the importance that our faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of Saint Mary’s play in our success as a university. Their commitment and support was once more illustrated this past year as they came together to work on what was a truly remarkable year of celebration. I thank them for their dedication as I do the many external supporters that provided recognition of our bicentenary. These included all levels of government, her Honour, Myra Freeman, the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, his Honour Mr. Larry Freeman, the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and many of our institutional partners and community groups.

In my second report, I set out the strategic directions for Saint Mary’s and focused on how we as a university are breaking boundaries to embrace the change mandated by the new economy. As we look forward to our future, our traditions of the past of being closely connected with our stakeholders and playing a leadership role in the economic and social development agendas, not just of Nova Scotia, but nationally and around the world will be enhanced. To this end, in this my third report covering the 2002 – 2003 year (ending March 31st), I outline the partnerships and strategic alliances that will form a key part of the Saint Mary’s University in the third century.

I do hope that after you have read this report that you will agree with me that Saint Mary’s is an innovative and connected University that can embrace change and make a positive difference in this new century and new economy.

J. Colin Dodds, President, Saint Mary’s University (902) 421-5401, E-mail: colin.dodds@smu.ca