Spring Convocation 2025 marked a milestone moment for StFX, as the university celebrated the largest graduating class in its history. On May 4th, more than 1,100 new graduates crossed the stage, received their degrees, and officially became part of the StFX alumni community.
As the members of the Class of 2025 step out of lecture halls and labs into the next chapter of their lives, they bring more than knowledge – they carry purpose, curiosity, and a desire to make an impact.
Whether they’re entering the workforce or continuing their education, their future is bright and they are ready to make their mark. Meet a few of the newest members of the StFX alumni network.
Grace Boltz
Meet Grace Boltz from Halifax, NS, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in Psychology. Grace was also a recipient of the Scotia Scholars Undergraduate Research Award from Research Nova Scotia, which supports research with a health focus.
What are your plans following graduation?
After graduation, I will be furthering my studies by pursuing a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Dalhousie University. I will be in the thesis stream and plan to conduct research on Aphasia, which is a language disorder caused by damage to the brain’s language centers. This path not only fulfills my academic and professional aspirations, but also enables me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals facing communication challenges. Before starting in the fall, I plan to travel as much as I can!
What does being a part of the StFX alumni network mean to you?
To me, being part of the StFX alumni network signifies a deep sense of connection and belonging. No matter how far I may be from campus, I know that I am always linked to a community that shares common experiences and values. It’s comforting to have a space where I can stay in touch, share memories, and continue to engage with fellow alumni.
What is your favourite memory or experience from your time at StFX?
My favourite memory from my time at StFX is undoubtedly X-Ring Weekend. From the very beginning of our time at StFX, this event was something everyone eagerly anticipated. Being surrounded by so many friends with whom I had built strong bonds, all experiencing this significant milestone together, was incredibly meaningful. It was a moment that highlighted our collective achievements and the deep sense of community that defines the StFX experience.
Meet Fraser MacLeod
Meet Fraser MacLeod from Baddeck, Cape Breton, NS, who graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration with Advanced Major in Management and Leadership. Fraser also worked with the X-Men Basketball team in Scouting & Video.
What are your plans following graduation?
Following graduation, I plan to pursue a career in the professional sport world. Fresh out of StFX University I will be beginning this journey, as this summer I have just been hired for my first professional coaching role with the Calgary Surge as an assistant coach.
What does being a part of the StFX alumni network mean to you?
St. Francis Xavier University is truly a school like no other, it is a community without comparison. Being a part of the StFX alumni network, I wear my X-Ring with pride and know that StFX has left me well prepared to take on any and all challenges that are thrown at me.
What is your favourite memory or experience from your time at StFX?
My favourite memories at St. Francis Xavier University were spent with the men’s basketball team. I have plenty of great memories from our many practices, games, and away trips with the team. In particular, playoff weekend at the AUS Championships is an experience I will never forget, the atmosphere was truly incredible.
Meet Maya Black
Meet Maya Black from Whitby, ON, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Forensic Psychology. Maya was also a member of the X-Women's Track and Cross-Country team, winning silver in the 4x800m relay at the 2023 AUS Championships.
What are your plans following graduation?
I am currently in my last stages of security clearance with the RCMP, then off to Depot, the RCMP Academy in Saskatchewan, for training. I hope to climb the ladder to the Prime Minister's Protective Detail.
What does being a part of the StFX alumni network mean to you?
For me, as someone who appreciated my program opportunities so much, as well as being a part of the X-Women’s Track and Cross-Country team, I hope I can help other young women have similar experiences to me.
What is your favourite memory or experience from your time at StFX?
My favourite experience at StFX was definitely all of my time on the track and cross-country team. They are an amazing group of intelligent girls who consistently lift each other up.
Meet Joshua Kroker
Meet Joshua Kroker from Lethbridge, AB, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours in Public Policy and Governance and a subsidiary in Political Science. Joshua was also a recipient of the Weston Family Scholarship for International Exchange award and the Senior Class Speaker for the morning Convocation ceremony.
What are your plans following graduation?
I'm going to study my Master's in Public Policy and Public Administration at Carleton University this fall. I look forward to continuing my studies with such an incredible foundation from StFX.
What does being a part of the StFX alumni network mean to you?
It means being a part of an even larger family. Xaverians are called to be the best of society, and we are poised to do this because of our unique spirit that bonds us. We can network, connect, and rely on fellow Xaverians in joyful and challenging times. The StFX alumni network supports its members and one another.
What is your favourite memory or experience from your time at StFX?
My favourite memory at StFX was going to my first StFX Homecoming football game and feeling the Xaverian spirit. It was one of my first experiences with this community, as I was unfamiliar with StFX until I applied in my last year of high school. I remember being packed into the stands with all my friends from Burke, and cheering along with Fr. Stan's famous "Go X Go!" My first homecoming was one filled with many memories and understanding the fullness of the Xaverian spirit.
Meet Ruth Murray-James
Meet Ruth Murray-James from Wayne, Maine, USA, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours in Psychology. Ruth also worked as a research assistant in the Psychology Department.
What are your plans following graduation?
Following graduation, I will be attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Doctorate of Psychology program in Clinical Psychology. I hope to open a private practice as a psychologist after obtaining my PsyD.
What does being a part of the StFX alumni network mean to you?
To me, being a part of the StFX alumni network means having people around the world rooting for me, holding a sense of pride as I wear my X-Ring everywhere I go, and getting to look out for the alumni that come after me.
What is your favourite memory or experience from your time at StFX?
My favourite memory from StFX was my first day on campus. Moving into MSB, I was a typical nervous first-year student who was afraid to put myself out there and meet new people. I left my dorm room door open in hopes that people would poke their heads in to say hi – they did. I walked downstairs from 3rd Marg with a group of people to attend a residence orientation, and later on we all met up in 3rd Marg lounge after collecting some others in the hallway. Somehow, I got lucky enough that the people I met on the first day were the people I ate at meal hall with, studied in the library with, had game nights on weekends with, became roommates with, and eventually, graduated with. The first night in MSB is my favourite memory because it is what brought me to the incredible group of friends I now have that I wouldn’t trade for the world.
