SMU Retirees

Sunday, October 18, 2026

SMURA Talk: Update and Future Priorities of Saint Mary's University
Presenter: Dr. Michael Khan, President of Saint Mary’s University

Where: Saint Mary's University, 923 Robie Street, MM201 (Arts Flex Room), Halifax, NS
Time: 2:30 PM AST

Michael, who is a kinesiologist, will begin his talk by saying a few words on the nature of the field of kinesiology, and his particular areas of research interest in it. The main presentation will follow. There will be time for discussion following the presentation.

ALL SMURA members are encouraged to attend this important talk. If you have queries for Michael, or thoughts on how SMURA can play a role in helping to achieve the University’s goals, all should be sent in an email to Shripad Pendse at shripen@yahoo.ca by October 11; your questions and suggestions will then be forwarded to Michael.

Sunday, September 27, 2026

SMURA Talk: The Stories Behind Who Created Lunenburg’s Church of the Stars and the Indian Point Meteor Crater
Presenter: David Turner, Saint Mary’s University

Where: Saint Mary's University, 923 Robie Street, MM201 (Arts Flex Room), Halifax, NS
Time: 2:30 PM AST

Abstract:
The originator of the nativity star scene at historic St. John’s Church Lunenburg appears close to a resolution. One offshoot of ongoing work on the question by the speaker, his collaborator Randall Rosenfeld, and keen members of the St. John’s Heritage committee was the serendipitous discovery by Richard Wentzell of what appears to be a small, previously-overlooked meteor crater at nearby Indian Point. The speaker “hopes” to blend these stories together in an update on the 2004 discovery of the intended meaning of the original star scene at St. John’s that featured highly on Canada’s Discovery Channel and in Jay Ingram’s book Daily Planet.

Sunday, June 7, 2026

SMURA Talk: The Life and Times of Thomas Richardson 1782-1874: Industrial Chemist and Yachtsman
Presenter: David Richardson, Dean of Science Emeritus

Where: Saint Mary's University, 923 Robie Street, MM201 (Arts Flex Room), Halifax, NS
Time: 2:30 PM AST

Abstract:
Thomas Richardson was born and grew up during a period of turmoil with the American War of Independence, the French Revolution and the threat of invasion by Napoleon Bonaparte. His father was a cloth-manufacturer and leading citizen in Manchester, with a wide range of interests. His mother was the daughter of William Sanderson, of Staithes, near Whitby, Yorkshire, a one-time employer of James Cook the explorer. Thomas became a manufacturing chemist associated with the alum mining near Whitby Yorkshire, but he moved to London to open a factory making Epsom Salts on the banks of the River Thames and joined the Royal Thames Yacht Club. At the age of 51 he moved back to Whitby and played a leading role in the development of Yachting there. He was successful as a yachtsman with his first boat “The Spray” and later with a larger boat called “The Hilda” which he had built in Whitby. He had three children and died at the age of 91.

Sunday, March 22, 2026

SMURA Talk: Peasants, Police and Poetry: Mapping the Geographies of some Irish Identities, a Personal Approach
Presenter: Brian Robinson

Where: Saint Mary's University, MM201 (Arts Flex Room)
Time: 2:30 PM

Brian, who has taught both anthropology and geography courses at Saint Mary’s, is hoping to add his own contribution to Geography’s 50 years at Saint Mary’s celebrations. He cites inspiration from a reference to Rebecca Solnit: “a place is a story, and stories are geography… a way of travelling from here to there.” She has written about a journey of hers in Ireland which prompted her to claim that “Ireland can be a divining rod with which to locate the points of seepage in the cut-and-dried terms of identity.”

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Geography at Saint Mary’s. The Department had a small celebration before Christmas that included a brief recap of its history by Bob McCalla.

SMURA's executive will also include an update on recent events.

Sunday, March 1, 2026

SMURA Talk: Tax, Estate, and Legacy Planning: Considerations in Retirement
Presenter: Trevor Nuyens, Investment Fund Advisor, Investia Financial Services

Where: Saint Mary’s University, MM201 (Arts Flex Room)
Time: 2:30 PM

This seminar provides a clear, structured overview of tax and estate planning considerations relevant in retirement, including registered assets, pensions, charitable giving, and intergenerational wealth transfer. The discussion will emphasize practical strategies and common planning pitfalls, with the goal of helping participants make informed decisions to preserve capital, reduce unnecessary taxation, and ensure that assets are transferred in a manner consistent with personal values and long-term intentions. 

POST EVENT UPDATE: For those who may have missed this presentation, a short summay packet may be available.  Contact David Turner for details.