Premier Proclaims Saint Mary's Day

Two centuries of excellence in education were honoured today as Premier John Hamm proclaimed Oct. 28 Saint Mary's University Day.

"Saint Mary's University is truly a distinguished institution in Nova Scotia," said Premier Hamm. "From the stately McNally building to the state-of-the-art Sobey's building, Saint Mary's has a time-honoured tradition in providing its students with essential knowledge in their fields, while furthering the world of academic thought."

Premier Hamm signed the proclamation in the Red Chamber of Province House as Colin Dodds, president of Saint Mary's University, looked on.

"It's not too often that such a prestigious institution in our province celebrates a bicentennial," says Premier Hamm. "This occasion gives us a chance to admire the honour, the pride and the academic strength that have grown over the past 200 years."

Earlier today, Premier Hamm and Dr. Dodds participated in a flag- raising ceremony on the grounds of Province House. The Saint Mary's flag will fly at Province House today until sunset.

Saint Mary's University was officially named in 1952. Before that time, it was Saint Mary's College. The original location was Glebe House at the corner of Spring Garden Road and Barrington Street. In 1951, Saint Mary's relocated to its current location at the corner of Robie and Inglis Streets.

The proclamation signed by Premier Hamm indicates that Saint Mary's has made significant contributions to the quality of post- secondary education offered in Nova Scotia and to the global community through its international work. It also points out that the university was afforded the right to grant degrees in 1941.