“This is what StFX is about” – StFX ushers in new academic year with connection, warm welcome

In a day of welcome, it was a moment of connection that spoke volumes.

Pink-shirted fourth year student Julia Swant, a member of StFX's student Orientation Crew, or O-Crew, was in line cheering, singing, and providing a warm greeting as StFX's newest students and their families arrived on campus for Welcome Days 2025. Spotting the sister of a friend who was starting her first year, Julia immediately stepped from the line to personally welcome the family to this new journey.

"This is what StFX is all about. It's so homey and welcoming," says Marla Fitt of Stellarton, NS who was on campus Aug. 29th to move her daughter Ella, a first year science student, into residence.

"It feels good as a mom to see that connection," she said, and to know that the older students are here to help and to take Ella under their wing. Julia is a friend of Ella's older sister, Alyssa, who graduated this spring.

"I'm looking forward to meeting lots of new people," said Ella, who had heard good things about StFX from her sister.

Over 1,000 new students started their StFX journey, arriving on campus Friday, Aug. 29 and Saturday, Aug. 30th. The energy was contagious as the ever-popular and spirited O-Crew cheered and sang, and staff and faculty were out in full force to welcome all.

In a hallmark of the day, StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin and his wife Linda individually greeted everyone who arrived onto campus with words of welcome.

Students and their families made their way into the Keating Centre, to check in and check out a Services Showcase designed to introduce them to StFX, make them feel welcome in their new home, and provide the information they need for their time at university. Faculty and staff were on hand to chat and answer questions and help ease the transition.

Jesse Dawe, a first year student from Bay Roberts, NL, who arrived on campus with his mother Stephanie and brother Connor, says the welcome was great. It was the family's first time seeing campus.

"He's wanted to come to StFX since he was in Grade 7. Here we are," says Stephanie.

"Friends of friends had gone to StFX and had good things to say," says Jesse, who will start in the Applied Forensic Psychology program. "Mostly it was the X-Ring," he admits with a laugh.

Stephanie, who's already brought X gear as Christmas presents this past year ("I already knew he was in,") says the exuberance of the welcome made a difference. "I was surprised to see the welcome. It was so sweet. It made me cry," she says.

For the Hamilton family of Calgary, AB, Bill and Jen and sons Billy and Reggie, it was also their first time seeing campus. The family has no connection to StFX, but they say they had heard good things from friends who had attended.

Billy is starting in the Gerald Schwartz School of Business and Reggie in the Department of Engineering. They'll both live on campus.

"It was quite the welcome,' Jen says. "I was expecting it be quite sedate." Bill says the family came to town a few days early and first impressions have been good. "So far, it's beautiful."

Welcome Week continues with a number of activities planned including residence meetings, a welcome BBQ, pancake breakfast, headphone disco, Academic Day, Society Night, and the Xaverian Welcome Ceremony. Classes start on September 3rd.